An independent investigation by journalist Nick Shirley has renewed attention on alleged fraud involving daycare operations in Minnesota, raising fresh questions about oversight failures under long-running Democratic control of the state.
In videos circulated online, Shirley documented multiple properties registered as daycare or learning centers that appeared inactive despite receiving significant taxpayer funding — in some cases totaling more than $1.9 million. The footage showed buildings with blacked-out windows during daytime hours, no visible activity, and signage containing basic spelling errors, including “learning” spelled as “learing.”
Shirley questioned how such operations passed inspections, noting that children were expected to be present during normal business hours, yet the facilities appeared closed. Critics argue the warning signs were obvious and should have triggered earlier intervention by state regulators.
The allegations come amid broader concerns about fraud in Minnesota’s social services system, where whistleblowers have previously warned that enforcement was weak and accountability inconsistent. Republican lawmakers and conservative commentators argue that political considerations and bloc voting incentives led to years of inaction.
President Donald Trump, now serving his second term, has repeatedly emphasized a zero-tolerance approach to fraud involving public funds, calling for aggressive audits, prosecutions, and tighter eligibility enforcement across federal and state programs.
The administration has pointed to cases like Minnesota as examples of why America-First governance prioritizes taxpayers, transparency, and the rule of law over political favoritism.
