US President Donald Trump has unveiled a whistleblower incentive programme that will reward Americans who provide information leading to the prosecution of individuals involved in taxpayer fraud.

The initiative, known as the Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program, was announced at the White House on October 20, 2026.

According to President Trump, eligible informants could receive a commission of 1% of the amount recovered, subject to applicable laws and regulations.

Trump made the announcement in the Oval Office alongside Vice President JD Vance and independent journalist Nick Shirley as his administration intensifies efforts to tackle the misuse of public funds.

"If you turn somebody in and you, let's say report, and you find $1 billion, we are giving a commission to that person of 1%," Trump said.

The White House official initially described it as a $25 million initiative to be administered by the Department of Justice, offering rewards of up to $30,000 for information leading to a successful fraud conviction or significant federal enforcement action.

However, Trump's remarks outlined a different potential reward structure, with the president citing a 1% commission on identified amounts, subject to the applicable rules.

He added that journalists could also participate in the programme, provided they complied with relevant regulations and obtained any required approval from their employers.

Trump said Americans could report suspected theft of taxpayer funds through the government's fraud reporting website, fraud.gov.

The president also said he would personally resolve disputes over reward payments, including cases in which multiple individuals claimed credit for exposing the same fraud.

"I'll make that determination. It'll be done expeditiously and fairly," Trump said.

Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance said the initiative emerged from a discussion with Trump about involving members of the public in helping investigators uncover fraud.

"If you want to help us stop it, you get to share in the rewards," Vance said.

The new incentive programme is intended to encourage members of the public to provide information that could help authorities identify and prosecute those responsible for defrauding taxpayers.

BREAKING: President Trump reveals his new anti-fraud program set up to reward people who expose fraud with a 1% commission on the money uncovered.

"If you turn somebody in and you, let's say report and you find $1 billion, we are giving a commission to that person of 1%." https://t.co/QUq4GIz31d

— Fox News (@FoxNews) October 20, 2026