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.

Who Is To Blame For The GOP Losing The Senate? We Explain WHY We Must Delay The Senate Leadership Elections And Why The GA Runoff Is Still Critically Important!

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/85478312-9ea3-4d67-95da-af4c0180a194/transcript

1. ⚖️ DOJ Investigation into Virginia Prosecutor
The DOJ is investigating Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano.
Allegation:

Preferential treatment toward undocumented immigrants in plea bargains and sentencing.
Commentary framing:

He is a “Soros-backed DA.”
This is part of a broader trend of progressive prosecutors being lenient on crime.
Supporting anecdotes:

Repeat offenders allegedly released.
Charges reduced or dropped in serious cases.

2. 🏛️ FBI Raid on Virginia Democrat Leader
The Virginia Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas is under investigation.
Reported issue:

Possible corruption tied to marijuana dispensary licensing.

Presented as evidence of Democratic corruption and misuse of power.
Also connects to accusations of political gerrymandering.

3. 🌎 Criticism of Democratic Congresswoman on Cuba
Focus on Rep. Pramila Jayapal.

She is advocating for supporting Cuba (fuel access) despite U.S. sanctions.

She has sympathy toward communist regimes.
She prioritizes foreign governments over U.S. interests.

Communism is deeply harmful.

4. 🤖 Neuralink Segment
Elon Musk’s Neuralink.
Describes the technology:

Brain implants that connect neurons to computers.
Potential to:

Restore movement to paralyzed individuals
Enable speech via thought
Possibly restore vision
Presented as:

Breakthrough, life-changing innovation
A hopeful contrast to earlier negative political themes.

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz

X: https://x.com/tedcruz

X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow

1. ⚖️ DOJ Investigation into Virginia Prosecutor
<ul>
<li>The DOJ is investigating Fairfax County Commonwealth&rsquo;s Attorney Steve Descano.</li>
<li>Allegation:
<ul>
<li>Preferential treatment toward undocumented immigrants in plea bargains and sentencing.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Commentary framing:
<ul>
<li>He is a &ldquo;Soros-backed DA.&rdquo;</li>
<li>This is part of a broader trend of progressive prosecutors being lenient on crime.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Supporting anecdotes:
<ul>
<li>Repeat offenders allegedly released.</li>
<li>Charges reduced or dropped in serious cases.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
2. 🏛️ FBI Raid on Virginia Democrat Leader
<ul>
<li>The Virginia Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas is under investigation.</li>
<li>Reported issue:
<ul>
<li>Possible corruption tied to marijuana dispensary licensing. 
<ul>
<li>Presented as evidence of Democratic corruption and misuse of power.</li>
<li>Also connects to accusations of political gerrymandering.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
3. 🌎 Criticism of Democratic Congresswoman on Cuba
<ul>
<li>Focus on Rep. Pramila Jayapal. 
<ul>
<li>She is advocating for supporting Cuba (fuel access) despite U.S. sanctions. 
<ul>
<li>She has sympathy toward communist regimes.</li>
<li>She prioritizes foreign governments over U.S. interests. 
<ul>
<li>Communism is deeply harmful.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
4. 🤖 Neuralink Segment
<ul>
<li>Elon Musk&rsquo;s Neuralink.</li>
<li>Describes the technology:
<ul>
<li>Brain implants that connect neurons to computers.</li>
<li>Potential to:
<ul>
<li>Restore movement to paralyzed individuals</li>
<li>Enable speech via thought</li>
<li>Possibly restore vision</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Presented as:
<ul>
<li>Breakthrough, life-changing innovation</li>
<li>A hopeful contrast to earlier negative political themes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-47-morning-update-wit-258481252/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="5">47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson</a> and <a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpodcasts.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fthe-ben-ferguson-podcast%2Fid1386375601&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRobertoDiaz%40iheartmedia.com%7Cd55f297ce8824f6f31a808dddbf7fab7%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C638908580290104132%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=RRil7WRhuVH0YkqvMtYlSMRSI71cvsxmUy24iRBm1e8%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="6">The Ben Ferguson Show</a> Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening
YouTube:&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F%40VerdictwithTedCruz%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRobertoDiaz%40iheartmedia.com%7Cd55f297ce8824f6f31a808dddbf7fab7%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C638908580290122821%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=3fo08NMwfFSPoUyddyh3l8wtDuRi50hvzaET6sggVLw%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="7">https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/</a>
Facebook: <a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fverdictwithtedcruz&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRobertoDiaz%40iheartmedia.com%7Cd55f297ce8824f6f31a808dddbf7fab7%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C638908580290141425%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=%2BXK2L1yrR8bmW7H3eLIkZLtG87TTP6YPUSPVv4wFWF8%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="8">https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz</a>
X:&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Ftedcruz&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRobertoDiaz%40iheartmedia.com%7Cd55f297ce8824f6f31a808dddbf7fab7%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C638908580290159867%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=Jrwx6s7nfCMIA1o4itHy6t2Zzw9pwzf5v%2FkilDytM4g%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="9">https://x.com/tedcruz</a>
X:&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fbenfergusonshow&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRobertoDiaz%40iheartmedia.com%7Cd55f297ce8824f6f31a808dddbf7fab7%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C638908580290178175%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=toMizYItYEpQnaEde%2BnCLJEal7XzVD%2BzvBtrHUIgbc4%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="10">https://x.com/benfergusonshow</a>

