Independent journalist Nick Shirley appeared on Fox News' "The Big Weekend Show" on Sunday night, publicly accusing several Democratic lawmakers of complicity in or interference with large-scale government fraud schemes. Shirley, who has gained a following through investigations into alleged fraud across the country, specifically targeted Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and California Assemblywoman Mia Bonta during his interview.
Shirley's allegations against Congresswoman Omar centered on her personal finances and an alleged attempt to secure an earmark. On air, Shirley stated, "It’s a bit suspicious to have your net worth go by millions and then just recently say that it’s an error. I mean, I don’t think I’ve ever put two extra zeros as an error when I file any report." He further described Omar as "the queen of the fraud," asserting she embodies political cover that allows government fraud to persist. Omar's office did not provide a comment to the Daily Caller News Foundation regarding these specific allegations.
The congresswoman's financial dealings have previously drawn federal attention. During the Biden administration, the Justice Department initiated a probe into the growth of Omar’s net worth after she assumed office on Capitol Hill, with investigators reportedly examining income linked to her husband. Additionally, Republican Senator Joni Ernst of Iowa, during a January 8 appearance on "Varney and Company," alleged that Omar had quietly attempted to insert an earmark exceeding $1 million into legislation. These funds, according to critics, would have been directed to a substance abuse clinic described as suspicious, reportedly operating out of a Somali-owned restaurant.
Shirley's broader investigations have focused on alleged fraud in government-funded programs. His work first garnered national attention late last year when he released footage from visits to multiple daycare centers in Minnesota. These facilities, allegedly operated by Somali migrants, were claimed by Shirley to be conduits for siphoning millions in welfare dollars. Earlier this year, Shirley shifted his focus to hospice centers in the Los Angeles area. Following a reported 40-minute investigation, he claimed to have uncovered at least $170 million in fraudulent activity, a claim that was subsequently posted online.
In response to Shirley's California investigations, state Democrats have introduced legislation that critics argue could impede similar future inquiries. Assemblywoman Mia Bonta sponsored Assembly Bill 2624 (AB2624), a bill that one Republican in the chamber reportedly dubbed the "Stop Nick Shirley Act." Critics of AB2624 contend that the proposed legislation would grant exemptions to nonprofits and immigrant service organizations receiving government funds from certain disclosure requirements, potentially making investigations like Shirley’s more difficult.
Shirley posted a video on Saturday confronting California lawmakers directly about the proposed measure. During his Fox News appearance, co-host Tomi Lahren highlighted that Assemblywoman Mia Bonta is married to California Attorney General Rob Bonta, also a Democrat. Shirley commented on this connection, stating, "Their goal as a family should be to prosecute and take care and make sure that there is so little fraud in the state that they can have such a peaceful night of sleep. However, while the attorney general is supposed to be prosecuting fraud, his wife is creating laws to let fraud continue, specifically saying that NGOs who receive money based off immigrant services don’t have to disclose their money."
Shirley also reported facing significant pressure and threats related to his work. He told Lahren that individuals have been tracking and sharing his physical location in group chats, a pattern that has made routine travel feel dangerous. He also stated he has received "constant death threats." Despite these challenges, Shirley characterized his investigations not as partisan conflict but as a public service that elected officials across the political spectrum should support. He remarked, "They should be working with me to crack down on this fraud instead of wanting to make me look like the bad person. Maybe it is because that fraud makes them look bad, but in reality I’m there to help everyone out. This is not Republican or a Democrat issue. There’s a lot more fraud in Democrat states… For them to make these attacks is quite frankly very stupid of them to do that when I am providing a huge public service."
