Senator Hawley Targets Riot Funders in Expanding Federal Probe

Summary

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Transcript

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Ben Ferguson]

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[Donald Trump]

If we weren't there, if we didn't bring in the national gun and the Marines, you would probably have a city that was burning to the ground just like it was a number of months ago with the housing. You would have had a big problem there. We weren't. In fact, the police chief said so much, if you look at what his statements were, he said, we're very lucky to have had them. If we weren't there, that city would have been burning to the ground. Would be burning right now.

[Unnamed Male]

You're listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson.

[Unnamed Female]

Good Thursday. Good morning. It is the 47 Morning Update and so nice to have you with us. And we've got two big stories for you. Donald Trump speaking out. When asked about will he be pulling back the military presence in la. This after he has said he will send wherever he needs to the National Guard to protect American cities. We also have a very big report as well on where the money's coming from. And an official investigation has been launched in Congress by Senator Josh Hawley will give you the details of the organizations. And the scary part is some of your tax dollars were going to some of these groups. It's the 47 Morning Update and it starts right now. Story number one, center Josh Hawley has not only launched an investigation to who's funding the LA riots, but we're getting breaking news right now that the list has expanded from what happened earlier in the day. Senator Josh Hawley, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism launching this new investigation into who is funding the Los Angeles riots and other riots that are now breaking out around the country. Now, what we knew earlier was this. There was a target, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles. It's a non profit pro immigration group. The allegation was very clear. They may have provided logistical support and financial resources to individuals involved in the protests and escalated into riots, obviously on purpose. Now, the formal request he sent to this group and the executive director demanded the the preservation and the production of financial documents and donor lists, travel and coordination records and documents related to protest planning from November 5th 5th of 2024 to the present. Well, here is now what has happened since that first letter. Holly's office has now come out saying we are launching an investigation to other groups as well, not just the original one named. Who else is being added? Well, the Party for Socialism and Liberation out of San Francisco, California. The letter reads this way. To whom it may concern. I write in my capacity as the chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, which is regarding your organization's alleged role in financing and material support coordinated protests and riots that have engulfed Los Angeles in recent weeks. While peaceful protest is a cornerstone of American democracy, 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. He also stated this credible reporting now suggests that your organization, the Party for Socialism and Liberation, has provided logistical support and financial resources to individuals that are engaged in these disruptive actions. Let me be clear. Bankrolling civil unrest is not protected speech. It is aiding and abetting criminal conduct. Accordingly, you must immediately cease and assist any further involvement in these organizations, in the organization funding or promotion of these unlawful activities. Now, there's a long list of things that Holly is asking for, including all internal communications, including emails, text messages, chat logs, messaging apps related to the protests, related to the planning, the coordination or funding. He is also demanding that all financial documents related to the protests, the demonstrations or mobilization efforts in LA or elsewhere in the country relating to immigration enforcement. He also said if there are any third party contacts or vendor agreements, including any arrangements with event organizers, transportation providers, security personnel or communications consultants relating to immigration enforcement or the Los Angeles protests or similar protests elsewhere. He also asked for grant applications and funding proposals that relate to or reference immigration enforcement, as well as travel and lodging records for individuals or groups supported or reimbursed in connection with protest activities. He also said we must have media or public relations strategies, including your talking points, press releases and coordination with journalists or influencers related to immigration protests. And finally, the big one yet again, the donor list. Josh Hawley, the chairman of the Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism in the US Senate, said failure to comply will result in additional actions by the subcommittee, including potential referral for criminal investigations. So that letter has now gone out to the Party for Socialism and Liberation. Well, Josh Holly isn't done there. He has now also sent a letter to Ron Goz, spokesman for the Union Day Del Bario, demanding the exact same things that they demanded for the Party for Socialism and Liberation, as well as the earlier letter in the day that went to the original group asking, what do you know? When did you know it and how long have you been funding it with the Coalition for, quote, Humane Immigrant Rights? So that now brings me to Josh Hawley and what he had to say tonight on Fox News Channel when speaking with Jesse Waters. Take a listen.

[Josh Hawley]

Senator Josh Hawley joins us now. All right, Senator Tulsi Gabbard just said that these riots in L. A and all over the country are orchestrated. Can you tell us anything about that?

[Unnamed Female]

Yeah, I think that's absolutely right, Jesse. 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. That's why today I've launched an investigation. I've sent multiple investigative demands today to various groups out on social media claiming they are paying for this, they are organizing it, they are financing it. We've all seen the videos of vans driving up, handing out gas masks right before somebody blows up a car. It's time we found out where's the money coming from, who's really this. I think the American people deserve answers.

Senator Holly wasn't done there. He also talked about these rioters and he made it very clear that these rioters know who their ally is. It's the Democratic Party.

[Josh Hawley]

When they're saying, don't believe what you see on tv. And there's no violence at all. Doesn't that kind of remind you of the Biden cover up?

[Unnamed Female]

Oh, 100%. It's the same thing. Don't believe your lying eyes. Meanwhile, they're out there blowing up cars on the 101, they're assaulting cops, they're rushing federal buildings, they're burning down shops. It's all on television. I mean, we can see it with our own eyes. I'm just glad Trump isn't letting the city burn. I mean, Gavin Newsom would allow his state to burn for the second time in a year. And the worst part is somebody is paying for all of this. And they're trying to spread it, Jesse, just like you reported. They're 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. And by the way, why is the Democrat Party now basically an extended mental ward? I mean, what has happened to these people? They're nuts.

