The Ben Ferguson Podcast

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Latest Episodes:

FBI Calls Cathloc School Shooting a Hate Crime as Democrats Push Gun Control Aug 30, 2025

Show notes

Part 1: Minneapolis Catholic School Shooting

Event: A shooting occurred at a Catholic school/church in Minneapolis.
Details:
- Shooter identified as Robin Westman, 23, who was born Robert Westman and later changed their name.
- Used multiple firearms (pistol, rifle, shotgun).
- Two children (ages 8 and 10) were killed; 17 others (14 children, 3 adults) were injured.
- Shooter reportedly admired past mass shooters, left behind videos, writings, and a manifesto.
- Shooter died by suicide after the attack.
Reactions:
- FBI declared it a hate crime and domestic terrorism targeting Catholics.
- Political split: Trump administration officials labeled it a hate crime quickly, while local Minneapolis officials hesitated to do so.
- Democrats and media outlets were criticized in the transcript for pushing gun control instead of focusing on the shooter’s identity and motives.
- Heavy emphasis was placed on the shooter being transgender, framing it as part of a “mental health crisis” ignored by “the left.”

Part 2: Political and Cultural Commentary

Strong criticism of Democrats, media, and Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz.
Claims that Walz denied funding to secure Catholic schools while prioritizing aid to immigrants.
Suggests that cultural acceptance of transgender identities contributes to violence.
Frames the shooting within the broader “culture war,” tying it to issues like women’s sports and trans rights.

Part 3: Economic Update Under Trump

Transition shifts away from the shooting to highlight U.S. economic performance.
Claims the economy is outperforming expectations under Trump in Q2 2025.
Key economic points:
- GDP revised upward to 3.3% (from 3.0%).
- Stronger consumer spending and business investment.
- Corporate profits rebounded by $65.5 billion after a previous quarter’s decline.
- Imports fell, framed as beneficial for U.S. workers.
- Inflation remained stable around 2%.
Framed as proof that the media and Democrats “lied” about Trump’s trade wars and economic policies.

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Cracker Barrel’s $100M Disaster, GOP Probes Alleged DC Crime Cover-Up & Biden Packed Swing States Aug 30, 2025

Show notes

1. Corporate “Woke” Branding Backlash

The first section criticizes Cracker Barrel’s rebranding efforts under a new CEO in 2023.
The piece compares the situation to Bud Light’s controversial marketing campaign.
It claims that Cracker Barrel alienated its customer base by modernizing its logo, decor, and brand identity, resulting in financial losses and backlash.
It highlights Donald Trump’s criticism of the company and suggests his comments influenced Cracker Barrel’s decision to revert to its original branding.

2. Washington, D.C. Crime Data Controversy

The next section shifts to politics, focusing on allegations that D.C. officials manipulated crime statistics to make crime appear lower.
It mentions House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer launching an investigation, supported by whistleblower claims.
The commentary argues that this manipulation was politically motivated, while framing Donald Trump as taking a strong stance on public safety.

3. Immigration and Electoral Strategy

The final section accuses the Biden administration of deliberately increasing the population of undocumented immigrants in swing states between 2021 and 2023.
It cites Pew Research Center estimates and claims the motive was to influence redistricting and long-term election outcomes.
The commentary positions Trump as fighting against these policies to secure the border and protect U.S. elections.

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Trump DEI Spending Win, Cracker Barrel Pulls the Plug on Rebrand & Panama Canal at Risk by Far Reaching China Week In Review Aug 30, 2025

Show notes

Supreme Court Ruling on DEI Grants
- The Supreme Court ruled 5–4 in favor of the Trump administration, allowing it to terminate $783 million in NIH diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) related grants.
- The decision centered on jurisdiction — the Court found that lawsuits over federal contracts must be filed in the Court of Federal Claims, not in district court.
- Justice Amy Coney Barrett cast the swing vote: siding with conservatives to block the payouts but with liberals on preventing reinstatement of the DEI guidance policy.
- Conservatives framed this as a victory against what they see as “ideological” grants, while critics warned of reduced research support.
Corporate “Woke” Backlash — Cracker Barrel Example
- Discussion shifted to Cracker Barrel’s rebranding effort that downplayed its nostalgic Americana imagery.
- The company faced backlash, similar to Bud Light and Target controversies, leading to stock declines.
- After pressure from customers, investors, and even Donald Trump’s public comments, Cracker Barrel reversed course and reinstated its traditional branding.
- This was framed as an example of market-driven resistance to corporate progressivism.
Senator’s Latin America Trip (El Salvador & Panama)
- The speaker described travels to El Salvador, highlighting improved safety under President Nayib Bukele. This led to “reverse migration,” with Salvadorans abroad expressing interest in returning.
- In Panama, focus was on the Panama Canal’s strategic importance and concerns about Chinese control over ports, infrastructure projects, and canal-adjacent facilities.
- The senator warned that in the event of a U.S.–China conflict, Chinese influence in Panama could threaten U.S. economic and military logistics.
- He urged Panamanian officials to push out Chinese companies and secure the canal with U.S.-aligned interests.

