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Trump presents $10,000 check to Nick Shirley, the YouTuber behind Minnesota day care fraud furor
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- President Trump presented Nick Shirley, a conservative YouTuber known for viral fraud allegations, with a $10,000 check in the Oval Office as part of the launch of the $25 million Whistleblower Incentive Program (WHIP).
- WHIP allows anyone to report suspected government fraud via Fraud.gov, with potential rewards up to $30,000 for tips that lead to fraud convictions, and is led by the Justice Department.
- Shirley's December 2025 video accused multiple Minnesota day care centers of receiving public funds without providing services, prompting investigations by state officials and Homeland Security.
- A CBS News review found most centers had active licenses and recent inspections, with numerous safety violations but no confirmed fraud as of late 2025; one center featured in the video closed after receiving significant state funding.
- A woman featured in Shirley's videos has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States.