VA Dems Melting Down, facing Corruption Charges, plus Dems Embracing Communist Cuba & Neuralink’s Extraordinary Promise Curing Disability 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/4f6a810e-f0bd-4f7d-a667-b431004fbe95/transcript

1. Large-Scale Medicaid Fraud
There is widespread fraud in Medicaid-funded home healthcare programs, particularly in Ohio.

Companies bill the government for non-verifiable services (e.g., “companionship” or family care).
Some businesses are shell companies or share addresses.
Individuals may be paid to care for relatives, with limited oversight.
This represents systemic misuse of taxpayer funds, potentially occurring nationwide.

2. Expansion of Fraud Narrative

Similar fraud patterns exist in multiple states (e.g., Minnesota, California, New York).
Fraud spans multiple industries (home healthcare, childcare, trucking).
This is a national pattern rather than isolated incidents.

3. Government Oversight Criticism

Federal and state oversight is inadequate.
Medicaid systems are described as difficult to monitor because services occur in private homes.
Authorities and regulators are portrayed as failing to detect or stop abuse.

4. Media Criticism
Mainstream media outlets (e.g., CNN, New York Times):

They ignore or underreport fraud stories.
Independent or partisan outlets are portrayed as doing the investigative work instead.
This reinforces institutional neglect or bias.

Specific communities (Somali immigrants).
Immigration and demographic changes.

5. Tucker Carlson

Accuses him of:

Making extreme claims (e.g., about Trump)
Denying previous statements
Promoting controversial or fringe viewpoints

