The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

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Latest Episodes:

A Preview of President Trump’s Biggest Speech Yet—SOTU 2026 Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

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.

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Another Assissination Attempt on POTUS? plus Mexico on Fire as Cartels Throw a National Tantrum After El Mencho Falls Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

1. Mar‑a‑Lago Armed Intrusion Incident

Separately, an armed 21‑year‑old man (Austin Tucker Martin) from North Carolina entered the Mar‑a‑Lago perimeter.
He carried a shotgun and a gasoline canister.
After raising the shotgun toward agents, he was shot and killed by Secret Service and local law enforcement.
Trump and the First Lady were not present.
The FBI is leading the investigation; the motive remains unknown.

2. Death of CJNG Cartel Leader “El Mencho”

Mexico confirmed the death of El Mencho, described as the most powerful cartel boss in the country.
His death occurred during a military operation aimed at capturing him, which escalated into a firefight.

3. Widespread Cartel Retaliation Across Mexico

Following his death, CJNG gunmen launched coordinated attacks in multiple states, including:
- Roadblocks
- Carjackings
- Shootings of civilians
- Arson targeting stores, gas stations, and buildings
- Attacks at airports such as in Guadalajara
Several regions were brought to a standstill.

4. U.S. Involvement in Pre‑Operation Training

Reports claim U.S. Navy SEALs provided specialized training to elite Mexican military units shortly before the operation.
Mexico had approved U.S. Special Forces presence for joint training.
Communication devices of Mexican units were confiscated to prevent leaks due to corruption risks.
Operation was based on both Mexican and U.S. intelligence tracking Elmentcho.
Intended as a capture mission, but resistance from cartel gunmen led to lethal force being used.

5. U.S. Warnings to American Citizens

The U.S. Embassy issued shelter‑in‑place orders and travel warnings due to escalating violence.
The U.S. State Department continues to warn travelers about significant dangers in impacted areas.

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Mexican Cartel Chaos, SCOTUS Tariff Decision & Olympic Gold Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

1. Major Mexican Cartel Leader Killed CHECK OUT the STORY

Mexican forces killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes (“El Mencho”), leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
His death triggered violent retaliation across multiple Mexican states, including burning vehicles, airport panic, suspended public transportation, and regional shutdowns.
The U.S. issued shelter‑in‑place warnings for American travelers in affected areas.
Violence may increasingly target American tourists, especially during spring break.
Commentary emphasizes Mexico’s struggle with cartel control and the U.S. pushing Mexico to take stronger action.

2. U.S.–Mexico Relations and Trump Administration Pressure CHECK OUT the STORY

Mexico’s action was a response to pressure from President Trump, who warned of U.S. strikes on cartel targets.
Broader theme: Trump administration aims to deter cartels, reduce drug trafficking, human smuggling, and violent crime.
Noted drops in national murder rates (~20%) and drug overdose deaths (~20%), attributed to tougher border and anti‑cartel policies.
Commentary mocks media for ignoring or downplaying these improvements.

3. Advice for Americans in Mexico

For those currently in Mexico, the guidance is:
- Check State Department travel advisories.
- Follow regional safety updates closely.
- Contact U.S. government resources if in danger.
Hosts recommend being extremely cautious about spring break travel during escalating cartel unrest.

4. Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s Tariff Approach

Supreme Court decision ruled that one specific statute (IEEPA) does not authorize the tariff method Trump used.
Majority opinion written by Chief Justice John Roberts; the prediction on the podcast had expected the opposite outcome.
However, the ruling does not prevent Trump from imposing tariffs — it simply means he must rely on other statutes.
The conversation outlines multiple other laws Trump can still use:
- Trade Act of 1974 (Sections 122, 301)
- Smoot-Hawley (Section 338)
- Trade Expansion Act (Section 232)
- Trade Act Safeguards (Section 201)
Expectation: tariffs will continue, though implemented via different legal pathways.

4. Political Reaction to the Tariff Ruling

China and U.S. Democrats were reportedly celebrating the ruling.
Democrats oppose tariffs mainly to politically hurt Trump, not on principle.
Expect ongoing litigation from companies seeking refunds from past tariffs—potentially costing billions.

