Trump offers $1 million cash reward for voter fraud convictions

President Donald Trump pledged on Monday to pay $1 million to anyone who reports voter fraud that results in an arrest and a conviction. The offer applies to the upcoming midterm elections as well as previous cycles.

Trump posted the announcement on Truth Social, stating that the money would be paid after the "arrest and conviction of those that created the fraud." He did not specify whether the funds would come from federal reserves, campaign accounts, or another source. A White House spokesperson directed inquiries to the president's social media post without providing additional details.

Historical data suggests such fraud is rare. A tracker maintained by the Heritage Foundation has recorded more than 1,600 incidents of voter fraud over the past 40 years. That number represents a small fraction of the total votes cast during that period. Common instances include voting for deceased relatives or providing false information on mail-in applications.

The announcement is part of a series of actions by the administration aimed at influencing the midterms. The Justice Department has recently sued California officials to force the segregation of mail ballots sent to potential noncitizens. It also sued Alaska officials at Trump's request to block the certification of a Senate race result if GOP Senator Dan Sullivan loses. Courts have previously blocked the administration from making broad changes to mail voting rules or requiring documentary proof of citizenship.

This $1 million reward follows a separate $25 million whistleblower program Trump unveiled for government fraud. In that case, the president said he would personally decide which individuals receive the prize. He has also promised $5,000 payments to Americans if Republicans maintain control of Congress, a figure for which he has not yet identified a funding mechanism.