In this episode of the 47 Morning Update w Ben Ferguson, Ben breaks down Government Accountability Office estimates of federal fraud and improper payments, discuss how those losses contribute to broader fiscal challenges, and analyze new Federal Reserve research on tariffs, inflation, and productivity. They explore the limits of attributing the national debt solely to fraud and waste while arguing that significant opportunities remain to reduce unnecessary spending. The conversation also compares predictions about tariff-driven inflation with more recent economic findings and examines how businesses adapted to changing trade policies. 

America’s national debt has surpassed $40 trillion, raising a fundamental question: how much taxpayer money is being lost to fraud, improper payments, duplication, and government waste? Drawing on findings from government watchdog reports, this episode examines the scale of federal spending problems and the potential savings that could come from addressing them. The discussion also revisits one of the biggest economic debates surrounding President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. After years of warnings that tariffs would fuel inflation and harm consumers, new research highlighted in the episode examines what actually happened and whether productivity gains helped offset higher costs. 

Topics Covered:

• The U.S. national debt surpassing $40 trillion
• GAO estimates of annual federal fraud losses
• Trillions in reported improper payments across federal programs
• Government duplication, overlap, and efficiency recommendations
• Federal Reserve research on tariffs and inflation
• Productivity gains in industries affected by tariffs

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In this episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson discuss the DNC’s unanimous support for a resolution calling for the abolition of ICE, the political implications of that vote, and how immigration enforcement has become a major dividing line between Republicans and Democrats. They also examine public statements attributed to Abdul El-Sayed's sister, concerns about ideological activism in higher education, questions raised about the family ties of political commentator Hasan Piker, and the Democratic Party’s relationship with progressive activists and influencers.

The Democratic National Committee has approved a resolution supporting the abolition of ICE, a move presented in this episode as evidence of a broader shift toward more progressive and activist positions within the Democratic Party. The discussion examines what that policy would mean for immigration enforcement, public safety, and the party’s political direction.The episode also explores controversies surrounding Abdul El-Sayed, comments and activism attributed to members of his family, and debates over the influence of political activists, academics, and online personalities on Democratic politics.

Topics Covered:

• The DNC resolution supporting the abolition of ICE and its unanimous approval process
• Immigration enforcement, deportation policy, and border security debates
• Criticism of Abdul El-Sayed and statements attributed to his family members
• Activism, anti-capitalist views, and organizing efforts within universities
• Questions surrounding Hasan Piker, his political influence, and national security concerns discussed in the episode
• Reactions from Democratic leaders and the party’s progressive wing

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In this episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson discuss the FBI's arrest of a New York woman accused of supporting ISIS and planning an attack on the New York State Capitol, the financial and cultural fallout surrounding Nike's corporate activism, controversial statements and positions from Democratic Senate candidates James Talarico and Abdul El-Sayed, and questions surrounding national security concerns related to commentator Hasan Piker and reports about his brother's work on sensitive aerospace and defense projects.

An alleged ISIS-inspired terror plot targeting the New York State Capitol has renewed concerns about domestic radicalization, political extremism, and national security. Federal authorities say the suspect planned a mass-casualty attack and was stopped before the plot could be carried out. The case raises broader questions about how extremist ideologies spread and the challenges facing law enforcement. The episode also examines growing debates over corporate activism, the financial struggles facing Nike, and the political direction of several high-profile Democratic Senate candidates. Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson argue that radical political movements are gaining influence in politics, culture, and public discourse.

Topics Covered:

• FBI investigation into an alleged ISIS-inspired terror plot targeting the New York State Capitol
• Domestic radicalization, online extremism, and national security concerns
• Nike’s stock decline and the debate over corporate activism and consumer backlash
• Statements and policy positions associated with James Talarico and Abdul El-Sayed
• Antisemitism, religious questions, and ideological divisions in American politics
• Hasan Piker, Democratic alliances, and concerns involving sensitive defense-related work

The Bottom Line: Ted Cruz argues that radical political and ideological movements are becoming more influential across politics, culture, and public institutions. He contends that the alleged terror plot, corporate activism controversies, and emerging political figures reflect a broader shift that Americans should take seriously.

