US President Donald Trump speaks, as he makes a joint appearance with Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office to announce a whistleblower program to encourage the public to report alleged fraud, at the White House in Washington, DC, US, October 20, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
President Donald Trump announced a new program Tuesday offering Americans cash rewards for exposing government fraud — and declared that he would personally settle disputes over who gets paid.
Speaking in the Oval Office alongside Vice President JD Vance, Trump unveiled a whistleblower incentive program that would pay people 1% of the fraud they help uncover.
But Trump turned heads when he said he would have the final say when multiple people claim credit for exposing the same fraud scheme.
“I will be the arbitrator of all of these decisions,” Trump said. “In other words, I’ll determine whether or not the person is deserving.”
“I promise you I’ll be fair,” he added, explaining that his decision is “binding” and would help avoid lengthy legal battles.
“I’m not doing it for any other reason other than to expedite,” Trump continued. “Does everybody trust me to do it?”
Trump said competing whistleblowers could split the money, although he made clear he would ultimately decide how much each receives.
The president also suggested in the Oval Office Tuesday that journalists could collect rewards for exposing fraud — if their employers approve.
Trump did not immediately make clear how his proposed personal arbitration role would work under the program’s rules.