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Verdict with Ted Cruz

News & Politics Podcasts

Join Senator Ted Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson as they break down the most important news stories of the day and reveal what they mean for you. On "Verdict with Ted Cruz,” you will go behind the scenes of the political debates that define our country. "Verdict with Ted Cruz" is being brought to you by Jobs, Freedom, and Security PAC, a political action committee dedicated to supporting conservative causes, organizations, and candidates across the country. In 2022, Jobs, Freedom, and Security PAC plans to donate to conservative candidates running for Congress and help the Republican Party across the nation.

Location:

United States

Description:

Join Senator Ted Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson as they break down the most important news stories of the day and reveal what they mean for you. On "Verdict with Ted Cruz,” you will go behind the scenes of the political debates that define our country. "Verdict with Ted Cruz" is being brought to you by Jobs, Freedom, and Security PAC, a political action committee dedicated to supporting conservative causes, organizations, and candidates across the country. In 2022, Jobs, Freedom, and Security PAC plans to donate to conservative candidates running for Congress and help the Republican Party across the nation.

Language:

English


Episodes
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Southern Poverty Law Center FUNDS the Klan, plus UCLA Law Students Silence Conservatives

4/24/2026
1. Allegations Against the Southern Poverty Law Center criminally indictedFunded or financially supported extremist groupswire fraud, money laundering, and donor deceptionfraudulent fundraising modelunwitting enablers 2. Media and Institutional Complicity Mainstream media ignored or covered upCorporate America 3. Political Impact Financially linked to SPLC fundingused extremist events to drive massive fundraising growth 4. Free Speech and Campus Controversies disrupted and silenced a conservative speaker“heckler’s veto”unfit for the legal profession Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:36:05

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Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Apr 23 2026

4/23/2026
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. Iran's Game Plan Breaking news out of Virginia, where a state circuit court judge blocked certification of the voter‑approved redistricting referendum that would have shifted the state’s congressional map from a 6–5 split to a 10–1 Democratic advantage. The judge ruled the process unconstitutional, citing violations of Virginia’s constitutional requirements, improper use of a special legislative session, insufficient public notice, and what the court called a misleading ballot question. Clay and Buck explain why this ruling could derail the entire redistricting effort and force rapid intervention by the Virginia Supreme Court and possibly the U.S. Supreme Court. They emphasize that the legal uncertainty threatens election timelines, ballot preparation, and primary contests, turning Virginia into a potential national test case for how far courts will allow mid‑cycle redistricting to go. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton then pivot to Iran and global security, with extensive analysis of President Donald Trump’s statements on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. The hosts examine Trump’s claim that the U.S. controls maritime traffic and is enforcing an effective blockade until Iran produces a deal, while also noting severe internal divisions inside Iran between hardliners, the IRGC, and civilian negotiators. Clay explains why Iran’s leadership crisis complicates diplomacy, while Buck lays out in detail how the blockade is inflicting devastating economic harm—particularly through Iran’s limited oil storage capacity and the long‑term damage caused by halting production. Resistance Judiciary Clay and Buck discuss the idea that the judiciary has become a de facto political actor, particularly during the Trump era. Buck describes what the hosts call a “resistance judiciary,” with judges using injunctions and procedural rulings to halt policy even when cases are likely to be overturned later. They contrast this trend with the Supreme Court’s role, warning that without a conservative majority, constitutional interpretation itself would become unrecognizable. The Virginia redistricting case is used as the most recent example of how a single judge can temporarily upend elections, legislative plans, and national strategy. They then pivot into an extended and highly critical discussion of Spirit Airlines and the blocked JetBlue merger, which Clay describes as one of the clearest examples of judicial failure in recent years. Clay explains how Spirit agreed to a multibillion‑dollar acquisition by JetBlue, warned that bankruptcy was inevitable without the merger, and then saw the deal halted after the Biden administration sued on antitrust grounds. A federal judge sided with the government, rejecting Spirit’s warning—only for the airline to file for bankruptcy months later and now face another potential collapse. Clay argues that the ruling wiped out shareholders, endangered thousands of jobs, and may now force taxpayers to subsidize an airline that could have survived through private market solutions. The Opposite of Reality Rafael Mangual, head of research for the Manhattan Institute’s Policing and Public Safety Initiative, for an extended interview that anchors much of the hour. The discussion opens with encouraging national crime trends, as Mangual explains that serious violent crime—especially homicides and shootings—is declining across many U.S. cities, with especially sharp drops in places like Memphis and Washington, D.C., which have been targeted by Trump administration federal task forces. Those efforts, combining multi‑agency law‑enforcement deployments and...

