{"id":2608019,"date":"2026-05-28T18:01:01","date_gmt":"2026-05-28T22:01:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/spencer-pratt-talks-taxes-crime-and-safety-in-cnbc-interview\/"},"modified":"2026-05-28T18:03:06","modified_gmt":"2026-05-28T22:03:06","slug":"spencer-pratt-talks-taxes-crime-and-safety-in-cnbc-interview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/spencer-pratt-talks-taxes-crime-and-safety-in-cnbc-interview\/","title":{"rendered":"Spencer Pratt talks taxes, crime, and safety in CNBC interview"},"content":{"rendered":"<aside class=\"mashsb-container mashsb-main mashsb-stretched\"><div class=\"mashsb-box\"><div class=\"mashsb-count mash-medium\" style=\"&quot;\"><div class=\"counts mashsbcount\">20<\/div><span class=\"mashsb-sharetext\">SHARES<\/span><\/div><div class=\"mashsb-buttons\"><a class=\"mashicon-facebook mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.conservativenewsdaily.net%2Fbreaking-news%2Fspencer-pratt-talks-taxes-crime-and-safety-in-cnbc-interview%2F\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Facebook<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-twitter mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/intent\/tweet?text=&amp;url=https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/?p=2608019&amp;via=ConservNewsDly\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Twitter<\/span><\/a><a class=\"mashicon-subscribe mash-medium mash-nomargin mashsb-noshadow\" href=\"#\" target=\"_top\" rel=\"nofollow\"><span class=\"icon\"><\/span><span class=\"text\">Subscribe<\/span><\/a><div class=\"onoffswitch2 mash-medium mashsb-noshadow\" style=\"display:none\"><\/div><\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                <div style=\"clear:both\"><\/div><\/aside>\n            <!-- Share buttons by mashshare.net - Version: 4.0.47--><p>Spencer Pratt, a Los Angeles GOP mayoral candidate known for *The Hills*, says he entered the race because \u201cnobody else was going to run,\u201d arguing that Mayor Karen Bass is positioned to secure another term without a serious challenger. In a CNBC interview, he framed his campaign around \u201clocal, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/fla-sen-rick-scott-blasts-dems-over-push-to-abolish-filibuster\/\" title=\"Fla. Sen. Rick Scott blasts Dems over push to abolish filibuster\">common-sense issues<\/a>,\u201d focusing on taxes, crime, public safety, and the city\u2019s economic struggles.<\/p>\n<p>Pratt has used social media to attack Bass over homelessness and quality-of-life concerns, including a viral Instagram video he posted about a trash-filled playground he associated with \u201cKaren Basura\u2019s park,\u201d claiming taxpayers\u2019 money is being used without results. He supports stronger intervention for people with severe addiction or mental illness, referencing California laws that can allow courts to mandate treatment in certain cases.<\/p>\n<p>He also connected public safety to Los Angeles\u2019s ability to attract investment-especially film and television production-arguing rising costs and safety\/permitting problems have made the city less appealing than locations offering bigger incentives. Pratt claimed some productions have paid gangs for protection (without providing evidence) and said he wants more funding for the fire department, which he says is under-resourced. He further emphasized protections for groups he says feel unsafe, including jewish people, Muslim worshippers, and LGBTQ residents.<\/p>\n<p>The LA mayoral primary is set for june 2.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"readmore\">\n    <button onclick=\"showReadMore()\" id=\"readmorebtn\">Read more&#8230;<\/button>\n<\/p>\n<hr id=\"line\">\n<span id=\"more\"><\/p>\n<article class=\"fn-body\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/los-angeles\/\">Los Angeles<\/a> GOP mayoral candidate <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/spencer-pratt\/\">Spencer Pratt<\/a> talked about <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/taxes\/\">taxes<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/crime\/\">crime<\/a>, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/safety\/\">safety<\/a> and the city\u2019s economic struggles during a Thursday interview on CNBC\u2019s <em>Squawk on the Street<\/em>, casting himself as an outsider focused on what he described as \u201clocal, common-sense issues.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI only got into the race because nobody else was going to run,\u201d Pratt said.<\/p>\n<section class=\"explore-more-section\" id=\"wex-recommended-widget\">\n<div class=\"magazine-container single\">\n<h1 class=\"magazine-title mt-2\">Recommended Stories<\/h1>\n<p>             <i class=\"fa-solid fa-play icon\"><\/i>         <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-grid\">\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/4586095\/spencer-pratt-la-mayor-race-taxes-crime-cnbc\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Spencer Pratt talks taxes, crime, and safety in CNBC interview<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/4586030\/newsom-endorsement-karen-bass-los-angeles-mayoral-race\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Newsom airs last-minute endorsement for Karen Bass in heated LA mayoral race<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<div class=\"explore-card\">                         <a href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/4585125\/xavier-becerra-strong-lead-california-gubernatorial-race\/?itm_source=parsely-api\">                             <\/p>\n<div class=\"explore-thumb-wrap\">                                                                                                                                  <\/div>\n<h3>Becerra holds strong lead in California race despite Steyer\u2019s record $195 million ad blitz<\/h3>\n<p>                         <\/a>                     <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI only got into the race because nobody else was going to run,\u201d Pratt said, arguing that incumbent Mayor <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/karen-bass\/\">Karen Bass<\/a> was positioned to \u201cget four more years\u201d without a serious challenger.<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-paywall\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201c[Bass] was just going to get four more years, so I had to step up,\u201d Pratt said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pratt, a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/medical-examiner-ncis-and-bones-actor-heath-freeman-died-of-fentanyl-overdose\/\" title=\"Medical Examiner: &#039;NCIS&#039; and &#039;Bones&#039; Actor Heath Freeman Died of Fentanyl Overdose\">reality television personality<\/a> best known for <em>The Hills<\/em>, has increasingly used social media to criticize Bass\u2019s handling of homelessness, drug addiction, and quality-of-life issues across Los Angeles.