The Ben Ferguson Podcast

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Latest Episodes:

Governor Waltz Doubles Down ‘Bring More In!’ Amid Somali Scandal Dec 30, 2025

Show notes

1. Minnesota Fraud Scandal:

Minnesota lets voters 'vouch' for up to 8 others (SEE STORY HERE)

Allegations of massive fraud in childcare programs and federal aid schemes in Minnesota, involving Somali-linked organizations.
Governor Tim Walz for refused to apologize and instead advocating for welcoming more Somali immigrants, despite fraud concerns.
Walz relies on Somali voting blocs for reelection.
Details a federal crackdown:
- DHS, FBI, and ICE are conducting investigations, raids, and immigration checks.
- Officials describe the fraud as potentially “the tip of a very large iceberg”, involving hundreds of millions or billions of dollars.
Trump administration is taking decisive action to restore law and order.

2. Trump’s Diplomatic Moves

Trump’s Mar-a-Lago meeting with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The following is emphasized:
- Strong U.S.-Israel alliance, dismissing media claims of tension.
- Discussions on Middle East peace plans, Gaza reconstruction, and Iran’s pursuit of chemical and biological warheads.
- Trump’s warning: Iran will face immediate military action if it resumes missile or nuclear programs.
Trump’s diplomatic engagement with Zelensky and Putin, signaling progress toward a Russia-Ukraine peace framework and offering Ukraine a 15-year U.S. security guarantee.

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Fraud Tourism Is Real and Minnesota Is the Hot Destination Dec 29, 2025

Show notes

The Scandal
- Fraud schemes allegedly involve billions of dollars across multiple programs: childcare assistance, autism centers, and home healthcare.
- Daycare centers licensed for dozens of children reportedly received $1–$3 million annually, yet appeared empty or inactive during visits.
- Some facilities had blocked windows, locked doors, and no visible signs of operation.
Nick Shirley’s Investigation
- Shirley created a 42-minute viral video by visiting addresses listed on Minnesota’s official government site for childcare funding.
- He documented $110 million in questionable payments in one day of investigation.
- His approach was simple: knock on doors, ask questions, and record the lack of activity.
Examples of Fraudulent Activity
- Quality Learning Center misspelled its sign as “Quality Leering Center” yet received $1.9 million in 2025.
- Super Kids Daycare Center reopened under a new name after being shut down for violations, continuing to receive millions.
- A single building housed 14 home healthcare companies, allegedly funneling $15–$16 million annually.
FBI and Legal Action
- FBI Director Cash Patel confirmed the fraud investigation is a top priority, calling it “the tip of a very large iceberg.”
- Previous cases tied to the Feeding Our Future network led to $250 million in fraud uncovered, 78 indictments, and 57 convictions.
- Some defendants attempted to bribe a juror with $120,000 cash; sentences included 10 years in prison and $48 million restitution.
- Possible denaturalization and deportation proceedings for those involved.
Political and Social Commentary
- Criticism of Minnesota’s leadership, particularly Governor Tim Walz, for alleged mismanagement and enabling fraud.
- Media accused of ignoring the story, leaving a YouTuber to expose what major outlets failed to investigate.
- Mentions of racial tension during confrontations, with accusations of racism and hostility toward Mr. Shirley

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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 Denies Trump’s Nat Guard Move plus Beagles on Drugs & Bug Buffets, the Festivus Report Dec 28, 2025

