Verdict with Ted Cruz: BONUS POD – Senator Hawley Targets Riot Funders in Expanding Federal Probe
Release Date: June 12, 2025
In this bonus episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz," hosted by Ben Ferguson, the focus is sharply placed on two pivotal stories shaping the current political landscape: Senator Josh Hawley's intensifying investigation into the funding of recent riots and President Donald Trump's unwavering stance on maintaining military presence in Los Angeles amidst ongoing civil unrest.
1. Senator Josh Hawley's Federal Probe into Riot Funders
Expanding the Investigation
Senator Josh Hawley, chair of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Counterterrorism, has escalated his investigation into the financial backers of the Los Angeles riots, broadening the scope to include additional organizations suspected of fueling similar unrest nationwide. Initially targeting the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), a pro-immigration nonprofit, Hawley has now extended his probe to the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL) based in San Francisco.
Key Developments and Demands
In his comprehensive letter to PSL, Hawley outlined the severity of their alleged involvement, stating:
"Bankrolling civil unrest is not protected speech. It is aiding and abetting criminal conduct." (10:59)
He demanded the immediate cessation of any support for unlawful activities and the production of extensive documentation, including internal communications, financial records, and donor lists from November 5, 2024, to the present.
The investigation's expansion signifies a heightened scrutiny of organizations deemed to influence or incite protests that have morphed into riots. Hawley's approach underscores a broader governmental effort to trace the financial and logistical underpinnings of civil disturbances.
Public Statements and Media Interactions
In an interview on Fox News with Jesse Watters at [08:50], Hawley addressed allegations by Senator Tulsi Gabbard that the riots were orchestrated rather than spontaneous. Hawley emphasized the non-spontaneous nature of the protests:
"These aren't spontaneous at all. They're about as authentic as Astroturf. They are bought and paid for flash mobs." ([08:59])
He articulated the need to uncover the financial sources behind the unrest, asserting that the American people deserve transparency about who is funding these actions.
Further reinforcing his stance, Hawley connected the riots to the Democratic Party's alleged support, insinuating:
"Your colleagues in the Senate, do they support these people? Do they think this is good politically for the Democrat Party?" ([10:42])
Implications for Conservative Politics
Hawley's aggressive pursuit aims to hold accountable those he believes are fostering instability. By targeting specific organizations and expanding the investigation, he is positioning himself and the Republican Party as staunch defenders of law and order, appealing to constituents concerned about national security and public safety.
2. President Donald Trump's Defense of Military Deployment in Los Angeles
Maintaining Order Amid Civil Unrest
President Donald Trump has steadfastly defended the deployment of approximately 4,000 National Guard troops and 700 Marines to Los Angeles, labeling the situation as "Third World lawlessness." Speaking at Fort Bragg, Trump emphasized the necessity of the military presence to safeguard federal buildings and protect ICE agents:
"We weren't there, you would probably have a city that was burning to the ground just like it was a number of months ago." ([14:03])
Interview Highlights
In an in-depth conversation with Ben Ferguson, Trump detailed the government's swift action in response to the riots:
"We moved fast enough and we stopped tremendous destruction and death." ([15:00])
When pressed about the potential expansion of military involvement, Trump maintained his position against retreat:
"Failure to comply will result in additional actions by the subcommittee, including potential referral for criminal investigations." ([10:59])
Critique of Local Leadership
Trump lambasted California Governor Gavin Newsom, accusing him of incompetence and failure to control the situation:
"They are afraid to act. ... You would have had a big problem there." ([14:53])
He juxtaposed this with the proactive measures of other conservative governors like Greg Abbott of Texas, who has preemptively deployed National Guard units to counter planned anti-ICE demonstrations:
"Texas, the governor said, will not be under siege like California." ([15:49])
Policy Stances and Future Actions
Trump signaled a potential invocation of the Insurrection Act should protests escalate further across other cities, underscoring his commitment to "law and order." He criticized media outlets like CNN for not adequately representing the extent of the violence, suggesting a deliberate downplaying of the riots' severity:
"We can see it with our own eyes. I'm just glad Trump isn't letting the city burn." ([09:51])
Conclusion and Leadership Assertion
Throughout the discussion, Trump positioned himself as a decisive leader who prioritizes national security and public safety over political correctness. His rhetoric frames the unrest as a significant threat to American sovereignty and peace, reinforcing his base's expectations for strong leadership in turbulent times.
Final Thoughts
This episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz" delves deep into the mechanisms behind recent civil disturbances and the governmental responses thereto. Senator Hawley's expanded investigation and President Trump's robust defense of military intervention highlight a critical juncture in American politics, where issues of national security, political accountability, and leadership efficacy converge. For listeners seeking a thorough analysis of these developments, this episode provides a comprehensive overview of the strategies employed by conservative leaders to address and mitigate the challenges posed by widespread civil unrest.