Ashley Moody Calls Out California's Attempt to Criminalize Investigative Journalism Through Stop Nick Shirley Act
Enjoying this? Share it with someone who needs to see it.
Up Next
Nick Shirley Exposed Minnesota Fraud and Tim Walz Fled: Inside Billion-Dollar Government Waste Investigation
10:56
Two Female Athletes Challenge Biological Males Competing in Women's Sports with Attorney Christiana Holcomb
5:33
Minnesota Prosecutor Charges ICE Agent While Refusing to Prosecute Violent Criminals and Anti-ICE Mob
7:46
Ashley Moody Calls Out California's Attempt to Criminalize Investigative Journalism Through Stop Nick Shirley Act
Florida Senator Ashley Moody slams California Democrats for pushing legislation that critics have dubbed the Stop Nick Shirley Act, which she argues effectively criminalizes investigative journalism into taxpayer-funded fraud. Moody draws sharp contrasts between failed blue state policies that create structural deficits and Florida's approach to fiscal responsibility. She explains how states like California use federal grants to fund NGOs while simultaneously attempting to shield these organizations from transparency and accountability. The Senator warns that this bill represents yet another example of woke policy implementation without regard for taxpayers or balanced budgets, driving citizens and law enforcement to flee to states like Florida that prioritize good governance.
California Democrats are facing criticism for a new bill that one lawmaker has dubbed the Stop Nick Shirley Act. The proposed legislation has sparked fierce debate, with opponents arguing it effectively criminalizes investigative journalism. Florida Senator Ashley Moody, a member of the Homeland Security Committee and former Florida Attorney General, offered a scathing assessment of the bill during an interview.
Moody expressed no surprise at California's attempt to restrict investigative reporting. She characterized states pushing such legislation as criminal havens where failed policies have created structural deficits. According to Moody, states like California and Massachusetts struggle with massive budget shortfalls because their policies destroy true markets rather than driving real market-driven prosperity.
The Contrast Between Blue State Failure and Florida Success
The Senator drew a stark comparison between California's approach and Florida's fiscal management. While California runs deficits year after year and then seeks federal grants to cover shortfalls, Florida maintains balanced budgets while creating genuine prosperity. These federal grants, Moody explained, get pushed out to NGOs and various organizations through health grants, green energy initiatives, and other programs that totaled billions of dollars during the Biden administration.
When Americans like Nick Shirley show up demanding to know where their taxpayer money is going, they expose how much funding is being used to shield illegal activities and support programs benefiting illegal immigration. This transparency, according to Moody, is exactly what states like California want to eliminate. They want to stop any American taxpayer from demanding accountability.
Nick Shirley's Response to the Legislation
Nick Shirley himself responded to the bill bearing his name, warning about the severe consequences if it passes. Under the proposed legislation, investigating fraud at NGOs that receive money for migrants could result in a $4,000 civil fine, a criminal fine, or a $50,000 felony. Shirley argued that the bill is designed to bankrupt journalists from looking into fraud, allowing corruption to continue and worsen.
As a journalist operating on public property, Shirley raised questions about the bill's legality. Senator Moody supported this concern, noting that people have the right to speak out, report, and talk about things they see wrong.
The Irony of Protecting Fraudsters While Targeting Law Enforcement
Moody highlighted a striking irony in the proposed legislation. The bill claims to protect nonprofit employees from being harassed or doxed, yet when Shirley showed up at locations in Minnesota, there were no employees present at all—the operations were complete fronts. California Democrats want to allow harassment, doxing, and threats against law enforcement while simultaneously protecting people scamming American taxpayers.
This approach, according to Moody, exemplifies why California is a failed state. The nonsense policies they continue inflicting upon their citizens drive people to flee to states like Florida. The Senator emphasized that Florida creates prosperity through good policies, attracting citizens, businesses, and law enforcement personnel from New York, Illinois, California, and Minnesota—people who want to be respected and given the tools and resources they need to do their jobs.
The Broader Pattern of Blocking Oversight
Senator Moody explained that blocking transparency isn't new for these states. They've already been shutting out Congress and its oversight responsibilities, particularly during the Biden administration. Now that Nick Shirley has demonstrated success in exposing fraud, they're attempting to cover up and block anybody else from conducting similar investigations.
The Senator argued that as long as states like California act with a political woke sense in terms of how they enact policy, with no understanding of how to balance a budget or take care of taxpayers funding them, the exodus to states that take their stewardship, leadership, and responsibilities seriously will continue.
Shifting Focus to Republican Senate Races
The conversation shifted to the political landscape and President Trump's affordability tour through Las Vegas and Phoenix, where he discussed his big beautiful bills and tax cuts. However, concerning news emerged from the Cook Political Report, which shifted several Senate races that were supposed to favor Republicans toward Democrats, including Nebraska, Ohio, North Carolina, and Georgia.
When asked about Republicans potentially losing their grip on these Senate races, Moody remained optimistic. She insisted that as long as Republicans talk about the policies they're implementing that put America and Americans first, and the results they've delivered over the past year, they will be successful in November.
Republican Accomplishments and Tax Relief
The Senator pointed to concrete achievements that resonate with voters. Republicans delivered on ending taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security for seniors who are often on limited incomes and struggling financially. In her first year as a United States Senator, Moody helped pass legislation ensuring that Florida citizens will receive the highest average tax returns in the nation.
When pressed about whether Republicans face a messaging problem, Moody acknowledged the need for better communication. She emphasized that Republicans are getting things done and delivering on policies affecting American lives and American interests—they just need to be better about touting how they've delivered those results over the last year.
