Overview

• President Trump has for years claimed that protesters opposing him are secretly paid and reiterated the allegation during recent appearances at Fort Bragg and Andrews Air Force Base.
• Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that IRS agents have been sent to Los Angeles to determine who might be financing the demonstrations.
• Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told Fox News that the Justice Department and FBI are looking into the funding behind the protests, citing Craigslist ads as potential proof.
• The Associated Press fact-check concluded that the Craigslist listings do not constitute credible evidence of paid protesters.
• Observers warn that channeling federal law enforcement resources into an unsubstantiated conspiracy theory could divert attention from higher-priority investigations.