Join Senator Ted Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson as they break down the most important news stories of the day and reveal what they mean for you. On "Verdict with Ted Cruz,” you will go behind the scenes of the political debates that define our country. "Verdict with Ted Cruz" is being brought to you by Jobs, Freedom, and Security PAC, a political action committee dedicated to supporting conservative causes, organizations, and candidates across the country. In 2022, Jobs, Freedom, and Security PAC plans to donate to conservative candidates running for Congress and help the Republican Party across the nation.

Join Senator Ted Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson as they break down the most important news stories of the day and reveal what they mean for you. On "Verdict with Ted Cruz,&rdquo; you will go behind the scenes of the political debates that define our country. "Verdict with Ted Cruz" is being brought to you by Jobs, Freedom, and Security PAC, a political action committee dedicated to supporting conservative causes, organizations, and candidates across the country. In 2022, Jobs, Freedom, and Security PAC plans to donate to conservative candidates running for Congress and help the Republican Party across the nation.

Verdict with Ted Cruz

Hosted by popular national radio host, podcaster and political commentator Ben Ferguson, The 47 Morning Update spotlights the latest news and political headlines, with a special focus on the President's administration, policies, and agenda.

Join Ben for unfiltered insights, exclusive interviews, and honest commentary you won’t get from the mainstream media. Ben takes you behind the scenes, covering the issues shaping America today - straight from the President’s Oval Office.

Don’t miss a single episode. New updates drop daily, Monday through Saturday. Subscribe now on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you listen to podcasts—be informed, stay ahead, and join Ben on The 47 Morning Update!

Hosted by popular national radio host, podcaster and political commentator Ben Ferguson,&nbsp;The 47 Morning Update spotlights the latest news and political headlines, with a special focus on the President's administration, policies, and agenda.
Join Ben for unfiltered insights, exclusive interviews, and honest commentary you won&rsquo;t get from the mainstream media. Ben takes you behind the scenes, covering the issues shaping America today - straight from the President&rsquo;s Oval Office.
Don&rsquo;t miss a single episode. New updates drop daily, Monday through Saturday. Subscribe now on the iHeartRadio app or wherever you listen to podcasts&mdash;be informed, stay ahead, and join Ben on The 47 Morning Update!

The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

If you hate the liberal media but love the 47th President, than this is the podcast for you. Ben Ferguson brings you the commentary on the news that the biased media will not cover.

If you hate the liberal media but love the&nbsp;47th&nbsp;President, than this is the podcast for you. Ben Ferguson brings you the commentary on the news that the biased media will not cover.

THIS PODCAST GIVE YOU WHAT THE BIASED MEDIA WON'T!

The Ben Ferguson Podcast

Join Senator Ted Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson as they break down the most important news stories of the day and reveal what they mean for you. On "Verdict with Ted Cruz,&rdquo; you will go behind the scenes of the political debates that define our country. "Verdict with Ted Cruz" is being brought to you by Jobs, Freedom, and Security PAC, a political action committee dedicated to supporting conservative causes, organizations, and candidates across the country. In 2022, Jobs, Freedom, and Security PAC plans to donate to conservative candidates running for Congress and help the Republican Party across the nation.

Reel Justice

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/48e92188-1fcc-4734-9cc3-b23d012105b7/transcript

1. Life in Cuba Before and After the Revolution
At first, many Cubans—including Sonia’s family—believed Fidel Castro would bring hope and equality.
Very quickly, Castro imposed strict control, destroyed economic freedom, and made the entire population equally poor.

2. The Reality of Communist Cuba
Universal poverty: Everyone was paid the same and had almost nothing—food shortages, basic needs unmet.
State surveillance: Every neighborhood had assigned informants who monitored households and reported any anti‑government sentiment.
Restrictions on daily life: Cubans were barred from renting boats, traveling, or accessing certain services, even if they had citizenship elsewhere.

