Independent journalist Nick Shirley, who gained national attention for exposing fraud in Minnesota, announced he will target California Governor Gavin Newsom and the state’s government programs next, despite facing serious security threats.

Minnesota Investigation Leads to Congressional Testimony

Shirley testified before House lawmakers this week during hearings investigating Minnesota’s fraud scandals. His investigation videos brought national scrutiny to the state’s oversight failures. The work has proven dangerous, forcing Shirley to hire round-the-clock security after his home address was published online and his family received threatening calls from the public.

Shirley expressed frustration at the backlash for conducting what he considers public service work. He estimates 99 percent of Americans support his fraud investigations, while a small fraction of critics represent those benefiting from fraudulent activities. Democratic Minnesota Governor Tim Walz dismissed the allegations as politically motivated attacks orchestrated by President Trump.

California Becomes Next Target

The journalist identified specific areas of concern in California, including daycare programs and Newsom’s long-delayed high-speed rail project. Critics have accused California of allowing fraud to flourish due to insufficient oversight mechanisms. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli launched a corruption task force in April, focusing on homeless programs after the state spent 24 billion dollars over five years with unclear accountability.

Growing Scrutiny of Government Spending

Essayli highlighted the lack of transparency surrounding California’s massive homelessness expenditures, stating no one can account for where the money actually went. This investigation represents part of a broader effort to examine government spending accountability across multiple states. Shirley’s work demonstrates the risks independent journalists face when investigating potential government corruption, including personal safety concerns and coordinated harassment campaigns targeting their families.