The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Copyright: 2025 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

Latest Episodes:

A Billion Reasons to Worry — Who’s Really Running America’s Schools Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

Teachers’ Unions as Political Power Brokers
- Major teachers’ unions (e.g., NEA, AFT) have contributed over $1 billion to left‑wing political causes over the past decade.
- This funding overwhelmingly supports Democratic candidates, progressive activism, and ideological causes unrelated to education.
Education System as Ideological Indoctrination
- Unions have shifted from focusing on education (reading, writing, math) to political indoctrination of students.
- Declining academic performance is linked to this ideological focus rather than educational reform.
Coerced Union Participation
- Teachers are forced to contribute union dues and face professional consequences if they dissent, framing this as coercive or unethical.
Link Between Education, Ideology, and Political Violence
- Left‑leaning control of education has normalized hatred of conservatives, Christians, and Donald Trump.
- There is a direct causal line between:
  - union political spending,
  - ideological education,
  - polling data suggesting some Democrats justify political violence,
  - and alleged assassination attempts on Donald Trump.
Normalization of Political Violence
- 25% of Democrats believe political violence can be justified.
- This reflects a broader cultural shift allegedly driven by education and political messaging.
Democratic Strategy Framing
- Democrats deliberately pursued a “long game” by controlling education from elementary school through universities to shape future voters.
- Education institutions are culture‑shaping tools rather than neutral public services.
Call to Parental Action
- This is a warning to parents for continued and increased involvement in school boards.
- This activism is a response to loss of trust, lack of accountability, and ideological overreach.

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.

From Kimmel to the WHCD Shooter-Face Facts Dems want Trump, his Friends & Admin DEAD Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

1. Attribution of Blame

Late‑night television hosts (e.g., Jimmy Kimmel) for dehumanizing rhetoric.
Mainstream journalists (e.g., 60 Minutes, White House Correspondents’ Dinner attendees) for allegedly reinforcing anti‑Trump narratives.
Democratic elected officials and commentators for statements framed as endorsing unrest or violence.
Progressive influencers and activists (e.g., Hasan Piker) for justifying or rationalizing violence and crime.

2. Use of “Stochastic Terrorism” (Reversal)

The text flips the concept of stochastic terrorism, arguing that:

Democrats and the media accuse Trump of incitement, while
Actually engaging in rhetorical demonization that motivates “lone‑wolf” attackers against Trump and conservatives.

3. Montage Strategy

A major technique is the stacking of quotes from:

Politicians
Activists
Entertainers
Journalists

4. Assassination Narrative

The text repeatedly emphasizes:

A manifesto allegedly written by the attacker
Attendance at “No Kings” protests
Donations to Democratic candidates

5. Expansion to “Micro‑Looting”

The argument broadens from political violence to moral breakdown, claiming:

Progressive thinkers now justify theft, rebranding it as “micro‑looting.”
Media outlets and intellectuals allegedly normalize crime by framing it as resistance to unjust “systems.”
This reflects a wider collapse of ethical norms, not just political extremism.

6. Framing of the Democratic Party

The Democratic Party is portrayed as:

Hypocritical (condemning violence while allegedly inciting it)
Radicalized
Willing to excuse murder, theft, and unrest if ideologically convenient

X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THIRD Assassination Attempt on President Trump...while Democrats Rhetoric Fuels the Fire Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

A Third Assassination Attempt:
This is the third attempted assassination against President Donald Trump, crediting the Secret Service and law enforcement for stopping the suspect.
Attribution of Responsibility to Political Rhetoric:
Violent acts are being fueled by inflammatory rhetoric from Democrats, left‑leaning media figures, and progressive commentators, who are normalizing or encouraging political violence.
Focus on Specific Statements and Figures:
Remarks by Democratic leaders, media personalities, and online commentators that are endorsing or joking about violence, using these examples to argue that such language has real‑world consequences.
Characterization of the Suspect:
The alleged attacker is described as ideologically motivated rather than mentally ill, portrayed as a “radicalized” individual influenced by left‑wing ideology, academic environments, and media narratives about Trump and Republicans.
Praise of Trump’s Response:
President Trump acted with restraint and leadership after the incident, calling for unity, peaceful resolution of differences, and respect for free speech, even while enduring hostile questioning from the media.
Criticism of Media Conduct:
Media outlets and journalists are irresponsibly repeating accusations from the attacker’s manifesto and reinforcing narratives that the speakers believe contribute to further radicalization.
Broader Warning About Political Climate:
Escalating rhetoric, ideological indoctrination, and tolerance of violent language are creating a dangerous environment where political figures and public events increasingly require heightened security.

