Independent journalist and YouTuber Nick Shirley is taking a victory lap, claiming credit for the political downfall of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Following Walz's stunning announcement that he will not seek a third term, Shirley took to social media to declare, “I ENDED TIM WALZ.”
The YouTuber’s 42-minute documentary, released in late December, served as a catalyst for the governor's resignation. Shirley’s investigation exposed nearly a dozen taxpayer-funded Somali daycare centers that appeared to be completely vacant.
One of the most infamous locations, the "Quality Learing Center," reportedly raked in $4 million in total funding despite its misspelled sign and lack of activity. Shirley’s reporting linked these facilities to a broader network of fraud that has reportedly drained billions from state and federal coffers.
Walz did not go quietly, using his resignation statement to lash out at Shirley and other critics. He accused Shirley of being a “conspiracy theorist” and a "right-wing YouTuber" who was "breaking into daycare centers" and "demanding access to our children."
The Governor also targeted President Trump, calling his rhetoric regarding the Somali community “disgusting” and “dangerous.” Walz argued that the political pressure from the White House and independent investigators made it impossible to govern effectively.
Shirley fired back on X, telling Walz he should have focused on stopping the fraud rather than attacking those who exposed it. “You should’ve put Minnesota first when you had the chance, instead you let billions of dollars of fraud happen across your state,” Shirley wrote.
Prominent conservative figures, including Elon Musk, praised Shirley’s role in the governor's exit. Musk responded to the news with a simple, “Thank God,” reflecting the widespread relief among critics of the Walz administration.
Federal prosecutors have already charged over 90 individuals in connection to the $9 billion fraud crisis. Investigations show that many of the daycare centers Shirley visited also served as meal sites for the $300 million "Feeding Our Future" scam.
Despite the mounting evidence, state leaders like Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey have spent years defending the implicated groups. Flanagan even appeared on Somali television wearing a hijab to show solidarity amidst the initial fraud reports.
With Walz now out of the 2026 race, the focus shifts to the ongoing federal investigation. Whistleblowers have alleged for months that the governor's office worked to "discredit fraud reports" and ignore warnings from state employees.