Verdict with Ted Cruz

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Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Sep 18 2025 Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

Meet my friends, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton! If you love Verdict, the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show might also be in your audio wheelhouse. Politics, news analysis, and some pop culture and comedy thrown in too.

Here’s a sample episode recapping four takeaways. Give the guys a listen and then follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Consequence Culture

A deep dive into the media firestorm surrounding the suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel following controversial remarks about the tragic death of Charlie Kirk. Clay and Buck break down the timeline of events, beginning with Kimmel’s inflammatory comment, the backlash from affiliate networks like Nexstar and Sinclair, and the broader implications for free speech, cancel culture, and media accountability.

The hosts explore how Kimmel’s statement, which falsely implied political motivations behind Kirk’s murder, triggered a wave of affiliate boycotts and public outrage. They analyze the role of corporate media, particularly ABC and Disney, in navigating the fallout, and highlight the demands from Sinclair for a public apology and donation to Turning Point USA before considering reinstatement of the show.

Eric Trump Calls In

An exclusive interview with Eric Trump, son of current President Donald Trump. The hour centers around the tragic assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, with Eric Trump sharing his personal reaction and reflecting on Kirk’s legacy and impact on youth political engagement. The discussion highlights the cultural and political ramifications of Kirk’s death, emphasizing the resilience of the conservative movement and the importance of preserving free speech and American values.

Eric Trump also discusses his new book, Under Siege: My Family’s Fight to Save Our Nation, detailing the relentless legal and media attacks on the Trump family and organization. He recounts the unprecedented number of subpoenas, social media censorship, and political persecution they faced, framing it as a broader assault on conservative voices and constitutional freedoms. The conversation underscores President Trump’s historic political comeback, culminating in a state dinner with the King and Queen of England—an event hailed as one of the greatest honors of his life and a symbol of renewed global respect for American leadership.

The hour also covers the indefinite suspension of late-night host Jimmy Kimmel, with commentary suggesting declining ratings and controversial content as contributing factors. The hosts and callers explore the double standards in media and entertainment, contrasting the outrage over Kimmel’s suspension with the muted response to Kirk’s assassination.

Woke Virus Inoculation

The erosion of Western civilization under the influence of woke ideology, the role of religion in shaping moral behavior, and the importance of defending foundational American principles. President Trump’s remarks at the state dinner are highlighted for their emphasis on Anglo-American unity, liberty, and shared heritage.

Listeners are encouraged to support Turning Point USA and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, with Eric Trump pledging a portion of his book proceeds to continue Charlie Kirk’s mission. The hour concludes with reflections on the cultural shift in business and media, the hypocrisy of corporate elites, and the enduring strength of the Trump movement.

Free Speech and Boobs

Clay explains why he doesn't support cancel culture and recalls his own cancellation by CNN over his statement about free speech and boobs.

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BONUS POD: Trump declares Antifa a Terrorist Organization plus Feds Drop Rates & How it Effects You Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

Part 1: Antifa Designation

Announcement: Former President Donald Trump declared Antifa a major terrorist organization.
Context: The declaration followed the reported assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which Trump and allies framed as evidence of left-wing extremism.
Key Points:
- Antifa is described as a loosely affiliated ideology, not a centralized group.
- Trump emphasized “following the money” to identify who funds Antifa-related activities.
- He suggested possible use of RICO laws to prosecute funders and agitators.
- The administration anticipated legal challenges from groups like the ACLU and SPLC, citing constitutional concerns (free speech, assembly, due process).
- Politically, the move was presented as a fight the White House was “happy to have,” despite opposition from Democrats.

Part 2: Federal Reserve Interest Rate Cuts

Background: Trump had been pushing the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates more aggressively, often criticizing Fed Chair Jerome Powell.
Decision: The Fed cut rates by 0.25 percentage points, marking the first cut in Trump’s second term.
Significance:
- The cut signals concern over a slowing job market and rising unemployment.
- It also shows the Fed balancing two pressures: supporting jobs while controlling inflation.
- Trump-aligned Fed members favored deeper cuts (0.5%).
- The decision benefits borrowers (credit cards, home equity loans), though it’s not seen as a complete fix for the economy.
Framing in the podcast: The host portrays this as a major political and economic victory for Trump, arguing it validates his long-standing criticisms of Powell and the Fed.

