Trump's proposed role

Unveiling the justice department's new program, which rewards tipsters whose tips lead to a conviction or significant federal enforcement, Donald Trump told reporters he would personally settle disputed anti-fraud tips. "I will be the arbitrator of all of these decisions," he said. "If two people are fighting over it, maybe they'll split it or maybe whatever, but I'll make that determination."

He added that he would judge who deserved a payout, saying: "I'll determine whether or not the person is deserving, and I will be very generous, believe me." Payments, he said, would be fast: "You'll get your money immediately, but I'll make the determination."

It is unclear whether Trump was being genuine about the arbitrating role.

How the program pays

The program offers anyone who submits a tip a financial reward of up to $30,000 for tips used in the "charging stage of a criminal case". Unlike the existing False Claims Act, it pays whistleblower rewards at an earlier stage of investigation rather than requiring large fines or forfeiture.

• •Under the False Claims Act, whistleblowers who file lawsuits over financial fraud can obtain 15% to 25% of the financial penalties if the government intervenes and prosecutes.
• •JD Vance, who leads the White House taskforce to eliminate fraud, said the new program expands the opportunity for financial reward in cases of fraud related to the government.
• •During the Oval Office announcement, Trump indicated whistleblowers would obtain 1% of however much fraud was uncovered and could make "millions and millions" of dollars.

"Over 99% of the fraud that we're finding in the federal government isn't covered by the False Claims Act," Vance said. He said he and Trump created the program to incentivize more reporting of fraud, citing Nick Shirley, a conservative influencer who went viral earlier this year for accusing Somali-run childcare centers in Minnesota of rampant fraud.

Discrepancies and open questions

The justice department website describes the program differently from Trump's remarks. It says the department has "sole discretion" in issuing rewards and exercising its authority, and it limits the program to a $30,000 reward – a contrast with Trump's suggestion of 1% of uncovered fraud.

• •Trump encouraged media members to join, saying: "We're going to let the reporters partake because you know a lot of things that are happening," and that the government would pay reporters the reward if their outlet allowed it.
• •The justice department and the White House have been asked for comment.