Online influencers supportive of President Trump are celebrating after a viral video accused certain Minnesota day care centers of fraud related to public funding. The video, shared by YouTuber Nick Shirley, alleges that specific businesses run by individuals of Somali descent received government funds without delivering appropriate services. Although these claims remain unverified, they sparked significant political and policy responses.
In reaction to the video, the Trump administration has paused federal funding for child care subsidies not only in Minnesota but also in four other states governed by Democrats. This shift includes a nationwide alteration of child care funding procedures and the deployment of 2,000 federal agents to Minnesota for immigration enforcement. The tensions have escalated recently; a woman was shot and killed by an ICE agent in the state.
In the wake of these events, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced he would not seek a third term, leading to celebrations among Trump-aligned influencers. Nick Shirley boasted on social media that his video was instrumental in ending Walz’s bid.
The relationship between Trump’s administration and online content creators reveals a pattern where influencers receive special access and leverage, allowing them to create and disseminate viral content that aligns with political narratives. Those within the administration have backgrounds as influencers or content creators themselves, adding a layer of interconnectedness to the dissemination of information.
Kate Starbird, a professor at the University of Washington, highlighted how influential creators aid in advancing policy aims—often generating narratives that serve to justify the administration’s pre-existing goals, like cutting social programs in Democratic states.
The pattern of influencers replicating Shirley’s video is already emerging, with reports of content creators visiting social service providers in other states, including Ohio. Day care facilities there have reported harassment following calls for the public to report suspected fraud. Additionally, pro-Trump podcaster Benny Johnson has announced plans to investigate purported fraud in California. This trend emphasizes an alarming inclination to assert claims of widespread fraud prematurely, often before any substantial evidence is confirmed.
As the political landscape continues to shift, it remains to be seen how these influencer-led narratives will unfold and impact policies across various states.