Duration:01:01:35

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BONUS POD: California’s Taxpayer‑Funded Illegal Migration Machine

4/23/2026
Large-Scale Spending Allegation approximately $1 billion400,000 undocumented immigrantsManhattan InstituteUse of Public Funds nonprofit organizationspolitical kickbacksPolitical Organizing Accusations political machinesSocial and Economic Impact Narrative Historical and Ideological Framing 19th-century political machinesCriticism of Sanctuary Policies Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:13:19

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Ted's Brand-New Book—A Biography of Clarence Thomas, Telling his Incredible Life Story and his Historic Impact on our Nation

4/22/2026
1. Purpose of the Book personal life storyjudicial philosophy and jurisprudenceplain, accessible languageapproximately 9.5 hours of exclusive, one‑on‑one interviewsnon‑lawyers 2. Clarence Thomas’s Background and Life Journey severe poverty in Pin Point, GeorgiaGullah/Geechee dialectracism, hardship, family conflict, and personal strugglesCatholic priestHoly Cross CollegeYale Law Schoolmajor ideological transformation 3. Professional Rise and Historic Achievements affirmative actionJohn Danforthsecond Black Justice on the U.S. Supreme Courtlongest‑serving Supreme Court justice in U.S. history 4. Judicial Philosophy (“Going Further”) Originalismrights come from God/nature, not governmentcolor‑blind Constitutionplain‑spoken and accessibleGoing Further 5. Confirmation Hearings and Public Attacks 1991 confirmation hearingslater Supreme Court confirmationsracialized hostility 6. Legacy and Moral Example personal resilience, discipline, and principleif he were liberalrole model for principled living Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:37:00

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Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Apr 21 2026

