Rufo & Lomez Interview w/ Steve Hilton: California’s Missing Billions | Ep 37
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Apr 3, 2026 
Steve Hilton, a British-born political commentator and gubernatorial candidate, outlines audits alleging billions misused in California funds. He discusses structural reforms to stop improper payments. He examines housing, union influence, the homeless-industrial complex, and how new media scrutiny could shift politics.
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Cannabis Tax Money Routed To Political Nonprofits
- Hilton recounts CalDoge's first report: $370M from the cannabis tax fund was parceled to 500+ nonprofits doing political activity instead of substance abuse prevention.
- He traced grant recipients' websites and annual reports to confirm voter registration and organizing work.
Climate Funds Follow The Same Leak Pattern
- Climate/greenhouse gas funds meant for low-income solar largely went to political groups: $72M spent vs. $1B allocated since 2015.
- Hilton calls this a repeat business model: taxpayer money funneled to nonprofits that support the Democratic machine.
Behested Payments As Legalized Cronyism
- Hilton describes 'behested payments' as legalized corruption where officials call businesses to donate to favored nonprofits, including the governor's wife's charity.
- He emphasizes the transparency is performative because disclosures come too late and generate no consequence.