Reward for fraud tips: Trump says he will be the 'arbitrator' of the new whistleblower program

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that he would serve as the 'arbitrator' of decisions in the Justice Department's new anti-fraud whistleblower program, determining who deserves a reward. He made the remark while announcing the program, which offers financial rewards to tipsters whose information leads to convictions or significant federal enforcement over alleged fraud.

Announcing the program alongside Vice President JD Vance, who leads the White House task force on eliminating fraud, Trump told reporters that disputes could arise when multiple people submit tips about the same alleged fraud over who should get the reward.

'I was just thinking, when you do these things, sometimes there's a dispute as to who turned 'em in and who didn't turn 'em in, who's supposed to get what and when, you know,' Trump told reporters.

'So I am going to do something, which I think people will like — I will be the arbitrator of all of these decisions. In other words, I'll determine whether or not the person is deserving, and I will be very generous, believe me,' the US president said, drawing laughter from the group.

It is unclear whether Trump was being genuine about taking on the role. The Department of Justice website says the department has 'sole discretion' in issuing rewards and exercising its authority under the program.

The new fraud whistleblower incentive program gives tipsters the opportunity to receive a financial reward of up to $30,000 at the 'charging stage of a criminal case.' The government already rewards whistleblowers who file lawsuits over financial fraud through the False Claims Act; if the government intervenes and prosecates the suit, whistleblowers can obtain 15 to 25 percent of the financial penalties.

Vance said the new program differs from the False Claims Act because it expands the opportunity for financial reward in cases of government-related fraud. 'Over 99% of the fraud that we're finding in the federal government isn't covered by the False Claims Act,' Vance said.

The new program also provides whistleblower rewards at an earlier stage of investigation, rather than requiring large fines or forfeiture to result. Vance said he and Trump decided to create the program to encourage more people to report fraud like Nick Shirley, the conservative influencer who went viral earlier this year accusing Somali-run childcare centers in Minnesota of rampant fraud.

During his Oval Office announcement, Trump indicated whistleblowers would receive one percent of however much fraud was uncovered, insisting people could make 'millions and millions' of dollars from submitting tips. However, the Justice Department website says the program is limited to a $30,000 reward.

'You'll get your money immediately, but I'll make the determination,' Trump added. 'So if two people are fighting over it, maybe they'll split it or maybe whatever, but I'll make that determination. It'll be done expeditiously and fairly.'

Trump encouraged members of the media to participate in the program by investigating and reporting instances of fraud, saying reporters could receive the financial reward as long as their outlets allowed it. 'We're going to let the reporters partake because you know a lot of things that are happening,' he said.

Vice President Vance leads the White House task force on eliminating fraud. Detailed rules of the program have been published on the Justice Department's website.