An American YouTuber and independent journalist has ignited a firestorm on social media with explosive allegations of widespread fraud within Minnesota's daycare system, claiming non-functional centres are receiving millions in government funds.
The Viral Investigation That Sparked Outrage
Nick Shirley, a 23-year-old online influencer with over 1.1 million YouTube subscribers, took to the platform to share a video investigation. The clip, pointedly captioned “Example of the Billions $$ of fraud taking place in Minnesota,” has gone viral. In it, Shirley visits a Somali-run daycare centre in Minnesota during mid-week operating hours, only to find it closed and seemingly inactive.
Standing outside the facility, which he notes has a sign with a spelling error (using "lernin" instead of "learning"), Shirley alleges this is a prime example of systemic corruption. He claims this specific daycare received a staggering $1,900,000 in tax-exempt funding from the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) despite appearing non-operational.
Empty Centres and Local Testimonies
Shirley's investigation involved speaking to a local resident who has lived near the daycare for eight years. When asked if they had seen children at the centre, the neighbour responded, “I haven’t seen any kids. I’ve been here since 2017.” This testimony directly contradicted the centre having 99 registered students, raising serious questions about its actual operations.
In a sarcastic post title, Shirley wrote, “Want to become a multimillionaire without doing anything? Move to Minnesota and start a daycare!” He framed this case as not isolated, asserting it is “one of the hundreds” of such fraudulent daycares siphoning millions from state coffers. He directly implicated Minnesota's leadership, stating, “Tim Walz is governor and knew about the fraud but never reported it.”
Who is Nick Shirley and What's the Fallout?
Nick Shirley describes himself as an independent journalist and watchdog of government mechanisms. Known for his street interviews and direct confrontational style, he has previously raised concerns about government spending and immigration. According to a Reuters report from last year, he is part of a new class of influencers who supported Donald Trump's presidential campaign.
The allegations have sparked a major debate online about accountability and the use of public funds. Shirley's call for transparency from public representatives has resonated with many, putting pressure on Minnesota's administration to address the claims. The situation highlights the growing influence of digital creators in investigative journalism and public accountability.
As the video continues to circulate, the core questions remain: How pervasive is this alleged fraud, and what action will state authorities take to investigate the misuse of critical childcare funding meant to support families?
