The Ben Ferguson Podcast

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Latest Episodes:

DOJ Busts $10 Million California Daycare Fraud Scheme Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the 47 Morning Update w Ben Ferguson, Ben examines the Southern California daycare fraud case, the Justice Department's broader enforcement efforts, and what these investigations reveal about alleged abuse of taxpayer-funded programs. He discusses recent actions involving pandemic loan fraud, health care fraud prosecutions, efforts to recover lost funds, and the administration's stated goal of making fraud enforcement a government-wide priority.

A federal crackdown in Southern California has led to charges against 12 individuals accused of fraudulently collecting more than $10 million in taxpayer-funded child care subsidies. Federal prosecutors allege that licensed home daycare operators submitted false attendance records, claimed payments for services never provided, and collected funds intended to help low-income families access child care. The case highlights a broader push by the Trump administration and the Department of Justice to target fraud across multiple government programs, from child care subsidies to pandemic-era relief loans and health care reimbursements. Investigators say they used surveillance, travel records, bank data, and other evidence to test whether taxpayer-funded services were actually being delivered.

Topics Covered:

The Southern California home daycare fraud investigation
Allegations involving more than $10 million in child care subsidies
Surveillance and border-crossing records used by investigators
Nationwide enforcement actions targeting pandemic loan fraud
DOJ health care fraud prosecutions involving billions in alleged losses
Trump administration efforts to expand federal fraud enforcement

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James Tallarico's Instant 'Favorite Drag Queen' Answer is Turning Heads in Texas Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Ben Ferguson Show Podcast, Ben discusses the controversy surrounding James Tallarico’s public remarks and political positioning, examine newly revealed FBI records related to the Butler assassination attempt, and debate what the latest findings mean for public trust, government transparency, and accountability within federal law enforcement.

Texas Democrat James Tallarico is facing renewed scrutiny after a campaign trail exchange went viral, quickly reigniting debate over his past comments on drag performers, gender identity, and transgender issues. At the same time, newly released FBI records are shedding fresh light on the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, raising new questions about what investigators knew and when the public should have known it. The new disclosures include additional details about gunman Thomas Matthew Crooks, his use of aliases, online purchases, surveillance activities, and the ongoing mystery surrounding his motive. More than two years later, the release of previously undisclosed information is fueling criticism of federal agencies and prompting renewed congressional oversight.

Topics Covered:

James Tallarico’s response when asked about his favorite drag queen in Texas
Past Tallarico statements on gender, biological sex, and transgender issues
Newly released FBI documents on Thomas Matthew Crooks
Crooks’ alleged use of aliases, firearms purchases, and surveillance activities
Congressional scrutiny led by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley
Ongoing questions about the Butler assassination attempt and federal transparency

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The Butler Files: What the Biden FBI Kept Hidden for Two Years Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the 47 Morning Update w Ben Ferguson, Ben examines the latest FBI disclosures surrounding Thomas Matthew Crooks, the Butler assassination attempt, newly revealed evidence presented to Congress, questions about investigative transparency, and the continuing mystery surrounding the shooter's motives. He discusses the congressional response, comments from Attorney General Todd Blanche, testimony from FBI Director Kash Patel, and the broader implications for public trust in federal institutions.

More than two years after the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, newly released FBI records are shedding light on the gunman, Thomas Matthew Crooks. The disclosures reveal extensive planning, the use of aliases for firearms-related purchases, surveillance activities tied to the rally site, and previously undisclosed details about his background. Yet despite years of investigation, one central question remains unresolved: what was his motive? New documents provided to congressional investigators have reignited scrutiny of both the investigation and the security failures that allowed the attack to unfold. The revelations have also fueled debate over why key information only became public years after the shooting, and whether Americans have received a complete accounting of what happened that day.

Topics Covered:

Newly released FBI records on Thomas Matthew Crooks
Use of aliases and online firearms-related purchases
Surveillance, drone activity, and preparation before the Butler rally
Senate Judiciary Committee review led by Chuck Grassley
Testimony from Kash Patel and statements from Todd Blanche
Ongoing questions about motive, security failures, and investigative transparency

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MASSIVE Victory for Student-Athletes & Fans as 3/4 of the Senate Votes for the Protect College Sports Act Sep 16, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson discuss the Senate’s 74-vote bipartisan victory on the Protect College Sports Act, why Congress became involved in college athletics, and what reforms the legislation would implement. They examine transfer portal restrictions, eligibility limits, NIL revenue-sharing rules, spending caps, protections for women’s and Olympic sports, and the broader economic pressures facing universities. Cruz also explains the political strategy behind building a bipartisan coalition, the opposition to the bill, and the path forward as the legislation moves toward the House and potentially President Trump’s desk.