3. Persecution and Indoctrination
Sonia witnessed the regime executing and imprisoning dissenters.
Castro used propaganda to turn children against their families, encouraging them to report relatives critical of the government.
Schools were forced to teach pro‑communist, pro‑Castro ideology.

4. Family Resistance
Sonia’s mother (a teacher) was ordered to teach communist doctrine.
Rather than comply, she pretended to have a mental breakdown so she could be removed from teaching, since quitting was illegal.
Sonia herself resisted the regime and was repeatedly detained, imprisoned for days, and disappeared without her family knowing her whereabouts.

5. Life After Leaving Cuba
Sonia left in 1962 but returned over the years with suitcases of medicine, food, clothing, and household essentials—items extremely scarce in Cuba.
She often left behind even her own clothes because relatives in Cuba lacked basics like underwear and bedsheets.

6. The Illusion Presented to Foreign Visitors
Tourists and foreign politicians were only shown “model” schools, hospitals, and neighborhoods.
This created a false image of prosperity, hiding the suffering of everyday Cubans who lived in extreme poverty.

7. Misconceptions About Socialism and Communism
The conversation highlights how younger Americans often romanticize socialism without understanding its authoritarian outcomes.
It emphasizes that socialist regimes destroy incentive, suppress faith, and strip away basic freedoms.
The leaders of these systems live in luxury while the people remain impoverished.

8. The Human Cost
Sonia stresses that the worst suffering was the inability of families to secure food and basic necessities for their children.
Many Cubans survive by drinking sugar water to feel full.
Average income was described as around $30 per month, making survival nearly impossible.

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1. Life in Cuba Before and After the Revolution
<ul>
<li>At first, many Cubans&mdash;including Sonia&rsquo;s family&mdash;believed Fidel Castro would bring hope and equality.</li>
<li>Very quickly, Castro imposed strict control, destroyed economic freedom, and made the entire population equally poor.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
2. The Reality of Communist Cuba
<ul>
<li>Universal poverty: Everyone was paid the same and had almost nothing&mdash;food shortages, basic needs unmet.</li>
<li>State surveillance: Every neighborhood had assigned informants who monitored households and reported any anti‑government sentiment.</li>
<li>Restrictions on daily life: Cubans were barred from renting boats, traveling, or accessing certain services, even if they had citizenship elsewhere.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
3. Persecution and Indoctrination
<ul>
<li>Sonia witnessed the regime executing and imprisoning dissenters.</li>
<li>Castro used propaganda to turn children against their families, encouraging them to report relatives critical of the government.</li>
<li>Schools were forced to teach pro‑communist, pro‑Castro ideology.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
4. Family Resistance
<ul>
<li>Sonia&rsquo;s mother (a teacher) was ordered to teach communist doctrine.</li>
<li>Rather than comply, she pretended to have a mental breakdown so she could be removed from teaching, since quitting was illegal.</li>
<li>Sonia herself resisted the regime and was repeatedly detained, imprisoned for days, and disappeared without her family knowing her whereabouts.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
5. Life After Leaving Cuba
<ul>
<li>Sonia left in 1962 but returned over the years with suitcases of medicine, food, clothing, and household essentials&mdash;items extremely scarce in Cuba.</li>
<li>She often left behind even her own clothes because relatives in Cuba lacked basics like underwear and bedsheets.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
6. The Illusion Presented to Foreign Visitors
<ul>
<li>Tourists and foreign politicians were only shown &ldquo;model&rdquo; schools, hospitals, and neighborhoods.</li>
<li>This created a false image of prosperity, hiding the suffering of everyday Cubans who lived in extreme poverty.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
7. Misconceptions About Socialism and Communism
<ul>
<li>The conversation highlights how younger Americans often romanticize socialism without understanding its authoritarian outcomes.</li>
<li>It emphasizes that socialist regimes destroy incentive, suppress faith, and strip away basic freedoms.</li>
<li>The leaders of these systems live in luxury while the people remain impoverished.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
8. The Human Cost
<ul>
<li>Sonia stresses that the worst suffering was the inability of families to secure food and basic necessities for their children.</li>
<li>Many Cubans survive by drinking sugar water to feel full.</li>
<li>Average income was described as around $30 per month, making survival nearly impossible.</li>
</ul>
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Honoring and Remembering My Tia Sonia

