A Minnesota nursery owner has publicly defended his business after former President Donald Trump suspended all federal childcare payments to the state, citing allegations of fraud within Somali-run daycares. The dramatic move, which freezes $185 million intended to support 19,000 children, followed a viral video from a right-wing commentator.
The Viral Video and Allegations
The controversy erupted after a video posted by YouTuber Nick Shirley went viral last week. Shirley visited the Quality Learning Centre in Minneapolis, a daycare owned by a Somali family, while it was closed. Filming around 11am, he questioned where the children were. The centre's manager, Ibrahim Ali, has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, explaining the facility operates from 2pm to 10pm.
Ali has openly challenged the allegations, stating: "You guys could come tomorrow. You guys could come on Thursday, and you guys could come back on Monday. There's no fraud going on whatsoever." He believes the business is being unfairly targeted due to its Somali ownership.
The fallout was swift. Days after the video spread online, a second Somali-operated daycare was broken into and vandalised. Subsequently, the Trump administration froze the substantial federal childcare budget for Minnesota.
Political Fallout and Community Impact
Jim O'Neill, the deputy Health and Human Services secretary, confirmed payments would only resume once it's proven funds are being spent legitimately. This decision has sparked alarm among local officials.
Minnesota state representative Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn, co-chair of the Children and Families Committee, warned of widespread consequences. "If we allow this funding freeze to happen, all Minnesotans are going to suffer," she said. She urged support for the Somali community and childcare centres, rather than tearing them down.
The state, home to America's largest Somali population, has been a repeated target for Trump. In recent weeks, he has claimed immigrants from Somalia are "ruining" Minnesota, referring to the country as a "hellhole" and its immigrants with derogatory language. He has suggested they should "go back to where they came from."
Broader Context and Military Action
Trump's focus on Somalia appears linked to the presence of Islamic State (IS) groups within the country. The former president has vowed to find and kill militants, supporting increased military action. US air strikes in Somalia have doubled since 2024 under this policy.
However, UN Special Rapporteur Ben Saul noted in May the "extensive efforts by the Somali authorities to prevent terrorism" through a comprehensive strategy. The domestic childcare funding freeze now directly impacts a community already facing intense political scrutiny, leaving thousands of children's care in limbo based on unproven allegations from a single viral video.
