FBI Director Kash Patel announced on December 28 that the bureau has deployed additional personnel and investigative resources to Minnesota to dismantle large-scale fraud schemes exploiting federal programs, including those highlighted in a viral video by independent journalist Nick Shirley.
Patel described a prior $250 million COVID-era food aid fraud case as "the tip of a very large iceberg," emphasizing that fraud robbing taxpayers and vulnerable children remains a top priority, with potential denaturalization and deportation for eligible convicted individuals.
The announcement follows Shirley's 42-minute video, posted December 26 on YouTube and X (formerly Twitter), which has amassed over 100 million views. Shirley visited several licensed childcare centers in the Minneapolis area—such as the misspelled "Quality Learing Center"—licensed for dozens or hundreds of children but appearing abandoned or non-operational during weekday visits, with no children present and locked doors.
🚨 Here is the full 42 minutes of my crew and I exposing Minnesota fraud, this might be my most important work yet. We uncovered over $110,000,000 in ONE day. Like it and share it around like wildfire! Its time to hold these corrupt politicians and fraudsters accountable
— Nick shirley (@nickshirleyy) December 26, 2025
We ALL… pic.twitter.com/E3Penx2o7a
He claims these facilities received millions in taxpayer funds through Minnesota's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), with his team identifying over $110 million in suspicious payments in one day.
High-profile amplification from the Trump administration fueled the controversy: Vice President JD Vance reposted the video, calling Shirley's work "far more useful journalism than any of the winners of the 2024 Pulitzer prizes."
Other figures, including Elon Musk, Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN), House Speaker Mike Johnson, and Education Secretary Linda McMahon, echoed calls for accountability.
The House Oversight Committee has demanded data from Gov. Tim Walz, Minnesota AG Keith Ellison, and federal agencies.
Minnesota officials defend their actions, with a spokesperson for Gov. Walz stating he has "worked for years to crack down on fraud," including hiring external auditors for high-risk programs, launching investigations into specific facilities (one already closed), shutting down certain services, and supporting ongoing criminal prosecutions. Walz's team emphasized that measures like expanded oversight and legislative requests for more authority predate the video.
Shirley's claims remain unverified allegations based on site visits and public records, though they have intensified national scrutiny amid political tensions.