In late December 2025, 23-year-old conservative YouTuber and self-described independent journalist Nick Shirley released a 42-minute video titled “I Investigated Minnesota’s Billion Dollar Fraud Scandal.” The video, which quickly amassed over 100 million views on X and millions more on YouTube, documented Shirley’s visits to several Minneapolis-area childcare and healthcare facilities, many Somali-owned, that appeared empty or inactive despite receiving substantial taxpayer funding through programs like the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP). Shirley alleged widespread fraud, estimating over $110 million tied to the sites he visited, framing it as part of a larger scandal potentially involving billions in misappropriated funds.
Shirley’s exposé built on longstanding federal investigations, including the high-profile Feeding Our Future case—a $250 million COVID-era child nutrition fraud scheme where dozens (mostly Somali-Americans) have been charged and convicted. Federal prosecutors have suggested broader losses across Minnesota social services could reach $9 billion since 2018. The video prompted swift reactions from Trump administration officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel announcing surged resources and Vice President JD Vance praising Shirley for superior journalism.
Mainstream media outlets, however, approached the story with notable caution and skepticism toward Shirley’s specific claims. Coverage emphasized context, methodological flaws, and the risk of stigmatizing Minnesota’s large Somali community amid heightened political rhetoric.
- CNN detailed the video’s viral impact and federal response but highlighted that Shirley did not specify visit times (potentially missing operating hours), showed him being escorted out for alleged trespassing, and noted state officials’ concerns over his methods. They reported no confirmed criminal fraud at the featured centers and stressed ongoing broader probes predated the video.
- CBS News conducted its own review of the centers, finding active licenses, recent state inspections with children present, and citations for safety violations—but explicitly “no recorded evidence of fraud.” They tied the story to prior scandals like Feeding Our Future.
- The Star Tribune (Minneapolis) and MPR News reported state regulators’ quick reinspections, with Commissioner Tikki Brown acknowledging fraud concerns while questioning Shirley’s tactics. Local outlets noted facilities’ defenses, such as locked doors for security or non-standard hours.
- USA Today and Axios critiqued inaccuracies in Shirley’s video (e.g., false claims about Minnesota’s state flag resembling Somalia’s) and labeled him a “MAGA-friendly” or “right-wing influencer,” while covering administration praise.
- The Guardian and NBC News framed the surge in federal activity within Trump’s targeting of Somali immigrants, noting Patel’s insistence that investigations were already underway.
Critics in some reports and online commentary accused Shirley of ethnic framing and incomplete evidence, while supporters argued mainstream outlets downplayed legitimate oversight failures under former Gov. Tim Walz. Community leaders warned of rising fear and stigmatization among Somali Minnesotans.
Overall, mainstream coverage treated Shirley’s video as a catalyst amplifying existing probes rather than definitive proof of new fraud. Outlets prioritized verified records showing compliance in recent inspections over unverified on-camera appearances of inactivity. This restrained approach contrasted sharply with enthusiastic amplification on conservative platforms and X, highlighting ongoing divides in how fraud allegations tied to immigrant communities are reported. As federal investigations continue, fuller scrutiny may clarify the extent of any wrongdoing at the specific sites Shirley highlighted.
SOURCES:
Exclusive | Misspelled Minnesota day care Quality ‘Learing’ trucks in children after viral fraud video: ‘Never seen kids go in there until today’ | New York Post
How a viral video prompted investigations into alleged fraud at day care centers in Minnesota – CBS News
YouTuber Nick Shirley accuses Somali-owned day care centers of fraud | MPR News
Alleged fraud in Minnesota day cares: What we know about the investigation | CNN
Who Is Nick Shirley? Independent Journalist Alleges Fraud At Minnesota Daycare Involving Somali Community | US News – Times Now
FBI, JD Vance respond to video alleging daycare fraud in Minnesota
YouTuber Nick Shirley gets FBI response to Minnesota fraud probe
Viral video prompts more scrutiny of alleged MN fraud
