A viral video exposing allegedly empty daycare centers collecting millions in taxpayer cash has Minnesota Democrats scrambling, with Gov. Tim Walz’s office suddenly racing to claim he has been tough on fraud all along.
After citizen journalist Nick Shirley published footage showing childcare facilities with no kids, locked doors, and no visible operations, Walz officials rushed to damage control. A spokesperson insisted the governor has “worked for years to crack down on fraud,” pointing to audits, task forces, and investigations that somehow failed to stop what critics say is a massive abuse of public funds.
We will not tolerate fraud, and we will continue to work with our federal partners to ensure fraud is stopped and fraudsters are caught.
— Governor Tim Walz (@GovTimWalz) December 18, 2025
According to Fox News, Walz’s office claimed oversight had been strengthened and that one of the facilities highlighted online was already closed. The administration also cited outside audits, a new integrity director, and support for prosecutions. The problem is that these assurances are coming only after the videos went viral.
Shirley’s reporting alleges that multiple daycare centers received millions in federal aid despite having no children enrolled or present. The footage shows buildings that appear inactive while still drawing government money, raising serious questions about oversight in Minnesota’s childcare assistance programs.
🚨 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
We ALL… pic.twitter.com/E3Penx2o7a
— Nick shirley (@nickshirleyy) December 26, 2025
The controversy has now drawn federal attention. FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed the bureau has surged investigators into Minnesota to dismantle large-scale fraud schemes exploiting federal programs. Patel said fraud that steals from taxpayers and harms vulnerable children remains a top priority.
Meanwhile, the Small Business Administration is reportedly pulling back grants tied to alleged fraud within Minnesota’s Somali community, adding more pressure to a state government already on the defensive.
Walz insists fraud will not be tolerated. Voters are now asking why it took viral videos to notice.
Photo credit: Damian Dovarganes/AP