Fox News reported a $10,000 payout Tuesday
Nick Shirley, a YouTuber, attended Tuesday’s Oval Office event. UPI reported that the Justice Department’s Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program made him its first award recipient. Fox News separately reported that Shirley received a $10,000 payout Tuesday.
UPI reported that Shirley’s videos went viral earlier in 2026 after he accused Somali-run child-care centers in Minnesota of fraud. The report said his claims had largely been debunked.
Federal agents continued investigating the child-care centers, according to UPI. The report also said one woman pleaded guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States.
At Tuesday’s Oval Office event, President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance announced the $25 million program, saying it would pay cash to people who tip the federal government about fraud.
The program offers a 1% commission to those who provide a tip that leads to a successful conviction. Trump said anyone could submit a tip through America.gov/fraud.
The Justice Department’s website said the program could lead to an award of up to $30,000. Trump said Tuesday that there was “no limit” and that payouts applied “if we recover the money.”
Trump also said, “People will make millions of dollars by turning others in,” The Hill reported.
Trump said he would be the sole arbitrator of who received payouts. “I will be the arbitrator of all of these decisions,” he told reporters at the event, The Guardian reported. Trump also said he would determine whether a person was deserving and would be generous.
The Justice Department’s website said the department had “sole discretion” in issuing awards. UPI reported that Trump’s actual role was not clear.
The whistleblower program was to build on the work of Vance’s Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, which Trump created in March.
Vance said Tuesday of fraud, “The president has said it must stop.” He added, “It is stopping, and if you want to help us stop it, you get to share in the rewards now.”