6. Upcoming State of the Union

Suggestion that Trump should focus the State of the Union on:
- Lower crime rates
- Lower drug overdose deaths
- “America First” accomplishments
Acknowledged cartel takedowns but also keeping the focus on domestic well-being.

7. Olympic Highlights — USA Beats Canada in Men’s Hockey

"We got GREAT Dentists" WATCH Hughes video HERE

Big national pride moment: USA wins gold in men’s hockey against Canada in overtime.
Follows U.S. women also beating Canada in the finals.
Jack Hughes (NHL player, Team USA) celebrated passionately about playing for the country.

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SCOTUS Says No, Trump Says ‘Hell Yes’ & Doubles Down w 10% Global Tariff Feb 21, 2026

Show notes

1. Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump’s Tariffs Under IEEPA

The Supreme Court ruled 6–3 that President Trump’s tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) exceeded legal authority.
Justices Roberts, Gorsuch, and Barrett joined the liberal justices in the majority.
The ruling states the President cannot impose monetary tariffs under IEEPA, though he can still cut off trade, impose embargoes, or restrict commerce.

2. Trump Responds by Announcing a New 10% Global Tariff

Immediately after the ruling, Trump held a press briefing announcing:
- A 10% global tariff imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, not under IEEPA.
- Existing Section 232 (national security) and Section 301 (trade retaliation) tariffs remain unchanged.
He argues these alternative authorities give him broad tariff powers, possibly stronger than IEEPA.

3. Trump Strongly Criticizes the Supreme Court Majority

He expresses disappointment and anger toward the majority justices, accusing them of:
- Weakness
- Being swayed by political or foreign interests
- Acting against American economic interests
He praises Justices Thomas, Alito, and Kavanaugh for their dissent.

4. Trump Claims the Ruling Gives Him Other Powerful Trade Tools

Despite the setback, Trump asserts the ruling:
- Confirms his ability to ban, block, embargo, or license trade under IEEPA—just not charge tariff fees.
- Leaves intact several other statutes authorizing tariffs.
He cites Kavanaugh’s dissent noting the President still retains broad tariff authority under other laws.

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Democrat Party HATES Law-Enforcement, Newsom gets behind Dyslexia & a Tale of Tucker Turbulence Week In Review Feb 21, 2026

Show notes

1. Criticism of Democratic Leaders on Law Enforcement

Barack Obama, Gavin Newsom, and other Democratic figures are hostile toward law enforcement agencies, particularly ICE and National Guard deployments.
Obama is quoted as describing some federal agents’ actions as “rogue,” which the speakers interpret as an attack on ICE.
Gavin Newsom is criticized for comments comparing masked federal agents to authoritarian “secret police,” specifically referencing imagery associated with Germany’s past.
Newsom’s claim that National Guard federalization was unprecedented.
President Eisenhower’s 1957 use of federal authority to enforce desegregation in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Newsom is “historically illiterate,” which later triggers a public Twitter exchange.

2. Newsom’s Response and the Dyslexia Angle

Newsom accuses Ted Cruz of mocking his dyslexia.
Cruz responds that “historically illiterate” referred to misunderstanding history, not reading ability.
A social‑media back‑and‑forth unfolds, including jokes, memes, and comparisons of engagement statistics.
Obama is:
- Highly partisan,
- Influential on younger progressive Democrats,
- Associated with cultural or “Marxist” ideological trends (as described by the speakers),
- Possibly influential behind the scenes during the Biden administration.
Obama’s presidency contributed to increased political division.

3. Discussion of Tucker Carlson’s Recent Behavior

Carlson has changed significantly since leaving Fox News.
- Anti‑Israel sentiment
- Hosting extremist guests
- Favoring authoritarians such as Putin or Iranian leadership
- Attacking Christian Zionists
He may have ulterior financial or ideological motivations (while acknowledging no direct evidence).
Carlson claimed Israeli airport officials detained him and questioned his team.
- Video footage showed him freely interacting with people at the airport,
- Israeli officials denied detaining him,
- A U.S. embassy statement also contradicted Carlson’s story.
Carlson traveled to Israel to interview the ambassador but insisted on conducting the interview at the airport.
Carlson claiming safety concerns while contrasting it with his willingness to travel in Russia or Qatar.

