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Several mainstream news organizations and fact-checking outlets have examined the claims:
CBS News conducted its own review of some centers mentioned by Shirley and found that most had active licenses and were visited regularly by regulators within the last six months, without fraud findings.
Some critics point out that video visits at a single moment in time (for example when children are in a classroom during the morning but not visible from the street) do not prove ongoing fraud.
Independent fact-checkers note that Shirley’s method — knocking on doors or peering through windows — is not sufficient evidence to establish that the centers were not serving children.
Public discussion on social platforms includes claims that parts of the video may have been misleading, selective, or lacking fuller context. Users have pointed to postings showing active classroom settings at times when Shirley’s footage was filmed.
Political Fallout and Broader Impact
The release of the video has had significant political and social ripple effects:
Some GOP politicians used the footage to demand heightened oversight of Minnesota welfare programs and documentation from Walz’s administration.
The controversy has intersected with broader debates over immigration, social services, and fraud enforcement, particularly in narratives about Somali-American communities who operate many childcare businesses in Minnesota.
There are reports from multiple outlets that Somali-run childcare providers have experienced harassment and intimidation in the wake of the viral narrative.
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At the time of writing, authorities have not publicly confirmed the specific dollar amount of fraud ($110 million) alleged in Shirley’s video tied to these daycare centers.
Conclusion — Separating Allegations from Verified Facts
The viral video and subsequent political reaction have thrust questions about government oversight, fraud prevention, and public trust into national debate. But the core claims — that Minnesota childcare centers systematically siphoned off $110 million in taxpayer funds while failing to provide services, and that Gov. Walz was directly responsible — are not verified by objective investigative reporting or public audits to date.
Key established facts include:
Shirley’s video exists and has gone viral.
Federal and state authorities have taken increased interest in fraud oversight.
Official state inspections dispute claims of inactive centers.
Independent media scrutiny raises doubts about the evidence presented in the viral story.
The broader narrative continues to evolve as investigations, political conversations, and media analysis unfold.
