Bernie Sanders Mocks Trump’s New Fraud Whistleblower Program with His Own ‘Tip’
The Vermont senator accused the former president of misusing taxpayer funds for campaign ads.
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has used Donald Trump's recently announced fraud whistleblower program to playfully mock the former president, submitting his own "tip" alleging misuse of government funds.
Trump's program, launched this week, offers rewards of up to $30,000 for information regarding fraud against the federal government. Sanders responded on X (formerly Twitter) by stating, "That’s great, Mr. Trump. I’d like to report a theft."
He elaborated on his "tip," writing, "A man inside our government illegally spent nearly $22 million in taxpayer dollars on bogus campaign ads praising himself. He now resides on 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue." Sanders concluded by asking, "Taxpayers want to know when they’ll get their money back."
The Vermont senator was referring to the Trump administration's controversial use of taxpayer money for ads promoting the president and his administration. These ads began airing in late September, with nearly $22 million reportedly spent on the campaign, according to NPR.
In a separate development, U.S. District Judge Jennifer Rochon has issued a temporary block preventing the Trump administration from using taxpayer funds for these promotional spots.