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Claims of $18B Welfare Fraud Ignite Controversy in Minnesota

1/2/2026

31 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Nick Shirley, a MAGA-aligned figure, claims to expose a Minnesota welfare fraud scandal involving child care centers linked to terrorism in a discredited video.
He asserts $18 billion was stolen, a figure echoed by President Donald Trump at a New Year’s Eve event.
Shirley has no formal journalism training and a history of staging content for shock value.
Harassment of Somali-run daycares has followed, while federal investigations continue.

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Story summary

Nick Shirley, a MAGA-aligned figure, claims to expose a Minnesota welfare fraud scandal involving child care centers linked to terrorism in a discredited video.
He asserts $18 billion was stolen, a figure echoed by President Donald Trump at a New Year’s Eve event.
Shirley has no formal journalism training and a history of staging content for shock value.
Harassment of Somali-run daycares has followed, while federal investigations continue.