President Donald Trump announced on Monday that his administration will pay $1 million to individuals who report voter fraud that results in an arrest and conviction. The offer applies to alleged fraud in past elections as well as the upcoming November 3 midterm elections, according to a post on Truth Social.
The White House has not specified how the funds would be allocated or who would administer the reward program. A spokesperson directed inquiries to Trump’s Truth Social post, and the Justice Department stated it would defer to the White House on the matter.
Trump’s announcement comes eight days before Election Day and follows a broader federal push to investigate alleged voter fraud. Last week, the administration launched a separate $25 million program offering financial rewards for exposing fraud in federal programs. Trump stated he would personally decide which claims under that program were valid.
The Justice Department has previously charged 113 people across 20 states with illegal voting and registration offenses in the seven weeks preceding the midterms. Allegations included noncitizens voting in federal elections, though studies indicate such cases are rare.
No Evidence of Widespread Fraud
Multiple sources note that there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud in U.S. elections. The Heritage Foundation’s conservative voter fraud tracker has documented more than 1,600 incidents over 40 years, a fraction of total votes cast. While isolated cases—such as deceased individuals’ ballots being filled out or false claims on mail ballot applications—have occurred, they are typically detected and addressed.
Legal and Political Context
Trump’s administration has taken several steps to challenge election integrity claims in recent weeks. In Alaska, the Justice Department sued state officials at Trump’s request to prevent certification of a Senate race if Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan loses. In California, officials were sued over segregating mail ballots believed to have been sent to potential noncitizens.
Courts have blocked some of Trump’s proposed changes to mail voting, including requirements for documentary proof of citizenship to vote. Despite these legal setbacks, Trump has continued to assert that election integrity concerns justify heightened scrutiny.
Reactions and Responses
The White House has not provided additional details on how individuals should submit tips or how eligibility for the reward would be determined. The announcement follows Trump’s repeated claims of fraud in past elections, including the 2020 presidential race, which he has asserted was stolen from him.
Critics argue that Trump’s rhetoric and actions undermine public trust in election systems. Supporters contend that the measures are necessary to ensure fair elections and prevent fraudulent activity.
The midterm elections will determine whether Republicans or Democrats control Congress.