The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

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Liberal Politicians Played Dumb & got Re-Elected while Taxpayer Dollars Fed Ghost Daycares Dec 29, 2025

Show notes

Scale of Fraud:
- FBI Director Cash Patel confirmed that the fraud is extensive, describing it as “just the tip of a very large iceberg.”
- A single dismantled scheme tied to federal food aid programs amounted to $250 million, resulting in 78 indictments and 57 convictions.
- Broader estimates suggest fraud across multiple programs in Minnesota could total billions of dollars, including Medicaid, childcare assistance, and nutrition programs.
Nick Shirley’s Role:
- Shirley posted a 42-minute investigative video showing visits to licensed childcare centers that appeared inactive despite receiving millions in public funding.
- One center reportedly received $1.9 million in 2025 but had no children present.
- His video documented $110 million in questionable payments in a single day, sparking national outrage and tens of millions of views.
Political and Media Reaction:
- Figures like Elon Musk, JD Vance, and Rep. Tom Emmer amplified the story, calling for accountability.
- Criticism was directed at mainstream media for failing to investigate, and at Minnesota’s Democratic leadership, including Governor Tim Walz, for allegedly ignoring the issue.
Legal Consequences:
- Convicted fraudsters may face denaturalization and deportation in addition to prison sentences.
- The FBI has surged resources to Minnesota and considers dismantling these schemes a top priority.
Underlying Issues:
- Allegations that political interests and systemic failures allowed fraud to flourish.
- Claims that Minnesota has become a “magnet for fraud” and even developed a “fraud tourism industry.”

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Explosive Undercover Video of Massive Somali Fraud and Democrat Complicity & Corruption Dec 29, 2025

Show notes

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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SCOTUS Blocks Trump in Chicago plus Blue Wall Cracks, PA Turns a little Redder Dec 27, 2025

Show notes

Legal and Constitutional Battles involving President Donald Trump
- A recent Supreme Court decision denying the Trump administration's request to federalize Illinois National Guard troops to assist ICE agents in Chicago.
- The ruling emphasized that the administration failed to identify statutory authority for deploying military forces to enforce laws in Illinois.
- Details of the majority opinion, concurring opinion by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, and dissenting opinions by Justices Alito, Thomas, and Gorsuch.
Republican Voter Registration Gains in Pennsylvania
- Highlights a significant surge in GOP voter registrations in Pennsylvania, noting a net gain of 12,488 registrations in one week.
- Compares current Democratic registration advantage (about 49,558 voters) to a much larger lead in 2016 (nearly 916,000 voters).
- Points out a long-term trend: since the 2024 election cycle, Democrats have lost 449,000 registered voters, while Republicans lost 222,000, resulting in a net GOP gain of 227,000 voters.
- Mentions Trump’s economic achievements in Pennsylvania, including 60,000 new jobs and $100 billion in investments, as part of his second-term agenda.

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It's a Wel-fraud Wonderland, Industrial-Scale Theft in Minnesota & GDP Boom vs. Media Gloom Week In Review Dec 27, 2025

Show notes

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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ICE Says ‘Adiós!’ $3K Exit Bonus Beats Courtroom Chaos Dec 26, 2025

Show notes

Policy Overview
- Undocumented immigrants can receive a $3,000 “exit bonus” if they leave the U.S. voluntarily by December 31.
- The program includes free travel arrangements and potential waivers of civil fines.
- Registration is required via a Department of Homeland Security app.
Rationale
- It is cheaper than formal deportation, which involves legal processes, detention, and transportation costs.
- It is a way to reduce economic strain caused by illegal immigration (jobs, housing costs, remittances sent abroad).
Political Framing
- It's a “brilliant Trump policy” and contrasted with Democratic positions on immigration.
- Criticism of Democrats for opposing the plan despite their stated humanitarian values.
Human Impact
- Includes anecdotal stories of undocumented families facing deportation and its effect on children and school enrollment.
- Highlights social media examples of individuals documenting their self-deportation.
Economic Argument
- Money earned by undocumented immigrants often leaves the U.S. economy through remittances.
- Suggests that removing undocumented immigrants will benefit American workers and housing markets.
Eligibility & Conditions
- Only undocumented immigrants qualify.
- Must depart by December 31 to receive the bonus.
- Payment processed after departure; previous complaints about delays noted.

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Merry Christmas: The 30 Best Movies of the 21st Century Dec 26, 2025

Show notes

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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Operation Northern Lights Saving Children at Christmas plus Santa Too White, Too Male Dec 25, 2025

Show notes

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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Monkeys Playing 'Price Is Right', Ferrets on a Bender & Beagles on Meth Dec 24, 2025

Show notes

Massive Interest Payments on National Debt
- $1.2 trillion spent on interest payments in 2025 alone, making it the third-largest government expense after Social Security and Medicare.
- Highlights the unsustainable nature of U.S. borrowing and debt ($38.4 trillion total).
Animal Experimentation
- $13.8 million for beagle experiments involving tick-borne illnesses.
- $5.2 million for dosing beagles with cocaine and methamphetamines.
- $14.6 million for monkey experiments where monkeys play a Price Is Right-style video game with head posts screwed into their skulls.
- $1 million for forcing teenage ferrets to binge drink for 90 days before being killed.
Questionable Research and Projects
- $2.1 million for a four-year project collecting saliva samples at EDM festivals to test for drugs.
- $2.9 million to study whether toddlers using iPads affects development.
- $1.9 million for mobile phone interventions targeting childhood obesity in Latino families.
Media and Cultural Spending
- $40 million for COVID-19 vaccine promotion after the pandemic ended.
- $1.5 million to promote U.S. films and video games abroad.
- $244,000 for a Pakistani children’s climate cartoon.
- $3.3 million for an anti-racism campus program at Northwestern University.
Infrastructure and Immigration Costs
- $7.5 billion allocated for EV infrastructure, resulting in only 68 charging stations built.
- $22.6 billion spent on migrant benefits.
Miscellaneous
- $2.5 million to promote insect consumption.
- $1.5 million for influencer-led anti-drug TikTok campaigns.

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Christ is Born, America is Working: Christmas Hope, Jobs Booming & Welfare Fraud Exposed Dec 24, 2025

Show notes

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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A Battleship Bombshell-Trump’s Navy Goes YUGE! Dec 23, 2025

Show notes

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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