4/21/2026
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. Crickets from Iran Clay Travis and Buck Sexton outline the administration’s next steps as Vice President JD Vance prepares for a high‑stakes diplomatic mission to Pakistan for renewed negotiations with Iran. The hosts analyze President Trump’s morning comments on CNBC, where he stressed American control over the Strait of Hormuz, refused to extend the current ceasefire deadline, and warned that military action could resume if negotiations stall. The conversation explores whether the U.S. naval blockade is truly succeeding, how Iran is attempting to leverage ceasefire optics, and why negotiations with the Iranian regime are notoriously difficult due to deception, internal power struggles, and the lack of a clear decision‑maker within Tehran’s leadership. Clay and Buck also discuss the absence of any visible popular uprising inside Iran despite heavy military pressure, questioning assumptions about regime collapse and examining whether economic pressure, prolonged embargoes, or stronger military escalation would be required to force real change. Spilling the SCOTUS Tea An in‑depth conversation with journalist and Federalist editor‑in‑chief Mollie Hemingway, discussing her new book Alito: The Justice Who Reshaped the Supreme Court and Restored the Constitution. Hemingway addresses speculation around potential Supreme Court retirements, explaining why Justice Samuel Alito is unlikely to step down soon while also noting that multiple Republican‑appointed justices are now in their 70s. She explores Alito’s judicial legacy, originalist philosophy, and long‑term focus on religious liberty, including his interest in revisiting key precedent such as Employment Division v. Smith. The discussion also touches on internal Court tensions, Chief Justice John Roberts’ struggles to maintain institutional norms, and the breakdown of collegiality among justices. A major portion of the interview is devoted to exclusive reporting on the Dobbs leak, which overturned Roe v. Wade. Hemingway details how the leak endangered justices and their families, revealing that conservative justices faced sustained assassination threats while liberal justices allegedly delayed their dissent for weeks. She outlines failures in the Supreme Court’s internal investigation, explains why the leaker was likely a clerk or court staffer rather than a justice, and connects the episode to ongoing concerns about politically motivated leaks, slow‑walked opinions, and public attacks on the legitimacy of the Court. Hemingway also weighs in on pending Supreme Court cases, including racial gerrymandering and birthright citizenship, and offers insight into Justice Alito’s continued influence on major decisions. The segment closes with candid discussion of how Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is viewed internally, with critiques of her jurisprudence and legal reasoning. Don't Wear a Bikini on the Job An interview with Michele Tafoya, former NFL broadcaster and Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Minnesota. Tafoya discusses her record‑setting fundraising numbers, grassroots momentum, and why Minnesota represents one of the most important potential Senate flips in the upcoming midterms. She explains that voter anger in Minnesota is driven by government fraud, lack of accountability for Democratic leadership, rising crime, failing schools, and embarrassment over national perception of the state. Tafoya strongly criticizes Governor Tim Walz, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, and Attorney General Keith Ellison, accusing them of avoiding accountability and pushing divisive policies. She highlights education...

Duration:01:06:30

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BONUS POD: Trump Unleashes DPA on Energy Prices plus Dan Rather & the 200

4/21/2026
1. Invocation of the Defense Production Act (DPA) Defense Production Actrapidly boost U.S. oil productionnational security and economic emergency 2. Purpose: Energy Independence and Cost Reduction increase domestic oil supply quickly and at scale 3. Mechanisms Enabled by the DPA The Act is described as allowing the federal government to: This is putting U.S. energy production on a “wartime footing.” 4. Geopolitical and National Security Framing global influence and negotiating power 5. Broader Economic Impact 6. Criticism and Environmental Concerns 7. Political Accusations Against Democrats 8. Media Critique and Allegations of Bias political advocacy rather than neutral reporting Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:16:09

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Trump Tightens Grip on Strait of Hormuz Putting Enormous Pressure on Iran plus Qatar Hires DC Lobbyists as the Heat Rises

4/20/2026
1. U.S. Military Pressure on Iran via the Strait of Hormuz naval blockadedisabled by the U.S. Navydeliberate, proportionate, and militarily precise 2. Economic Warfare as Primary Strategy economic weaponhundreds of millions of dollars per day 3. Severe Impact on Iran’s Oil Sector limited oil storage capacitypermanent damage 4. Currency Collapse and Domestic Economic Crisis hyperinflation 5. Strategic Pressure on China force China to pressure Iran 6. Arrests and Enforcement Beyond the Battlefield aggressive global enforcement 7. Rejection of “Quagmire” Narrative not another Iraq or Afghanistan Qatar’s Influence Campaign in the U.S. 8. Qatar as a Major Funder of U.S. Universities largest foreign donor 9. Connection to Campus Unrest anti‑Israel or antisemitic campus protests 10. Hiring of Washington Lobbyists reputation management 11. Control Over Academic Speech Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:33:28

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Swalwell Quits as Scandal Rips, Can Republicans Reconcile behind Reconciliation & the Tax Plan Sending NYC Packing Week In Review

4/18/2026
1. Eric Swalwell Campaign Collapse ended/suspended his campaign for California governorsexual assault, rape, unwanted contact, and inappropriate behavioropening a criminal investigation50 former staffers publicly condemned Swalwelldenies all allegations 2. Democratic Party Hypocrisy and Political Calculations suspend his campaignnot resign from Congress“jungle primary”double standards 3. Republican Strategy: Reconciliation and Legislative Urgency last realistic windowbudget reconciliation billICE and CBP 4. New York City Luxury Property Tax Criticism “pied-à-terre” tax$500 million annuallyAnti-wealth, vindictive, and punitivewealth and job flightlower-tax states Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:32:33