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CNN Insists "Who can tell the Motive?" of Charlie Kirk's Murderer plus "Loving" Texts between the Murderer & His Boyfriend Sep 17, 2025

Show notes

CNN Debate (WATCH): Cruz defends his decision to appear on CNN, criticizing Collins for interrupting and for what he portrays as partisan framing. He argues against the idea that political violence is equally present on both sides of the spectrum.
Media Narratives: The podcast accuses outlets like CNN, MSNBC, and ABC of dishonesty, especially in their coverage of motives behind the assassination. Cruz and Ferguson highlight what they view as selective reporting and propaganda.
Released Text Messages: They discuss text exchanges between the accused killer and his partner, portraying them as a direct confession. They sharply criticize ABC News for characterizing these messages as “touching” or “romantic.”
Contrasting Responses to Violence: Cruz draws comparisons between left-wing protests (e.g., George Floyd protests, Antifa, BLM) and right-wing responses, arguing conservatives respond with prayer and peace while leftists respond with riots and violence.
Community & Advocacy: The episode also promotes the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews’ “Flags of Fellowship” campaign, encouraging solidarity with Israel and remembrance of victims of the October 2023 terror attack.

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Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Sep 16 2025 Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

Here’s a sample episode recapping four Tuesday takeaways. Give the guys a listen and then follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

There is No Unity

Vice President JD Vance’s powerful commentary on political violence, delivered while guest-hosting Charlie Kirk’s show. Vance condemns left-wing extremism and the celebration of Kirk’s murder, calling out organizations like the Ford Foundation and George Soros’s Open Society Foundation for allegedly funding radical narratives. Clay and Buck echo Vance’s sentiments, arguing that the left’s rhetoric—comparing Trump and his supporters to Nazis and fascists—has fueled real-world violence. They highlight the hypocrisy of left-wing platforms banning dissenting voices while tolerating or even celebrating political assassinations.

The hosts also analyze the online radicalization of Gen Z through platforms like Reddit, Discord, and Twitch, describing them as breeding grounds for left-wing extremism. They explore how these digital communities have become echo chambers for anti-conservative sentiment and misinformation. Buck and Clay express concern over the influence these platforms have on shaping public opinion and fueling ideological violence, especially among younger users. They also discuss the implications of AI systems being trained on biased data from these sources, warning of future distortions in political discourse.

Free Speech vs. Hate Speech

U.S. Attorney Pam Bondi’s controversial comments about hate speech. Buck defends TikTok’s utility for conservatives, while Clay raises concerns about government overreach and free speech. The conversation transitions into a broader critique of censorship and the left’s shifting stance on political unity, especially in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination.

Luigi Mangione Madness

The Luigi Mangione case involving the assassination of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The hosts criticize a judge’s decision to drop terrorism-related charges and discuss the suspect’s use of Discord, an online chat platform, to coordinate and confess. FBI Director Kash Patel testifies on Capitol Hill, revealing that the bureau is investigating ideological motives, funding sources, and potential co-conspirators within Discord communities.

A Dark Network

The show raises concerns about online radicalization, likening Discord to jihadist chat rooms and questioning the platform’s moderation policies.

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BONUS POD: 'No One Said Anything' as Warning Signs Emerge Online from Charlie Kirk's Investigation Sep 16, 2025

Show notes

Warning Signs Ignored:
The suspect allegedly showed multiple warning signs before the shooting, including becoming more political, distancing himself from coworkers during political discussions, and openly expressing intentions to harm Charlie Kirk. Friends, family, and even coworkers reportedly noticed this but may not have taken it seriously.
The Shooting & Evidence:
After firing the fatal shot, video footage shows the suspect escaping by jumping off a building. Investigators recovered forensic evidence from the scene, including DNA on a towel wrapped around the firearm, a screwdriver, and potentially on the rifle itself. These DNA samples matched the suspect, confirming his involvement.
The Note & Motive:
A note was reportedly left by the suspect, stating he had the opportunity to kill Kirk and intended to take it. Though the note was destroyed, forensic traces and interviews confirmed its existence and content. The motive is tied to political ideology, which investigators say "infected him and had taken over."
Investigation Challenges:
Law enforcement officials emphasized the need to determine whether people in the suspect’s circle knew about his intentions and ignored them, or dismissed them as jokes. Accountability for those who failed to act is being considered.
Political & Legal Dimensions:
The Utah governor, Spencer Cox, noted that the suspect had clear left-leaning political beliefs and expressed dislike for Kirk. The confirmation of forensic evidence and DNA ties the suspect directly to the crime, opening the possibility of the death penalty.
Praise for Law Enforcement:
The document also contains praise for the FBI, local authorities, and figures like Dan Bongino, Kash Patel, and Donald Trump for their roles in handling the case.

