Influencer Nick Shirley has accused Minnesota Governor Tim Walz of child care fraud, claiming that over $110 million in taxpayer funds were improperly paid to child care centers that were allegedly not operating. In a 42-minute video posted to X, Shirley and his crew visited multiple facilities on a weekday and reported finding them empty. “There’s no one here,” he said while standing outside one location, calling it an example of “billions of dollars in fraud happening right now in Minnesota.”

Shirley highlighted the Minneapolis Quality Learning Center, noting that the word “learning” was misspelled on its exterior sign. He said the center is licensed for 99 children but appeared vacant during his visit. Shirley claimed it received $1.9 million in Child Care Assistance Program funding in 2025, on top of millions in previous years.

After posting the video, Shirley directly blamed Walz and his administration. “Tim Walz and the fraudsters aren’t escaping this one,” he wrote. He also stated that his team uncovered more than $110 million in fraud in a single day and warned that those responsible must be held accountable.

Shirley continued his attacks online, at one point calling Walz an “American Pirate” and claiming the governor must either resign or risk reelection under scrutiny. The video has spread widely on social media, including a post shared by Elon Musk, who captioned it “Prosecute @GovTimWalz.”

Political figures also responded. Minnesota House Majority Whip Tom Emmer referenced the video on X, questioning how $4 million in taxpayer dollars went to an education center that “can’t even spell learning correctly” and tagging Walz for an explanation.

Separately, Walz’s daughter, Hope Walz, drew criticism for a Christmas Day TikTok in which she sent greetings to communities affected by ICE operations. The clip expressed support for Somali neighbors and other vulnerable individuals, emphasizing empathy during a difficult year.