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Tax Day Bonanza, Steyer & ICE plus Mamdani Wants your Money

4/17/2026
1. Republican Tax Cuts Framed as Major Economic Wins Recent tax legislationtipsovertimecar loansSocial Security incomeimmediate, tangible benefits 2. Delayed Impact of Tax Policy 3. Democratic Party Characterized as Extremist 4. Tom Steyer and ICE Controversy arrest or prosecute ICE agents 5. Law Enforcement and Federal Supremacy 6. New York Wealth Taxes and Mamdani luxury property tax 7. Wealth Redistribution as Ideological Motivation international wealth redistribution Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:37:42

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Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Apr 16 2026

4/16/2026
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. Politics of Envy Buck Sexton delivers an extended and highly critical assessment of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Governor Kathy Hochul. He argues that Mamdani’s proposed policies—including a $30 million, government-run grocery store and new luxury “pied-à-terre” taxes on properties valued over $5 million—reflect economic ignorance and Marxist class warfare. Buck contends these policies will worsen the city’s affordability crisis, drive investment out of New York, and accelerate population flight to states like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee. He frames Mamdani’s agenda as punishment of perceived “class enemies” rather than serious solutions to housing costs, taxation, or supply constraints created by overregulation and union-dominated construction markets. The hour also addresses a tragic national security story involving the killing of a Department of Homeland Security employee by an individual who should not have been in the country. Buck connects the incident to broader failures in border enforcement and immigration policy, arguing it represents yet another preventable crime linked to lax enforcement and progressive governance. He further references political fallout surrounding Congressman Eric Swalwell, suggesting legal and political consequences loom following his resignation and ongoing scrutiny. Ryan's Homeland PAC An interview with political data analyst Ryan Girdusky (host of It’s a Numbers Game), who breaks down the sudden collapse of Eric Swalwell’s California gubernatorial campaign. Buck and Girdusky describe Swalwell’s exit as one of the fastest political implosions in modern politics and analyze how his former support is splintering among Democratic contenders such as Tom Steyer and local California officials. They explain how California’s top‑two primary system could theoretically allow Republicans to lock Democrats out of the general election—but only if GOP candidates aggressively consolidate independent voters, a task Girdusky says remains extremely difficult. The conversation then pivots to national polling and President Donald Trump’s approval numbers, particularly in the context of the ongoing Iran blockade. Girdusky acknowledges Trump’s polling dip but notes that Republican support has stabilized rather than collapsed, avoiding the kind of freefall seen during past administrations. He emphasizes that economic issues—especially tax refunds, take‑home pay, and “no tax on tips” policies—matter far more to voters than foreign policy and argues that Republicans should relentlessly campaign on economic improvements rather than geopolitical conflicts. Immigration becomes a dominant theme as Girdusky announces the launch of Homeland PAC, a new political action committee designed to defend Republicans who oppose amnesty and to primary GOP lawmakers who support it. Buck strongly endorses this strategy and follows with a detailed critique of recent House Republicans who voted with Democrats to extend Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Haitian migrants—status originally granted in 2010 and repeatedly renewed. Buck argues that TPS has become de facto permanent immigration, undermining the rule of law, and sharply criticizes both Democrats and Republicans who support extensions as engaging in backdoor amnesty. Hold Politicians Accountable Buck pushes back on the common political phrase “a nation of immigrants,” arguing it oversimplifies American history and is frequently used to justify unchecked legal and illegal immigration. He calls for slower, more selective legal immigration, reduced chain migration, and stricter enforcement,...

