1. Minnesota Fraud Scandal: 

               Minnesota lets voters 'vouch' for up to 8 others (SEE STORY HERE)

• Allegations of massive fraud in childcare programs and federal aid schemes in Minnesota, involving Somali-linked organizations.
• Governor Tim Walz for refused to apologize and instead advocating for welcoming more Somali immigrants, despite fraud concerns.
• Walz relies on Somali voting blocs for reelection.
• Details a federal crackdown:
  • DHS, FBI, and ICE are conducting investigations, raids, and immigration checks.
  • Officials describe the fraud as potentially “the tip of a very large iceberg”, involving hundreds of millions or billions of dollars.
• Trump administration is taking decisive action to restore law and order.

2. Trump’s Diplomatic Moves

• Trump’s Mar-a-Lago meeting with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
• The following is emphasized:
  • Strong U.S.-Israel alliance, dismissing media claims of tension.
  • Discussions on Middle East peace plans, Gaza reconstruction, and Iran’s pursuit of chemical and biological warheads.
  • Trump’s warning: Iran will face immediate military action if it resumes missile or nuclear programs.
• Trump’s diplomatic engagement with Zelensky and Putin, signaling progress toward a Russia-Ukraine peace framework and offering Ukraine a 15-year U.S. security guarantee.

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• Massive Fraud Allegations (WATCH NICK's VIDEO HERE!)

  • Minnesota has spent $18 billion on Medicaid over several years, with up to $9 billion allegedly lost to fraud.
  • Fraud reportedly involves fake daycare centers and autism centers receiving millions in state funds without providing services or having children present.
  • Example: Facilities licensed for dozens of children but found empty, with windows blacked out and doors locked.

• Political Corruption

  • Democratic politicians, including Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison, ignored or enabled the fraud.
  • Stolen funds were used to influence elections and fund campaigns.
  • We bring up Ilhan Omar and have questions about her financial gains.

• Investigative Work by Nick Shirley

  • A 23-year-old YouTuber, Nick Shirley, conducted undercover investigations, visiting daycare and autism centers, documenting the absence of children, and exposing suspicious operations.
  • His video reportedly went viral, reaching over 90 million views.

• Media Criticism

  • Strong criticism of mainstream (called “Corporate”) media for allegedly ignoring the story.
  • Praise for independent investigative journalism.

• Security and Confrontations

  • Confrontations with individuals at the centers, some becoming hostile.
  • Police involvement when Shirley attempted to gather information at healthcare offices.

• Financial Scale

  • Examples of payments: individual centers receiving $1–$3 million annually.
  • Autism-related Medicaid payments allegedly skyrocketed from $1.3 million in 2017 to $228 million in 2024.

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1. Welfare System Fraud and Structural Issues

• Based on an op-ed by Phil Gramm and John Early in The Wall Street Journal titled “The Biggest Fraud in Welfare”.
• Key points:
  • U.S. welfare spending has skyrocketed 765% since the mid-1970s, now totaling $1.4 trillion annually.
  • If distributed evenly among the 19.8 million families classified as poor, each would receive $71,000 per year.
  • The government fails to count non-cash benefits (Medicaid, housing subsidies, food stamps) as income, creating a distorted picture of poverty.
  • Example: A single parent earning $11,000 annually can receive benefits worth $53,128, bringing total resources to $64,128, well above the poverty threshold.
  • Criticism of the system: It traps people in dependency instead of promoting self-sufficiency, contrasting with Trump-era welfare reform that moved 7 million people off food stamps into the workforce.

2. Massive Fraud in Minnesota’s Medicaid and Welfare Programs

• Federal prosecutors allege up to $9 billion in fraud since 2018, possibly 50% of the $18 billion spent on 14 programs.
• Fraud described as “industrial scale”, involving fake companies and individuals exploiting housing and autism assistance programs.
• Some funds allegedly funneled to Al Shabab, a Somali terrorist organization.
• Criticism of Minnesota’s Democratic leadership for lack of oversight and alleged vote-buying incentives.
• Prediction: Similar fraud likely exists in California, New York, and Illinois.
• Media accused of downplaying the scandal; local CBS reports highlighted the severity.