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In this episode of the Ben Ferguson Show podcast Ben discusses the FBI’s arrest of Jessica Bowie, the details laid out by federal prosecutors, and what they argue the case reveals about ongoing terrorism threats facing the United States. They also examine broader concerns about border security and national preparedness ahead of major national events. The conversation then turns to the sharp decline in Nike’s market value, with Cruz and Ferguson arguing that corporate political activism has damaged the company’s relationship with consumers. They also cover a new EPA emergency fuel waiver intended to increase gasoline supply and lower prices, along with reports that former Congressman Eric Swalwell’s electronic devices were seized by the FBI as part of a federal investigation.

The FBI says it has disrupted an alleged ISIS-inspired terror plot targeting the New York State Capitol in Albany. Federal authorities accuse a New York woman of pledging allegiance to ISIS, planning an explosive attack on lawmakers, and conducting surveillance of the Capitol before her arrest. The case comes just weeks before the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, raising renewed concerns about online radicalization, domestic security threats, and the ability of law enforcement agencies to prevent violence before it occurs. 

Topics Covered:

• FBI arrest of Jessica Bowie in an alleged ISIS-linked terror plot
• Planned attack targeting the New York State Capitol and state lawmakers
• Terrorism concerns ahead of the 25th anniversary of September 11
• Nike’s market value decline and debate over corporate activism
• EPA emergency fuel waiver aimed at increasing gasoline supply
• FBI seizure of Eric Swalwell’s electronic devices amid federal investigation

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In this edition of the 47 Morning Update, Ben Ferguson examines two stories he argues are drawing significant public attention. First, he discusses reports that federal agents seized electronic devices belonging to former Congressman Eric Swalwell pursuant to search warrants connected to an investigation involving sexual misconduct allegations. Ferguson reviews publicly reported details, notes that Swalwell has denied the allegations, and emphasizes that no conviction has occurred.

Former Congressman Eric Swalwell is facing renewed scrutiny after reports that the FBI seized electronic devices as part of an investigation tied to sexual misconduct allegations. At the same time, Nike’s long decline from its 2021 market peak is fueling another debate over brand strategy, consumer behavior, and corporate activism. 

 The episode then turns to Nike’s stock performance and market value decline since its peak several years ago. Ferguson argues that a series of highly visible corporate and cultural decisions contributed to consumer backlash against the company. He connects Nike’s financial struggles to a broader debate over corporate activism, branding, and long-term customer loyalty.

Topics Covered:

• Reports of FBI search warrants involving former Congressman Eric Swalwell
• Sexual misconduct allegations and Swalwell’s public denials
• The significance of electronic-device seizures in federal investigations
• Nike’s market value decline since its 2021 peak
• Consumer reactions to corporate activism and brand positioning
• The “go woke, go broke” argument and its impact on business debates

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In this episode of the Ben Ferguson Show podcast, Ben examines new findings on tariffs, inflation, and productivity growth, and discuss what they believe the results say about media and economic forecasts that predicted severe inflationary consequences. They also take a deep dive into America’s growing national debt, reviewing Congressional Budget Office projections, federal spending trends, interest costs, and reports from the Government Accountability Office on fraud, improper payments, and government waste. The conversation explores the scale of federal borrowing, the burden of rising debt, and the policy choices that have contributed to the nation’s current fiscal position. 

New research from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston is challenging one of the most common criticisms of President Donald Trump’s tariff policy. While critics predicted tariffs would trigger significant inflation, the study found that productivity gains in many tariff-affected industries offset much of the added cost pressure. At the same time, a separate economic warning is emerging. The United States has officially surpassed $40 trillion in national debt, raising questions about federal spending, deficits, interest payments, and long-term fiscal sustainability. 

