On Tuesday, President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance announced the creation of a $25 million government-funded bounty program. The initiative is designed to encourage members of the public to report instances of fraud to federal authorities. The administration framed the program as a tool to increase transparency and accountability in public and private sectors.

During the announcement at the White House, the administration awarded $10,000 to Nick Shirley, a right-wing YouTuber. Shirley gained prominence in December 2025 after releasing a viral video that alleged fraudulent activities occurring at daycares in Minnesota. These daycares were reportedly operated by members of the local Somali community, a detail noted in the context of Shirley’s original reporting.

The administration’s decision to publicly reward an influencer for investigative work has drawn attention to the intersection of social media activism and government policy. While the White House characterizes the bounty program as a necessary step to combat systemic fraud, the move raises questions regarding the criteria for such rewards and the potential for political bias in how fraud investigations are incentivized. The Verge reports that the event took place in the Oval Office, signaling high-level support for the initiative. No further details regarding the specific legal framework or oversight mechanisms for the $25 million fund were provided in the initial announcement.