Minnesota department finds child care centers targeted in viral video operating normally

Minnesota’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families on Friday said that investigators have found child care facilities at the center of recent fraud allegations were operating as they should

Minnesota’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families on Friday said that investigators have found child care facilities at the center of recent fraud allegations were operating as they should.

The department issued the statement in response to requests for information about the Child Care Assistance Program, which it oversees grants from, and referenced a “recently circulated video.”

The Trump administration, and President Donald Trump himself, have alleged fraud in Minnesota after a recent video from a right-wing online influencer named Nick Shirley contained unsubstantiated claims of fraud at child care facilities in the state.

The department said in the statement that investigators with its Office of Inspector General conducted compliance checks at nine centers referenced in the viral video.

“Investigators confirmed the centers were operating as expected, gathered evidence and initiated further review,” the department said in a statement Friday.