BONUS POD: Senator Hawley Targets Riot Funders in Expanding Federal Probe

Summary

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Transcript

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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.

[Ben Ferguson]

You're listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson. Good Thursday 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 is 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 Holly. We'll 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 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 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 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 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 and 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 U. S. 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 Hawley isn't done there. He has now also sent a letter to Ron Gochez, spokesman for the Union day del barrio, 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 Holly 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?

[Jesse Watters]

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 behind this. I think the American people deserve answers.

[Ben Ferguson]

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?

[Jesse Watters]

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 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.

[Ben Ferguson]

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.

[Josh Hawley]

You know, you 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?

[Jesse Watters]

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 were 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 a 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?

[Jesse Watters]

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, 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?

[Ben Ferguson]

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. Now, story number two, President Trump not 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 new 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 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.

[Ben Ferguson]

Mr. President, what do you think of appointment, summer of unrest? What are you prepared to do, sir?

[Donald Trump]

About what?

[Ben Ferguson]

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

[Donald Trump]

Well, that's what you're saying. Do I believe you? I don't think so.

[Ben Ferguson]

Well, I got that. I can tell you that what we.

[Donald Trump]

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 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.

[Ben Ferguson]

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. 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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