Video Exposes Alleged Child Care Fraud in Minnesota
Independent video journalist Nick Shirley recently shared a startling claim regarding a purported day care center in Minnesota, suggesting a significant fraud operation. He reported, “We found over $110 million in fraud in just one day.” The video furthers accusations related to fraudulent activities affecting the Somali community in Minnesota, intensifying scrutiny on Governor Tim Walz.
In his video, Shirley and his team examined locations thought to be federally funded child care centers. To their surprise, many of these sites were either empty or lacked proper child care services.
“Words can’t describe the stunning failures that occurred on @GovTimWalz’s watch,” Shirley stated during his investigation.
In one segment, Education Secretary Linda McMahon commented on Shirley’s findings while sharing a video clip. Shirley confronted a center claiming to provide quality learning services, noting that the sign exhibited a spelling error. He attempted to enter during regular business hours but found the building closed with darkened windows. Allegedly, this center had received $1.9 million in government support.
“The failures under @GovTimWalz are absolutely breathtaking,” McMahon remarked while posting a portion of the video.
Walz’s administration pushed back against these claims over the weekend. A spokesperson asserted that the governor has been actively addressing fraud and enhancing oversight of the state’s child care program, including initiating investigations into specific facilities.
Additionally, the spokesperson highlighted the legislature’s involvement and mentioned that at least one business involved in Shirley’s report was already shut down by the administration.
Despite this pushback, criticism from various quarters continued. McMahon wasn’t alone in her support for Shirley; Vice President J.D. Vance also praised his efforts, asserting, “This man has done far more useful journalism than any of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize honorees.”
FBI Director Kash Patel noted that the agency was aware of the online allegations and had already deployed extra resources to address the reported fraud issues in Minnesota, even prior to the video gaining traction on social media.
“Fraud that harms taxpayers and vulnerable children will remain a top priority for the FBI in Minnesota and nationwide,” Patel emphasized.
Patel cited several previous arrests and convictions as evidence of ongoing efforts to tackle fraud in the state. However, Christopher Rufo, a host at Blaze TV, challenged Patel’s remarks, calling them “misleading” and accusing him of taking credit for investigations that began during the Biden administration. Rufo raised concerns about ongoing fraud matters lacking formal indictments, questioning when new arrests would be made.
This isn’t the first time allegations of fraud involving Minnesota’s welfare and health programs have surfaced, and as independent journalists like Shirley bring increased attention to these claims, scrutiny over Minnesota’s officials, including Governor Walz and U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar, grows more intense.