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.

Public Opinion Blows a Hole Through Immigration Spin plus Trump Calls Missing Scientists ‘Serious Stuff’ Apr 25, 2026

Show notes

1. Public Opinion on Illegal Immigration and Deportation

A recent poll reports shifting voter attitudes toward illegal immigration.
31% of registered voters say all illegal immigrants should be deported.
Overall views:
- 43% support allowing illegal immigrants to stay and eventually apply for citizenship.
- 40% favor deportation in general (with differing criteria).
- 7% support allowing them to stay without citizenship.
On who should be deported:
- 60% agree that illegal immigrants convicted of serious crimes should be deported.
- 19% support deportation for minor crimes.
- Only 3% support deportation of:
  - Long‑term, law‑abiding undocumented immigrants
  - Those brought to the U.S. as children
Party-line differences are significant:
- 57% of Republicans favor deporting all illegal immigrants.
- This view is held by 24% of Independents and 7% of Democrats.
- Strong bipartisan agreement exists on deporting those convicted of serious crimes.
Immigration enforcement is a major political issue heading into elections.
Department of Homeland Security statements highlight ICE arrests involving serious crimes, reinforcing public safety concerns raised by immigration critics.

2. Reported Disappearances and Deaths of U.S. Scientists

At least 10 cases are under review, involving personnel from:
- NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory
- Los Alamos National Laboratory
- Other high‑level research institutions
The FBI is leading the investigation, coordinating with:
- Department of Energy
- Department of Defense
- Department of State
- Local law enforcement
Cases span several years and include:
- Disappearances
- Homicides
- Unexplained deaths
A high‑profile case involves a retired Air Force Major General who disappeared under unusual circumstances.
Officials caution against conspiracy theories, noting:
- No confirmed links between the cases
- Large scientific workforces statistically experience unrelated deaths
Some lawmakers speculate about possible foreign adversary involvement, though no evidence has confirmed this.
Federal agencies, including NASA, state there is no current indication of a national security threat.
The House Oversight Committee has launched its own inquiry amid public pressure for transparency.

X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Qatar’s Billion‑Dollar Influence Machine, Clarence Thomas Challenges Progressivism & the Liberal Heckler’s Veto Playbook Week In Review Apr 25, 2026

Show notes

1. Allegations of Qatar’s Influence Campaign in the U.S.

Qatar spends billions of dollars funding U.S. universities to influence American public opinion and academic culture.
Qatar hires Washington, D.C.–based PR and lobbying firms to “whitewash” its image, particularly regarding claims of support for extremist groups.
Qatar’s status is the largest foreign funder of U.S. universities, surpassing countries like China, and suggests this funding correlates with campus political activism.
Specific universities (e.g., Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Carnegie Mellon) are highlighted as major recipients of foreign funds.
Financial relationships will limit criticism of foreign governments, citing an example of a U.S. university campus in Qatar allegedly restricting speech about the Qatari regime.

2. Clarence Thomas’s Judicial Philosophy

Thomas is emphasizing:
- Judicial restraint and discipline
- Originalism and adherence to the Constitution’s original meaning
- The belief that rights come from God, not government, grounded in the Declaration of Independence
His personal background (raised by his grandfather, strict discipline, plainspoken style) is presented as shaping his judicial approach.
Thomas’s views with progressivism, which characterizes asserting that rights derive from government authority rather than natural or divine sources.
A Senate hearing anecdote is used to illustrate this ideological divide, portraying progressive views as mainstream within the modern Democratic Party.

3. Free Speech Conflicts on College Campuses

At UCLA Law School, protesters disrupted a talk by a Department of Homeland Security lawyer.
The disruption is a “heckler’s veto,” preventing speech rather than expressing dissent.
Similar past incidents at Stanford Law School are cited to argue that some law students’ conduct is incompatible with professional legal standards.
University administrations are failing to protect speech and enforce order during such events.

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.

