A conservative media figure hailed as a hero by US Vice President JD Vance is now facing intense mockery and allegations of being "illiterate" following a cringe-inducing interview. Nick Shirley, 23, rose to prominence after his viral video accused Somali-run daycare centres in Minnesota of a massive fraud scheme.
The Viral Allegations and Political Backing
Shirley's original investigation, which spread across social media with hundreds of millions of views, alleged that ten daycare facilities run by Somali operators had misappropriated over $100 million in taxpayer funds. The video claimed the centres were often empty during business hours, suggesting they were not caring for children. The clip received a significant boost from billionaire Elon Musk on his platform, X.
The claims caught the attention of high-profile conservatives. JD Vance stated Shirley should receive a Pulitzer Prize for his work, asserting he had "done far more useful journalism than any of the winners of the 2024 prizes." Following the video's spread, the Department of Homeland Security launched deportation efforts targeting illegal Somali migrants in the Twin Cities area, and the FBI pledged to surge resources to Minnesota to investigate fraud.
A Damaging Interview Unravels the Narrative
However, Shirley's credibility has taken a severe hit after an interview with YouTuber Andrew Callaghan of Channel 5. The clip, uploaded on Monday, shows Shirley failing to understand the word 'benevolent'. When asked to name the three most benevolent billionaires, Shirley responded, "What do you mean by the word 'bellevolent'?" mispronouncing the term.
After Callaghan defined it as meaning well-intentioned, Shirley named Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and David Sacks. The awkward exchange was swiftly ridiculed online, with users branding Shirley "stupid," "borderline illiterate," and suggesting he "needs a chaperone, not a Pulitzer."
Official Responses and the Current Status
While Shirley's video triggered official action, authorities have been careful to separate broader investigations from his specific claims. State and federal officials have stated there is no evidence the specific daycares he highlighted misappropriated $100 million or were broadly non-operational, noting many were licensed and open upon inspection.
Minnesota has acknowledged past fraud in social-services programmes, but stresses these probes are distinct from the viral allegations. To date, no arrests have been made directly linked to the fraud Shirley claimed to uncover. The episode highlights the potent mix of viral media, political amplification, and the rapid scrutiny that follows, leaving the future of Shirley's journalistic reputation in doubt.
