Nick Shirley daycare fraud claims spark debate after reporter Deena Winter says she saw children inside Minnesota center

Nick Shirley’s viral report on a Minnesota daycare is now facing strong questions, just days after it spread across social media. On January 2, YouTuber Nick Shirley accused Creative Minds Daycare in Minnesota of fraud. He claimed the place had no children inside and suggested it was only active on paper.

Nick shared his claims on X, saying he saw no kids at the location. He also pointed out luxury cars parked outside. His post went viral fast, crossing nearly two million views and over 100,000 likes. Many users praised him for exposing what they believed was a scam.




But soon after, a different voice entered the story. Minneapolis City Hall reporter Deena Winter said she personally visited the daycare and saw children inside. Her statement challenged Nick Shirley’s claims and started a fresh debate online. Major media outlets also stepped in to check the allegations. What followed turned the story into a public clash over trust.

Deena Winter challenges Nick Shirley as CBS News and CNN review daycare fraud claims

Deena Winter, a reporter with The Star Tribune, responded directly to Nick Shirley on January 2. In her post, she wrote, “I was allowed inside this daycare 2 days ago and counted about 40 kids. The vehicles of parents were coming and going all afternoon @nickshirleyy.”

Winter said her visit showed a normal working daycare. Many online users, however, were not convinced. Some claimed the visit was staged after Nick’s video gained attention. The next day, Winter shared another post explaining her experience further. She wrote, “I knew they would say it was all staged, but one thing struck me: the first three rooms I went into there were babies and toddlers fast asleep. Nearly 20 children altogether. How do you stage that?”

The Star Tribune later published an article written by Winter and included a photo from one of the daycare visits.

Meanwhile, major media outlets began their own checks. CBS News reporter Jonah Kaplan said the network reviewed the records. In a video shared on X, Kaplan stated, “Those daycares, many of them were written up for safety violations, things like maybe busted equipment or staff training issues, but that’s not the same as being fraudulent, so it’s important to put all of this into context.”

CNN also examined the claims on Anderson Cooper 360. Reporter Whitney Wild questioned Nick Shirley about his visits. She asked if he went during working hours. Nick said he arrived around 11 a.m. on the first day and later in the day on his second visit.

When Nick mentioned locked and dark doors, Wild responded, “But surely you don’t think a day care should just be unlocked? You shouldn’t be able to just walk into a day care.”

Despite the criticism, Nick Shirley has received strong public support. Several users continue to back him, including public figures like JD Vance. As of now, the debate remains open, with no official finding confirming fraud.

Also Read: Did Nick Shirley Call His Own Work Satire? Journalist Caolan Robertson Raises Doubts As Minnesota Daycare Video Spreads