Trump suggests he could be ‘arbitrator’ in DoJ anti-fraud whistleblower scheme

President makes suggestion while announcing new program to reward tipsters who submit fraud allegations

Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday that he would serve as “the arbitrator” of decisions in the justice department’s new anti-fraud program that awards compensation to those who submit tips resulting in conviction or significant federal enforcement.

While announcing the new program alongside JD Vance, the vice-president, who leads the White House’s taskforce to eliminate fraud, the president told reporters he had a solution for situations where multiple people submit a tip for the same alleged fraud.

“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, resulting in laughter from the group.

It is unclear whether Trump was being genuine about his new role. The Department of Justice website says the department has “sole discretion” in issuing rewards and exercising its authority in the program.

The Guardian has asked the justice department and White House for comment.

The new fraud whistleblower incentive program gives anyone who submits a tip the opportunity to receive a financial reward of up to $30,000 for tips in the “charging stage of a criminal case”.

The government already gives financial rewards to whistleblowers who file lawsuits against individuals and companies committing financial fraud through the False Claims Act. If the government intervenes in a suit and prosecutes it, whistleblowers can obtain 15% to 25% 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 fraud related to the government.

“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 it to result in large fines or forfeiture.

Vance said he and Trump decided to create the program to incentivize more people to report fraud like Nick Shirley, a conservative influencer who went viral earlier this year for accusing Somali-run childcare centers in Minnesota of rampant fraud.

During his Oval Office announcement, Trump indicated the program would result in whistleblowers obtaining 1% 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. He said the government would be willing to give reporters the financial reward, so long as their respective outlet allowed it.

“We’re going to let the reporters partake because you know a lot of things that are happening,” Trump said.