Topics Covered:

• Federal Reserve Bank of Boston research on tariffs and inflation
• Productivity growth in industries most affected by tariffs
• Core PCE inflation and the impact of higher production costs
• The U.S. national debt surpassing $40 trillion
• Rising federal interest payments and budget deficits
• Government Accountability Office findings on fraud, improper payments, and waste

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In this episode of 47 Morning Update w Ben Ferguson, Ben examines America’s $40 trillion debt milestone, the Congressional Budget Office’s projections for future borrowing, and the rising cost of servicing the national debt. They discuss debt-to-GDP ratios, annual federal deficits, interest payments approaching $1 trillion per year, and the broader debate over whether Washington’s spending habits are creating risks for future generations.

The United States has officially crossed a historic threshold: $40 trillion in gross federal debt. According to figures discussed in this episode, the debt burden is now roughly comparable to the size of the entire U.S. economy, raising concerns about long-term fiscal sustainability and the growing cost of interest payments.The discussion focuses on how federal spending continues to outpace revenue, the rapid growth of annual deficits, and projections that debt held by the public could exceed previous post-World War II records in the years ahead.

Topics Covered:

• America surpasses $40 trillion in gross federal debt
• Federal spending exceeds revenue by nearly $2 trillion annually
• Congressional Budget Office projections for debt-to-GDP growth
• Rising federal interest costs and their budget impact
• Historical comparisons to post-World War II debt levels
• The political debate over government spending and fiscal responsibility

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In this episode of the Ben Ferguson Show podcast we discuss the latest housing construction data, the impact of immigration trends on housing demand, new reports alleging Russia is supplying military materials to Iran through the Caspian Sea, and newly released messages from Dr. Anthony Fauci's government phone regarding discussions about COVID-19 vaccination concerns during pregnancy. The conversation focuses on how these developments could affect domestic policy, national security, and ongoing congressional investigations. 

A new housing report shows single-family housing starts dropped to their lowest level in nearly four years. While many headlines frame that decline as bad news, Ben Ferguson argues it reflects a major shift in housing demand driven by dramatic reductions in illegal border crossings under President Donald Trump. The episode examines the relationship between housing supply, population growth, rising home prices, and rental costs. Ferguson contends that years of elevated migration increased competition for homes, apartments, and rentals, contributing to affordability challenges for American families. He argues that changing migration trends are now beginning to alter the housing market. 

Topics Covered:

• Single-family housing starts fall to the lowest level in nearly four years
• Immigration trends and their potential impact on housing demand and affordability
• Census and housing market data involving home construction and permits
• Reports alleging Russia is supplying drone components, ammunition, and explosives to Iran
• The strategic role of the Caspian Sea in Russia-Iran logistics and military cooperation
• Newly released Fauci phone messages and congressional scrutiny of COVID-19 vaccine discussions

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In this episode of the 47 Morning Update w Ben Ferguson we examine the newly released messages, the ongoing Senate investigation, and the broader questions surrounding transparency, public health decision-making, and COVID-era vaccine recommendations. They discuss the distinction between theoretical concerns and established evidence, the exclusion of many pregnant women from early clinical trials, and why lawmakers say additional testimony and accountability efforts are needed.

Newly released text messages attributed to government-issued communications from Anthony Fauci are driving fresh scrutiny over internal discussions about COVID-19 vaccination guidance for pregnant women. The messages, released by Senators Ron Johnson and Rand Paul, have reignited debate over what public health officials knew, when they knew it, and how potential risks were communicated to the public.At the center of the controversy are exchanges from January 2021 involving Anthony Fauci, former CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, and John Mascola of the Vaccine Research Center. According to the released messages, officials discussed theoretical concerns involving fever, immune responses, and possible miscarriage risks during the first trimester while available data on pregnancy and vaccination remained limited.

Topics Covered:

• Text messages released by Ron Johnson and Rand Paul involving Anthony Fauci
• Internal discussions about COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy
• Communications involving John Mascola, Vivek Murthy, and Rochelle Walensky
• Debate over public disclosure of theoretical safety concerns versus confirmed evidence
• Senate investigative efforts and requests for further testimony
• Broader questions about transparency and public health guidance during the pandemic

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