The Ben Ferguson Podcast

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Latest Episodes:

Car Prices to Drop w Trump Deregulation & MN Fraud Fallout as AG goes before Senate Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

1. Car Manufacturing & Deregulation

The Trump administration repealed the Obama-era Endangerment Finding, which regulated greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles.
Claim: Removing these regulations will reduce vehicle prices by ~$2,400 per car.
Deregulation also removes:
- Mandatory tracking/reporting of greenhouse gas emissions by automakers
- Pressure to shift production toward electric vehicles
- The start–stop engine feature mandate
Supporters argue these changes will:
- Lower manufacturing and compliance costs
- Reduce consumer car prices
- Help small businesses through lower transportation costs
- Avoid expensive EV‑related requirements

2. Economic Impact Claims

Supporters estimate trillions in long-term savings to the U.S. economy from deregulation.
Some in the auto industry (e.g., Ford Motor Company) welcomed simplified standards, citing better alignment with customer preferences.
Caution: Experts say price decreases will not be immediate due to manufacturing timelines.

3. Minnesota Feeding Our Future Fraud Scandal

A massive fraud scheme in Minnesota allegedly stole $9+ billion in federal funds meant for feeding children during COVID.
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is accused (by Senator Josh Hawley) of:
- Meeting with program operators who were under investigation
- Discussing investigative pressures
- Accepting $10,000 in campaign donations shortly after the meeting
Allegations include claims that stolen funds flowed to:
- Terrorist groups
- Criminal organizations
- Drug and human trafficking networks
Ellison denies wrongdoing.
As of the report’s timeline:
- 85 people were charged
- 60+ convictions, many involving individuals of Somali descent

4. California Fraud Cases

A separate major fraud case in Los Angeles:
- One individual allegedly stole $23 million intended for homeless services.
- Funds reportedly used for luxury homes, cars, travel, and private schooling.
Federal officials indicate dozens of similar cases are under investigation in California.
Whistleblowers such as Nick Shirley claim:
- Fraud in California may surpass Minnesota’s scale.
- Billions may be missing in state programs (homelessness, rail projects, COVID relief, SNAP, etc.).

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Senate Hearing w MN AG Reveals New Details in Massive Fraud Scheme Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

1. Fraud and Political Accountability

Accusations that Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison failed to act—and may have helped—during a massive fraud scandal involving the Feeding Our Future program.
The scandal involved $9 billion in taxpayer money across programs, including $250 million in Feeding Our Future alone.

2. Connection Between Ellison and Fraudsters

Senator Josh Hawley confronts Ellison in a Homeland Security hearing.
Claims Ellison:
- Met with individuals tied to the fraud on Dec. 11, 2021.
- Was asked to “get investigators off their backs.”
- Allegedly agreed and offered assistance (based on recorded audio the text references).
- Received $10,000 in campaign donations from these individuals nine days later.

3. Hawley’s Claims During the Hearing

Ellison “pledged” help to the accused individuals.
He is accused of:
- Asking fraudsters to send names of investigators.
- Offering to contact investigators to question the scrutiny.
- Saying phrases like “Money is freedom,” according to transcripts cited.
- Taking campaign donations from individuals who were later indicted.

4. Accusations of Misconduct and Cover‑Up

Hawley alleges Ellison:
- Ignored whistleblower reports from 2018 and 2019 about fraud in the program.
- Failed to act until after meeting with accused fraudsters.
- Should be indicted and resign.

5. Alleged Destinations of Fraudulent Funds

According to testimony referenced:
- Hundreds of millions allegedly went to:
  - Terrorist organizations
  - Transnational criminal networks
  - Drug trafficking operations
  - Child trafficking rings

6. Ellison’s Defense

Ellison denies:
- Assisting the fraudsters.
- Taking actions to obstruct investigations.
- Doing anything improper regarding donations.
He dismisses Hawley’s characterizations as false and theatrical.

7. Scope of the Feeding Our Future Case

As of late last year (according to the text):
- 85 people charged
- 60 convictions
- Most individuals involved were of Somali descent (as stated in the text).

