Trump says U.S. will pay fraud whistleblowers, and he'll decide who is paid

Washington — President Trump on Tuesday announced the federal government will compensate whistleblowers who report people defrauding the U.S. government and taxpayers, but said he will decide who gets paid. "I will be the arbitrator of all of these decisions," the president said during his Oval Office announcement with Vice President JD Vance, who heads up the administration's fraud task force, beside him. "In other words, I'll determine whether or not the person is deserving and I'll determine — and I will be very generous, believe me." Through the Fraud Whistleblower Incentive Program, Mr. Trump said whistleblowers, who can be ordinary citizens, will be eligible to receive 1% of the amount of fraud they report, even if the reported fraud is $100 billion.

America.gov/fraud, however, says successful whistleblowers will be paid up to $30,000, dependent upon the report resulting in criminal charges. Asked by CBS News for clarification, Mr. Trump said there is no limit to whistleblower compensation, and criminal charges aren't necessary. "That's the answer. I quit while I'm ahead," Vance joked. The president promised to be "fair" in his decisions. "You'll get your money immediately, but I'll make the determination," he continued. "So if two people are fighting over it, maybe they'll split it or maybe whatever, but I'll make that determination."The America.gov/fraud website says reports are encrypted