The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson: Episode Summary

Episode Title: Senator Hawley Targets Riot Funders in Expanding Federal Probe
Release Date: June 12, 2025
Host: Ben Ferguson
Produced by: Premiere Networks

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson delves into two significant and interrelated developments shaping the national discourse: Senator Josh Hawley's aggressive investigation into the funding behind recent riots and President Donald Trump's robust response to civil unrest across several American cities. The episode offers listeners an in-depth analysis of political maneuvers, legislative actions, and executive responses that underscore the current climate of tension and division in the United States.

Section 1: Senator Josh Hawley's Expanding Federal Probe

Overview of the Investigation

Senator Josh Hawley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the financial and logistical backers of the Los Angeles riots and similar disturbances nationwide. Initially targeting the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), Hawley's probe has now broadened to include other organizations suspected of supporting these unrests.

Key Developments:

• Initial Target: CHIRLA

  • Allegations: CHIRLA is accused of providing both financial resources and logistical support to individuals involved in the protests, which allegedly escalated into riots intentionally.
  • Demands: Hawley’s subcommittee has formally requested CHIRLA to produce detailed financial documents, donor lists, travel and coordination records, and materials related to protest planning from November 5, 2024, to the present.

• Expansion of the Investigation:

  • New Target: The Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) based in San Francisco, California.
  • Scope of Demand: Similar to CHIRLA, PSL is required to submit internal communications, financial records, third-party contacts, vendor agreements, grant applications, travel logs, and media strategies related to protest activities.

Notable Quotes:

• Senator Josh Hawley (07:50):

  "These demonstrations have escalated into lawless mob actions. They have obstructed federal law enforcement, endangered public safety, and disrupted the rule of law. This lawlessness is unacceptable and it must end."

• Senator Josh Hawley (08:24):

  "These aren't spontaneous at all. They're about as authentic as Astroturf. They are bought and paid for flash mobs. And I want to know who's doing the buying and the paying."

Implications:

Hawley's aggressive stance suggests a targeted approach to dismantle the financial networks supporting civil unrest. By expanding the investigation to include organizations like PSL, Hawley aims to paint a broader picture of coordinated efforts behind the scenes, potentially implicating more groups and individuals in the orchestration of these disturbances.

Section 2: President Donald Trump's Response to Civil Unrest

Deployment of Military Assets

In a firm display of executive authority, President Donald Trump has overseen the deployment of approximately 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles. This move is portrayed as a necessary intervention to protect federal buildings, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, and maintain public order.

Key Statements and Positions:

• Defense of Military Deployment:

  • Trump emphasizes that without military intervention, cities like Los Angeles would descend into chaos, citing past incidents where federal forces mitigated potential disasters.

• Critique of Media and Opposition Leaders:

  • He accuses mainstream media outlets like CNN of avoiding interviews with rioters and labels Democratic leadership, particularly California Governor Gavin Newsom, as ineffective and complicit.

• Threat of Escalated Federal Action:

  • Trump warns of invoking the Insurrection Act if protests intensify or spread to other cities, signaling a willingness to take unprecedented measures to restore order.

Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump (00:12):

  "Jobs and factories will come roaring back into our country. More production at home will mean stronger competition and lower prices for consumers."

• Donald Trump (13:43):

  "What we have is a situation in Los Angeles that was caused by gross incompetence. They didn't have the police to handle it. We had to go in to save a lot of ICE officers, as you know, who were held up in a building and they were being attacked."

• Donald Trump (14:39):

  "Bringing in bricks to throw at our police. Who paid for the bricks is the big question now that everyone is asking."

Implications:

Trump’s narrative frames the federal intervention as a testament to his leadership and commitment to "law and order." By directly challenging media representations and state leadership, he positions himself as the decisive force against what he describes as third-world lawlessness. The characterization of rioters as both a domestic and foreign threat aims to galvanize public support for continued military presence and stringent measures against protestors.

Section 3: The Intersection of Investigation and Executive Action

Converging Efforts to Address Civil Unrest

Both Senator Hawley’s legislative actions and President Trump’s executive measures intersect in their objective to quell civil unrest and restore stability. Hawley's investigation into the funding sources behind the riots seeks to dismantle the underlying support systems, while Trump's deployment of military forces addresses the immediate manifestations of unrest.

Notable Interactions:

• Shared Rhetoric:

  • Both Hawley and Trump utilize strong language to condemn the riots, emphasizing themes of lawlessness and the need for decisive action.

• Critique of Democratic Leadership:

  • The narrative consistently targets Democratic figures and organizations, attributing responsibility for the unrest to their policies and leadership failures.

Notable Quotes:

• Senator Josh Hawley (09:49):

  "They are trying to spread it across the country to Chicago, to St. Louis, to Seattle, New York, everywhere. We got to figure out who is behind this."

• Donald Trump (12:54):

  "We have them under arrest. They were bringing bricks in to throw at our police."

Implications:

The alignment between legislative investigations and executive actions underscores a unified front aimed at addressing and mitigating civil unrest. This convergence not only amplifies the message of restoring order but also intensifies scrutiny and potential repercussions for organizations and individuals perceived as orchestrating these disturbances.

Conclusion

In this episode, Ben Ferguson effectively highlights the dual approach of legislative scrutiny and executive intervention in addressing the surge of civil unrest across the United States. Senator Hawley's expanding investigation seeks to uncover and dismantle the financial and logistical support behind the riots, while President Trump's robust deployment of military forces aims to enforce law and order on the ground. The episode underscores the deepening political divide and the lengths to which current leadership is willing to go to maintain stability, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the strategies and motivations driving these pivotal actions.

Closing Remarks:

Ben Ferguson emphasizes the importance of staying informed and understanding the intricate dynamics at play, encouraging listeners to stay ahead by subscribing to The 47 Morning Update for continuous coverage of these unfolding events.

This summary is crafted to provide an in-depth and engaging overview of the episode’s key discussions and insights, complete with notable quotes and clear sectional organization to assist those who have not listened to the full podcast.