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Charlie Kirk's Killer Caught, Assassin has Transgender Roommate, How the Left is Lying about it & Why Political Violence is a Massive Problem for Them Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

The Event
- Charlie Kirk was assassinated by a 22-year-old man named Tyler Robinson after a 33-hour manhunt.
- Robinson is someone raised conservative but “radicalized to the left.”
Details on the Shooter
- Presented as intelligent (high GPA, ACT scores, scholarship) but later radicalized online and possibly at college.
- Mentions engraved messages on bullet casings with references to anti-fascism, LGBTQ+ memes, and video game codes.
- Suggests his roommate was transgender, possibly a romantic partner.
Criticism of Media & Political Opponents
- Argues that mainstream media (e.g., New York Times, Daily Beast) downplayed or misrepresented the ideological motives of the shooter.
- Accuses the left of lying, celebrating Kirk’s death, and creating a climate of political violence.
Religious & Spiritual Framing
- Kirk was a conservative leader but also an evangelist and Christian apologist.
- His pastor describes him as a “once-in-a-generation” figure whose murder is framed as both political and spiritual warfare.
- Parallels are drawn between his faith and martyrdom, with references to demonic opposition.
Political Violence Theme
- Positions political violence as a growing problem attributed mainly to the left.
- Cites polls claiming many left-leaning respondents condone violence against figures like Trump or Elon Musk.
- Draws parallels to rhetoric labeling conservatives as “fascists” or “Hitler,” arguing it legitimizes violence.
Public & Social Media Reactions
- Notes celebrations of Kirk’s death by some individuals online and in academia.
- Highlights instances of people being fired for making celebratory or critical remarks.
- Discusses Stephen King tweeting a false claim about Kirk, later deleting and apologizing.

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What's Next after Kirk's Tragedy, Christians Persecuted in Nigeria & Tucker plus Osama Bin Laden Equals Week In Review Sep 13, 2025

Show notes

The assassination of Charlie Kirk
- They frame Kirk’s death as a political assassination, comparing it to historical killings of JFK, Bobby Kennedy, and Martin Luther King Jr.
- The hosts emphasize concerns about political violence, the dangers of polarization, and left-wing reactions online.
- They highlight messages of unity from unexpected voices on the left, such as Cenk Uygur, while contrasting that with those celebrating Kirk’s death.
Persecution of Christians in Nigeria
- Cruz details violence by Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa, citing statistics of tens of thousands of Christians killed and thousands of churches destroyed.
- He introduces the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, which seeks to:
  - Classify Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” for religious freedom.
  - Keep Boko Haram and ISIS-West Africa labeled as terrorist groups.
  - Sanction Nigerian officials complicit in persecution.
- The discussion connects this to broader issues of U.S. foreign policy, criticizing past administrations (especially Obama and Biden) for not doing enough to defend persecuted Christians.
Tucker Carlson’s controversial statements
- Carlson’s remarks about offering condolences to Osama bin Laden’s family, questioning Hamas’s designation as a terrorist group, and sympathetic portrayals of Russia and Iran are strongly criticized.
- Cruz and Ferguson accuse Carlson of moral relativism, equating his views with those of progressive politicians like Ilhan Omar or Rashida Tlaib.
- They reaffirm that groups like Hamas, al-Qaeda, and ISIS are terrorist organizations, citing both U.S. and international designations as well as historical attacks.