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Minnesota AG Crashes & Burns in Senate Testimony Covering up Fraud plus Dems Cause Largest Sewage Spill in History Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

1. Minnesota AG Keith Ellison’s Senate Testimony

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison was questioned in the Senate regarding alleged failures to prevent and address large‑scale fraud in the state’s Feeding Our Future program.
Senators—primarily Josh Hawley—accused Ellison of:
- Ignoring whistleblower warnings as early as 2018–2019.
- Meeting with individuals later indicted for fraud and allegedly offering to “look into” investigators who were scrutinizing them.
- Accepting approximately $10,000 in campaign donations from individuals tied to the fraud shortly after their meeting.
Ellison strongly denied wrongdoing, describing the claims as false and politically motivated.
The session was tense, marked by interruptions, raised voices, and confrontational exchanges.

2. Refusal to Condemn Louis Farrakhan

During questioning, Ellison declined to explicitly condemn antisemitic statements attributed to Louis Farrakhan.
He attempted to redirect discussion to immigration topics, expressing discomfort with the line of questioning.

3. Democrats Linked to Record Sewage Spill

Democratic officials in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia oversaw infrastructure failures leading to the largest sewage spill in U.S. history.
A burst 72‑inch sewer pipe released nearly one billion gallons of raw sewage into the Potomac River.
Criticism is directed at:
- Lack of media coverage.
- Slow response times.
- Infrastructure mismanagement.
Emergency pumps had to be transported from Texas and Florida to address the crisis.

4. Discussion of Government Competence

Democratic‑run cities and states mismanage public systems (snow removal, wildfire mitigation, infrastructure maintenance, etc.).
They argue such patterns reflect systemic governmental incompetence.

5. Save America Act & Voter ID Debate

The Save America Act, passed in the House with near‑unanimous Republican support, requires:
- Proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote.
- Photo ID to vote.
Senator Ted Cruz advocates for aggressive procedural tactics in the Senate, including:
- Forcing a “talking filibuster.”
- Using the two‑speech rule to pressure Democratic senators.
The argument made: voter ID laws are widely supported across political and demographic groups.

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Inside the Deal-or-No-Deal Moment That Could Reshape the Middle East Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

1. Escalating U.S.–Iran Tensions

President Trump repeatedly highlights U.S. military deployments—armadas, flotillas, and aircraft carriers—near Iran as leverage.
Trump frames the buildup as a strategy to force negotiations and prevent war.
Iran warns the U.S. that any attack could trigger a broader regional conflict.

2. Attempted Restart of Nuclear Negotiations

U.S. Special Envoy Witkoff and Iran’s Foreign Minister plan to meet in Istanbul—potentially the first direct talks since negotiations collapsed.
Multiple Middle Eastern nations (Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Pakistan) plan to attend due to fears of regional instability.
The U.S. wants a broad deal covering nuclear activity, missiles, and Iran’s proxy forces.
Iran insists only nuclear enrichment levels are negotiable.

3. U.S., Israel, and Regional Coordination

Witkoff to meet with Israeli PM Netanyahu and IDF leadership before the talks.
Israel pushes for a tougher stance on Iran due to security concerns.
U.S., Israel, Russia, Ukraine, and Gulf states hold parallel diplomatic meetings.

4. Trump Administration’s Maximum Pressure Campaign

Heavy sanctions aim to cripple Iran’s economy and cut down oil revenues.
U.S. Treasury claims Iran’s leadership is secretly moving money abroad—described as “rats fleeing a sinking ship.”
Iran reportedly faces:
- hyperinflation,
- currency collapse,
- public protests,
- financial transfers being monitored globally.

5. Claims of Regime Instability

Treasury officials say Iranian leaders are wiring tens of millions out of the country.
Emerging (but unverified) reports of chemical agents and crackdowns against protesters.
U.S. officials assert that Treasury is tracking Iranian financial movements through traditional and digital channels.