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz

X: https://x.com/tedcruz

X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow

1. Large-Scale Medicaid Fraud
<ul>
<li>There is widespread fraud in Medicaid-funded home healthcare programs, particularly in Ohio. 
<ul>
<li>Companies bill the government for non-verifiable services (e.g., &ldquo;companionship&rdquo; or family care).</li>
<li>Some businesses are shell companies or share addresses.</li>
<li>Individuals may be paid to care for relatives, with limited oversight.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This represents systemic misuse of taxpayer funds, potentially occurring nationwide.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
2. Expansion of Fraud Narrative
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li>Similar fraud patterns exist in multiple states (e.g., Minnesota, California, New York).</li>
<li>Fraud spans multiple industries (home healthcare, childcare, trucking).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This is a national pattern rather than isolated incidents.</li>
</ul>
<hr>
3. Government Oversight Criticism
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li>Federal and state oversight is inadequate.</li>
<li>Medicaid systems are described as difficult to monitor because services occur in private homes.</li>
<li>Authorities and regulators are portrayed as failing to detect or stop abuse.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
4. Media Criticism
<ul>
<li>Mainstream media outlets (e.g., CNN, New York Times):
<ul>
<li>They ignore or underreport fraud stories.</li>
<li>Independent or partisan outlets are portrayed as doing the investigative work instead.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>This reinforces institutional neglect or bias.
<ul>
<li>Specific communities (Somali immigrants).</li>
<li>Immigration and demographic changes.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<hr>
5. Tucker Carlson
<ul>
<li>
<ul>
<li>Accuses him of:
<ul>
<li>Making extreme claims (e.g., about Trump)</li>
<li>Denying previous statements</li>
<li>Promoting controversial or fringe viewpoints</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-47-morning-update-wit-258481252/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="5">47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson</a> and <a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpodcasts.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fthe-ben-ferguson-podcast%2Fid1386375601&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRobertoDiaz%40iheartmedia.com%7Cd55f297ce8824f6f31a808dddbf7fab7%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C638908580290104132%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=RRil7WRhuVH0YkqvMtYlSMRSI71cvsxmUy24iRBm1e8%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="6">The Ben Ferguson Show</a> Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening
YouTube:&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F%40VerdictwithTedCruz%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRobertoDiaz%40iheartmedia.com%7Cd55f297ce8824f6f31a808dddbf7fab7%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C638908580290122821%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=3fo08NMwfFSPoUyddyh3l8wtDuRi50hvzaET6sggVLw%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="7">https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/</a>
Facebook: <a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fverdictwithtedcruz&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRobertoDiaz%40iheartmedia.com%7Cd55f297ce8824f6f31a808dddbf7fab7%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C638908580290141425%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=%2BXK2L1yrR8bmW7H3eLIkZLtG87TTP6YPUSPVv4wFWF8%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="8">https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz</a>
X:&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Ftedcruz&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRobertoDiaz%40iheartmedia.com%7Cd55f297ce8824f6f31a808dddbf7fab7%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C638908580290159867%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=Jrwx6s7nfCMIA1o4itHy6t2Zzw9pwzf5v%2FkilDytM4g%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="9">https://x.com/tedcruz</a>
X:&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fbenfergusonshow&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRobertoDiaz%40iheartmedia.com%7Cd55f297ce8824f6f31a808dddbf7fab7%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C638908580290178175%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=toMizYItYEpQnaEde%2BnCLJEal7XzVD%2BzvBtrHUIgbc4%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="10">https://x.com/benfergusonshow</a>

ANOTHER Massive Somali Fraud in Ohio plus Tucker Descends into Madness

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/ffbf2740-f4f5-4b8c-bd5c-b431004f7ea4/transcript

Merger Blocked by Antitrust Action:
JetBlue offered $3.8 billion to acquire Spirit in 2022.
Shareholders, unions, and both companies supported the merger.
The DOJ and Department of Transportation, urged by Elizabeth Warren and supported by Buttigieg and Biden, sued to stop it.
A federal judge blocked the merger in January 2024.


Consequences Claimed:
Spirit declared bankruptcy and shut down, leading to:

~17,000 direct job losses
Estimated 40,000+ indirect jobs affected
Loss of service to dozens of smaller cities
Reduced airline competition and higher fares on former Spirit routes (examples cited include increases of 15–66%).


Critique of Antitrust Reasoning:
Speakers argue antitrust law should protect consumers, not competitors.
They claim the DOJ incorrectly defined the market as “ultra‑low‑cost airlines” instead of the broader airline market, making Spirit and JetBlue appear dominant when they were actually small players.
They assert the decision strengthened the Big Four airlines (American, Delta, United, Southwest), which already control ~75–80% of the market.


Rebuttal to Alternative Explanations:
Democrats are criticized for blaming Spirit’s failure on fuel price increases or Trump-era policies.
The speakers argue fuel price volatility affects all airlines and that Spirit would have been better positioned to withstand it with the merger funds.


Internal Democratic Dissent:
A Biden White House policy official publicly questioned whether blocking the merger was the right decision, though later softened the statement—used as evidence of internal doubts.


Government Bailout Rejected:
A proposed $500M government bailout (for 90% ownership) was discussed but rejected.
The speakers strongly oppose government ownership of airlines, labeling it socialism and economically incompetent.


Broader Ideological Argument:
The collapse is framed as an example of government overreach, poor understanding of business, and ideological decision-making harming workers and consumers.
The episode is used to argue that free‑market competition—not government control—is essential to lower prices and innovation.