3. Strong U.S. Economic Performance Under Trump

• Latest GDP report shows 4.3% growth in Q3, the strongest in two years, beating expectations of 3.2%.
• Growth driven by consumer spending, healthcare, tech, and AI-related investments.
• Inflation reportedly down to 1.6%, signaling economic stability.
• Commentary contrasts media narratives predicting economic collapse with reality of strong holiday spending and trade policy success.
• Trump’s supply-side policies (tax cuts, deregulation) and trade strategies credited for economic boom.

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• Hollywood and Media Bias:

  • Cruz argues that the NYT list prioritizes political messaging over storytelling and entertainment.
  • He claims the list reflects elitist, left-leaning Hollywood values and ignores popular, inspirational, or patriotic films.

• Alternative Film List:

  • Cruz presents his own list of 30 films from the past 25 years that he believes are more representative of quality cinema.
  • His selections include:
    • Gladiator, The Patriot, A Beautiful Mind, Lord of the Rings, Saving Private Ryan, American Sniper, Hidden Figures, Top Gun: Maverick, and Avatar.
  • He emphasizes true stories, war films, musicals, and movies with strong moral or patriotic themes.

• Personal Movie Preferences:

  • Cruz shares his favorite films (The Princess Bride, The Godfather, Scarface, Fletch), and discusses his love for musicals and classic comedies.
  • He recounts personal anecdotes, including taking his mother to Broadway shows and watching Saving Private Ryan and Dallas Buyers Club.

• Cultural Commentary:

  • The conversation touches on broader cultural issues, such as the disconnect between Hollywood and everyday Americans, the importance of storytelling, and the role of cinema in shaping public perception.

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1. Cultural Debate on Santa Claus

• UK museum’s guidance to “decolonize” Father Christmas.
• Santa is criticized for being “too white” and “too male.”
• Suggests changes like:
  • Santa working alongside elves to show equality.
  • Mrs. (Mother) Christmas taking a more prominent role.
  • Removing the “naughty or nice” list, which is framed as colonial and judgmental.
• Links these ideas to broader critiques of patriarchy, colonialism, and Christianity, portraying them as part of a “woke” agenda.

2. Child Rescue Operations

• U.S. law enforcement Operation Northern Lights, which has recovered 43 missing children in Florida and surrounding states.
• Highlights risks these children faced (human trafficking, exploitation, domestic violence).
• Frames the current administration as proactive compared to the previous one, which is accused of neglecting child safety for political reasons tied to immigration.

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1. Christmas and Its Religious Significance

• The discussion begins with warm holiday greetings and reflections on the meaning of Christmas.
• Emphasis is placed on celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, highlighting its spiritual importance over commercial aspects like gifts and Santa Claus.
• Ben and the Senator share personal traditions, such as reading Luke Chapter 2 during Christmas dinner, and discuss cultural practices (e.g., Cuban Christmas Eve celebrations with roasted pig vs. vegetarian meals).
• There’s commentary on a resurgence of faith among younger generations, citing record-breaking Bible sales in 2025.

2. Economic Outlook and Media Bias

• The conversation shifts to positive economic news: U.S. GDP growth of 4.3% in Q3, the strongest in two years.
• They argue this growth contradicts negative media predictions and accuse mainstream outlets of political bias.
• Key points include:
  • Strong consumer spending during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
  • Positive impacts of trade policy, tax cuts, and deregulation under President Trump.
  • Criticism of media framing economic success negatively compared to previous administrations.

3. Welfare Fraud and Systemic Issues

• Historic fraud in Minnesota’s Medicaid and welfare programs, estimated at $9 billion, and allegations that funds were diverted to terrorist organizations like Al Shabab.
• Predicting similar fraud in other Democratic-led states (California, New York, Illinois).
• Wall Street Journal op-ed by Phil Gramm and John Early is mentioned about structural flaws in the U.S. welfare system:
  • Welfare spending has surged 765% over 50 years, now costing $1.4 trillion annually.
  • Many benefits are not counted as income, creating misleading poverty statistics and perpetuating dependency.
  • The argument advocates for welfare reform to encourage work and reduce generational poverty.

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• Golden Fleet Announcement

  • Trump unveils plans for the construction of two massive battleships, described as:
    • The largest ever built.
    • “100 times more powerful” than previous Iowa-class ships.
    • Part of a new Golden Fleet to revitalize U.S. naval power.
  • Long-term vision: expand to 20–25 ships, boosting American shipbuilding and jobs.
  • Emphasis on national security, military supremacy, and economic benefits.