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Remembering our Friend, the Great Charlie Kirk Sep 12, 2025

Show notes

This podcast is a moving tribute that highlights Charlie Kirk’s enduring influence, strong character, and unwavering faith. It emphasizes his vision as a young leader, his courage to speak on college campuses despite opposition, and his ability to engage others with compassion and respect—even those who disagreed with him. We portray him as a man of conviction, deeply devoted to his family, his Christian faith, and his mission to inspire and unite young people around principles of liberty, dialogue, and love of country.

We reflect on his personal authenticity, kindness, and refusal to give in to peer pressure, while also showing how he impacted millions through Turning Point and beyond. His legacy is described as one of courage, faith, love, and intellectual honesty—a rare combination that touched lives across political, cultural, and spiritual boundaries.

Ultimately, we honor him as a once-in-a-generation leader who lived with purpose, left behind a powerful legacy of faith and freedom, and will be remembered not only for his ideas, but for his heart, his smile, and the hope he gave to countless people.

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BONUS: The Assassination of Charlie Kirk: A Nation Mourns, A Movement Rises Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

Here’s a sample episode recapping four Thursday takeaways. Give the guys a listen and then follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Charlie Kirk's Assassination

The tragic assassination of conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk. The hosts open the hour with heartfelt reflections on the gravity of the moment, describing the national mourning and personal grief felt across the country, especially among young Americans who admired Kirk’s work in political activism and free speech advocacy.

The episode underscores the political motivations behind Kirk’s killing, framing it as a targeted act of violence stemming from ideological hatred. Travis and Sexton argue that the left’s increasingly hostile rhetoric—labeling political opponents as “Nazis” or “Hitler”—has created a dangerous climate that justifies violence in the minds of radicalized individuals. They draw parallels to previous acts of political violence, including the attempted assassination of President Donald Trump and other attacks on conservative figures, asserting that these incidents reflect a broader pattern of left-wing extremism.

Confronting Evil

a compelling interview with Bill O’Reilly, who joins the program to discuss the broader implications of Kirk’s death and the rise of political violence in America. O’Reilly connects the tragedy to themes from his newly released book Confronting Evil, arguing that the nation is entering a new era of moral decay and ideological extremism.

The hosts and O’Reilly explore how permissive justice systems, progressive ideologies, and corporate media platforms have contributed to a climate where political violence is not only tolerated but, in some cases, celebrated. They cite disturbing reactions from left-wing platforms like BlueSky and mainstream outlets such as MSNBC and Slate, where commentators and writers either downplayed the assassination or implied Kirk’s rhetoric was to blame. The show plays audio from MSNBC contributor Matthew Dowd, who was later fired for suggesting Kirk’s own words incited the violence against him.

Restoring the Soul of Our Nation

Senator Bill Haggerty of Tennessee joins the show to reflect on Kirk’s legacy, describing him as a courageous advocate for free speech and a role model for young Americans. Haggerty condemns the celebration of Kirk’s death by some on the left, including a now-terminated dean at Middle Tennessee State University, and calls for a cultural reset rooted in respect, dialogue, and moral clarity.

The hosts and guests repeatedly stress the cowardice of political violence and the importance of continuing Kirk’s mission. They draw parallels to Rush Limbaugh’s influence, noting that Kirk was a “Rush baby” who learned conservatism by listening to Limbaugh’s daily monologues. This connection underscores the generational continuity of conservative thought and the importance of cultural engagement.

Clay's Message

Clay reflects on the personal impact of Kirk’s death, especially on young Americans who saw him as a role model. Clay reads an email from a father whose son was inspired by Kirk and now struggles to process the loss. Clay responds with a message of resilience, urging young people to be braver, stronger, and more committed to defending free speech and American values in the face of rising hostility.

Charlie’s rejection of woke ideology, DEI mandates, and toxic political correctness made him a beacon for those seeking truth, patriotism, and liberty. His assassination is framed not only as a personal loss but as a cultural attack on free speech and ideological diversity.

The show closes with a solemn promise from Clay and Buck to continue Kirk’s fight, honor his legacy, and remain steadfast in their mission to defend American values. Listeners are encouraged to hug their families, stay strong, and carry the torch forward in the battle for truth and freedom.

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Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA Founder, Dead at 31 after Utah Campus Shooting Sep 11, 2025

Show notes