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/0a5654cd-aa61-4852-8541-b3d20076f2ea/transcript

2. Minneapolis Situation & ICE ConfrontationsA. Escalating Conflict
Recent fatal confrontations between civilians and ICE agents in Minneapolis.
Two individuals (not known to be violent criminals) have been killed during encounters.
Host urges toning down rhetoric from both political sides to prevent further escalation.

B. Comparison Between Texas and Minnesota
Texas sees far more ICE arrests but fewer violent confrontations.
Reasons suggested:

Texas law enforcement cooperates with ICE.
Minnesota politicians (governor/mayor) allegedly encourage public confrontation with ICE.

C. Violent Protest Structure
Minneapolis protests are organized, funded, and oper­ated similarly to military groups.
Reports mentioned:

Surveillance operations against law enforcement
Protesters allegedly sabotaging vehicles and physically attacking officers
Autonomous‑zone style barricades forming in some areas

3. Responsibility & Advice Regarding Police Encounters
Do not escalate encounters with law enforcement.
Entering a protest with a firearm greatly increases danger for everyone involved.
Legal principles discussed:

Lethal force is justified if officers reasonably believe there is a threat.
Officers cannot shoot fleeing suspects unless they pose serious immediate danger.

4. Media Narratives & Political MessagingA. Suburban Women as Target Audience
Democrats viewed as shaping narratives (e.g., “ICE shoots mother of three,” “ICE detains 5‑year‑old”) to emotionally influence suburban voters.
Hosts argue some widely publicized stories were misleading or false.

B. Claims of Political Motives
Democrats are using these incidents to distract from:

A major Minnesota fraud scandal involving billions of dollars.
Each new confrontation diverts media attention from that scandal.

5. Anticipated Government ShutdownA. Democrat Position
Multiple Democratic leaders publicly oppose funding DHS/ICE at current levels.
Statements from Senators (Schumer, Warren, Murphy) emphasize refusal to pass DHS funding bill without ICE restrictions.

B. Hosts’ Conclusion
They expect a government shutdown, driven by attempts to:

Defund or weaken ICE
Appeal to progressive voters
Control political narrative ahead of elections
Shutdown would affect agencies not yet funded (e.g., Defense, Labor, Education, HHS, HUD, DHS).

 