Show notes

Supreme Court Decision on National Guard Deployment
- A recent Supreme Court ruling (6–3 decision) denying Trump’s request to federalize Illinois National Guard troops to assist ICE agents in Chicago.
- The legal reasoning: lack of statutory authority for the President to use military forces to enforce laws in Illinois.
- Dissenting opinions by Justices Alito, Thomas, and Gorsuch, emphasizing concerns about protecting federal officers.
Criticism of Sanctuary Cities
- Strongly argue against sanctuary city policies, labeling them as harmful to American citizens.
- Trump’s intent to deploy the National Guard is a measure to protect lives, even in liberal areas.
Government Waste and Rand Paul’s Festivus Report
- Highlights Senator Rand Paul’s annual report exposing wasteful federal spending, totaling over $1.6 trillion (including interest on debt).
- Examples include:
  - $40 million for COVID-19 vaccine promotion after the pandemic ended.
  - $1.5 million for promoting U.S. media overseas.
  - $13.8 million for beagle experiments.
  - $14 million for monkey video game experiments.
  - $1 million for ferret binge-drinking studies.
  - $7.5 billion for EV infrastructure with only 68 charging stations built.
  - $22.6 billion on migrant benefits.
- Critiques gain-of-function research and animal testing funded by NIH and other agencies.
Economic Performance and Trump’s Policies
- Celebrates strong GDP growth (4.3% in Q3 2025) and improved consumer spending.
- Tariffs, tax policies, and technology-driven productivity are getting stronger
- There is steep contrast in Trump’s approach with Biden-era inflation and spending.
- Inflation is trending downward (PCE index at ~2.8%), there is growth without runaway inflation.
- Compares current economic conditions to Reagan-era growth and late-1990s tech boom.

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Obamacare Subsidies on Life Support & Transforming the Kennedy Center w Rick Grenell Dec 27, 2025

Show notes

1. Affordable Care Act (ACA) Subsidies and Alleged Fraud

Democrats intentionally designed ACA subsidies to expire, framing it as a political strategy to secure votes during elections.
The ACA was never truly affordable and alleges systemic fraud, waste, and abuse within the program, including:
- Insurance companies benefiting from guaranteed government payments.
- Fraudulent enrollments and improper subsidies (citing a Washington Post report and GAO findings).
The financial burden of extending enhanced subsidies, estimating costs up to $350 billion through 2035, and criticizes subsidies reaching households earning $160,000 annually.
the expiration of subsidies could lead to premium hikes (up to 114%) and increased uninsured rates, framing this as a political weapon for Democrats.
The ACA was a step toward socialized medicine and accuses Democrats of collusion with healthcare donors.

2. Renaming and Revitalization of the Kennedy Center

The second part is an interview with Rick Grenell about the transformation of the Kennedy Center under Donald Trump’s involvement.
Key points include:
- Severe deferred maintenance before Trump’s intervention (leaking roofs, broken elevators, collapsing infrastructure).
- Trump allegedly secured $250 million for renovations and initiated fundraising for programming.
- The center was renamed the Trump Kennedy Center, sparking controversy and accusations of partisanship.
- Discussion of programming strategy: moving away from “woke” or niche content toward mainstream, “common sense” performances to attract corporate sponsors and donors.
- Criticism of Democrats for boycotting the center despite advocating for arts funding.

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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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Gas Prices Plummet, DHS Offers Cash to Leave: Trump’s Double Holiday Surprise Dec 26, 2025

Show notes

1. Self-Deportation Program

Policy Details:
- Department of Homeland Security offers $3,000 holiday stipend for illegal immigrants who voluntarily leave the U.S. by December 31.
- Includes free travel arrangements and waivers of certain fines.
- Program branded as Project Homecoming, accessible via the CBP Home app.
Rationale:
- Claimed to be cheaper than forced deportation, saving resources and legal costs.
- Aims to reduce housing costs, raise wages, and free up jobs for Americans.
Impact & Anecdotes:
- 1.9 million self-deportations reported since January.
- Migrants posting TikTok videos of their departures, serving as informal PSAs.
- Emotional stories of families leaving voluntarily to avoid ICE raids.
Political Framing:
- Portrayed as a humanitarian yet cost-effective solution.
- Criticizes Democrats for opposing the plan despite their stated concern for humane treatment.

2. Economic Updates

Gas Prices:
- National average around $2.85 per gallon, lowest since 2020.
- State examples: Alabama ($2.56), Ohio ($2.48), Phoenix trending downward.
- Linked to Trump’s energy policies and rebuilding strategic reserves after Biden depleted them.
Consumer Prices:
- Mentions falling costs for smartphones, tablets, and sporting goods.
- Suggests inflation is easing compared to previous years.
Tone:
- Strongly contrasts Trump’s economic performance with Biden’s policies.
- Frames media narratives as misleading and biased against Trump.

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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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