50 Governors Put on Fraud Notice-Clean Up Medicaid or Face the Consequences Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

Federal Crackdown on Medicaid Fraud
CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, working under President Donald Trump’s administration, has initiated a nationwide effort to combat Medicaid fraud, citing billions of dollars in losses due to noncompliant and fraudulent providers.
All 50 Governors Put on Notice
Every U.S. governor—regardless of party—has received identical letters requiring immediate action, signaling that Medicaid fraud is viewed as a national, not partisan, problem.
Strict Deadlines Imposed
- 10 business days: Governors must confirm whether they will conduct rapid revalidation of high‑risk Medicaid providers.
- 30 days: States must submit a broader Medicaid provider revalidation strategy.
- Two‑year plan: States must outline long‑term methods for verifying provider legitimacy and compliance.
Focus on High‑Risk Providers CMS is prioritizing providers with:
- Weak enrollment standards
- Less rigorous billing oversight
- Missing or invalid National Provider Identifiers (NPIs)
  These providers are considered most vulnerable to fraud, waste, and abuse.
Escalated Federal Oversight Failure to comply with revalidation requirements will be used as a risk indicator of fraud and could affect future federal Medicaid funding decisions.
Law Enforcement Coordination States are instructed to work closely with law enforcement agencies, indicating that criminal investigations and prosecutions are expected to increase.
Catalyst: High‑Profile Fraud Cases Major scandals—especially in Minnesota and California—have intensified scrutiny:
- Minnesota’s “Feeding Our Future” case (~$250M)
- A state review estimating up to $1.7B in improper payments over four years These cases highlighted systemic vulnerabilities.
Potential Funding Deferrals CMS is considering Medicaid payment deferrals in states deemed noncompliant, setting the stage for legal and political conflicts between state and federal governments.
Policy Framed as Taxpayer Protection The initiative is presented as safeguarding resources for intended beneficiaries—low‑income individuals, seniors, children, and people with disabilities—by removing corrupt actors from the system.

X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Southern Poverty Law Center FUNDS the Klan, plus UCLA Law Students Silence Conservatives Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

1. Allegations Against the Southern Poverty Law Center

The Southern Poverty Law Center:
- Was criminally indicted by the U.S. Department of Justice.
- Funded or financially supported extremist groups, including the Ku Klux Klan, neo-Nazi organizations, and organizers of the 2017 “Unite the Right” rally.
- Engaged in wire fraud, money laundering, and donor deception.
The SPLC is operating a fraudulent fundraising model, allegedly exaggerating or manufacturing extremism to increase donations.
The SPLC funding of extremists is:
- Intentional
- Long‑term
- Central to its fundraising success
Corporate donors (Apple, JPMorgan, MGM, etc.) are cited as unwitting enablers, accused of donating for “virtue signaling.”

2. Media and Institutional Complicity

- Mainstream media ignored or covered up SPLC wrongdoing.
- Corporate America gave millions without oversight.
- Political and cultural elites protected SPLC due to ideological alignment.
Past warnings from commentators (e.g., John Stossel) are cited as evidence that concerns were longstanding.

3. Political Impact

The Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville is described as:
- Financially linked to SPLC funding, according to the show’s claims.
- Used politically to attack conservatives and Donald Trump.
The SPLC allegedly used extremist events to drive massive fundraising growth, citing revenue increases after major controversies.

4. Free Speech and Campus Controversies

- A UCLA Law School event where progressive students allegedly disrupted and silenced a conservative speaker from the Department of Homeland Security.
The behavior is a “heckler’s veto”, framed as:
- Antithetical to free speech
- A sign of ideological intolerance on the left
Comparisons are made to similar incidents at Stanford Law School.
Law students are criticized as being unfit for the legal profession if they engage in such conduct.

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.

California’s Taxpayer‑Funded Illegal Migration Machine Apr 23, 2026

Show notes

Large-Scale Spending Allegation
- Claims California spent approximately $1 billion to bring or support 400,000 undocumented immigrants.
- Attributes these figures to a report allegedly from the Manhattan Institute.
Use of Public Funds
- Asserts state and federal tax dollars were directed to nonprofit organizations (e.g., Catholic Charities, Jewish Family Services, immigrant legal groups).
- Frames this funding as political kickbacks rather than humanitarian or service-based grants.
Political Organizing Accusations
- Claims immigrant-advocacy organizations function as political machines:
  - Organizing protests
  - Producing political messaging
  - Monitoring ICE activities
- Alleges coordination with Democratic political goals.
Social and Economic Impact Narrative
- Argues mass immigration:
  - Depresses wages
  - Increases housing costs
  - Strains public services
  - Drives longtime residents out of California
- Uses anecdotal housing examples to emphasize overcrowding and rent inflation.
Historical and Ideological Framing
- Compares modern Democratic immigration policies to 19th-century political machines (e.g., Tammany Hall).
- Frames migrants as:
  - Economic tools
  - Long-term welfare recipients
  - Future Democratic voters
- Uses language suggesting exploitation and dependency.
Criticism of Sanctuary Policies
- Strongly opposes sanctuary city laws.
- Frames limits on immigration enforcement as:
  - Encouraging illegality
  - Undermining public safety
  - Blocking federal authority