Duration:00:58:40

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BONUS POD: Fraud Stopped on the Terminally Corrupt California Hospice Hustle

4/16/2026
Federal and state authorities report investigating hospice and home health care fraud in California, primarily involving Medicare and Medicaid billing. A federal anti‑fraud task force, formed in mid‑March, is described as coordinating with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to identify providers showing indicators of improper billing. According to figures cited, hundreds of hospice providers and several dozen home health agencies in California have had payments suspended while investigations are ongoing, involving an estimated hundreds of millions of dollars in suspended or questioned claims. A significant portion of the flagged providers are located in Los Angeles County, with authorities citing patterns such as unusually high billing volumes, shared addresses among many licensed hospices, and lack of evidence of active operations. Law enforcement actions mentioned include search warrants, arrests, and criminal charges against individuals accused of submitting fraudulent claims for hospice services that were allegedly unnecessary or not provided. Investigators allege some schemes involved: California state officials and the state Department of Justice are reported to be conducting hundreds of active investigations, sometimes in coordination with federal agencies such as the FBI and CMS. State audits and prior investigations had previously flagged weaknesses in licensing oversight, including multiple providers sharing addresses, insufficient inspections, and limited enforcement capacity. Proposed or mandated regulatory reforms discussed include: Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:14:43

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The Path Forward: How to Fund DHS, Secure the Border, Pass Election Integrity & Win Historic Conservative Victories

4/15/2026
DHS Shutdown & Democratic Opposition Republican Strategy on DHS Funding Use of Budget Reconciliation Proposed Offensive Policy Approach Broader Conservative Legislative Agenda Economic & Housing Policy Rationale Election Integrity Measures Urgency & Historical Warning Strategic “Tentpole” Concept Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:33:18

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BONUS: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Apr 14 2026

4/14/2026
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. Clay is Optimistic Clay Travis highlights what he sees as clear economic momentum under President Donald Trump, noting that the Iran naval blockade appears to be working as intended, with crude oil prices falling and both the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average pushing toward record highs. Clay emphasizes that listeners who avoided panic during recent geopolitical tensions and tariff scares are being rewarded, as retirement accounts and 401(k)s are rebounding strongly—underscoring a recurring theme of market confidence and economic stability tied to Trump’s policies. The hour then pivots to one of the most dramatic political collapses in recent memory: the downfall of California Congressman Eric Swalwell. Clay and Buck explain that Swalwell, once a leading favorite to become California’s next governor, has now not only withdrawn from the governor’s race but has also resigned his congressional seat amid escalating allegations of sexual misconduct and criminal behavior. The hosts stress how extraordinary the speed and severity of the collapse is, noting that Swalwell had survived previous scandals—including connections to a suspected Chinese spy and constant media exposure—only to see his career end just weeks before early voting in California’s June primary. They also note that a Republican congressman in Texas has stepped down around the same time over unrelated allegations, pointing to a broader moment of political reckoning around misconduct. Sen. Rand Paul on Everything A wide‑ranging interview with Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky, who offers a constitutional critique of the U.S. military action against Iran. Paul reiterates that while he opposes Iran obtaining nuclear weapons, he believes Congress must authorize war and questions claims of imminent threat. He discusses the risks of escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, the economic impact of rising energy prices, and the uncertainty of whether negotiations can truly resolve the conflict. Paul also weighs in on Kentucky politics, strongly endorsing Congressman Thomas Massie as a constitutional conservative, emphasizing fidelity to the Constitution over unquestioning loyalty to any single political figure. The conversation broadens into Second Amendment rights, where Senator Paul argues for national constitutional carry, citing data showing lawful gun owners commit crimes at significantly lower rates than the general population. Drawing on his personal experience during the 2017 congressional baseball shooting, Paul criticizes gun‑free zones and inconsistent state laws that disarm law‑abiding citizens while leaving criminals unchecked. He also addresses the SAVE Act and voter ID, arguing that voter identification should be a basic requirement for elections and criticizing mass mail‑in voting systems that weaken confidence in electoral integrity. Two Can Play at That Game A continued focus on the U.S.–Iran conflict, as Clay and Buck note signs of de‑escalation: the S&P 500 is within a half‑percent of an all‑time high, crude oil has fallen sharply to around $88 a barrel, and gas prices appear to be stabilizing after early war‑related spikes. They explain that markets are signaling confidence that President Trump’s blockade strategy and pressure campaign are working, with Iran’s leverage shrinking and expectations growing that further negotiations—possibly in Pakistan—could follow. Buck frames the standoff as a waiting game, describing Iran’s threats in the Strait of Hormuz as “economic terrorism” and highlighting comments from Vice President JD Vance that the United States can outlast Tehran economically...

