Commentary

American Traitors in Iran

Posted on by Bill McCarthy

Jackson Hinkle, Max Blumenthal, Christopher Helali, and Calla Walsh Praised the Dead Ayatollah and Chanted ‘Death to America’ – Prosecute Them All Upon Return

American citizens traveled to Tehran for the funeral of slain Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and openly sided with America’s enemies. They praised a regime that has spent decades funding the murder of U.S. troops and allies. They amplified calls for revenge and joined or cheered “Death to America” chants amid state-orchestrated mourning. This isn’t free speech—it’s active alignment with a designated state sponsor of terrorism during active conflict. These individuals chose the side of our adversaries. If they ever set foot back in America, they deserve full legal consequences without mercy.

The Specific Traitors and Their Actions

Jackson Hinkle, a social media grifter with millions of followers who built his brand defending authoritarian regimes, flew to Tehran. He spent days posting propaganda videos from the funeral, declaring the Iranian people want revenge against the United States and amplifying regime narratives to his audience.

Max Blumenthal, far-left activist and writer, joined mourners in Tehran for Shia rituals evoking battle and martyrdom. He participated in events tied to the funeral and used his platform to defend the regime’s perspective.

Christopher Helali, an elected local official in Vermont serving as Orange County high bailiff, declared himself the only elected U.S. politician in Iran. He posted selfies in front of “#KillTrump” banners and publicly honored Khamenei and his family, framing the visit as paying respects to the “Imam.”

Calla Walsh, a 21-year-old activist with a history in progressive campaigns, traveled to Tehran as one of the regime’s most vocal American defenders. She praised the late leader, promoted the funeral proceedings, and echoed supportive messaging online.

These aren’t anonymous protesters. They are identifiable U.S. citizens who chose to stand with the Islamic Republic during its public display of hostility toward America. Their presence provided propaganda value—the regime loves showcasing Westerners endorsing its cause. Chants of “Death to America” and calls for revenge against U.S. leadership echoed throughout the events they attended or amplified.

Khamenei’s Legacy and Why This Matters

Khamenei oversaw a regime that:

  • Designated the IRGC as a terrorist organization for good reason—its proxies killed and maimed Americans in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere.
  • Pursued nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles threatening global stability.
  • Crushed domestic dissent with executions, torture, and oppression.
  • Funded Hamas, Hezbollah, and other groups behind attacks on U.S. interests and allies.

Praising him while in Iran isn’t cultural exchange. It’s endorsing a theocratic dictatorship that views the United States as its existential foe. Shouting or supporting “Death to America” in that context goes beyond rhetoric—it’s giving aid and comfort to enemies during tensions that included direct U.S. and Israeli strikes.

Legal Reckoning If They Return

These individuals must face immediate and severe consequences upon any attempt to re-enter the United States:

  • Treason investigation (18 U.S.C. § 2381): Adhering to enemies and giving them aid and comfort. Attending enemy state events, praising leaders, and amplifying propaganda during funeral proceedings tied to conflict fits. Conviction carries life in prison or death penalty in extreme cases. Evidence from their own posts, videos, and public statements builds a strong case.
  • Material support to terrorism (18 U.S.C. § 2339B): Providing services, propaganda value, or resources to the Iranian regime or its designated terrorist elements (IRGC). Participation in regime-orchestrated events qualifies.
  • Passport revocation and border denial: The State Department has authority to cancel passports for national security threats. These citizens engaged in activities abroad harmful to U.S. foreign policy. Detention and secondary screening at the border upon return are mandatory. Revocation prevents further travel and signals zero tolerance.
  • Additional charges: Seditious conspiracy if coordination with regime elements is uncovered. Loss of any government benefits, security clearances, or public office eligibility for Helali.

Prosecution should be aggressive. The Department of Justice has tools to act on foreign travel records, social media evidence, and witness statements. Public trials would deter copycats and send a clear message: America does not tolerate citizens defecting to enemy propaganda machines.

Social and professional fallout should follow: employers, universities, and communities have every right to reject those who sided with our adversaries. No platforms, no forgiveness.

America First Means Zero Tolerance for Traitors

These aren’t misguided youth or abstract critics. They are adults who chose enemy territory to praise a tyrant and echo calls for America’s destruction. Khamenei’s Iran was no friend—it was an active opponent responsible for American deaths and global instability.

America First demands loyalty to the nation over ideology or adventure. Citizens who travel to hostile states to join anti-American spectacles forfeit the benefits of citizenship. Investigate thoroughly, charge where evidence supports, revoke privileges, and prosecute to the fullest extent. Harsh sentencing and permanent consequences protect the republic from within.

The regime in Iran uses useful idiots for propaganda. We should treat them as such—enemies of the American people who chose the wrong side. No safe return without accountability. Sovereignty requires enforcing consequences for betrayal. These traitors made their choice. America should make ours crystal clear.

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