YouTuber Links Fraud Investigation to Government Data
YouTuber Nick Shirley has recently connected his California fraud investigation with government data, claiming assistance from Edward Coristine, a former engineer at the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), who is known online as “Big Balls.”
Coristine, while no longer with DOGE, continues his public service as the director of engineering for the White House National Design Studio.
In a new YouTube interview, Shirley discusses his findings related to fraud and the utilization of federal spending data.
Coristine, who began his federal career at just 19, has worked for several agencies, including the Social Security Administration and the Small Business Administration. Interestingly, before his government stint, he spent some time at Neuralink, a startup recognized for its unconventional hiring practices.
In the interview, Shirley noted that Coristine had facilitated access to Medicaid spending data linked to a California firm.
The Department of Health and Human Services’ DOGE team released this data in February, branding it as “the largest Medicaid dataset in the department’s history.” The intention behind it was to curb large-scale fraud.
Coristine believes making government data more accessible could empower independent investigators to uncover wrongdoing. He stated, “You’re the one who actually went to the places where we were spending all this money and confronted the people…” It’s clear he envisions more opportunities for transparency.
This interview underscores how online investigations by social media figures intersect with current political discussions about government efficiency.
Shirley’s videos have previously influenced discussions on fraud and immigration policies during the Trump administration. For example, he claimed to have uncovered a massive child care scam exceeding $100 million involving Somali individuals in Minnesota, which garnered attention from Vice President J.D. Vance and resulted in escalated immigration enforcement in the area.
In a new video featuring Coristine, the duo connects concerns about fraud with the immigrant community. Coristine asserted, “A lot of money is being stolen and siphoned out of the country,” albeit without any substantial proof. Shirley added, “Once you put that money in your suitcase and go to Somalia, you will never get it back.”
They also pointed to what they deemed “government waste,” mentioning questionable programs funded by the United States Agency for International Development.
Coristine criticized the Small Business Administration for their handling of federal loans during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing potential oversights.
Interestingly, while an SBA spokesperson defended the agency’s practices, a 2025 report from the Government Accountability Office revealed that some loans were granted prior to establishing a thorough verification system.
The topic of election fraud also came up. Shirley contended that many deceased individuals in California are still on voter rolls and are receiving Social Security benefits, a claim that has circulated among Trump supporters. However, experts often attribute such issues to database structural problems instead of any fraudulent activity.
Shirley has made similar assertions before, referencing a voter purportedly 125 years old with a registration linked to a UPS store. In a post, he described California as a “hotbed of voter fraud.” However, researchers have consistently found an absence of widespread voter fraud in the state.
Such claims align with the overarching narrative promoted by President Trump, who has accused many of widespread voter misconduct and called for a national list of voters.
Coristine later shared insights about his role at the White House National Design Studio, mentioning Nate Brown, the studio’s chief creative officer, who previously collaborated with Kanye West on his 2021 album. He hinted at future initiatives to enhance “freedom” and promote “free speech in Europe,” though specifics remain vague.