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X: https://x.com/tedcruz

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2. Minneapolis Situation &amp; ICE Confrontations A. Escalating Conflict
<ul>
<li>Recent fatal confrontations between civilians and ICE agents in Minneapolis.</li>
<li>Two individuals (not known to be violent criminals) have been killed during encounters.</li>
<li>Host urges toning down rhetoric from both political sides to prevent further escalation.</li>
</ul>
B. Comparison Between Texas and Minnesota
<ul>
<li>Texas sees far more ICE arrests but fewer violent confrontations.</li>
<li>Reasons suggested:
<ul>
<li>Texas law enforcement cooperates with ICE.</li>
<li>Minnesota politicians (governor/mayor) allegedly encourage public confrontation with ICE.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
C. Violent Protest Structure
<ul>
<li>Minneapolis protests are organized, funded, and oper&shy;ated similarly to military groups.</li>
<li>Reports mentioned:
<ul>
<li>Surveillance operations against law enforcement</li>
<li>Protesters allegedly sabotaging vehicles and physically attacking officers</li>
<li>Autonomous‑zone style barricades forming in some areas</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
3. Responsibility &amp; Advice Regarding Police Encounters
<ul>
<li>Do not escalate encounters with law enforcement.</li>
<li>Entering a protest with a firearm greatly increases danger for everyone involved.</li>
<li>Legal principles discussed:
<ul>
<li>Lethal force is justified if officers reasonably believe there is a threat.</li>
<li>Officers cannot shoot fleeing suspects unless they pose serious immediate danger.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
4. Media Narratives &amp; Political Messaging A. Suburban Women as Target Audience
<ul>
<li>Democrats viewed as shaping narratives (e.g., &ldquo;ICE shoots mother of three,&rdquo; &ldquo;ICE detains 5‑year‑old&rdquo;) to emotionally influence suburban voters.</li>
<li>Hosts argue some widely publicized stories were misleading or false.</li>
</ul>
B. Claims of Political Motives
<ul>
<li>Democrats are using these incidents to distract from:
<ul>
<li>A major Minnesota fraud scandal involving billions of dollars.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Each new confrontation diverts media attention from that scandal.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
5. Anticipated Government Shutdown A. Democrat Position
<ul>
<li>Multiple Democratic leaders publicly oppose funding DHS/ICE at current levels.</li>
<li>Statements from Senators (Schumer, Warren, Murphy) emphasize refusal to pass DHS funding bill without ICE restrictions.</li>
</ul>
B. Hosts&rsquo; Conclusion
<ul>
<li>They expect a government shutdown, driven by attempts to:
<ul>
<li>Defund or weaken ICE</li>
<li>Appeal to progressive voters</li>
<li>Control political narrative ahead of elections</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Shutdown would affect agencies not yet funded (e.g., Defense, Labor, Education, HHS, HUD, DHS).</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
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Mayhem in Minneapolis: Why it's Happening, How to Stop it & Why Dems Will Shut the Government Down to Encourage More 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/ad657f1e-63fd-4d58-a7ee-b3d20076cb6d/transcript

1. Oil Prices & National Security
Lower global oil prices weaken hostile regimes like Iran, Russia, and Venezuela by reducing their revenue.
The Trump administration aims for a “sweet spot” oil price ($60–$70/barrel):

Low enough to hurt adversaries.
High enough to avoid bankrupting U.S. independent oil producers.
If prices drop into the $40s, it could collapse small oil producers in Texas and the Permian Basin.

2. Venezuela’s Oil Infrastructure
Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves, but decades of mismanagement have destroyed its infrastructure.
Estimates from oil executives:

Increasing production from 1 million to 3 million barrels/day could take 10 years and require $100B+ in investment.
Even going from 1 million to 2 million/day would take 5–7 years.
Gulf Coast refineries can process Venezuela’s heavy sour crude, but expanded imports would mostly affect Canada and Mexico, not U.S. light-sweet crude producers.

3. Cuba’s Economic Crisis
Cuba historically survived on financial support from:

The Soviet Union (until its collapse).
Venezuela under Chávez/Maduro (oil and money).
With Venezuela no longer able to support Cuba, the island is in economic freefall.
Mexico is currently providing oil that helps sustain the Cuban regime.
The Trump administration may pressure Mexico to cut this supply, potentially pushing Cuba toward political collapse.

4. Jack Smith & January 6th Investigation
Smith is accused of leading a politically motivated prosecution against Donald Trump.
He allegedly relied on questionable or disproven testimony, notably from Cassidy Hutchinson.
Hutchinson’s dramatic claims (e.g., Trump lunging for a steering wheel) were not confirmed by eyewitnesses.
Jim Jordan challenged Smith in hearings, accusing him of:

Using unreliable witnesses.
Conducting a partisan, anti-Trump investigation.
Targeting large numbers of Republicans with subpoenas.

5. Crime Statistics & Trump Administration Policies
Nationwide murder rates reportedly declined ~20% from 2024 to 2025.

Approx. 1,400 fewer murders.
Major cities showing decreases:

Chicago: 30%
NYC: 20%
Baltimore: 31%
Oakland: 33%
Washington, D.C.: 31% (after National Guard deployment)
Other violent crimes also declined:

Motor vehicle theft: ↓25%
Robbery: ↓18%
Aggravated assault: ↓8%

Law enforcement stats cited:
Violent crime arrests: ↑100%
Gangs disrupted: ↑210%
Fentanyl seized: ↑31%
Missing/abducted children located: ↑22%
Human traffickers arrested: ↑15%
Significant increase in arrests of espionage suspects and fugitives.

