A viral video alleging widespread fraud involving abandoned day care centers in Minnesota by conservative online influencer Nick Shirley has drawn national attention. This prompted public comments from FBI Director Kash Patel and Vice President JD Vance as federal investigators continue probing misuse of social services funds in the state.
The video shows Shirley visiting several Minnesota day care facilities that he claims are licensed, funded and approved to care for dozens of children but appear vacant or nonoperational. The 42-minute video has generated more than 126 million views on X, quickly becoming a flashpoint in the broader debate surrounding fraud within Minnesota’s public assistance programs.
Vance praised the video’s impact, posting on social media that Shirley “has done far more useful journalism than any of the winners of the 2024 Pulitzer prizes.” Two days later, Patel confirmed the FBI was aware of the allegations and had expanded investigative resources in the state.
“The FBI believes this is just the tip of a very large iceberg,” Patel said in a public statement. “We will continue to follow the money and protect children, and this investigation very much remains ongoing.”
Shirley’s work has drawn much reaction on social media from news figures in radio, television, and media alike. Here are some of their reactions to the video itself, and the fallout that could come hereafter.
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