The Ben Ferguson Podcast

In this episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson sit down with Senator Eric Schmidt to discuss the years-long effort behind the Protect College Sports Act, the bipartisan coalition that helped secure 77 Senate votes, and why they believe congressional action is necessary to preserve college athletics. They explain how federal antitrust decisions contributed to the current environment, why many athletic departments are under financial strain, and what supporters believe is at stake for student-athletes, universities, and fans. The conversation also includes a lighter discussion about college sports, the Congressional Baseball Game, and the role athletics play in building discipline, leadership, and opportunities for young people. 

The Senate has passed the Protect College Sports Act with overwhelming bipartisan support, marking a major step toward reshaping the future of college athletics. Supporters argue the legislation addresses growing concerns around the transfer portal, athlete eligibility, escalating spending, and the long-term viability of college sports programs across the country. What happens next could determine whether the current college sports model survives or continues moving toward a system dominated by a small number of powerhouse programs. With the bill now headed to the House, the debate turns to whether lawmakers will act quickly and send it to the president's desk. 

Topics Covered:

• Senate passage of the Protect College Sports Act
• Bipartisan negotiations that produced a 77-vote coalition
• Transfer portal rules, athlete eligibility, and NIL-related challenges
• Financial pressures facing athletic departments and non-revenue sports
• Concerns about consolidation of college football into a small number of elite programs
• Congressional Baseball Game stories featuring Senator Eric Schmidt

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Ben Ferguson Show Podcast, Ben discusses newly released Census Bureau data showing record-low poverty rates and record-high real median household income, examine what those numbers may indicate about the state of the U.S. economy, and argue that recent job growth and income gains are not receiving sufficient public attention. The conversation then shifts to political controversy surrounding commentator Hasan Piker, including remarks attributed to him about America, Al-Qaeda, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the September 11 attacks, along with the political implications of those comments in the context of upcoming elections.

New U.S. Census Bureau data for 2025 shows two historic economic milestones: the lowest official poverty rate ever recorded and the highest real median household income in recorded history. The episode examines those figures, their implications for American households, and why the hosts argue the story has received limited media attention.The discussion focuses on the Census Bureau's findings that the official poverty rate fell to 10.2%, while real median household income reached a record $87,460 after adjusting for inflation. The hosts highlight declines in child poverty, changes in income trends among different demographic groups, and broader economic indicators they believe point to a strong economy.

Topics Covered:

• U.S. Census Bureau report showing the lowest official poverty rate on record in 2025
• Real median household income reaching an all-time high after inflation adjustments
• Historic lows in child poverty and changes in income trends across demographic groups
• Recent employment data and the hosts' assessment of overall economic performance
• Controversy surrounding comments by Hasan Piker regarding America, Al-Qaeda, and the September 11 attacks
• Political fallout involving Abdul El-Sayed, Michigan Senate politics, and Democratic campaign messaging

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson 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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the 47 Morning Update w Ben Ferguson, Ben examines the Southern California daycare fraud case, the Justice Department's broader enforcement efforts, and what these investigations reveal about alleged abuse of taxpayer-funded programs. He discusses recent actions involving pandemic loan fraud, health care fraud prosecutions, efforts to recover lost funds, and the administration's stated goal of making fraud enforcement a government-wide priority.

A federal crackdown in Southern California has led to charges against 12 individuals accused of fraudulently collecting more than $10 million in taxpayer-funded child care subsidies. Federal prosecutors allege that licensed home daycare operators submitted false attendance records, claimed payments for services never provided, and collected funds intended to help low-income families access child care. The case highlights a broader push by the Trump administration and the Department of Justice to target fraud across multiple government programs, from child care subsidies to pandemic-era relief loans and health care reimbursements. Investigators say they used surveillance, travel records, bank data, and other evidence to test whether taxpayer-funded services were actually being delivered. 

Topics Covered:

• The Southern California home daycare fraud investigation
• Allegations involving more than $10 million in child care subsidies
• Surveillance and border-crossing records used by investigators
• Nationwide enforcement actions targeting pandemic loan fraud
• DOJ health care fraud prosecutions involving billions in alleged losses
• Trump administration efforts to expand federal fraud enforcement

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A suspected terror plot targeting a UK military base used by U.S. bombers has raised new questions about Iranian involvement, British security, and the broader threat environment facing Western nations. At the same time, new polling data is fueling debate over the growing popularity of socialism among younger Americans and what it could mean for future elections. In this episode, Ben Ferguson examines the latest reports from the United Kingdom after authorities arrested multiple suspects allegedly connected to a planned attack involving vans, explosives, and a military installation linked to U.S. operations. He discusses reports of possible Iranian connections, heightened security measures, and the implications for U.S. and allied interests. Ben also reviews reports involving a former Hamas bodyguard who was granted asylum and citizenship in Britain before being accused of involvement in a terror-related plot. The story prompts a broader discussion about immigration, vetting, and national security policy. Turning to domestic politics, Ben analyzes new polling on Americans’ views of socialism, capitalism, and free enterprise. He focuses on demographic shifts, growing support for socialism among younger voters, and what he argues these trends mean for the political future of the United States. The episode concludes with a look at polling from rural voters ahead of the midterm elections, including concerns about inflation, health care costs, government spending, immigration, and economic affordability.

