JD Vance hails Nick Shirley for ‘far more useful journalism’ on alleged Minnesota daycare fraud

WASHINGTON, DC: Vice President JD Vance praised YouTuber Nick Shirley for his recent video highlighting alleged widespread fraud in Minnesota.

In the video, Shirley accused Minnesota Governor Tim Walz of misappropriating $110 million in taxpayer funds intended for child-care centers, claiming many of the facilities were empty despite receiving state support.

The 42-minute video, which went viral, documents Shirley and his team visiting multiple Minnesota child-care centers on a weekday, only to find them non-operational.

JD Vance backs Nick Shirley's investigation 

Vance took to Twitter to commend Shirley for sharing his investigation into alleged fraud in Minnesota. He wrote, "This dude has done far more useful journalism than any of the winners of the 2024 @pulitzercenter prizes."

The incident has fueled a broader discussion about alleged fraud within Minnesota’s childcare and social services systems.

Some claims suggest that as much as $1 billion may have been lost to social services fraud in the state, with a significant portion reportedly linked to the Twin Cities’ Somali community.

Responding to another X post highlighting allegations of Somali Medicaid fraud and voter fraud in the state, Vance further described the situation as "a microcosm of the immigration fraud in our system."

"Politicians like it because they get power. Welfare cheats like it because they get rich," Vance wrote.

He further warned, saying, "But it's a zero sum game, and they're stealing both money and political power from Minnesotans."

Nick Shirley’s on Minnesota daycare fraud

On December 26, Shirley shared a YouTube video titled “I Investigated Minnesota’s Billion Dollar Fraud Scandal."

In the video, Shirley is seen visiting daycare centers across Minnesota while pretending he wants to enrol his son.

He claims many locations were locked, silent, or had no children inside. One facility shown is called “Quality Learing Center,” where the word “learning” appears misspelt.

Shirley also asks a bystander what they think about the center, noting that the daycare received $1.9 million this year and was supposed to have 99 children. The person responds, “I haven’t seen any kids. I’ve been here since 2017.”

At another point, a woman approaches Shirley, accusing him of being ICE and warning people inside not to open the doors. Shirley is seen clarifying that he is a YouTuber, not ICE. The woman continues, “Go away. You’re not welcome here. Shame on you."

Rep Mike Lawler also shared the video, calling for Walz to be subjected to oversight.

Lawler said, "Folks need to be arrested and prosecuted and the Governor of Minnesota needs to be held accountable. Congress should hold a hearing immediately and start getting answers."