Episodes

  • Iran Strike Ayatolla DEAD, Austin Shooting-Why, How & What's Next

    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

    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

    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
  • Biden DOJ Spied on Susie Wiles & Kash Patel plus a Tale of Two Olympians and Dems No Longer Proud of America

    Biden DOJ Spied on Susie Wiles & Kash Patel plus a Tale of Two Olympians and Dems No Longer Proud of America
    Feb 27 2026
    1. Allegations of DOJ/FBI Surveillance The Biden DOJ and FBI spied on Trump‑aligned individuals, including: Susie Wiles (Trump campaign figure)Kash Patel Allegations include secret subpoenas for phone records, including calls involving attorneys, raising concerns about attorney‑client privilege.This is part of a broader history of political weaponization of federal agencies. DOJ/FBI surveillance also targeted several Republican senators and conservative groups.This fits into what they describe as a long-standing trend starting under Obama.Comparisons are made to historical incidents such as the Steele Dossier, the Russia investigation, and alleged misuse of federal agencies. 2. Tale of Two Olympians Alysa Liu Competed for the United States.Story highlighted as: Daughter of a refugee who fled China after Tiananmen Square.Target of Chinese government intimidation, according to the hosts.Won Olympic gold, portrayed as a patriotic American success story. Eileen Gu Competed for China despite being raised in the U.S.Accepted substantial financial incentives (as stated by the hosts).Hosts argue that although she’s talented, choosing to compete for China invites criticism due to geopolitical tensions. 3. Concerns About Declining American Pride A Gallup poll is showing: Significant decline in Americans who are “very proud” of being American.The drop is described as steepest among Democrats, according to the data discussed. Commentary attributes this trend to: Cultural and educational shifts.University and K‑12 environments promoting negative views of the U.S. 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
    37 mins
  • BONUS POD: Deadliest U.S.–Cuba Flashpoint in Decades plus MN's Outrageous Medicaid Scam

    BONUS POD: Deadliest U.S.–Cuba Flashpoint in Decades plus MN's Outrageous Medicaid Scam
    Feb 26 2026

    1. Cuba Coast Guard Incident

    • A US‑registered speedboat was fired upon by Cuban authorities, resulting in 4 deaths and 6 injuries.
    • Cuba claims:
      • The boat’s occupants fired first.
      • Passengers (Cuban nationals living in the US) carried assault rifles, handguns, body armor, etc.
      • The group was attempting armed infiltration with terrorist intent.
    • The US position:
      • Nothing is verified yet; US agencies are investigating.
      • Officials (Rubio, Vance, DHS, Coast Guard) are demanding access to survivors.
      • No indication the operation had any US government involvement.
    • The event raises fears of a major diplomatic flashpoint, given:
      • Historical tension (e.g., 1996 Brothers to the Rescue shootdown).
      • Current hardline US posture toward Cuba.

    2. Minnesota Medicaid Fraud Crackdown

    • The Trump administration has paused $259.5 million in Medicaid reimbursements to Minnesota over large‑scale fraud concerns.
    • Fraud schemes allegedly include:
      • Paying mothers $1,000 to falsely diagnose children with autism to bill Medicaid.
      • A provider billing for 450 days of work exceeding 24 hours/day.
      • Centers billing for beneficiaries who were already deceased.
    • VP JD Vance and CMS Director Dr. Oz emphasize:
      • The fraud involves home and community‑based services that are hard to audit.
      • Minnesota must submit a corrective action plan or risk losing up to $1 billion in funds.
      • Providers have already been paid by Minnesota; the federal government is withholding reimbursement from the state, not from citizens.

    Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz 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

    X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    17 mins
  • Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Feb 25 2026

    Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Feb 25 2026
    Feb 25 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. Best SOTU Ever A breakdown of President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, which both hosts describe as the most optimistic, patriotic, and compelling State of the Union speech he has ever delivered. The hour opens with Buck praising the address as “soaring,” “majestic,” and “the best state of the union speech” he has witnessed, while Clay balances the enthusiasm by noting the length but agreeing it was a powerful, unifying moment for the country. A major theme of the hour is the contrast between Republicans’ patriotic optimism and Democrats’ visible hostility during Trump’s speech. The hosts highlight moments when Democrats refused to stand for straightforward pro‑American statements, arguing that this refusal reflects a deeper ideological divide in the country. The discussion emphasizes how Trump framed the future of America around national pride, strong borders, and a revitalized economy—core themes the audience will recognize as central to the show’s commentary. They're Crazy, Guys The media‑driven controversy surrounding the U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey Team after their White House visit celebrating their historic gold‑medal win. Clay and Buck break down the outrage over Trump’s locker‑room joke—explaining that the joke was aimed at mocking critics who accuse him of sexism, not at insulting the U.S. Women’s Team. They emphasize how the media intentionally distorted the exchange in order to generate a false narrative, comparing it to past political hoaxes that were pushed into public consciousness. The hosts argue this controversy reveals a broader cultural war in which expressions of patriotism are increasingly targeted by left‑wing activists and commentators. The conversation expands into how sports teams traditionally visited the White House under presidents of both parties, with the hosts pointing out the drastic change in media reactions over the past decade. They contrast past norms—where declining a White House visit was considered disrespectful—with today’s environment where simply accepting an invitation is enough to trigger online outrage. Clay frames this as evidence that the political left has embraced open hostility toward American traditions, national pride, and institutions. Truth About Conservative Books Buck shares his personal experience with brick-and-mortar bookstores refusing to order and carry his book, at their expense! Callers share their stories of having to resort to ordering it from Amazon. Buck also warns people about how AI is creating fakes trying to fool people into buying things that Buck didn't author. Bell-to-Bell "No Cell" Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, who shares her reaction to Trump’s speech and emphasizes the dramatic contrast between conditions 18 months ago and today on inflation, wages, crime, and global stability. She also sharply criticizes Democrats for refusing to stand during tributes to victims of crime, Gold Star families, and the U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey Team—calling their behavior “appalling” and emblematic of a political party more committed to illegal immigrants than to American citizens. Senator Blackburn then dives into the ongoing social‑media accountability fight, including Mark Zuckerberg’s testimony in a major California court case involving teen mental‑health harms. She argues that Meta has long known its products contribute to anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and self‑harm among teens. She pushes for the Kids Online Safety Act, legislation with overwhelming bipartisan support that would impose duty‑of‑care standards on tech companies and restrict manipulative algorithms designed to keep children online. The senator also endorses “bell‑to‑bell, no‑cell” policies for schools, noting research showing improved test scores, reduced bullying, and better classroom participation when students do not have phone access during the school day. Before leaving, Senator Blackburn discusses election integrity, reiterating the overwhelming public support for voter ID and criticizing Democrats for opposing common‑sense verification standards. She also advocates for a federal balanced‑budget amendment, pointing to Tennessee’s successful model. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8 For the latest updates from Clay and Buck: https://www.clayandbuck.com/ Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton on Social Media: X - https://x.com/...
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 2 mins
  • State of the Union Extravaganza

