Viral Right‑Wing Video Spurs Federal Probe and White House Praise

A 43-minute video posted the day after Christmas by 23-year-old creator Nick Shirley alleging widespread fraud at Somali-run child care and autism centers in Minnesota has been viewed by millions and prompted federal action. The New York Times could not verify the video’s claims. State regulators said unannounced visits to the locations shown in the video this year found children present and no evidence of fraud; one site Shirley visited has been closed for three years, the state said.

The video, in which Shirley claims to have uncovered $110 million in fraud, drew rapid amplification from conservative media and praise from senior Republican officials. The Department of Homeland Security opened an investigation after the clip circulated, and a deputy HHS official announced that federal child care payments to Minnesota had been frozen.

White House spokespeople and allied officials publicly applauded Shirley’s work, illustrating a feedback loop between the Trump administration and pro‑Trump content creators who produce viral, politically charged material. The Times detailed how creators like Shirley—who pivoted from prank videos to political reporting in 2023 and has since covered immigration protests and law‑enforcement operations—have been courted and rewarded by administration figures, including invitations to White House events.

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