WASHINGTON — President Trump and Vice President JD Vance are set to unveil a new $25 million fraud whistleblower fund Tuesday, offering informants up to $30,000 for tips that result in federal convictions.
The Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program, known as WHIP, is the latest initiative led by Vance in his role as Trump’s fraud czar. The task force has concentrated heavily on alleged theft and abuse involving federal benefit programs.
During an Oval Office ceremony, Trump is expected to present a $10,000 check to 24-year-old investigative vlogger Nick Shirley. Shirley drew attention late last year to alleged fraud involving childcare centers operated by Somali Americans in Minnesota.
To qualify for a Justice Department reward, tips must be filed through fraud.gov and ultimately lead to a guilty verdict or guilty plea.
“Every day, President Trump’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud is zeroing in on the rampant abuse of taxpayer dollars and giving Americans the accountability they deserve,” White House spokeswoman Lauren Bis said.
“This administration has zero tolerance for individuals who steal from Americans.”
Fox News was the first to report on the incentive program. The initiative resembles a long-running IRS whistleblower system that pays informants between 15% and 30% of funds recovered in successful tax-fraud cases.
Vance has pursued several high-profile measures as leader of the task force. Last month, he announced that 750,000 people enrolled in Obamacare would be removed over suspected fraudulent enrollment, while an additional 450,000 cases would undergo review.
Vance has also withheld reimbursements to states for certain low-income Medicaid programs considered particularly vulnerable to fraud. In addition, he placed a moratorium on durable medical equipment providers serving the traditional Medicare program and suspended 447 purported hospice providers in California.
The administration-wide crackdown in August also resulted in the closure of 270 commercial driver’s license schools. Officials alleged that the schools had graduated truck drivers who were illegal immigrants and unable to speak English, while also providing inadequate training facilities.
