Trump sets $1 million payout for each voter fraud conviction
The president announced the reward on social media Monday, stating payment depends on the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
By Omar Khalil ·
President Donald Trump pledged to pay $1,000,000 for every report of voter fraud that results in an arrest and conviction. The offer covers alleged irregularities in past elections and the upcoming 2026 midterm cycle. The payout is contingent on legal proceedings against the individuals who created the fraud.
The president made the announcement in a Truth Social post on Monday. He wrote that anyone reporting voter fraud in past elections or the 2026 midterms would receive the million dollars. The payment occurs only after those responsible are arrested and convicted. He thanked the public for their attention to the matter in the post.
Trump reiterated the offer to reporters before boarding Air Force One. He was en route to a campaign rally in Mississippi. He described the money as a bonus or reward for anyone whose report leads to an arrest and conviction. He did not specify the source of funds for these payments. The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the budgetary impact.
The announcement comes shortly before the November midterm elections. It follows repeated claims by the president regarding widespread voter fraud that lack broad factual support. Democratic state attorneys general have expanded coordination efforts to counter potential federal interference in the upcoming vote. They cite growing concerns about the administration's assertions on election integrity.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta criticized the administration's efforts to restrict alleged noncitizen voting. He accused the officials of politicizing and weaponizing the law. This stance contrasts with the new monetary incentive structure proposed by the White House.
The current payout is substantially larger than a previous offer made in Texas. In 2020, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick offered $25,000 for election fraud tips. He stated at the time that he supported efforts to ensure every legal vote was counted and every illegal vote was disqualified.
The first payout from that Texas program went to Eric Frank, a Democratic poll worker in Pennsylvania. His tip led to the conviction of a 72-year-old Republican. The man voted twice, once in his own name and once in his son's name, according to a 2021 report by The Washington Post.
Source: The Guardian