The Senate has taken a major step toward reshaping college athletics. After years of debate, the Protect College Sports Act cleared a key Senate vote with broad bipartisan support, advancing legislation designed to address the transfer portal, NIL compensation, eligibility rules, and the future of college sports. Supporters argue the current system has created instability across college athletics, threatening scholarships, non-revenue sports, women’s programs, and the long-term viability of many universities. The bill aims to establish a national framework that supporters believe can bring order to what Senator Ted Cruz describes as a growing crisis.

Topics Covered:

Senate passage of a key procedural vote on the Protect College Sports Act
New transfer portal rules and limits on athlete movement
NIL compensation, revenue sharing, and proposed spending caps
Eligibility standards, age limits, and enforcement of competitive rules
Protections for women’s sports, Olympic sports, and scholarship opportunities
The bill’s next steps in the House and the anticipated presidential signing process

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Jeffries Won’t Rule Out a Third Trump Impeachment Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Ben Ferguson Show Podcast, Ben discusses Democratic messaging surrounding a potential third impeachment effort against Donald Trump, the broader use of lawfare in American politics, and the escalating competition between the United States and China over artificial intelligence. He examines the role of AI infrastructure, semiconductor manufacturing, power generation, data centers, and influence campaigns allegedly tied to Chinese interests, while making the case that American leadership in AI will have major consequences for economic growth, military capability, and national security.

The fight over artificial intelligence is becoming a national security issue. As the United States and China compete for dominance in AI, the debate is expanding beyond software and into chips, data centers, energy infrastructure, and economic power. Donald Trump argues that whoever leads in AI will shape the future, while concerns grow that slowing American development could hand a strategic advantage to China.The episode also examines comments from Hakeem Jeffries regarding the possibility of future impeachment proceedings against Donald Trump if Democrats regain control of the House, and what that could mean for the political landscape heading into the next election cycle.

Topics Covered:

Hakeem Jeffries and comments on possible future impeachment proceedings against Donald Trump
The political implications of a potential House majority shift in upcoming elections
The U.S.-China competition for artificial intelligence leadership
AI data centers, semiconductor production, and energy infrastructure as strategic assets
Reports of China-linked influence operations targeting debate over AI development
The economic and national security stakes of accelerating or slowing AI investment in America

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The AI Cold War Has Begun—Can America Beat China without Beating America? Sep 15, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the 47 Morning Update w Ben Ferguson, Ben argues that America is already engaged in an AI Cold War with Communist China and warns that slowing AI development could hand a strategic advantage to Beijing. He examines recent concerns over efforts to restrict or delay AI infrastructure projects and explains why those decisions could have far-reaching consequences for economic growth, national security, technological innovation, and global influence. Ferguson also discusses reports from OpenAI and X regarding alleged China-linked influence operations aimed at shaping public opinion around American AI infrastructure. According to the reports, foreign actors allegedly used AI-generated content and coordinated online activity to amplify concerns about data centers, energy usage, and electricity costs. While acknowledging that communities have legitimate questions about energy demand, infrastructure investment, and transparency, he argues that foreign interference in those conversations should raise serious concerns. The episode also explores the economic ripple effects of AI policy debates, including market reactions across semiconductor, technology, energy, and infrastructure sectors. Ferguson makes the case that AI leadership requires far more than advanced software, calling for expanded investment in semiconductors, power generation, transmission systems, skilled labor, and domestic manufacturing capacity.

Artificial intelligence has become the defining technological competition of the 21st century, and the battle is no longer theoretical. As the United States and China race for dominance in AI, the debate is increasingly shifting from software to the infrastructure that powers it: microchips, data centers, electricity, and computing power.

Topics Covered:

The growing AI competition between the United States and China
Why data centers, microchips, and electricity are central to AI leadership
Alleged China-linked influence campaigns targeting AI infrastructure debates
Market reactions across semiconductor and AI-related industries
The connection between energy production and AI development
National security implications of winning or losing the AI race

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DOJ Makes History in First-Ever Terror Removal Case Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

The Trump administration’s first successful use of the Alien Terrorist Removal Court marks a major legal and national security milestone. At the same time, Russia is escalating its rhetoric toward Europe, with Vladimir Putin warning that the deployment of European troops to Ukraine would amount to war with Russia. Ben Ferguson examines the Justice Department’s unprecedented use of a specialized federal tribunal created in 1996 but never previously utilized. The case involved a lawful permanent resident tied to a family connected to an alleged ISIS-inspired Election Day 2024 attack plot, culminating in her removal to Afghanistan after proceedings before the court. He also breaks down growing tensions between Russia, the United Kingdom, and Europe as Moscow issues new threats over military support for Ukraine, withdraws its ambassador from London, and raises warnings about the consequences of European involvement in the conflict. The episode concludes with commentary on the 25th anniversary of September 11 and the controversy surrounding New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez after footage from the Ground Zero memorial drew criticism on social media.