6. Oil, Smuggling, and Sanctions Enforcement

U.S. sanctions target networks smuggling Iranian oil disguised as Iraqi oil.
These networks reportedly bring Iran over $300 million annually.
The administration’s aim is to eliminate Iran’s oil revenue to force political change.

7. Trump’s Broader Political Messaging

Trump asserts:
- The U.S. has the strongest border ever.
- Sanctuary cities protect criminals.
- Massive fraud exists in Minnesota and California.
- Lower interest rates are needed and would eliminate deficits.
Promotes his administration’s foreign‑policy “successes” and military rebuilding.

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Now Playing: The Case of California's Disappearing Billions Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

1. Large-Scale Individual Fraud Example

A Los Angeles contractor, Alexander Suker, is accused of stealing $23 million intended to feed and house homeless individuals.
Funds were allegedly used for luxury homes, cars, vacations, designer goods, and private schools, instead of homeless services.

2. Failure to Deliver Promised Services

Suker was contracted to provide three meals per day to up to 600 homeless people.
Inspections reportedly found only canned beans and ramen noodles, contradicting billing claims.
Prosecutors allege the use of fake vendors, falsified facilities, and false service records.

3. Broader Pattern of Fraud in California

Federal authorities indicate at least 12 additional similar cases under investigation.
A U.S. Attorney stated that large sums were pushed out quickly with minimal vetting or checks and balances.

4. Comparison to Other State Scandals

Investigators and commentators compare California’s situation to Minnesota’s Feeding Our Future fraud, claiming California’s fraud may be larger in scale.
Independent investigator Nick Shirley claims billions of dollars may be involved statewide.

5. Alleged Billions in Unaccounted Public Funds

$70 billion in taxpayer funds missing or unaccounted for
$24 billion spent on allegedly nonexistent homelessness programs
$18 billion on nonfunctional high-speed rail
$32 billion in stolen COVID relief funds
$2.5 billion lost to SNAP fraud

6. Political and Structural Implications

California leadership is accused of enabling fraud by prioritizing rapid spending over accountability.
Calls are made for whistleblower lawsuits as a tool to recover funds.
Critics argue that higher taxes are being proposed despite massive losses.

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Bitcoin Wallet Lights Up & New Video brings New Hope to Guthrie Case plus Trump talks Carriers to Sanctuary Cities on Kudlow Feb 11, 2026

Show notes

1. Nancy Guthrie Disappearance – Major Developments

New surveillance video recovered from a Nest camera shows an armed, masked male suspect on Nancy Guthrie’s property shortly before her disappearance.
Multiple persons of interest are being questioned by the FBI.
Cryptocurrency wallet tied to ransom notes has shown new activity, including at least one small transaction. Amount undisclosed, well below the $4–6 million demanded.
Ransom deadlines have passed without proof of life.
Savannah Guthrie (her daughter) publicly released the images and is urging the public for help.
The Trump administration has mobilized full federal resources to support the investigation.

2. President Trump Interview – Foreign Policy Focus Iran

Warned Iran to “not be foolish” and claimed the U.S. may send a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East.
Referred to prior U.S. strikes (“Operation Midnight Hammer”) as a precedent for future action.
Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu is meeting Trump about Iran; both nations show aligned concerns.

3. Border & Immigration Policy

Trump says the U.S. currently has “the strongest border in history” with almost no illegal crossings in the last eight months.
Described major reductions in drug trafficking by targeting maritime routes first.
Strong criticism of sanctuary cities, labeling them “sanctuaries for criminals.”
Discussed large fraud investigations in Minnesota and California involving social‑services programs.

4. Economy, Interest Rates & Federal Reserve

Trump argued the U.S. should have the lowest interest rates in the world, suggesting rate cuts could eliminate the federal deficit.
Criticized the reappointment of the current Fed chair.
Reiterated his belief that past presidents performed poorly on trade compared to his administration.

5. California “Jock Tax” Controversy

Seahawks QB Sam Darnold lost money despite winning the Super Bowl due to California’s tax rules.
- Won: $178,000 bonus
- Owes California: $249,000
- Net: –$71,000 loss
The tax system charges players based on “duty days” spent working in the state.
Sparked outrage from commentators, calling it unfair and suggesting the NFL should avoid future Super Bowls in California.

