Mon Jan 05 05:30:00 UTC 2026: Summary:
A right-wing YouTuber named Nick Shirley posted a video alleging fraud at Somali-owned day care centers in Minneapolis, using information provided by a man identified only as “David.” The Intercept has identified “David” as David Hoch, a lobbyist and former political candidate with a history of anti-Somali and anti-Muslim posts online. Hoch obtained data on the day care centers from Joe Marble, a Republican staffer in the Minnesota state House. The video has been praised by MAGA figures and has led to a federal investigation, a freeze on child care funds to Minnesota, and copycat investigations in other states. There are questions about the accuracy of the video, as some evidence contradicts its claims.
News Article:
Right-Wing Video Exposing Alleged Daycare Fraud Fueled by Anti-Somali Activist and GOP Staffer
Minneapolis, MN – A viral video alleging fraud at Somali-owned day care centers in Minneapolis, created by right-wing YouTuber Nick Shirley, has been revealed to be based on information provided by a man with a history of anti-Somali sentiments and a connection to a Republican staffer in the Minnesota state House.
The Intercept identified the man in Shirley’s video, known only as “David,” as David Hoch, a lobbyist and former Minnesota attorney general candidate. Hoch has a documented history of posting derogatory statements about Somalis and Muslims online.
According to The Intercept, Hoch obtained data on the day care centers, including state funding figures, from Joe Marble, a committee administrator for the Minnesota House Republicans. Emails shown in the video reveal that Marble sent Hoch information about specific centers from his state House email address.
Since the video’s release, it has gained traction among MAGA figures, including praise from Vice President JD Vance, former Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who announced a federal investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The Trump administration has also frozen child care funds to Minnesota.
The video’s claims have been met with skepticism, with some evidence contradicting the allegations of empty day care centers. Local residents have provided timestamped footage showing children being dropped off at one of the centers targeted in the video.
The situation continues to unfold, with copycat investigations targeting immigrant-owned businesses in other states.
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