Duration:01:00:36

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BONUS POD: What Did Democrats Know—and How Long Did They Protect Eric Swalwell

4/14/2026
1. Core Allegations Against Eric Swalwell ultiple women (at least four)sexual assault and rape2024 incident in New Yorkdenying the most serious allegationsresigning from Congress 2. Alleged Political Cover-Up by Democrats Democratic leadership allegedly knew about Swalwell’s behavior for years or decadespolitical liabilityCalifornia gubernatorial politicsstrategic damage control 3. Ongoing Investigations House Ethics CommitteeManhattan District AttorneyCalifornia Local ProsecutorsDepartment of Homeland Security (DHS) 4. Nanny / Campaign Finance Controversy campaign funds for personal childcare expensescomplaint filed by a controversial figure Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:11:22

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No Deal: Trump Moves to Blockade the Strait of Hormuz as Iran Defies Nuclear Demands plus Swalwell Bombshell

4/13/2026
1. U.S.–Iran Conflict Escalation egotiations with Iran failedPresident Trump is described as ordering a U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz economic warfare 2. Strategic and Economic Impact of the Strait of Hormuz Crippling Iran financiallyPressuring ChinaStress-testing EuropeU.S. control of global sea lanes (“Pax Americana”) 3. Trump Administration’s Policy Framing maximum pressure before full-scale warpreventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons 4. Criticism of Prior U.S. Policy Not enforcing existing sanctions“ghost fleet” 5. Internal U.S. Political Commentary 6. Eric Swalwell Allegations (“Bombshell”) Congressman Eric Swalwell Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:38:45

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No Man Left Behind Morale Booster, Pentagon Manual Wrecks the Left’s Talking Point & Temporary Protected Status Equals Permanent Consequences Week In Review

4/11/2026
1. Military Morale and Leadership medics, rescue forces, and leadership will risk everything to save them 2. U.S. Military Culture and “Quiet Math of American Violence” certainty that help will arrive under fire 3. Trump’s Iran Policy and Deterrence Strategy not 4. War Crimes Accusations and Legal Defense 5. View of Iranian Leadership 6. Immigration and Violent Crime Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:32:04

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How The Iran War Ends, Talking to Astronauts & Illegals Keep Committing Crimes

4/10/2026
1. Iran Military Conflict 39–40 day military campaigndecisive and generational defeatair defenses, missiles, drones, navy, air force, and military leadershipTrump announced a two‑week ceasefireThree demands for IranStrait of Hormuz 2. U.S. Politics and Media Framing prioritizing opposition to Trump over national security 3. Artemis II Space Mission Artemis IIOrion capsuleReturn humans to the Moon by 2028Land the first woman on the Moonsustained human presencestrategic competition with China 4. Illegal Immigration and Crime Biden-era immigration policiesterrorism concernscentral midterm election issue Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:34:13

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Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Apr 9 2026

