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The White House in Washington, D.C. File photo.
Trump Announces $25 Million Fraud Tip Program, Awards YouTuber
WASHINGTON — October 21, 2026
US President Donald Trump announced a new government program offering financial rewards to people who report fraud involving federal programs, naming conservative YouTuber Nick Shirley as its first recipient during a White House event on Tuesday.
The Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program is intended to encourage the public to identify suspected fraud. Trump said people who uncover fraud would receive a share of the money involved, describing the reward as an unlimited 1% commission on the fraud reported.
The Justice Department outlined a different payment structure, saying eligible tips that lead to criminal charges could receive rewards of between $10,000 and $30,000. The department said the Treasury Department had committed $25 million to the program and that the Justice Department would decide the awards at its own discretion.
Shirley, a 24-year-old online influencer who supports Trump, was the program’s first recipient. A White House official told media outlets that he would receive $10,000, although officials did not immediately explain how he was selected for the payment.
Shirley gained national attention after publishing a viral video alleging fraud at childcare centers in Minnesota. Senior Trump administration officials have promoted the video and cited it in discussions about reducing some federal funding to the state.
Minnesota’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families disputed some of the video’s claims, describing them as misleading and exaggerated. However, a Minneapolis woman whose childcare center was featured in the video later pleaded guilty to fraud charges.
Vice President JD Vance, who leads the administration’s anti-fraud task force, praised Shirley’s work and said the influencer would receive a financial reward for his reporting. Shirley said exposing fraud could help the country.
Trump said he would personally oversee decisions about who received rewards under the program. The White House, Justice Department and Treasury Department did not immediately respond to requests for further comment, and Shirley could not immediately be reached.
The initiative comes as Trump has made allegations of fraud in Democratic-led states a focus of his administration. He has particularly highlighted Minnesota’s Somali American community and has made disparaging remarks about Somali immigrants.
The program’s launch raises questions about how allegations will be assessed, how recipients will be selected and what standards will determine whether a tip qualifies for payment. The Justice Department’s stated framework links rewards to tips that lead to criminal charges, while the administration has not publicly explained the specific process used to select Shirley as its first recipient.