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DC Mayor Admits Trump’s Crime Crackdown Works plus Monarez Shortest Tenure in CDC History Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

Crime & Policing
- DC Mayor Muriel Bowser is described as reversing her stance and acknowledging that Trump’s federal crime crackdown reduced carjackings and violent crime.
- Statistics cited include:
  - 87% drop in carjackings during the 20-day deployment.
  - 22% reduction in violent crime.
  - 0 homicides in a 7-day stretch.
- Commentary portrays Democrats as “soft on crime,” contrasting Trump’s law-and-order stance with Democratic city leadership in places like Chicago and New York.
Partisan Framing
- The narrative criticizes Democratic leaders for resisting federal help, suggesting they are more concerned with politics than citizen safety.
- References to the 1994 Crime Bill and claims that Democrats have since abandoned tough-on-crime policies in favor of “defund the police” and bail reform.
CDC Leadership Shakeup
- Shifts to a controversy involving RFK Jr. (serving in the Trump administration in this scenario) removing Susan Monarez from her short-lived role as CDC director.
- Multiple senior officials resigned in protest, citing political interference in science and public health.
- The piece frames this as Trump and Kennedy restoring accountability and realigning the CDC with “Make America Healthy Again” policies.
Cultural & Social Commentary
- The speaker ties high-crime cities to failing schools, declining church attendance, and weakened community bonds.
- Personal anecdotes about growing up in Memphis and comparing it to safer small-town life (Botno, North Dakota) reinforce the message that safe communities foster strong faith and civic life.
Call to Action
- The conclusion urges Trump to continue direct engagement with high-crime cities, bypassing resistant Democratic leaders, and presents this as a winning political and social strategy.
- The document closes with an appeal for listeners/readers to share the message on social media.

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Trump’s Economy Defies Critics plus Polls Show Voters Back POTUS on Crime Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

Economy Under Trump
- Claims that media and Democrats falsely predicted Trump’s policies would harm the economy.
- Presents government data revisions as proof that the economy was performing better than expected (GDP growth revised upward).
- Attributes strong consumer spending, business investment, and trade dynamics to Trump’s leadership.
- Emphasizes restrained inflation and lower government spending as further positives.
Crime & Policing
- Highlights Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s reported acknowledgment that federal crime crackdowns helped reduce carjackings.
- Uses polling data to argue that Trump is more trusted on crime than Democrats.
- Contrasts Democrats’ past support for strong crime bills (1990s) with more recent calls for reforms like “defund the police.”
- Suggests Democrats prioritize criminals or political control over citizens’ safety.
Framing Democrats vs. Trump
- Democrats are portrayed as:
  - Wrong on predictions (economy, trade wars, tariffs).
  - Soft on crime, apologetic for past tough policies.
  - Resistant to Trump’s interventions despite their effectiveness.
- Trump is framed as:
  - Delivering economic growth.
  - Restoring safety in cities.
  - Supported by diverse groups of Americans, including Black voters.

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Inside El Salvador's CECOT Prison for MS-13 Gang Members, plus Stopping China from Having Control of the Panama Canal Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

1. El Salvador’s CECOT Mega-Prison for Gang Members

Senator Cruz describes his recent visit to El Salvador, where he toured the CECOT (Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo) prison.
The prison was built to house up to 40,000 of the country’s most dangerous gang members (MS-13, Barrio 18).
Conditions:
- Cells hold 100 prisoners each, with bunk beds stacked four levels high.
- Prisoners are locked in cells 23 hours a day, with 1 hour allowed for exercise and religious instruction (both mandatory).
- No cellphones—blocked with jammers, with heavy fines for carriers if a call gets through.
- Monitored constantly by guards with machine guns and 24/7 lighting.
Cruz compares it to U.S. prisons, noting it is much harsher and more controlled. He highlights the dramatic drop in El Salvador’s homicide rate (down ~98%), attributing it to President Bukele’s crackdown and mass incarceration of gang members.
He even interviews an MS-13 member from Texas who admitted to murder in El Salvador and hinted at crimes in the U.S. The inmate expressed regret about his son possibly joining a gang but acknowledged that El Salvador’s new security situation made that less likely.

2. Panama Canal and Chinese Influence

Cruz also traveled to Panama, where he toured the Panama Canal and met with government officials.
He emphasizes Panama’s strategic importance to U.S. national security and commerce.
Concerns raised:
- Chinese companies control key infrastructure near the canal, including ports, a bridge under construction, and a metro tunnel project.
- Cruz warns this could give China leverage to disrupt U.S. military and commercial shipping if conflict arises (e.g., over Taiwan).
- He pressed Panamanian officials to remove Chinese control and noted ongoing negotiations to transfer two Chinese-run ports to a U.S. consortium.
He frames this as a matter of U.S.–Panama shared interest: Panama also risks economic and security harm if China can choke canal operations.