4/9/2026
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. Carrots and Sticks Clay Travis and Buck Sexton analyze Vance’s public comments emphasizing U.S. military leverage, sanctions relief as a bargaining tool, and the central American demand that Iran permanently abandon any path toward a nuclear weapon. A recurring theme throughout this hour is “trust but verify,” with Clay repeatedly stressing that the real test of Iranian sincerity is tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Ship movement, oil prices, and stock market reactions are presented as concrete indicators of whether the ceasefire is holding, rather than press statements or leaked talking points. The hosts also explore parallel regional developments, including reports of possible Israeli–Lebanese negotiations and efforts to de-escalate conflict involving Hezbollah, which they argue is contributing to a strong stock market surge and falling oil prices. Clay characterizes the Trump–Vance relationship as a strategic “good cop, bad cop” dynamic in negotiations, with Trump maintaining maximum pressure while Vance plays a more diplomatic role. Both hosts agree that the most likely outcome is extended negotiations rather than a rapid, definitive deal, predicting a cycle of short-term extensions as talks continue into the summer. Black Lives Mattered to Trump Clay notes the sustained optimism in the stock market, which remains within a few percentage points of all-time highs, framing this as evidence that investors believe the ceasefire is holding for now. From there, the focus shifts decisively to crime, law enforcement policy, and what the hosts argue is definitive proof that aggressive pro-police strategies save lives. Clay highlights a staggering statistic: murders in Washington, D.C. are down roughly 68% year-over-year, with just 12 murders recorded so far, putting the city on pace for the lowest homicide rate in modern history. He pairs this with similar dramatic declines in cities like Memphis and argues that 2025 was the safest year for violent crime in the United States since record-keeping began. The positive crime data is contrasted with a horrifying case in Charlotte, North Carolina, where a Ukrainian refugee was murdered on public transit by a repeat offender who had been arrested more than a dozen times. Clay and Buck argue this tragedy exposes the moral and policy failures of progressive prosecutors and city leaders who refuse to incarcerate violent offenders, even as evidence shows that targeted federal-state cooperation works. Buck explains that federal law enforcement is coordinating with local police, using federal sentencing standards with no parole, and focusing narrowly on violent repeat offenders—producing rapid, measurable results. Both hosts stress that these policies disproportionately save Black lives in high-crime neighborhoods, directly challenging claims from progressive activists and media outlets that law-and-order policies are racist. Proof of Life in Iran An extensive interview with Steve Yates, senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation and former White House national security official, joining live from Seoul, South Korea. Yates provides a sober assessment of the Iran ceasefire negotiations, warning that U.S. policy must move beyond “trust but verify” to strictly “verify,” especially when it comes to freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. He argues that the United States must clearly demonstrate control of key waterways, maintain the credible threat of renewed targeted strikes, and enlist reliable allies such as the UAE, Japan, and South Korea to share enforcement and security burdens. Yates frames the...

Duration:00:54:54

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BONUS POD: Voters Warning: Dems Signal Impeachment Blitz—Trump, Vance & the Constitution

4/9/2026
1. Democratic Impeachment Strategy Playbook Revealed 2. Role of George Conway 3. Accusations of Constitutional Norm Violations 4. “Never Trump” Narrative 5. Political Violence and Extremism 6. Government Censorship Allegations 7. Media and the “Deep State” 8. Overall Warning to Voters Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:12:26

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End Of Iran's Civilization PAUSED—Why, What It Means & What's Next

4/8/2026
1. Two-Week Ceasefire Pauses Escalation two-week, double-sided ceasefireIran reopening the Strait of Hormuz 2. Ceasefire Is Fragile and Possibly Limited only between the U.S. and Iran 3. Strait of Hormuz Is Central international waterserrorist leverage 4. Iran’s Military Capability Severely Degraded asymmetric/terrorist capability 5. U.S. Objective: Cripple War Capacity, Not Nation-Building eliminating Iran’s ability to wage warformal regime change is not an official objective 6. Power Plants and Bridges as Strategic Targets lawful under the laws of war 7. Strong Criticism of Democrats and Media 8. Strategic Interpretation Iran buying timeweakest Iran has ever been Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Duration:00:33:32