Joe Lonsdale: American Optimist Ep 116: California — the Next Revolution? A Conversation with Steve Hilton
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Jun 19, 2025 
Steve Hilton, former Fox News host and political advisor, delves into California's political landscape and his journey from UK politics to running for governor. He highlights the impact of over-regulation on small businesses and the alarming rise in frivolous lawsuits harming entrepreneurs. Hilton passionately discusses how California's policies have shifted power towards government unions, creating a crisis for working families. He envisions actionable solutions to tackle housing issues and restore California's identity, inspiring a new wave of political change in the state.
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Unaccountable Bureaucracy Controls Policy
- Bureaucratic overreach often results in unaccountable and unchecked government action.
- In the UK, 70% of government activity was bureaucracy-driven rather than elected policy implementation.
Early Pandemic Truths on TV
- Steve Hilton was the first TV host to present evidence linking Fauci's experiments to the pandemic origin.
- He courageously opposed lockdowns early despite significant public backlash and social media restrictions.
PAGA Lawsuits Cripple Restaurants
- California restaurants budget up to a million dollars yearly to handle frivolous PAGA lawsuits.
- One Mexican restaurant was sued over a menu section name, illustrating California's extreme legal environment.
