Trump says U.S. will compensate fraud whistleblowers, and he'll decide who gets paid: 'I will be very generous'
Updated on: October 20, 2026 / 6:07 PM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- President Trump announced a new Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program to reward individuals reporting government fraud.
- Trump will personally decide who receives compensation and how much, acting as the sole arbitrator.
- Whistleblowers may be eligible to receive 1% of the reported fraud amount, potentially exceeding current limits.
- The first recipient, YouTuber Nick Shirley, received a $10,000 check for reporting alleged fraud in Minnesota childcare centers.
- Whistleblower advocates expressed skepticism, questioning Trump's interest in rooting out wrongdoing and suggesting he investigate his own administration.
- The America.gov/fraud website states reports are encrypted and go to the Treasury Department, with the Department of Justice administering the program.