The Trump administration has taken a decisive step by freezing child care funding to the state of Minnesota. This action comes in response to a viral video that alleges extensive fraud by federally funded day care centers. The video, which was posted by Nick Shirley, a 23-year-old self-described independent YouTube journalist, has garnered significant attention online, particularly on platforms like X and YouTube.
Shirley's 42-minute video, released the day after Christmas, features him and an older man, identified only as David, as they visit various seemingly empty day care centers. They confront Somali employees with pointed questions, accusing them of failing to provide services to children while receiving taxpayer money. The duo claims to have uncovered over $110 million in fraud, igniting a firestorm of controversy and debate.
Allegations of social services fraud in Minnesota have been under scrutiny for years, with ongoing federal investigations and mainstream media coverage. A notable case involves a Minnesota nonprofit that allegedly misappropriated around $250 million in federal COVID-19 relief funds intended for feeding vulnerable children. This case, described as the largest COVID-19 fraud scheme in the nation, has led to over 90 individuals facing charges since 2022. Recently, a federal prosecutor indicated that as much as half of the approximately $18 billion in federal funds supporting 14 Minnesota-run programs since 2018 might have been siphoned off unlawfully.
Despite the serious nature of Shirley's allegations, they have yet to be independently verified. Critics point out inconsistencies, including claims from a day care center manager that Shirley filmed outside of regular hours. Additionally, a CNN crew documented caregivers dropping off children at a different center during an interview with Shirley, though he dismissed this evidence as mere “face.” When asked about the truth of his claims, Shirley stated, “Well, we showed you guys what was happening, and then you guys can go ahead and make your own analysis.”
The lack of concrete evidence has not deterred prominent conservatives, including Elon Musk and key members of the Trump administration, from amplifying Shirley's assertions. As of Wednesday, the video has amassed over 131 million views on X and 2.5 million views on YouTube. Vice President Vance shared Shirley's video, praising his work as more impactful than that of any 2024 Pulitzer Prize winners. Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel announced that the Bureau had escalated resources to Minnesota to address large-scale fraud schemes.
Nick Shirley's journey as a content creator began with shock-value YouTube videos, transitioning from light-hearted pranks to serious political exposés. A local NBC affiliate reported that by 2020, Shirley had built a following of around 7,000 subscribers. His early antics included stunts like sneaking into influencer Jake Paul's wedding and filming himself at various high-profile events. After a hiatus for a mission with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Chile, Shirley returned to YouTube in 2023 with politically charged content, including interviews about illegal immigration and the upcoming 2024 election.
Shirley's most popular videos include daring explorations of dangerous locales, such as a mega-prison in El Salvador and a gang-infested area in Rio de Janeiro. His YouTube channel, which boasts 1.29 million subscribers, emphasizes his commitment to delivering the truth and entertaining his viewers.
Shirley's recent rise in prominence has not come without challenges. He has expressed concerns for his safety amid the escalating attention to his work. To bolster his security, he is soliciting donations from supporters, even selling $50 sweatshirts on his website. He has been vocal in his criticism of Minnesota's Democratic Governor Tim Walz and mainstream media, claiming they are more focused on attacking him than addressing the alleged fraud.
Shirley's criticisms extend to the mainstream media, which he accuses of being more upset with him than with the misuse of taxpayer funds. He tweeted, “Mainstream media is more mad at me than they are at the FACT that billions of YOUR dollars are being used for fraudulent business. I am not an enemy of the people; they are.”
Shirley’s rise reflects a broader trend in journalism, where independent voices are gaining traction. Recently, he participated in a White House roundtable discussing the antifa movement, which has been labeled a domestic terrorist organization by Trump. During the event, Shirley identified himself as a “100% independent YouTube journalist,” highlighting the dangers he claims to face while reporting in the U.S. He criticized mainstream media for underreporting the violence associated with protests, a statement that prompted Trump to ask for specifics.
Experts, like University of Minnesota media law professor Jane Kirtley, have noted that while independent journalists can produce quality work, many prioritize sensationalism over factual accuracy. Kirtley emphasized the importance of presenting a balanced narrative, a principle she feels is lacking in much of today's political commentary, including Shirley's reporting.