President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday are set to announce an initiative to offer cash rewards for tipsters who help uncover allegations of fraud in government programs.
Read more Here’s what’s making the Kansas Senate race so competitive
The president and vice president will appear in the Oval Office with conservative YouTube personality Nick Shirley, whose video series from Minnesota late last year led to fraud investigations of day care centers there that receive federal money. Shirley, who posted videos showing empty buildings that purported to be active day care centers, will be presented with a check for $10,000, according to a White House official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the program ahead of the announcement.
A woman featured in one of Shirley’s videos pleaded guilty in July to wire fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States. The videos were praised and amplified by Vance, Elon Musk and then-Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Read more Trump says his political operation is spending $400 million on midterms
Existing federal programs allow whistleblowers in some cases to receive money when fraud is proved in court. The new Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program will award up to $30,000 for a tip that “leads to a successful conviction for fraud or a significant federal enforcement action,” the White House said in a statement.
The Justice Department will administer the program, which will start with $25 million. Vance has been tasked with heading the administration’s anti-fraud efforts, which he has touted as a top issue on the campaign trail this year.
Read more Cook moves Mississippi, South Carolina Senate races toward Democrats
