Trump said he will arbitrate the fraud tips.

WASHINGTON — President Trump said he will decide the tips that come in under a new Justice Department program that pays people to report election fraud. The Associated Press led its Wednesday live file with the announcement he made Tuesday in the Oval Office. The program is $25 million. Payments can run up to $30,000, or a 1 percent commission. “I will be the arbitrator of all of these decisions,” he said. “It’ll be a binding arbitration.” This desk is not adding a quote for Vice President Vance. He was in the room. The wire used here does not give him a line.

The midterms are Nov. 3. Trump has spent the week telling Republicans the election can be taken from them, and offering checks to turn people out. Tuesday’s announcement is the fraud hotline, with the president as the person who says which tip is paid. The Associated Press carried it as the morning lead on Wednesday. This note is that claim. It is not Monday’s South Lawn remark about who should negotiate for Ukraine.

I will be the arbitrator of all of these decisions.

The photograph is Tuesday, in the Oval Office. Trump is speaking, mouth open, a red striped tie, a flag pin on the lapel. Vance stands behind him in a blue suit and a red tie, looking down. A flag and a gold curtain are behind them. Jacquelyn Martin of the Associated Press made the frame. Both men are in it. It is the announcement. It is not the South Lawn, and Marine One is not in the picture.