Trump Pledges $1 Million for Tips on Voter Fraud Arrests
Washington, October 27: President Donald Trump has made an unusual announcement, pledging one million dollars to anyone whose information on voter fraud leads to an arrest and conviction. The declaration comes just days before the November 3 midterm elections.
Speaking to reporters on Monday before boarding Air Force One, Trump said, "I am going to give a bonus or reward of one million dollars. Any person who gives information about voter fraud, and because of it someone is arrested and punished, will be given one million dollars."
A journalist during the exchange recalled Trump's earlier statement that non-American citizens who vote would be automatically deported. The reporter asked if this would make the voting system better and whether the message should be repeated at every election rally. Trump answered, "I think so, we are doing that, and we have already started the process."
At this stage, the White House has not clarified how the money will be disbursed, which agency will oversee the scheme, or what legal framework supports it.
Federal law already makes it a crime for non-citizens to vote in federal elections. Violators may face fines, imprisonment, and deportation under current statutes.
The announcement may grab the attention of immigrant communities across the United States, including many Indian-origin families. Green card holders and Indian citizens on temporary work visas are not permitted to vote in federal elections. Several community organizations have voiced concern that during rigorous voter roll reviews, genuine American citizens who gained citizenship naturally might be wrongly flagged.
The pledge comes as Trump accelerates his campaign before the midterms. Rallies are scheduled for Tuesday in Corpus Christi and Lubbock, Texas, while Vice President JD Vance will campaign in Howell, Michigan.
Trump has long questioned the integrity and trustworthiness of American elections. During Monday's conversation, he referenced foreign votes too, saying the counting in Brazil 'did not look right.' He also justified his decision to support two candidates in Israel's elections.
Democratic Party leaders have charged the administration with using law enforcement agencies to intimidate voters before the election. Election officials in many states say cases of non-citizen voting are extremely uncommon.
The November 3 midterms will shape the future of one-third of the seats in the House of Representatives and the Senate. A number of Indian-American candidates are also in the race across the country.