<\/p>\n<div style=\"display: inline-block; width: 100%; max-width: 640px; min-height: 180px; max-height: 360px; overflow: hidden;\">\n<div style=\"position: relative; width: 100%; padding-top: 56.25%;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/share.grabien.com\/share?id=3547758&#038;userid=11311&#038;usertype=user&#038;loginid=10455&#038;playercolor=%23000000&#038;playersize=auto&#038;code=3a7b5c6ffb50824a09f4695496186c0f\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0px; left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: 0px;\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pratt posted a <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DYSZGwPhQGU\/?hl=en\">video on Instagram<\/a> on May 13, calling out what he named \u201c<a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/4568877\/spencer-pratt-shows-off-karen-basura-park\/\">Karen Basura\u2019s park<\/a>.\u201d The word \u201cBasura,\u201d a derogatory nickname Pratt uses for Bass, means trash in Spanish.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The video showed a playground littered with trash, where Pratt claimed drug addicts came, and what looked to be a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/lpga-pulls-tournament-from-portland-venue-over-concerns-about-player-safety-homeless-encampment\/\" title=\"LPGA Pulls Tournament From Portland Venue Over Concerns About Player ..., Homeless Encampment\">nearby homeless encampment<\/a>. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cAll of our tax money is going to the drug addicts,\u201d he alleged. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Los Angeles continues to grapple with homelessness and housing affordability. <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.lahsa.org\/homeless-count\/dashboards\/hc24-localities-dashboard\">According to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, <\/a>more than 45,000 people were experiencing homelessness in the city in 2024<br \/>, though officials reported modest declines in unsheltered homelessness in some areas following expanded housing and outreach efforts.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pratt said his administration would pursue stricter intervention policies for individuals struggling with severe addiction or mental illness, referencing California laws that allow courts to mandate treatment in certain cases when individuals are deemed unable to care for themselves.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Throughout the interview, Pratt tied public safety concerns to the city\u2019s broader economic challenges, particularly the entertainment industry. He argued that rising costs, crime concerns, and permitting issues have made Los Angeles less attractive for film and television production, an issue industry leaders and unions have increasingly raised as productions move to <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3YuVZYV\" >states offering larger tax incentives<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/4584387\/pratt-cool-crips-bloods\/\"><strong>PRATT SAYS HE\u2019S \u2018COOL WITH\u2019 RIVAL CALIFORNIA-BASED GANGS CRIPS AND BLOODS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe\u2019re going to look like Dubai in eight years,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He also said film crews can\u2019t afford to film in the city.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cEveryone will want to produce and make projects in Los Angeles because it\u2019s perfect when it\u2019s a functioning, beautiful, safe city. But right now, it\u2019s dangerous,\u201d Pratt said. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/state\/4579864\/spencer-pratt-mayoral-run-traction-inconsistencies\/\"><strong>SPENCER PRATT\u2019S VIRAL MAYORAL RUN GAINS TRACTION IN LOS ANGELES DESPITE INCONSISTENCIES IN MESSAGING<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pratt also claimed some film crews operating in parts of Los Angeles have paid gangs for protection while filming, though he did not provide evidence for the assertion.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pratt also emphasized the need for more funding for the fire department, which he says is operating at levels from the 1960s.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe need to get our tax money back.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He continued: \u201cI\u2019m like Robin Hood. I\u2019m actually going to take the money that\u2019s already being taxed by the rich; I\u2019m going to make sure other rich people aren\u2019t stealing it to increase problems.\u201d<\/p>\n<div style=\"display: inline-block; width: 100%; max-width: 640px; min-height: 180px; max-height: 360px; overflow: hidden;\">\n<div style=\"position: relative; width: 100%; padding-top: 56.25%;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/share.grabien.com\/share?id=3547266&#038;userid=11311&#038;usertype=user&#038;loginid=10455&#038;playercolor=%23000000&#038;playersize=auto&#038;code=e696ca29be08b0e6a17d9d818201081e\" style=\"position: absolute; top: 0px; left: 0px; width: 100%; height: 100%; border: 0px;\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cI made it very clear that I\u2019m going to protect my Jewish friends and families that feel unsafe,\u201d Pratt said. He continued, \u201cI want a Muslim student to feel safe going to worship.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On LGBT safety in Los Angeles, he said, \u201cWhether you want to be trans and however you want to identify, if you\u2019re 18-years-old in America, you should be able to do whatever you want if you don\u2019t hurt other people.\u201d <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/news\/campaigns\/4582234\/spencer-pratt-files-complaint-against-karen-bass\/\"><strong>SPENCER PRATT FILES COMPLAINT AGAINST KAREN BASS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"> \u201cI\u2019m the common-sense American with the basic expectations of our tax money.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The LA mayoral primary <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" href=\"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/tag\/elections\/\">election<\/a> will be held June 2. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Los Angeles GOP mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt said he ran because no one else would, stressing \u201clocal, common-sense issues\u201d like taxes and public safety<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4226,"featured_media":2608020,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/spencerpratt_f7c7ef_54a0a2.jpg?w=696","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[],"tags":[80423,50403,35975,70393,10964],"class_list":["post-2608019","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-cnbc-interview","tag-crime-2","tag-public-safety","tag-spencer-pratt","tag-taxes"],"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/www.washingtonexaminer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/spencerpratt_f7c7ef_54a0a2.jpg?w=696","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2608019","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4226"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2608019"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2608019\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2608023,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2608019\/revisions\/2608023"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2608020"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2608019"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2608019"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.conservativenewsdaily.net\/breaking-news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2608019"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}