Topics Covered:

First-ever successful use of the Alien Terrorist Removal Court
DOJ action involving a family linked to an alleged ISIS-inspired attack plot
The legal history and purpose of the 1996 terrorism-removal tribunal
Vladimir Putin’s warning to Europe over troop deployments in Ukraine
Russia’s diplomatic tensions with the United Kingdom
Controversy surrounding the 25th anniversary 9/11 memorial ceremony

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COVID Opened 4,200 North Carolina Prison Cell Doors Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the 47 Morning Update w Ben Ferguson, Ben examines Roy Cooper’s recent remarks, the political fallout in North Carolina’s Senate race, and the broader debate over prison population reductions during the pandemic. They discuss reporting surrounding the settlement agreement, Republican criticism of Cooper’s record on crime, and competing arguments about whether COVID was used to advance long-term criminal justice reform goals.

North Carolina Senate candidate Roy Cooper is facing renewed scrutiny over a COVID-era prison release settlement that led to thousands of inmates being released early. Comments from Cooper suggesting that some were frustrated more prisoners were not released have reignited a debate over crime, public safety, and pandemic-era justice policies. The controversy centers on a court-ordered settlement that reduced North Carolina’s prison population during COVID. Critics argue the releases included violent offenders and reflected a broader push for criminal justice reforms, while Cooper has defended the actions as a necessary response carried out under court supervision and with public safety considerations.

Topics Covered:

Roy Cooper’s comments on COVID-era prison releases
The North Carolina court-ordered prison population settlement
Claims regarding the number of inmates released early
Public safety concerns surrounding released offenders
The Senate race between Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley
The broader debate over criminal justice reform during COVID

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A Game for the Ages: Texas STUNS Ohio State, plus CNN Pretends to be Bewildered by Islamism Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson discuss the growing momentum behind the Protect College Sports Act ahead of an expected Senate vote, including support from major conferences, coaches, professional sports leagues, and the Olympic movement. They break down key provisions of the bill, including restrictions on recruiting coaches during active seasons, athlete eligibility standards, and protections designed to preserve opportunities across college athletics. The conversation also covers Cruz’s appearance on ESPN College GameDay, the reaction it generated online, Texas’ comeback win over Ohio State, and a debate sparked by comments from Cruz’s recent speech at the Republican Midterm Convention concerning Islamism, radical extremism, and media coverage.

The Protect College Sports Act is moving toward a Senate vote, with lawmakers, athletic conferences, coaches, and professional sports organizations weighing in on the future of college athletics. As the legislation advances, questions about athlete eligibility, coaching departures, gambling, and the structure of modern college sports remain at the center of the debate. Ted Cruz also reflects on a dramatic Texas victory over Ohio State, discusses his appearance on ESPN College GameDay, and responds to reactions surrounding both the legislation and broader political debates from the week.

Topics Covered:

The Senate outlook for the Protect College Sports Act
Support from conferences, coaches, and professional sports leagues
The proposed “Lane Kiffin Rule” and coach recruitment restrictions
College athlete eligibility, gambling concerns, and roster protections
Texas’ comeback victory over Ohio State and ESPN College GameDay
Debate over Islamism, radical extremism, and media reactions to Cruz’s speech

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Tallarico Runs Away, Runs Away! plus Charlie Kirk's Legacy and the Fight Shaping the Midterms Sep 13, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Ben Ferguson Show podcast Ben and Ted break down Cruz’s convention speech, discuss what Sen. Cruz describes as a growing alliance between far-left ideology and Islamist movements within the Democratic Party, analyze the Texas Senate race and the candidacy of James Tallarico, and reflect on Charlie Kirk’s legacy one year after his death. They also discuss polling, campaign messaging, media coverage, and the arguments they believe will define the midterm elections.

The Republican National Convention sets the backdrop for a wide-ranging discussion on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, the one-year anniversary of Charlie Kirk’s death, and the political battles shaping the upcoming midterm elections. Broadcast from the convention after a late night of speeches and events, Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson reflect on the messages delivered by Republican leaders, Cruz’s convention address, and what they argue are the central issues facing voters heading into November.

Topics Covered:

Highlights and reactions from the Republican National Convention
The 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks
Ted Cruz’s convention speech and his warning about the direction of American politics
The Texas Senate race, including James Tallarico and campaign positioning
Media coverage, polling, and voter perception heading into the midterms
Remembering Charlie Kirk and discussing his political and cultural legacy one year after his death

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