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Trump Throws Down on Iran, Sanctuary Cities, Interest Rates & the Border in One Explosive Interview Feb 11, 2026

Show notes

1. Iran & Middle East Policy

Trump warns Iran to “not be foolish” and to accept a new nuclear/missile deal.
He signals possible deployment of a second U.S. aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East if negotiations fail.
References Operation Midnight Hammer, the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites six months earlier, framing it as a precedent for future action.
Iran insists negotiations be limited only to enrichment levels and rejects including missiles or regional proxy forces.
Netanyahu is meeting Trump at the White House, emphasizing U.S.–Israel alignment on Iran.

2. U.S. Border & Immigration

Trump says the U.S. currently has the strongest border in U.S. history, stating “essentially no illegal crossings in 8 months.”
Says maritime drug interdictions reduced drug flow by 33% and saved 25,000 American lives.
Argues his administration doesn’t receive enough credit due to “public relations problems.”

3. Sanctuary Cities

Trump calls sanctuary cities “sanctuaries for criminals,” claiming they protect killers, drug lords, and gang members.
Says Senator Lindsey Graham is pushing hard to eliminate sanctuary cities, and Trump backs him “100%.”
Points to New York City spending billions on migrants as evidence of the cost of sanctuary policies.

4. Minnesota Fraud Investigation

Trump alleges $19 billion in fraud in Minnesota related to medical programs and other aid.
Says Somali immigrants are responsible for significant fraud, including referencing a “fake congresswoman.”
States that recovering even 50% of nationwide fraud would “balance the budget without cuts.”

5. Federal Reserve & Interest Rates

Trump says appointing Jerome Powell was a mistake and was influenced by his Treasury Secretary.
Argues interest rates should be the lowest in the world, lower than Switzerland’s.
Says lowering rates by two points would eliminate the U.S. deficit “on paper.”

6. Trade Policy

Trump says past presidents, including Ronald Reagan, were “bad on trade” and allowed Japan and Germany to gain U.S. market share.
Says the U.S. had deficits with almost every country before he arrived.
Emphasizes he is “real good on trade,” contrasting himself with previous administrations.

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Detailed Prediction: Trump's Tariffs before the Supreme Court-What's Going to Happen Feb 11, 2026

Show notes

1. The Case at the Supreme Court

The case is Trump v. Vos Selections, argued on Nov. 5, 2025.
Small businesses are challenging Trump-era tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

2. Central Legal Questions

Does IEEPA’s power to “regulate imports” include authority to impose tariffs?
Did Congress delegate too much taxing authority to the President?
→ This triggers two major constitutional doctrines:
- Non‑Delegation Doctrine – Congress cannot hand over core lawmaking powers (like taxation) without clear limits.
- Major Questions Doctrine – Major economic or political actions require explicit congressional authorization.

3. Constitutional Tension

Article I, Section 8 gives Congress the power to:
- Lay and collect taxes/tariffs
- Regulate commerce with foreign nations
Tariffs sit at the intersection of foreign policy (executive power) and taxation (legislative power).

4. Oral Argument Themes

Justices skeptical of Trump’s argument:

Roberts – Concerned tariffs are fundamentally taxes on Americans, which is Congress’s domain.
Gorsuch & Barrett – Pressed the need for clear statutory limits; worried about unchecked executive authority.

Justices leaning toward upholding the tariffs:

Kavanaugh – Emphasized long history of broad presidential discretion in foreign affairs.
Thomas – Focused on historical practice of using tariffs as trade tools.
Alito – Concerned about practical impacts and the large reliance interests ($133B already collected).

5. Predicted Outcome (from the document’s speaker)

Expected ruling: 5–4 in favor of Trump, upholding tariff authority.
Predicted majority: Roberts, Thomas, Alito, Kavanaugh + either Barrett or Gorsuch.
Reasoning:
- Court is reluctant to disrupt years of foreign policy and economic decisions already relying on the tariffs.
- Institutional stability concerns—similar to Roberts’ reasoning in the Affordable Care Act case.

