Trump pledges $1 million for voter fraud convictions in 2026

President Donald Trump announced a $1 million reward for anyone who reports voter fraud that leads to an arrest and conviction. The offer covers incidents in past elections and the upcoming 2026 midterm cycle. The payment is contingent on the legal process concluding with a guilty verdict for the individuals responsible for the fraud.

The president posted the announcement on Truth Social on Monday. He wrote that anyone reporting fraud in past elections or the upcoming midterms would be paid $1,000,000 upon the arrest and conviction of those who created the fraud. Trump reiterated the offer to reporters before boarding Air Force One for a campaign rally in Mississippi. He described the payment as a bonus or reward for reports that result in an arrest and conviction.

The White House has not disclosed the funding source for these potential payouts. The administration reached out to The Guardian for comment on the logistics of the program. Trump did not provide a budget estimate or specify which agency will handle the disbursement of the funds.

The announcement comes as the November midterm elections approach. It follows repeated claims by the president regarding widespread voter fraud. Earlier this month, Democratic state attorneys general expanded their coordination efforts. They aim to counter potential federal interference in the elections amid growing concerns over the administration's fraud allegations.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta criticized the administration's efforts to restrict alleged noncitizen voting. He accused the administration of politicizing and weaponizing the law. The new reward system adds a financial incentive for private citizens to identify and report alleged irregularities to federal or state authorities.

This is not the first time a political figure has offered a cash reward for election fraud tips. In 2020, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick offered $25,000 for such reports. Patrick stated at the time that he supported the president's efforts to identify fraud and ensure every legal vote was counted.

Following Patrick's 2020 offer, the first payout went to Eric Frank, a Democratic poll worker in Pennsylvania. His tip led to the conviction of a 72-year-old Republican who voted twice, once in his own name and once in his son's name, according to a 2021 report by The Washington Post.