In a recent development stirring both praise and criticism, JD Vance has called for Nick Shirley to be awarded a Pulitzer Prize for his investigative work. Shirley, a 23-year-old known for his viral videos, alleged that ten daycare centers operated by Somali-Americans in Minnesota misappropriated over $100 million in taxpayer money. He claimed these facilities were empty during regular business hours, suggesting they were not serving their intended purpose. The video gained significant traction online, accumulating millions of views and receiving a boost from billionaire Elon Musk on his platform, X.

However, state and federal authorities have countered Shirley’s claims, stating that there is no evidence supporting the allegation that these daycare centers misused $100 million or were generally non-operational. Inspections have confirmed that many of these centers are licensed and functioning. Despite this, a prominent vice president remarked that Shirley had contributed more to journalism than any 2024 Pulitzer Prize winners. Yet, Shirley is now at the center of controversy, facing accusations of being ‘slow’ and ‘illiterate’ due to a recent incident.

In an interview released by YouTuber Andrew Callaghan on Monday, Shirley struggled with vocabulary when asked about benevolent billionaires. Callaghan inquired, “Who do you think are the three most benevolent billionaires?” Shirley, appearing confused, mispronounced the word ‘benevolent’ and asked for clarification. Once Callaghan explained the term, which refers to having good intentions, Shirley identified Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and David Sacks as the billionaires he believed to be well-intentioned.

The clip of Shirley struggling to answer Callaghan’s question went viral on social media with one user on X writing, ‘You can’t argue with people who are this stupid. This guy needs a chaperone, not a Pulitzer. All the people saying Somalis are stupid sound like this guy.’ One of the top comments on Callaghan’s video with Shirley states, ‘Straight up did not realize Shirley is borderline illiterate. Tracks though.’ Another left-wing X account also mocked Shirley by claiming he is ‘so stupid that he had to ask Andrew Callaghan for the definition of ‘benevolent’ and mispronounced it after literally hearing the word two seconds ago.’

Following Shirley’s video, the Department of Homeland Security launched a deportation effort in the twin cities aimed at deporting illegal Somali migrants. A DHS spokesperson also added in a statement that the Trump administration is ‘all hands on deck to root out criminals in Minnesota who are defrauding the American people.’ Moreover, FBI director Kash Patel in December also addressed Shirley’s video by writing on X that the bureau had ‘surged personnel and investigative resources’ to Minnesota for the purpose of dismantling ‘large-scale fraud schemes exploiting federal programs.’ Currently, no arrests have been made by the administration over alleged fraud uncovered in Shirley’s video. While Minnesota has faced fraud in social-services programs, authorities stress those investigations are separate from Shirley’s viral claims.