Verdict with Ted Cruz cover art

Verdict with Ted Cruz

Verdict with Ted Cruz

By: Premiere Networks
Listen for free

About this listen

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.

2026 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia
Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Iran Strike Ayatolla DEAD, Austin Shooting-Why, How & What's Next
    Mar 2 2026
    1. Major U.S.–Israel Strike on Iran President Trump ordered a large-scale coordinated U.S. and Israeli bombing campaign on Iran.Over 900 U.S. airstrikes and ~1,200 Israeli strikes occurred within the first day.The attack reportedly killed Iran’s Supreme Leader and several senior Iranian officials.The hosts emphasize that intelligence was “exquisite,” enabling targeted strikes on leadership meetings. 2. Rationale for the Attack (as described by the speakers) Iran is portrayed as: Leading state sponsor of terrorism for decades.Responsible for killing ~1,000 Americans historically.Financing Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. Claims that Iran’s nuclear program was being rebuilt after earlier strikes.Trump reportedly consulted senators on Air Force One before the strike.The speakers describe Iran as militarily weakened from a previous “Twelve-Day War.” 3. Expected Global and U.S. Consequences Escalation risk is stressed, particularly: Terror attacks from Iran-backed proxies (Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis).Possible retaliation within the U.S. Middle Eastern airspace and the Strait of Hormuz were reportedly shut down amid fears of mines and missile activity. 4. Austin, Texas Mass Shooting Separate event discussed as possibly terrorism-related, though not confirmed.Shooter: 53‑year‑old naturalized U.S. citizen from Senegal.Wore clothing with “Property of Allah” and an Iranian flag underneath.Fired into a crowded bar district; killed 2 victims and was shot by police. Authorities had not yet confirmed motive at the time of reporting; investigation is ongoing. 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/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • SCOTUS Throws a Tariff Curveball, Did SOTU move the Needle & 2 Olympians-Patriotism vs. Paycheck Week In Review
    Feb 28 2026
    1. Supreme Court Tariff Decision A predicted 5–4 ruling upholding presidential tariff authority was incorrect; the Court ruled 6–3 against the administration’s use of one specific tariff statute (AIPA).Majority held that the statute allowed banning imports but not charging tariffs—a conclusion strongly criticized in the dissents (Kavanaugh, Thomas).Despite the ruling, the impact is expected to be limited, as the President has multiple other statutes still available to impose tariffs.A new 10–15% tariff was quickly announced using alternate legal authority. The administration still retains broad power using: Section 338 (1930 Tariff Act) – allows tariffs up to 50% for discriminatory treatment.Section 122 (Trade Act of 1974) – 15% tariffs for 150 days (renewable).Section 301 (Trade Act of 1974) – addresses unfair foreign trade practices.Section 232 (Trade Expansion Act of 1962) – tariffs for national‑security threats.Section 201 (Trade Act of 1974) – safeguard tariffs for import surges.Litigation may unfold for years, potentially costing billions over refunded or contested tariffs.China and Democrats were portrayed as celebrating the ruling, implying political dimension rather than policy substance.Administration aims to use tariffs as leverage for better trade deals, not as permanent protectionism. 2. State of the Union (SOTU) Speech Impact Speech viewed as effective, more disciplined, and likely helpful for midterm momentum.Highlighted major administration achievements: Border control and sharp decline in illegal crossings.Crime reductions (e.g., murder and overdose rates reportedly down by ~20%).Economic relief themes like no tax on tips and overtime. Strong emotional moments involving veterans, Olympians, and American heroes created bipartisan resonance.Speaker Johnson and congressional Republicans portrayed as unusually unified.Coordination with the President seen as stronger than in previous cycles. 3. The Olympic Contrast: Alysa Liu vs. Eileen Gu Alysa Liu Daughter of a Chinese refugee who fled Tiananmen Square.Target of CCP intimidation and espionage on U.S. soil.Required 24/7 FBI protection before the Beijing Olympics.Despite pressure, competed for Team USA and won gold.Story framed as patriotic, resilient, and emotionally powerful. Eileen Gu Also U.S.-born with Chinese heritage.Chose to compete for China after being offered substantial financial incentives.Criticism focused on choosing a communist regime over the U.S., though the speakers avoided personal attacks. 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/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
  • Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Feb 27 2026
    Feb 27 2026