They're nuts. He's right. But it's also the reality of what they're doing, what they're advocating for. And the flag that they're flying, you know, the Mexican flag, you know, you.

[Josh Hawley]

Notice that CNN never even interviews anybody at the riot. We have clips of them. And you can see why CNN doesn't want to talk to them because they look insane. Your colleagues in the Senate, do they support these people? Do they think this is good politically for the Democrat Party?

[Unnamed Female]

Well, that's what they're acting like. I mean, they're out there saying all peaceful protests. It's all peaceful. And by the way, this is Donald Trump's fault. I'm like, really? Donald Trump's fault? Gee, I missed it when Donald Trump went and blew up a car on Highway 101. I didn't see him when he was assaulting cops. What I saw was a bunch of lunatics who are waving the Mexican flag and other flags while they burned our own. And by the way, Jesse, we ought to penalize people who burn the American flag while they're committing a crime. If you do that, you ought to have your prison sentence doubled. It's time to get serious with these people. It's law and order time in America. No more of this nonsense.

[Josh Hawley]

So it's like an extra, what, two years if you burn a flag in the commission of a felony?

[Unnamed Female]

Absolutely, that's what I would do. If you want to go burn a flag while you're up there rioting, while you're assaulting cops, while you're Blowing up cars? Yeah, fine, go right ahead. Spend double the amount of time in prison. That flag means something to Americans. If you think that you can just burn it and get away with it, it's time that we disabuse them of that notion. The other thing I'd say, Jesse, is if these protesters want to have a place to protest, how about a nice jail cell? And right after that, how about a one way ticket back to the country where they came from, never to see the United States again.

One thing that's for sure, Senator Josh Hawley is making it clear that under Donald Trump's leadership and his leadership in the Senate, we're going to find out who's funding, who's organizing and who's terrorizing the American people with these riots. They're expanding all over the country.

[Unnamed Male]

Now, story number two, President Trump not.

[Unnamed Female]

Backing down and protecting LA and any other city where these radical extremists are starting these riots. At Fort Bragg, Donald Trump addressed US Troops and vowed to liberate Los Angeles, blasting the situation as Third World lawlessness and accusing rioters of bearing foreign flags. He also defended the deployment of approximately 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines, citing their role in protecting ICE agents and federal buildings. Now, Trump also called the protesters animals, a foreign enemy and paid troublemakers, which we'll have more on that story of where the money's coming from for all of these protests, asserting that somebody's paying them, and we now have an investigation into that. He warned that he would invoke the Insurrection act if protests reach other cities, claiming he would send troops everywhere to maintain order. Now, Trump has framed the unrest as part of a broader threat, describing it as a full blown assault on peace, on public order and national sovereignty. He directly challenged California leaders, calling Governor Gavin Newsom news scum and saying they are afraid to act. Trump also insists his forceful response demonstrates decisive leadership and exactly what the American people voted for. Well, the president was also at the Kennedy center walking the red carpet with his wife, the first lady, and he was asked about some of these decisions. Take a listen.

[Donald Trump]

Will you be pulling back on the military? Will you be pulling back on the military presence in Los Angeles and in California soon? What's the barometer you're using? If we weren't there, if we didn't bring in the National Guard and the Marines, you would probably have a city that was burning to the ground just like it was a number of months ago with the housing. You would have had a big problem there. We weren't, in fact, the police chief said so much. If you look at what his statements were, he said, we're very lucky to have had them. If we weren't there, that city would have been burning to the ground, would be burning right now. Mr. President, what do you think of.

[Unnamed Female]

Avoiding summer of unrest? What are you prepared to do, sir?

[Donald Trump]

About what?

[Unnamed Female]

If this turns. Well, the protests have spread now to 16 cities across the US and Wisconsin.

[Donald Trump]

That's what you're saying. Do I believe you? I don't think so.

[Unnamed Female]

Well, I got that.

[Donald Trump]

I can tell you that what we have. What we have is a situation in Los Angeles that was caused by gross incompetence. They didn't have the police to handle it. The police were asking us to come in. They were very late. We had to go in to save a lot of ICE officers, as you know, who were held up. They were holed up in a building and they were being attacked and the military went in. The National Guard went in and got them. The police weren't able, unfortunately, to move fast enough, but we moved fast enough. And while we were there, we stayed there and we, we stopped tremendous destruction and death. We stopped death. We stopped a lot. And if you look at them cutting up and breaking up the sidewalk and getting it and using it as a weapon. Did you see that? With the curb where they're breaking up the curb, nice curb. And they break it up with a hammer because they couldn't get the bricks in. You know, they got caught with the bricks. We have them under arrest. They were bringing bricks in to throw at our police.

[Unnamed Female]

Bringing in bricks to throw at our police. Who paid for the bricks is the big question now that everyone is asking. But the President is also calling on leaders, governors, to take the lead, take a stand and stop the anarchy. And guess what? Many conservative governors are doing exactly that. The Governor of Texas, for example, Greg Abbott, has proactively deployed the National Guard to San Antonio ahead of planned anti ice demonstrations. Gavin Newsom. That's how it's done. Texas, the governor said, will not be under siege like California. And that's exactly the type of leadership that so many Americans are looking for.

[Unnamed Male]

Thank you for listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson. Please make sure you hit subscribe wherever you're listening to this podcast right now. And for more in depth news, also subscribe to the Ben Ferguson podcast and we will see you back here tomorrow.

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