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Liberals Go Nuclear & Call to Dismantle DHS plus Trump Orders Pentagon to Drop the UFO Receipts Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

1. Claims About Democrats and DHS/ICE

Some Democrats—highlighted by comments attributed to Rep. Ilhan Omar—are discussing:
- Abolishing ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
- Potentially dismantling the entire Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Additional Democratic proposals such as:
- Requiring judicial warrants for ICE arrests.
- Banning ICE agents from wearing face masks.
- Mandating body cameras.
- Restricting enforcement at “sensitive locations” like hospitals, schools, and polling places.

2. Arguments Against These Proposals

These ideas as dangerous and claims they would:
- Create “safe havens” for criminals.
- Remove key security agencies (CBP, TSA, FEMA, Coast Guard, Secret Service, USCIS).
Abolishing these agencies would compromise national security and public safety.

3. Republican Positioning

Republicans assert that:
- ICE enforcement is legal, necessary, and reduces crime.
- Democrats’ proposals would undermine safety and national law enforcement.
- The midterm elections will hinge on these policy disagreements.

4. Obama–Trump Exchange on Aliens/UFOs

- Barack Obama stating on a podcast that aliens might exist, though he hasn’t seen evidence.
- Media reaction framing this as significant or revealing.
- Donald Trump responding by suggesting Obama revealed classified information.
- Obama later clarifying on Instagram that he saw no evidence of extraterrestrial contact while president.

5. Trump’s Response About Transparency

rump announces he will:
- Direct the Pentagon and other agencies to identify and release files on:
  - UFOs / UAPs
  - Extraterrestrial life
  - Other classified phenomena
Trump’s stance as “transparency,” comparing it to demands for transparency in other areas such as the Epstein files.

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Leftist Fund Plan to Get Violent Criminals out of Jail plus Tucker Caught Lying about Israel & Aliens are REAL? Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

1. Claims about left‑wing funding and jury nullification

Certain left‑wing or activist groups are promoting jury nullification—encouraging jurors to acquit defendants even if they believe the defendants are guilty.
They cite examples from Minneapolis, focusing on activist networks promoting “jury nullification training.”
The hosts frame this as part of a broader political effort they associate with progressive donors and organizations.
Historical examples of jury nullification—both positive and negative—are mentioned (e.g., Fugitive Slave Act resistance, Emmett Till case).
They argue that encouraging political jurors to “lie during voir dire” would undermine the justice system.

2. Discussion about prosecutors and criminal justice

The speakers criticize certain district attorneys they associate with George Soros' funding efforts.
They claim these DAs reduce prosecutions or lessen criminal enforcement, framing it as a method of "abolishing the police."
Examples of high‑profile progressive prosecutors are mentioned across various US cities.

3. Tucker Carlson segment

The hosts discuss Tucker Carlson’s recent travel to Israel, claiming he falsely stated he was detained by Israeli airport security.
They reference video footage and statements attributed to Israeli authorities and the U.S. embassy that contradict Carlson's claim.
The hosts criticize Carlson’s political positions, alleging:
- He has become hostile toward Israel.
- He features guests they describe as extremists.
- His views have shifted since leaving Fox News.

4. Aliens / UFO portion

The hosts mention comments by Barack Obama and Donald Trump about unidentified aerial phenomena.
Trump is quoted as saying he will direct agencies to release information about UFOs/UAPs.
Senator Cruz comments on classified briefings he has seen, calling them “underwhelming,” without disclosing details.
The segment ends with light‑hearted speculation and jokes about aliens.

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Trump is like Grandma, he keeps it Real plus FBI has Identified Key Antifa Funding Sources Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

1. White House Event & Grandmother’s Testimony

A Washington, D.C. grandmother who lost her grandson in 2017 praised Donald Trump during a Black History Month event.
She credited his administration for focusing on crime reduction and supporting her advocacy after her grandson’s murder.
She expressed frustration with previous local responses and argued for harsher sentencing.
The mainstream media is intentionally avoided showing this White House moment because it is portraying Trump positively.

2. Kash Patel's Earlier Statements (From White House Remarks)

Kash Patel emphasized the FBI was “following the money” to combat violent groups, including Antifa.
He described Antifa as part of organized criminal activity and domestic terrorism.
Patel credited Trump and DOJ leadership for enabling aggressive investigations.
He claimed the FBI was mapping financial networks tied to criminal conduct.
Patel states investigators have now uncovered major Antifa funding streams.
He discussed ongoing financial investigations into demonstrations linked to Antifa.
He suggested details about donors and organizations might be released later.