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz

X: https://x.com/tedcruz

X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow

<ul>
<li>
Merger Blocked by Antitrust Action:
<ul>
<li>JetBlue offered $3.8 billion to acquire Spirit in 2022.</li>
<li>Shareholders, unions, and both companies supported the merger.</li>
<li>The DOJ and Department of Transportation, urged by Elizabeth Warren and supported by Buttigieg and Biden, sued to stop it.</li>
<li>A federal judge blocked the merger in January 2024.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Consequences Claimed:
<ul>
<li>Spirit declared bankruptcy and shut down, leading to:
<ul>
<li>~17,000 direct job losses</li>
<li>Estimated 40,000+ indirect jobs affected</li>
<li>Loss of service to dozens of smaller cities</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Reduced airline competition and higher fares on former Spirit routes (examples cited include increases of 15&ndash;66%).</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Critique of Antitrust Reasoning:
<ul>
<li>Speakers argue antitrust law should protect consumers, not competitors.</li>
<li>They claim the DOJ incorrectly defined the market as &ldquo;ultra‑low‑cost airlines&rdquo; instead of the broader airline market, making Spirit and JetBlue appear dominant when they were actually small players.</li>
<li>They assert the decision strengthened the Big Four airlines (American, Delta, United, Southwest), which already control ~75&ndash;80% of the market.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Rebuttal to Alternative Explanations:
<ul>
<li>Democrats are criticized for blaming Spirit&rsquo;s failure on fuel price increases or Trump-era policies.</li>
<li>The speakers argue fuel price volatility affects all airlines and that Spirit would have been better positioned to withstand it with the merger funds.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Internal Democratic Dissent:
<ul>
<li>A Biden White House policy official publicly questioned whether blocking the merger was the right decision, though later softened the statement&mdash;used as evidence of internal doubts.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Government Bailout Rejected:
<ul>
<li>A proposed $500M government bailout (for 90% ownership) was discussed but rejected.</li>
<li>The speakers strongly oppose government ownership of airlines, labeling it socialism and economically incompetent.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>
Broader Ideological Argument:
<ul>
<li>The collapse is framed as an example of government overreach, poor understanding of business, and ideological decision-making harming workers and consumers.</li>
<li>The episode is used to argue that free‑market competition&mdash;not government control&mdash;is essential to lower prices and innovation.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-47-morning-update-wit-258481252/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="5">47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson</a> and <a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fpodcasts.apple.com%2Fus%2Fpodcast%2Fthe-ben-ferguson-podcast%2Fid1386375601&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRobertoDiaz%40iheartmedia.com%7Cd55f297ce8824f6f31a808dddbf7fab7%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C638908580290104132%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=RRil7WRhuVH0YkqvMtYlSMRSI71cvsxmUy24iRBm1e8%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="6">The Ben Ferguson Show</a> Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening
YouTube:&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F%40VerdictwithTedCruz%2F&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRobertoDiaz%40iheartmedia.com%7Cd55f297ce8824f6f31a808dddbf7fab7%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C638908580290122821%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=3fo08NMwfFSPoUyddyh3l8wtDuRi50hvzaET6sggVLw%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="7">https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/</a>
Facebook: <a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fverdictwithtedcruz&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRobertoDiaz%40iheartmedia.com%7Cd55f297ce8824f6f31a808dddbf7fab7%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C638908580290141425%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=%2BXK2L1yrR8bmW7H3eLIkZLtG87TTP6YPUSPVv4wFWF8%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="8">https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz</a>
X:&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Ftedcruz&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRobertoDiaz%40iheartmedia.com%7Cd55f297ce8824f6f31a808dddbf7fab7%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C638908580290159867%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=Jrwx6s7nfCMIA1o4itHy6t2Zzw9pwzf5v%2FkilDytM4g%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="9">https://x.com/tedcruz</a>
X:&nbsp;<a href="https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fbenfergusonshow&amp;data=05%7C02%7CRobertoDiaz%40iheartmedia.com%7Cd55f297ce8824f6f31a808dddbf7fab7%7C122a527e5b714eba878d9810b495b9e3%7C0%7C0%7C638908580290178175%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=toMizYItYEpQnaEde%2BnCLJEal7XzVD%2BzvBtrHUIgbc4%3D&amp;reserved=0" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="10">https://x.com/benfergusonshow</a>

Democrats Kill your Spirit—How Biden, Warren & Buttigieg Destroyed Spirit Air

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/44d4283a-f112-4d46-af8c-b423005ea279/transcript

Who Is To Blame For The GOP Losing The Senate? We Explain WHY We Must Delay The Senate Leadership Elections And Why The GA Runoff Is Still Critically Important!

In 3 playlist(s)

Verdict with Ted Cruz

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips