In a heated exchange on "Fox and Friends," co-host Lawrence Jones confronted Adam Swart, CEO of Crowds on Demand, regarding the financing behind organized protests.
The discussion centered on the authenticity of public demonstrations, particularly those involving paid participants. Swart's company has been linked to various protests, including the "No Kings" demonstrations across the United States on July 4.
Some of these protests escalated into violence, notably in Portland, Oregon, where rioters targeted an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility.
According to the Daily Caller, Swart defended his company's activities as "peaceful protest," prompting Jones to question whether employing paid protesters accurately reflects public opinion. Swart countered by alleging that the Tea Party had also utilized paid participants. Jones, a Tea Party participant himself, refuted this claim, asserting, "I remember the Tea Party, I was part of the Tea Party and those were organic protests. I guess what Im trying to get at is the Tea Party was moms, dads-." Swart interrupted, insisting, "They were heavily funded, Lawrence. They were heavily funded."
Jones pressed Swart for specifics on who finances these liberal demonstrations, asking, "So what Im asking you is, is there are liberal campaigns paying for, liberal nonprofits? Like, who is cutting the check?"
Swart's response was vague, suggesting that both conservative and liberal groups sponsor protests as a means of advocacy. He claimed to have declined a $20 million offer to organize anti-Trump protests, as reported by the Hindustan Times.
Swart's evasive answers continued as he described various methods of compensating protesters, including payments to academic fellows and Congressional staff. Jones expressed skepticism about the transparency of these financial arrangements, stating, "Its an interesting business model. We look forward to seeing exactly where the money is coming from though. Because I think when you are affecting public policy, everybody likes organic protests, its a part of our democracy, but we have groups that are funding-."
Swart maintained that his company's activities were "organic," a claim Jones dismissed, arguing, "Its not organic, you are paying them. That means its totally different. They are professional, paid people."
The debate underscores the ongoing controversy surrounding the authenticity and influence of paid protests in shaping public policy and opinion.
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