What is YouTuber Nick Shirley exposing? Minnesota daycare fund fraud claims raise Somalia group controversy and federal investigation (Image via Getty)
Nick Shirley is a 23-year-old YouTuber from California. He is now at the center of a big national debate. On December 25, 2025, Nick Shirley posted a long video about daycare centers in Minnesota. In the video, he walked into buildings listed as active daycares. He said he found no children, no toys, and no staff. In one clip, he clearly said, “WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN?”Nick Shirley claimed these centers were getting millions of dollars from the state through the Child Care Assistance Program, also called CCAP. This program helps low-income families pay for child care. Nick Shirley said some centers were taking money without actually caring for children. The video spread fast online. It caught the attention of big political leaders and federal agencies. Soon after, federal investigators started looking into the claims, and Minnesota’s childcare funding came under review.
YouTuber Nick Shirley accuses Minnesota leaders and faces backlash from Somali community
Nick Shirley said the problem could be worth close to a billion dollars. He also blamed Minnesota leaders, including Governor Tim Walz, for failing to act sooner. His video went viral on X. His follower count jumped from about 200,000 to more than 800,000 in just days. High-profile figures shared the video. Elon Musk reposted it while talking about government waste. Vice President JD Vance also reacted publicly. After the video gained traction, federal agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, began reviewing the claims. Parts of Minnesota’s childcare funding were paused while checks were carried out.The controversy also sparked anger. Nick Shirley was confronted outside one location. A man shouted, “How much money are you making? How much money are you making off of this?” Nick replied, “This is about fraud. You’re defending fraud.” Critics say the video unfairly targets Somali Americans, since some daycare owners belong to that community. Nick Shirley has denied this. He has said many times that the issue is about public money, not race or religion.Some experts and local leaders questioned Nick Shirley’s methods. They said he did not check records for every site and entered some buildings without permission. Police asked him to leave one location for trespassing. Still, Minnesota Republican leaders confirmed they shared information with him, and state inspectors were sent out to check licensed centers.Nick Shirley has also said he fears for his safety. He claims he has received threats and is being followed. His family has publicly supported him. He says a second video is coming as federal investigations continue. The case now sits at the center of politics, public trust, and community tension across the country.Also Read: “This Is Fraud”: Nick Shirley Responds After Minnesota Daycare Video Sparks Race Claims And Somali Community Debate
