Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) introduced legislation to award independent journalist Nick Shirley a Congressional Gold Medal for uncovering alleged fraud in Minnesota’s daycare system, per The National Desk.

Shirley released a 40-minute video during the Christmas 2025 weekend alleging multiple daycares in the Twin Cities area received millions in federal and state funding without providing childcare services. The video shows Shirley and whistleblower David Hoch visiting daycares during operating hours, finding some closed and others unwilling to share enrollment information or details about children in their care. Many facilities had blacked-out windows.

The video received over 3.3 million views on YouTube and attracted attention from Elon Musk and Vice President JD Vance.

The U.S. Health and Human Services department froze federal funding for childcare services in Minnesota, citing Shirley’s video as the reason for the decision.

“In honor of his exemplary work, I’m proud to introduce this bill to award Nick Shirley the Congressional Gold Medal,” Crane wrote on X. “Nick Shirley is a fearless citizen journalist who stood up to a corrupt system and exposed waste, fraud, and abuse being perpetrated against the American people.”

Political Fallout

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced he will not seek reelection, stating he needs to focus on addressing widespread fraud in the state’s social service programs.

“Every minute I spend defending my own political interests would be a minute I can’t spend defending the people of Minnesota against the criminals who prey on our generosity and the cynics who prey on our differences,” Walz wrote.

Shirley responded to Crane’s proposal on X, writing, “This would be cool, thank you!” He responded to Walz’s announcement with “I ENDED TIM WALZ.”

Previous Congressional Gold Medal recipients include Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, and Mother Teresa.