    State of the Union Extravaganza
    Feb 25 2026
    Economic Policy & Affordability "Roaring" Economy: Trump insisted the U.S. is experiencing an "economic boom," citing a rising stock market and job growth despite public polls showing continued voter anxiety over the cost of living.Retirement Savings Proposal: Announced a major new plan to provide workers who lack employer-sponsored 401(k)s with access to a plan similar to the federal Thrift Savings Plan, including a government match of up to $1,000 annually.Tariff Defiance: Following a Supreme Court ruling that struck down his primary tariff authority, Trump called the decision "totally wrong" and pledged to implement "even stronger" alternative import duties.Tech Industry Power: Proposed a "Rate Payer Protection Pledge" requiring major tech companies and AI data centers to build their own power plants to avoid driving up local electricity costs. Immigration & National Security Enforcement Triumphs: Highlighted a massive drop in illegal border crossings, claiming arrests had hit their lowest levels since the 1960s due to his administration's strict policies.DHS Funding Clashes: Blamed Democrats for a partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown, demanding they restore funding to the agency.Proposed "Delilah Law": Urged Congress to pass legislation that would ban commercial licenses for immigrants without legal status.Iran Warning: Stated that while diplomacy continues, he would not hesitate to use military force to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Governance & Election Integrity Anti-Corruption Measures: Called for the passage of the "Stop Insider Trading Act" to ban members of Congress and their spouses from trading stocks.SAVE America Act: Pushed for new federal requirements for proof of citizenship to vote, framing it as essential for election integrity ahead of the midterms."America 250": Invoked the upcoming 250th anniversary of U.S. independence this July 4th as a symbol of national "triumph and freedom". Democratic Response Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger delivered the official Democratic response, accusing the President of lying about the economy's health and blasting his immigration tactics as "unaccountable" and "violent". 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
    1 hr and 2 mins
  • BONUS POD: A Preview of President Trump’s Biggest Speech Yet—SOTU 2026

    BONUS POD: A Preview of President Trump’s Biggest Speech Yet—SOTU 2026
    Feb 24 2026

    1. Recent Meetings & Political Context

    • Ben has been in Washington, D.C., meeting with the Treasury Secretary, appearing on Fox News Sunday, and meeting Speaker Mike Johnson ahead of the upcoming State of the Union address.
    • These meetings emphasized what they consider President Trump’s accomplishments, such as tariffs, economic gains, and prioritizing American jobs.

    2. Importance of Trump’s Upcoming State of the Union

    • Trump aims to sell voters on his first year back in office, highlighting economic and immigration actions.
    • The speech is viewed as crucial for setting the stage for his next four years and midterm election momentum.

    3. Challenges Facing Trump

    • Recent polls showing low approval ratings.
    • The Supreme Court striking down his tariff policy, though Trump reportedly has a workaround.
    • Concerns that if Democrats win back either chamber, his second-term agenda could be paralyzed.

    4. Tensions Within the Democratic Party

    • Significant internal division over:
      • Who should respond to Trump’s speech.
      • The direction of their policy messaging.
    • Some Democrats plan to boycott the speech; others push for a coordinated walkout.
    • Multiple separate Democratic responses highlight fractured internal unity.

    5. Expected Themes in Trump’s Speech

    • Economy: Claiming reduced inflation, economic revival, and new policies like no tax on tips or overtime.
    • Immigration & Crime: Border security, crackdowns on criminal activity, lowering crime in major cities.
    • Foreign Policy: Rising tensions with Iran, U.S. military buildup, Middle East issues, Ukraine/Russia, and wars he says he has ended.
    • Angel Families: Honoring families of Americans killed by undocumented immigrants.

    6. Media & Public Perception

    • The White House event with Angel Families received little coverage from mainstream networks, which is criticized in the text.
    • Trump dismisses negative media polls as “fake.”

    7. High Stakes of the Midterms

    • The speech will stress that a Democratic-controlled Congress could:
      • End Trump’s legislative agenda.
      • Lead to new investigations.
      • Potentially result in a third impeachment.

    Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz 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

    X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    10 mins