    Meet my friends, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton! If you love Verdict, the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show might also be in your audio wheelhouse. Politics, news analysis, and some pop culture and comedy thrown in too. Here’s a sample episode recapping four takeaways. Give the guys a listen and then follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Epstein Files Fallout The continued fallout from the newly released Epstein documents and the unprecedented spectacle of both Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton being forced to testify. Clay and Buck break down why the leaked photo from Hillary’s deposition turned out to be meaningless, why the uproar over recording rules was a “tempest in a teapot,” and why none of the questioning is likely to lead to criminal charges. They argue that despite the media frenzy, no prosecutor—Republican or Democrat—has produced evidence that would support criminal cases against the political figures whose names appear in the files. The hosts spend significant time explaining why Democrats are now weaponizing the Epstein scandal as their primary political attack against President Trump, using insinuation and narrative tactics similar to the Steele dossier, Russia‑collusion accusations, and the Kavanaugh smear campaigns. Clay emphasizes two major points largely missing from media coverage: it was Trump’s Department of Justice that charged Epstein in 2019, and it was Biden’s DOJ that held the Epstein files privately for four years without any Democrats demanding transparency. Buck argues that if Biden’s DOJ had any evidence implicating Trump, they would have used it immediately—especially given their aggressive efforts to undermine and prosecute him in other areas. Texas Primary President Trump’s remarks to the media as he departs for Texas ahead of the state’s crucial upcoming primary. Clay announces that unlike Stephen Colbert, the show has officially invited Jasmine Crockett to appear and make her case directly to Texas voters—a point they frame as exposing the media’s bias and double standards after Colbert’s alleged interference benefiting James Talarico. The hosts emphasize that they are offering Crockett a platform specifically because the race matters and because voters deserve transparency. The hour then shifts sharply into listener reactions, starting with calls urging the audience to push Congress to pass the SAVE Act. Clay and Buck walk through the political math, explaining why the bill is effectively dead without the elimination of the Senate filibuster, something Republicans cannot achieve. Additional callers escalate the tension, accusing the hosts of “covering up for pedophiles” in their Epstein commentary—prompting Clay and Buck to push back forcefully. They reiterate that Epstein was unquestionably a criminal, that Trump’s Department of Justice charged him, and that if Democrats truly cared about justice, Biden’s DOJ wouldn’t have sat on the files quietly for four years. The hosts argue that many people in conservative media have monetized fear and conspiracy, convincing listeners that Epstein revelations will bring down powerful figures, but that the evidence simply doesn’t support those narratives. Cuba Takeover? The rapidly growing speculation about Cuba. Clay revisits his argument from the previous day that the United States should consider a “friendly takeover” of the island. Coincidentally, President Trump had just made remarks saying the Cuban government is in deep trouble and that a “friendly takeover” is possible—prompting Clay and Buck to discuss the geopolitical implications, including a pending Supreme Court case about U.S. business assets seized during the Cuban Revolution. They explore whether American corporations might seek to reclaim prime Cuban real estate and how a shift in Cuban leadership could weaken foreign adversaries like China and Russia. Several callers raise concerns about how Cuba’s political leanings might influence U.S. elections if it ever became a state, leading Buck to clarify that the debate is about territory—not statehood—and that Cuban American voters in the United States already lean strongly Republican. Hour 2 ends with broader geopolitical concerns, including the looming uncertainty around Iran, the possibility of destabilization following military strikes, and the strange, still‑developing story of a boat of Americans allegedly shot at by Cuban forces. Clay and Buck close by previewing their upcoming conversation with an Iran expert and noting that Epstein fallout, Cuba, and potential conflict in the Middle East are all shaping what may be one of the most consequential weekends in recent memory. Iran Predictions An extended interview on Iran with political commentator Debra Lea, fresh off a trip to Israel. She outlines why embassy drawdowns, evacuation timelines, and Tehran’s rhetoric suggest imminent ...
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.