Trump, Vance plan $25 million fraud tip program

President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance are launching a $25 million Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program, administered by the Justice Department, offering up to $30,000 for tips that lead to a fraud conviction or significant federal enforcement action. The program is part of Vance’s task force targeting misuse of public funds, including investigations involving medical supply programs, food assistance and the Affordable Care Act. Trump is also set to award independent reporter Nick Shirley $10,000 for a video alleging fraud at Minnesota daycare centers; some centers featured were already under investigation, and a person shown in the video later pleaded guilty in a separate federal fraud case. Critics question whether the new reward program duplicates existing whistleblower channels and anti-fraud investigative work, while also raising concerns that it could generate a surge of tips and requests for records as Justice Department fraud-enforcement staffing has been reduced.