Topics Covered:

• Alleged terror plot targeting a UK military base used by U.S. bombers
• Reports of potential Iranian links to the UK investigation
• Claims involving a former Hamas bodyguard granted asylum and citizenship in Britain
• Gallup polling on socialism, capitalism, and free enterprise in America
• Generational differences in political and economic attitudes
• Rural voter priorities, including cost of living, health care, immigration, and the economy

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson 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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the 47 Morning Update w Ben Ferguson, Ben examines newly reported survey data on political violence, discuss the assassination attempt against Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, the subsequent incident in Florida, and debate whether escalating political rhetoric is contributing to growing acceptance of violence among portions of the electorate. They also analyze partisan differences in the polling data, reactions to recent political events, and comments from Democratic Representative Ro Khanna regarding impeachment and constitutional accountability.

A new survey on political violence is at the center of this discussion, raising questions about public attitudes toward the use of force in American politics and what those findings could mean for the country’s political climate. The episode focuses on polling cited from political scientist Robert Pape and the University of Chicago’s Chicago Project on Security and Threats. The reported results suggest a significant increase in the number of Americans who say force would be justified to prevent Donald Trump from being president, prompting a broader debate about political extremism, assassination attempts, and the normalization of violence in political discourse.

Topics Covered:

• Survey findings from the Chicago Project on Security and Threats
• Public attitudes toward political violence and the use of force
• The assassination attempt against Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania
• The reported attempted assassination incident in Florida
• Partisan divides reflected in polling on political conflict
• Debate over impeachment, constitutional limits, and political rhetoric

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson analyze new polling showing increased support for socialism among Americans, particularly among independents and Democrats, and debate what is driving those trends. They also discuss immigration policy, Democratic priorities in the midterm campaign, and concerns about proposals involving legal status for millions of undocumented immigrants. The conversation then turns overseas, where British authorities arrested five men suspected of preparing a terrorist attack near RAF Fairford, a military base that hosts U.S. forces. Cruz and Ferguson review the details of the investigation, the reported possibility of links to Iran, and what they see as broader national security implications. The episode also examines reports involving a former Hamas leader's bodyguard who allegedly obtained asylum and citizenship status in the United Kingdom before later being accused in a major terrorism plot.

With five weeks until the midterm elections, Democratic messaging on impeachment, immigration, and the growing popularity of socialism takes center stage. Senator Ted Cruz argues that the stakes of the election extend well beyond control of Congress, touching on economic policy, border security, and the future direction of the country. Cruz and Ben Ferguson examine comments from Democratic lawmakers regarding potential impeachment efforts if Democrats regain power, and they discuss what those proposals could mean for the political landscape heading into Election Day. 

 Topics Covered:

• Democratic discussions of potential impeachment efforts if they regain congressional power
• New Gallup polling on rising public support for socialism
• Immigration policy and proposals involving legal status for millions of undocumented immigrants
• Midterm election messaging and voter concerns heading into Election Day
• The foiled terrorist plot near RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom
• Reports involving a former Hamas bodyguard and broader security concerns tied to immigration screening

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Ben Ferguson Show Podcast, Ben examines the growing push for diesel export restrictions, the political stakes surrounding energy prices before the midterms, and the debate over whether American-produced fuel should be prioritized for American consumers. They also break down President Trump’s address to the United Nations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s confrontational speech, and the broader international disputes involving Iran, Ukraine, Hamas, and global energy markets.

President Trump is publicly backing a proposal to keep more American diesel fuel at home as diesel prices surge to record levels ahead of the midterm elections. Supporters argue that restricting exports could provide relief to farmers, truckers, businesses, and consumers who are absorbing higher transportation and supply chain costs. Critics, including some voices in the energy industry, warn that export restrictions could create unintended consequences and may not deliver the price reductions supporters expect. At the same time, Trump used a major speech at the United Nations to present his America First vision on the world stage, highlighting economic growth, energy production, and U.S. strength while arguing that his administration has acted decisively on both domestic and international challenges.

