Department of Health and Human Services Jim O’Neill announced on Twitter/X that all federal funding for childcare for Minnesota has been frozen based on a video by right winger YouTuber Nick Shirley (pictured above) that smeared Somali daycare centers by accusing them of “fraud,” which has been debunked by CBS News:
A recent video by conservative YouTuber Nick Shirley alleged nearly a dozen day care centers in Minnesota that are receiving public funds are not actually providing any service. After the video went viral, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem announced a "massive investigation on childcare… pic.twitter.com/vvQv8DEbaV
— CBS News (@CBSNews) December 30, 2025
CBS News conducted its own analysis of nearly a dozen day care centers mentioned by (Nick) Shirley: all but two have active licenses, according to state records, and all active locations were visited by state regulators within the last six months. One, Sweet Angel Child Care, Inc., was subject to an unannounced inspection as recently as Dec. 4.
CBS News’ review also found dozens of citations related to safety, cleanliness, equipment, and staff training, among other violations, but there was no recorded evidence of fraud…
There are 14 specific Medicaid-funded programs in Minnesota currently under federal investigation, although child care isn’t one of them.
Journalist Aaron Rupar noted on Twitter/X that he would not have allowed Nick Shirley to have access to other people’s children either.
uhhh yeah I can see why these childcare properties weren't eager to let in some rando dudes asking "where are the kids?" pic.twitter.com/dparZa85LL
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) December 30, 2025
(Sources: CBS News, Jim O’Neill, Aaron Rupar)