Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance announced that the government would pay right-wing YouTuber Nick Shirley $10,000, while launching a $25 million fraud reporting reward program.
In December 2025, Shirley released a video alleging fraud at daycare centers operated by members of the local Somali community in Minnesota. After the video went viral, federal immigration agents entered the Minneapolis area, and the government froze federal funding for child care in Minnesota.
Shirley's investigative methods, which relied on claims such as unauthorized entry into facilities, have drawn local criticism. State officials subsequently visited the centers featured in the videos and found that the relevant institutions were operating as expected.
The program, called WHIP, solicits tips from the public, focusing on hospice care, home health care, day care, and special services. Information from the reporting portal indicates that whistleblowers can receive up to $30,000 if their tips lead to convictions or significant federal action. Trump stated that rewards could be calculated as 1% of the amount recovered, creating inconsistency between the two figures. The White House has not explained how the $10,000 paid to Shirley was calculated, nor has it clarified the funding source for the program.