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1. Oil Prices &amp; National Security
<ul>
<li>Lower global oil prices weaken hostile regimes like Iran, Russia, and Venezuela by reducing their revenue.</li>
<li>The Trump administration aims for a &ldquo;sweet spot&rdquo; oil price ($60&ndash;$70/barrel):
<ul>
<li>Low enough to hurt adversaries.</li>
<li>High enough to avoid bankrupting U.S. independent oil producers.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>If prices drop into the $40s, it could collapse small oil producers in Texas and the Permian Basin.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
2. Venezuela&rsquo;s Oil Infrastructure
<ul>
<li>Venezuela has the world&rsquo;s largest proven oil reserves, but decades of mismanagement have destroyed its infrastructure.</li>
<li>Estimates from oil executives:
<ul>
<li>Increasing production from 1 million to 3 million barrels/day could take 10 years and require $100B+ in investment.</li>
<li>Even going from 1 million to 2 million/day would take 5&ndash;7 years.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Gulf Coast refineries can process Venezuela&rsquo;s heavy sour crude, but expanded imports would mostly affect Canada and Mexico, not U.S. light-sweet crude producers.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
3. Cuba&rsquo;s Economic Crisis
<ul>
<li>Cuba historically survived on financial support from:
<ol>
<li>The Soviet Union (until its collapse).</li>
<li>Venezuela under Ch&aacute;vez/Maduro (oil and money).</li>
</ol>
</li>
<li>With Venezuela no longer able to support Cuba, the island is in economic freefall.</li>
<li>Mexico is currently providing oil that helps sustain the Cuban regime.</li>
<li>The Trump administration may pressure Mexico to cut this supply, potentially pushing Cuba toward political collapse.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
4. Jack Smith &amp; January 6th Investigation
<ul>
<li>Smith is accused of leading a politically motivated prosecution against Donald Trump.</li>
<li>He allegedly relied on questionable or disproven testimony, notably from Cassidy Hutchinson.</li>
<li>Hutchinson&rsquo;s dramatic claims (e.g., Trump lunging for a steering wheel) were not confirmed by eyewitnesses.</li>
<li>Jim Jordan challenged Smith in hearings, accusing him of:
<ul>
<li>Using unreliable witnesses.</li>
<li>Conducting a partisan, anti-Trump investigation.</li>
<li>Targeting large numbers of Republicans with subpoenas.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
5. Crime Statistics &amp; Trump Administration Policies
<ul>
<li>Nationwide murder rates reportedly declined ~20% from 2024 to 2025.
<ul>
<li>Approx. 1,400 fewer murders.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Major cities showing decreases:
<ul>
<li>Chicago: 30%</li>
<li>NYC: 20%</li>
<li>Baltimore: 31%</li>
<li>Oakland: 33%</li>
<li>Washington, D.C.: 31% (after National Guard deployment)</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Other violent crimes also declined:
<ul>
<li>Motor vehicle theft: &darr;25%</li>
<li>Robbery: &darr;18%</li>
<li>Aggravated assault: &darr;8%</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Law enforcement stats cited:
<ul>
<li>Violent crime arrests: &uarr;100%</li>
<li>Gangs disrupted: &uarr;210%</li>
<li>Fentanyl seized: &uarr;31%</li>
<li>Missing/abducted children located: &uarr;22%</li>
<li>Human traffickers arrested: &uarr;15%</li>
<li>Significant increase in arrests of espionage suspects and fugitives.</li>
</ul>
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 Oil Means National Security, Rep. Jim Jordan vs Jack Smith & Crime Crashes Coast‑to‑Coast Week In Review

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