• Press Conference Highlights

  • Trump positions himself as “the most transparent president in modern history”, answering questions on:
    • China, Venezuela, Iran, and oil tanker seizures.
    • Drug trafficking from Colombia.
    • U.S. investment and tariffs.
    • Healthcare insurer meetings.
    • Epstein files and photos involving Bill Clinton.

• Epstein Files Discussion

  • Trump expresses discomfort with photos of Bill Clinton being released but frames the issue as a Democratic distraction from Republican successes.
  • Criticizes political opponents for using Epstein controversy to deflect from his administration’s achievements.

• Economic & Trade Themes

  • Claims trillions in foreign investment flowing into the U.S. due to tariffs and pro-business policies.
  • Projects $18 trillion in investments within 10 months, aiming for $20 trillion.

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To our listeners a GREAT THANK YOU! Without you this would not be possible. We thank EACH and every one of you for making Verdict what it is today and supporting this show. Much more to blow you away in 2026 so keep listening, and keep sharing!

                                        Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to all of you!

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1. Immigration and Housing

• Mass immigration under President Biden increased rental demand and housing prices.
• Trump’s deportations and border enforcement are lowering rents and home prices.
• Median age of first-time homebuyers is rising above 40 (highest since WWI).
• Wharton study: “Every 1% population increase → rents up 1%.”
• Recent rent declines (−1.1% YoY, −5.2% vs. 2022 peak).

   Tax Policy Changes (2026)

• Highlights upcoming measures:
  • No tax on tips
  • No tax on overtime
  • No tax on Social Security for seniors
• Suggests millions will receive IRS refunds starting January.

   HUD Report

• HUD finds that immigration significantly drove up housing demand and prices, especially for low-income Americans without assistance.

2. DOJ/FBI and Mar-a-Lago Raid

• Newly released emails show FBI doubted probable cause for the 2022 raid but proceeded under pressure from Biden DOJ.
• There were political motives behind the raid, calling it “abuse of power.”
• Lack of whistleblowers and calls for congressional hearings.

3. Last 3 BIG WINS of this past year

   Space

• Announces $10 billion investment in NASA and commercial space through the Working Families tax cut.
• Goal: U.S. lunar landing by 2028 (ahead of China’s 2030 target).
• Emphasizes jobs (50,000+ in Texas), national security, and inspiration for youth.

   Automotive Policy

• CAFE standards were “zeroed out” to reduce car costs and improve safety.
• Biden-era fuel economy rules are an attempt to ban internal combustion engines.

   Online Safety – “Take It Down Act”

• Makes posting non-consensual intimate imagery (including AI deepfakes) a felony.
• Grants victims a statutory right to demand immediate removal from platforms.
• Bipartisan passage and signing in the Rose Garden with First Lady Melania Trump.

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• Border Security

  • Illegal immigration reportedly dropped by 99%.
  • $100 billion invested in border security infrastructure (wall, technology, personnel).
  • Claimed economic benefits: reduced housing costs and rents due to deportations.

• Working Families Tax Cut (formerly “One Big Beautiful Bill”)

  • Permanent extension and expansion of Trump-era tax cuts.
  • Specific provisions:
    • No taxes on tips, overtime, or Social Security benefits (effective 2026).
  • Framed as the most conservative legislative victory in U.S. history.

• Military & National Security

  • $150 billion invested in rebuilding the military.
  • $24.5 billion allocated to the Coast Guard (over 200% of its annual budget).
  • Emphasis on Arctic ice cutters to counter China and Russia.

• Technology & Infrastructure

  • Auctioning 800 MHz of federal spectrum to private sector (expected $100 billion revenue).
  • Air traffic control modernization ($12.5 billion investment).
  • Rotor Act: mandates ADS-B technology for all aircraft to prevent collisions.

• Education & Social Policy

  • School Choice Expansion: Tax credits for donations to scholarship organizations.
  • Trump Accounts: Investment accounts for every child in America, seeded with $1,000 and allowing $5,000 annual contributions, invested in S&P 500.

• Space Exploration

  • $10 billion investment in NASA and commercial space programs.
  • Goal: U.S. to return to the Moon by 2028, ahead of China.

• Regulatory Rollbacks

  • Elimination of CAFE standards (fuel economy rules), framed as lowering car costs and improving safety.

• Online Safety

  • Take It Down Act: Criminalizes non-consensual intimate imagery and deepfake pornography; mandates immediate removal by platforms.

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