X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Southern Poverty Law Center Ran Covert Network While Denouncing the Same Groups Publicly Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

1. Alleged DOJ Indictment

The text claims the SPLC was indicted by an Alabama grand jury on 11 felony counts, including:
- Wire fraud
- False statements to a federally insured bank
- Conspiracy to commit concealment money laundering

2. Alleged Long‑Term Fraud Scheme

SPLC is accused of running a decades‑long fraudulent operation (dating back to the 1980s).
The alleged scheme involved raising donor funds to “fight” extremist groups while secretly funding them.

3. Alleged Funding of Extremist Groups

The document asserts SPLC funneled over $3 million (2014–2023) to individuals tied to extremist organizations, including:
- Ku Klux Klan
- Aryan Nations
- National Socialist Movement
- United Clans of America
- National Alliance
- American Front
Funds were allegedly used to support leadership and facilitate crimes.

4. Use of Shell Companies and Money Laundering

SPLC allegedly:
- Created fake organizations (shell entities) with no real operations
- Moved money through multiple accounts
- Loaded funds onto prepaid cards to obscure the money trail
This is framed as the basis for money‑laundering charges.

5. Alleged Role in Charlottesville “Unite the Right” Rally

A claimed SPLC source is alleged to have:
- Been part of online leadership chats planning the 2017 Charlottesville rally
- Helped coordinate logistics while under SPLC supervision

6. Statements Attributed to Officials

Claims are attributed to:
- Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche
- FBI Director Kash Patel
Both are portrayed as asserting that SPLC:
- Lied to its donors
- Enriched itself
- Actively fueled extremist activity rather than dismantling it

X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ted's Brand-New Book—A Biography of Clarence Thomas, Telling his Incredible Life Story and his Historic Impact on our Nation Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

1. Purpose of the Book

The book aims to:
- Tell Clarence Thomas’s personal life story, especially his rise from extreme poverty.
- Explain his judicial philosophy and jurisprudence in plain, accessible language.
It is based on approximately 9.5 hours of exclusive, one‑on‑one interviews between Ted Cruz and Justice Thomas.
Cruz emphasizes that the book is written for non‑lawyers, including students and general readers.

2. Clarence Thomas’s Background and Life Journey

Grew up in severe poverty in Pin Point, Georgia, raised primarily by his grandfather.
Initially spoke a Gullah/Geechee dialect, not English.
Experienced racism, hardship, family conflict, and personal struggles, including anger and a period of heavy drinking.
Attended seminary with the intention of becoming a Catholic priest, later leaving due to disillusionment.
Educated at Holy Cross College and Yale Law School.
Underwent a major ideological transformation, moving from left‑wing Black Power activism to conservative principles over many years.

3. Professional Rise and Historic Achievements

Faced career obstacles due to perceptions surrounding affirmative action.
Worked under Republican Senator John Danforth, which became a turning point.
Served in:
- The Reagan administration
- The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
- The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals
Appointed in 1991 as the second Black Justice on the U.S. Supreme Court.
On track to become the longest‑serving Supreme Court justice in U.S. history (by 2028).

4. Judicial Philosophy (“Going Further”)

Thomas’s jurisprudence emphasizes:
- Originalism and the original meaning of the Constitution
- The belief that rights come from God/nature, not government
- A color‑blind Constitution
- Judicial restraint: judges should interpret and apply law, not create policy
His opinions are intentionally plain‑spoken and accessible, reflecting his background and respect for ordinary citizens.
The title Going Further reflects his tendency to push legal reasoning to its foundational principles rather than incremental change.

5. Confirmation Hearings and Public Attacks

The book examines the 1991 confirmation hearings, including:
- Allegations by Anita Hill
- Intense political and media attacks
Cruz draws parallels between Thomas’s hearings and later Supreme Court confirmations (e.g., Brett Kavanaugh).
Thomas is portrayed as enduring racialized hostility and vilification because of his conservative views.

6. Legacy and Moral Example

Clarence Thomas is presented as:
- A model of personal resilience, discipline, and principle
- Someone who maintained convictions despite decades of criticism
Cruz argues Thomas would be widely celebrated if he were liberal, but instead has been marginalized.
The book frames Thomas as a role model for principled living, not just for lawyers but for all Americans.