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Two Children Killed, Seventeen Injured in Attack on Minneapolis Church by Radical Gunman Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

1. Minneapolis Catholic School Shooting

Incident: A mass shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis carried out by a 23-year-old former student, Robin (formerly Robert) Westman, who identified as transgender
Casualties: Two children (ages 8 and 10) were killed; 17 others (14 children and 3 adults) were injured
Shooter’s Profile: Left behind disturbing online videos, writings, and a manifesto expressing admiration for past mass shooters. Guns used included a pistol, rifle, and shotgun
Political Debate:
- Conservative commentators in the podcast blamed failures by Minnesota’s governor Tim Walz, claiming he prioritized aid to immigrants over school security funding
- They argued transgender identity is tied to untreated mental health issues, criticizing the “normalization” of gender transition
- The FBI classified it as domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics, but local officials hesitated to label it a hate crime immediately
- Democrats were criticized for pushing gun control, with figures like Amy Klobuchar calling for assault weapons bans, while conservatives in the podcast framed the issue as one of culture, mental health, and religious targeting

2. Trump’s Executive Order on 401(k) Investments

Policy Change: President Trump signed an executive order (August 7, 2025) expanding retirement plans (401(k)s) to allow alternative assets like gold, silver, cryptocurrency, real estate, and private market investments
Supporters’ View:
- Promoted as financial “freedom” for ordinary Americans, previously limited to stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
- Expected to increase demand for precious metals and crypto, possibly creating upward pressure on prices
- Framed as a chance for “the little guy” to access opportunities typically reserved for hedge funds and wealthy investors.
Practical Implications: Availability set to begin February 2026, with expected market shifts (sell-offs in stocks, price surges in gold/silver/crypto). Discussions also highlighted looming silver supply shortages

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Gunman Left Online Manifesto w Anti-Trump & Anti-Israel Rhetoric Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

Summary of Events

The shooter, identified as Robin Westman (born Robert Westman, 23 years old), carried out an attack at a Catholic church and school during mass.
Weapons used: pistol, rifle, and shotgun.
Casualties reported: 2 children (ages 8 and 10) killed, 17 others injured (14 children and 3 adults).
The shooter allegedly took their own life inside the church.
The FBI labeled the case as a hate crime and domestic terrorism targeting Catholics, though local police had not fully confirmed the motive.

Shooter Background

Legally changed name from Robert to Robin at age 17.
Described as transgender by commentators in the text.
Left behind videos, writings, and a manifesto with disturbing content:
- Admiration for previous mass shooters.
- Anti-Catholic, anti-Trump, and anti-Israel messages written on firearms and magazines (e.g., “Kill Donald Trump,” “Israel must fall”).
- Obsession with school shootings and extremist rhetoric.
Mother previously worked at the same school; shooter graduated from it in 2017.

Political & Media Reactions

Trump administration officials and FBI leadership framed the shooting as an act of religiously motivated hate.
Commentary in the document accuses Democrats and liberal media of downplaying the hate-crime angle and focusing instead on gun control.
References to Amy Klobuchar, Jen Psaki, and the Minneapolis mayor, criticizing their calls for tighter gun laws and for allegedly ignoring the ideological/mental health aspects.
The mayor’s emotional remarks about gun violence and children’s safety are quoted, but framed as anti-gun rhetoric.
The commentary repeatedly emphasizes a pattern of transgender shooters and accuses mainstream media of suppressing that detail.

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Cracker Barrel Abandons Rebrand plus Tariff Windfall Could Slash $4 Trillion Off U.S. Debt Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

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U.S. Customs Revenue on Track to Top $500B plus Cracker Barrel Backtracks After Branding Blunder Aug 27, 2025

Show notes

1. U.S. Tariffs and Trump’s Economic Policy

It frames Donald Trump’s tariffs as highly successful, claiming they could generate over $500 billion annually, possibly trending toward $1 trillion in revenue.
Treasury Secretary Scott “Bis(s)ent” is quoted emphasizing month-to-month increases in customs duty revenues, suggesting tariffs could reduce the federal deficit by as much as $4 trillion over the next decade.
The narrative positions tariffs not only as a financial benefit but also as a strategic tool for reshoring industries such as semiconductors, steel, and pharmaceuticals, reducing U.S. dependence on China and Taiwan.
The text stresses that Trump’s administration sees economic independence as a national security priority, tying lessons from COVID-19 supply chain issues to the need for domestic production.

2. Cracker Barrel Branding Controversy

The second half shifts focus to Cracker Barrel’s 2023–2025 rebrand, where the company modernized its logo, décor, and dropped its “Old Country Store” image.
The commentary portrays this as a “woke” misstep, accusing the company of alienating its loyal, traditional customer base.
Financial consequences are highlighted: a 10–17% stock drop and a $100 million loss in market value.
After backlash and Trump’s public criticism, Cracker Barrel reverted to its original branding with “Uncle Herschel” and its traditional country store style.
The text credits Trump with pressuring the company to reverse course, framing him as defending cultural tradition and consumer values.