Trump and Justice Department Disagree Over Who Controls Fraud Reward Payouts
Trump told reporters he would personally decide which tipsters receive money from a new $25 million fraud-reward program. The Justice Department said awards fall under its discretion after criminal charges are filed, and the program's website also points to Treasury review. The first payout went to Nick Shirley, whose 2025 video about Minnesota day care fraud drew attention.
The initiative offers as much as $30,000 for information that produces a conviction or another substantial federal enforcement result, and its total pool is $25 million. Nick Shirley, a right-wing YouTuber, received the first payment after his 2025 Minnesota day-care video attracted wide attention.
The program’s public materials create further ambiguity: a promotional site directs tips to Treasury for review, while a DOJ spokesperson said Treasury supplies funding and DOJ runs the effort. DOJ also says payments follow unsealed charges, not final case resolution, and tips are now directed to fraud.gov rather than America.gov.
The conflicting signals could affect would-be whistleblowers deciding whether to report fraud, since uncertainty over who awards money and when may shape expectations. It may also influence public confidence in how the $25 million program is administered, and it could complicate coordination among DOJ, Treasury, and White House communications. People accused or investigated based on tips may see greater scrutiny, while successful tipsters may face delays or disputes over eligibility.