3. Arrests and Prosecutions Mentioned

Patel cites:
- Over two dozen federal arrests related to “Portland”-type events.
- Nineteen convictions for violent acts linked to Antifa.
- A Texas federal trial involving nine defendants accused of attacking ICE personnel.
- A 2023 Georgia case tied to the “Cop City” protests.

4. Funding Investigations

The FBI is examining whether Antifa-related funding:
- Flows through U.S.-based nonprofit groups.
- Potentially involves foreign sources.
- May include tax‑exempt organizations.
Patel stresses the focus is strictly on violence-related support, not peaceful protest.

5. Organizational Discussions

Although Antifa is widely described as decentralized, Patel says the FBI sees signs of structure such as:
- Conferences
- Local chapters
- National networking
He contrasts this with past officials who described Antifa as merely an “idea.”

6. Internal FBI Actions

Patel says the FBI created a dedicated program to track financial backing of violent activity tied to Antifa.
He describes using counterterrorism-style financial tracing techniques.

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Florida Probe Ignites Fresh Scrutiny Into 2016 Russia Election Hoax Feb 18, 2026

Show notes

1. Background: 2016 Russian Election Interference

U.S. intelligence agencies (FBI, CIA, NSA) concluded Russia conducted a broad influence campaign aimed at undermining confidence in the 2016 election and harming Hillary Clinton’s campaign.
Assessments stated Vladimir Putin preferred Donald Trump, though no vote tampering was alleged.
Russia’s efforts reportedly included:
- Cyber hacking of DNC/Clinton campaign systems.
- The Internet Research Agency running divisive social‑media operations.
- Disinformation and leak operations (e.g., via WikiLeaks).

2. Mueller Investigation (2017–2019)

Special Counsel Robert Mueller investigated both Russian interference and possible coordination with the Trump campaign.
The report found:
- Russia conducted a “sweeping and systematic” interference effort.
- Insufficient evidence to charge a criminal conspiracy involving the Trump campaign.

3. Current DOJ Investigation & Subpoenas

The Justice Department issued new subpoenas related to:
- The creation of the 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA).
- The government’s response to Russian interference.
- Actions of individuals involved in investigations involving Trump.
Subpoenas target records from 2016–present and involve former intelligence and law‑enforcement officials.

4. Focus on Former CIA Director John Brennan

Brennan’s lawyers were reportedly told he is a target in the inquiry.
The House Judiciary Committee referred Brennan for criminal prosecution, alleging he made false statements to Congress about:
- His involvement with the Steele dossier.
- The dossier’s inclusion in the ICA.
Declassified documents reportedly contradict Brennan’s past testimony about the dossier’s role.

5. Political Dispute Over the Steele Dossier

The Steele dossier is described as uncorroborated opposition research.
Longstanding debate:
- Brennan claims he opposed its inclusion in the ICA.
- Critics assert CIA leadership allowed or supported its use despite concerns about reliability.

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Legend Robert Duvall Passes plus Gavin Newsom Claims He's Disabled Feb 18, 2026

Show notes

1. Tribute to Robert Duvall

Robert Duvall passed away at 95 years old.
Hosts discuss his most iconic roles, including:
- To Kill a Mockingbird (as Boo Radley)
- The Godfather (as Tom Hagen)
- Lonesome Dove
- Apocalypse Now
- Gone in 60 Seconds
- Secondhand Lions
Emphasis on Duvall’s legacy as one of the greatest American actors.
Noted that Duvall chose not to have a funeral, instead asking people to enjoy a good movie.

2. Gavin Newsom Controversy

A previous podcast episode involving Gavin Newsom.
Newsom responded on social media, accusing Ted Cruz of attacking his dyslexia.
Ted Cruz replied stating he called Newsom “historically illiterate,” not unable to read.
Cruz references President Eisenhower federalizing the National Guard in 1957 as historical evidence contradicting Newsom's claim.
We poke fun at Newsom’s reaction and discuss how social media posts performed online.
Referenced AOC, Gretchen Whitmer, and Gavin Newsom attending a meeting in Munich

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