Trump promises $1M payout if fraud tips lead to election convictions

Voters may soon see their election results scrutinized by private citizens with a financial incentive. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that he is offering a $1 million reward to anyone who reports voter fraud that results in an arrest and conviction. The offer applies to the upcoming midterm election as well as past contests.

The payout is contingent on a criminal conviction for the individuals who created the fraud. Trump made the announcement on Truth Social but did not specify which government account or budget line would cover the cost. A White House spokesperson directed inquiries to the president's post, providing no further details on the funding mechanism.

This move fits a pattern of administrative pressure on election processes. The Trump administration has deployed resources to identify noncitizens on state voter rolls. The Justice Department recently sued California officials to force the segregation of mail ballots allegedly sent to potential noncitizens. It also sued Alaska officials at the president's request to block the certification of a U.S. Senate race if GOP Sen. Dan Sullivan loses.

Legal experts and studies describe noncitizen voting and other forms of fraud as rare. A tracker maintained by the conservative Heritage Foundation has recorded more than 1,600 incidents of voter fraud over the last 40 years. That number represents a small fraction of the total votes cast during that period. Common errors include using a recently deceased relative's ballot or misrepresenting information on mail ballot applications.

Trump has previously claimed that widespread fraud cost him the 2020 election, despite a lack of evidence for that specific assertion. His administration has also faced court blocks on attempts to change mail voting rules or require documentary proof of citizenship.

The $1 million offer follows a $25 million government fraud whistleblower program unveiled earlier this week. Trump stated he would personally decide who receives that prize. He has also promised $5,000 payments to Americans if Republicans maintain control of Congress, another figure for which he has not identified a funding source.