Trump Offers $1M for Voter Fraud Tips Leading to Conviction
U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that he is offering $1 million to anyone who reports voter fraud in past or future elections.
Trump did not explain where the money would come from. In a post on Truth Social, he said payments would be made after the people responsible for the alleged fraud were arrested and convicted.
A White House spokesperson provided no additional information and directed NBC News to Trump’s social media post.
There is no evidence of widespread voter fraud in U.S. elections. However, Trump has repeatedly claimed that election fraud is common and has continued to argue that it cost him the 2020 presidential election, which he lost.
Cases of voter fraud do happen occasionally. Examples include people voting in the names of deceased relatives or providing false information on mail-in ballot applications. Such cases are usually discovered by authorities.
The conservative Heritage Foundation has recorded more than 1,600 voter fraud cases over the past 40 years. However, this represents only a very small number compared with the total votes cast during that time.
Trump Increases Focus on Election Rules
Trump’s latest announcement comes as he seeks to increase his influence over the upcoming midterm elections.
His administration has devoted significant resources to checking voter registration lists for people who are not U.S. citizens. The Justice Department has also taken legal action against California officials in an effort to separate mail ballots that it says may have been sent to noncitizens.
Research shows that noncitizen voting is rare.
Last week, the Justice Department also sued election officials in Alaska at Trump’s request. The lawsuit seeks to stop officials from certifying the results of the U.S. Senate race if Republican Senator Dan Sullivan loses.
Courts have also blocked some of Trump’s efforts to make major changes to mail voting rules and require voters to provide documents proving their citizenship.
Other Financial Rewards and Promises
Trump’s $1 million voter fraud offer follows his announcement of a separate $25 million government fraud reward program. He told reporters that he would decide who deserved the money.
Trump has also made other financial promises while campaigning for Republicans ahead of the midterm elections.
These include a proposal to give Americans $5,000 if Republicans keep control of Congress. However, Trump has not explained where the money for those payments would come from.