Independent journalist Nick Shirley has sent a message to former President Donald Trump, urging him to take action against alleged fraud in Minnesota daycare centers. Shirley became widely known after a 42-minute video he released went viral on X, gaining over 100 million views since Friday. The video claims that some daycare centers that received millions in state funding appear to be inactive.
On Fox News’ The Big Weekend Show, Shirley said that taxpayers work too hard to not know where their money is going. He told Trump that it was time to address the issue and make a real difference in Minnesota, which he compared to “Somaliland” in terms of mismanagement.
The video has sparked a political uproar. Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, who is seeking a third term, has faced heavy criticism, particularly from Trump and other Republican figures, over alleged fraud during his administration. A representative for Walz said the governor has worked for years to combat fraud and improve oversight of state programs, including investigations into the facilities Shirley mentioned.
According to Newsweek, prosecutors have claimed that fraudulent schemes targeting state-managed programs could have caused losses in the billions of dollars. The controversy has also drawn attention to Minnesota’s Somali American community, as many defendants charged in connection with the alleged fraud are Somali Americans. Trump has used the issue to criticize the Somali community, calling the state a hub of fraudulent activity under Walz. Community leaders have warned against blaming the entire Somali population for the actions of a few.
Shirley said that signs of fraud are “obvious” to anyone who drives around Minneapolis and other parts of Minnesota. He pointed to daycare centers, autism centers, and transportation companies that appear inactive or neglected, suggesting that even a kindergartener could see that something is wrong.
Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel said the bureau has sent personnel and resources to Minnesota to investigate and dismantle extensive fraud schemes. He added that this effort began before the social media attention on Shirley’s video escalated.
Shirley’s video has turned the issue into a major political and cultural topic in Minnesota, with calls for accountability and stronger oversight of state-funded programs.