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Jock Tax Turns Super Bowl Win Into a Super Loss plus Olympic Athletes Wearing the Flag but Trashing the Country Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

1. Super Bowl & California “Jock Tax”

NFL quarterback Sam Darnold, lost money after winning the Super Bowl due to California’s “jock tax.”
California taxes non‑resident athletes based on “duty days” spent in the state, which for the Super Bowl week totaled around eight days.
As a result, Darnold owed $249,000 in taxes, exceeding his $178,000 Super Bowl bonus, meaning he netted a loss of about $71,000.
This is evidence of California’s economic mismanagement and high‑tax policies.
Sports analysts argue players and the NFLPA should push to avoid holding future Super Bowls in California.

2. Criticism of U.S. Olympic Athletes’ Political Statements

Several U.S. Olympians expressed discomfort representing America due to political issues.
Freestyle skier Hunter Hess said representing the U.S. brings “mixed emotions.”
A viral photo and comments also show anti‑ICE sentiments.
Media outlets (Washington Post, Reuters, Guardian) are portrayed as supportive of athletes’ criticism of America.
This behavior is encouraged by left‑leaning media and harms national unity.

3. American-born Skier Competing for China

Skier Eileen Gu, born and trained in the U.S., competes for China and publicly defended Hunter Hess.
Her designer suit referenced Chinese cultural elements.
The narrative frames her as benefiting from America while choosing to represent China instead.

4. Broader Claim: The Left Encourages Anti-American Sentiment

Argument presented that “Marxists/socialists/communists” in the U.S. support athletes who criticize America.
Claims this is part of a cultural shift to weaken patriotism.
Reiterates that athletes representing their country should be proud of it.

5. Trump, Epstein, and Ghislaine Maxwell

Newly referenced 2019 FBI interview with a Palm Beach police chief claims:
- Trump told police in 2006 that Epstein’s behavior was “well‑known.”
- Trump said Maxwell was “evil” and encouraged police to focus on her.
- Trump claimed he once saw Epstein with teenagers and left.
- Trump claimed to have banned Epstein from Mar‑a‑Lago.
Document contrasts this with media narratives suggesting Trump was hiding something.

6. Maxwell’s Congressional Testimony

Maxwell appeared virtually before the House Oversight Committee.
She invoked the Fifth Amendment to every single question:
- Her relationship with Epstein
- Her role in recruiting or trafficking minors
- Her involvement in directing girls to provide sexual favors
- The identities of co‑conspirators
She is already serving a 20‑year sentence, but her lawyers say she remains silent to protect ongoing appeals.
Lawmakers received no additional information, leaving the public frustrated.

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Media Tried Linking Trump to Epstein — a Phone Call in 2006 Just Blew That Up Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

1. Trump’s 2006 Call to Police About Epstein

According to a 2019 FBI interview with the Palm Beach police chief, Donald Trump called the chief in 2006, saying:
- Epstein’s behavior with underage girls was widely known.
- Ghislaine Maxwell was “evil” and should be investigated.
Trump said he left an event when he saw teenagers present and later banned Epstein from Mar‑a‑Lago.

2. Contrast With Media Narratives

These details contradict media implications that Trump hid involvement with Epstein.
It frames Trump as wanting Epstein stopped early in the investigation.

3. Trump Responds to Questions About Epstein Files

During a recent Oval Office exchange, CNN’s Caitlin Collins asked about redactions in released Epstein documents.
Trump stated:
- Too much was released, not too little.
- The country should “move on.”
- Nothing incriminating about him emerged.

4. Ghislaine Maxwell’s Congressional Deposition

Maxwell appeared virtually before the House Oversight Committee.
She invoked the Fifth Amendment for every question, including:
- Whether she was close to Epstein
- Whether she helped traffic girls
- Whether she instructed girls to provide sexual favors
- Whether she surrounded herself and Epstein with influential people
- Whether she would name other co‑conspirators
Her lawyer stated she is protecting her appeal.
Lawmakers received no substantive answers.

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