Topics Covered:

• President Trump’s support for restricting U.S. diesel exports
• Record diesel prices and their impact on farmers, truckers, and consumers
• Congressional and state-level proposals aimed at lowering fuel costs
• Arguments for and against a diesel export ban
• Trump’s United Nations speech and his America First foreign policy message
• Benjamin Netanyahu’s UN address, Iran, Hamas, and international tensions

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson 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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Ben Ferguson Show Podcast, Ferguson examines comments from figures including Troy Jackson, Chris Murphy, Abdul El-Sayed, Gabe Vasquez, William Lawrence, Jamie Ager, and Roy Cooper, while also discussing media coverage, polling ahead of the 2026 midterms, Republican fundraising advantages, and concerns over government expansion. He closes with a discussion of a Massachusetts proposal involving post-birth home visits for new parents, arguing that it raises questions about privacy, parental rights, and government oversight. 

What would Democrats do if they regain power after the 2026 midterm elections? Ben argues that voters do not need to speculate because, in his view, Democratic candidates and elected officials are already telling the public exactly where they stand on policing, healthcare, taxation, immigration, and government authority. Throughout the episode, Ferguson plays a series of clips from Democratic politicians and candidates, highlighting statements on Medicare for All, defunding police departments, higher taxes on top earners, immigration policy, and criminal justice reform. He contends that these positions reflect a broader shift toward the party’s progressive wing and argues that voters should take those policy proposals seriously. 

Topics Covered:

• Medicare for All and the future of private health insurance
• Defunding police and criminal justice reform proposals
• Tax policy, capitalism, and progressive economic arguments
• Immigration, border security, and pathways to citizenship
• 2026 midterm polling, fundraising, and media narratives
• Massachusetts home-visit program for new parents and government oversight

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson 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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the 47 Morning Update w Ben Ferguson, Ben examines statements from Democratic leaders about potential investigations and impeachment efforts, discuss Speaker Mike Johnson’s warning about the stakes of the upcoming midterm elections, and debate what a change in congressional control could mean for the Trump administration, cabinet officials, donors, and political allies. 

Democrats are signaling what they would do if they regain control of Congress after the midterms, and the conversation is extending beyond President Donald Trump himself. Recent comments from Democratic lawmakers have fueled debate over whether future congressional investigations could target members of the Trump administration and cabinet officials. The controversy intensified after remarks suggesting that impeachment efforts could be directed not only at Trump, but also at key figures serving in his administration. Supporters view such oversight as a legitimate congressional tool, while critics argue it would represent a broader expansion of political and legal warfare. 

Topics Covered:

• Comments from Democratic lawmakers on investigating and potentially impeaching cabinet secretaries
• The role of congressional oversight and impeachment powers
• Speaker Mike Johnson’s warning about the consequences of losing the midterms
• Concerns over political investigations, lawfare, and government weaponization
• Debate surrounding the Democratic Socialists of America platform
• The political stakes of the upcoming midterm elections

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Week In Review Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson discuss a study examining political donations by Princeton faculty, debate ideological diversity on college campuses, analyze comments from academics and university leaders, and connect those trends to contemporary Democratic politics. They also review Abdul El-Sayed’s Senate campaign, his previous support for the uncommitted movement during the 2024 presidential cycle, Kamala Harris’s appearance on the campaign trail, and the broader political fight over DEI, progressive activism, and messaging ahead of the midterm elections. The episode concludes with a discussion of Texas Democrat James Talarico, his public image as a moderate Christian, and criticism of views expressed by leaders associated with his longtime church community.

A new study on political donations at Princeton University found that none of its full-time faculty contributed to Republican candidates during the 2023 and 2024 election cycles. Ted Cruz argues the findings reflect a broader ideological shift within higher education and what he describes as the growing influence of university culture on today’s Democratic Party. The conversation expands beyond academia to the 2026 Michigan Senate race, where Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed welcomed former Vice President Kamala Harris to campaign with him. Cruz and Ben Ferguson examine El-Sayed’s past support for Michigan’s “uncommitted” movement, the political implications of Harris’s involvement, and ongoing debates surrounding DEI policies and progressive political messaging. 

Topics Covered:

• Princeton faculty political donation data and ideological diversity in higher education
• Commentary from Jonathan Turley on universities, free speech, and faculty hiring
• Yale, Harvard, and broader debates over political representation on college campuses
• Abdul El-Sayed, Kamala Harris, and Michigan’s 2026 Senate race
• The “uncommitted” movement and disagreements within Democratic coalition politics
• James Talarico, religion in politics, and controversy surrounding church leadership statements

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

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.