Podcast Summary: Episode 16 - "Crosses and a State in Mourning, ICE gets Ambushed plus Brennan & Comey in DOJ Crosshairs Week In Review"

Podcast Information:

• Title: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
• Host/Author: Premiere Networks
• Release Date: July 12, 2025

Description: Hosted by popular national radio host, podcaster, and political commentator Ben Ferguson, The 47 Morning Update spotlights the latest news and political headlines, with a special focus on the President's administration, policies, and agenda. Join Ben for unfiltered insights, exclusive interviews, and honest commentary you won’t get from the mainstream media. Ben takes you behind the scenes, covering the issues shaping America today—straight from the President’s Oval Office.

1. Camp Mystic Flooding and a State in Mourning

Key Discussion: The episode opens with Senator Ted Cruz recounting his visit to Camp Mystic, a location devastated by severe flooding. Cruz provides a vivid and emotional account of the destruction, emphasizing the profound loss experienced by the community.

Notable Quotes:

• Ted Cruz [00:54]:

  "It may be the most horrifying thing I've ever seen in my life... the water was eight feet deep in the cabins. The water shattered the windows. It swept the furniture out."

• Ted Cruz [07:57]:

  "Our state is mourning right now."

• Ben Ferguson [08:16]:

  "Pray for the people that are affected... Pray for the families who are still without their loved ones."

Detailed Insights: Senator Cruz describes the layout of Camp Mystic, correcting media portrayals by clarifying that the cabins were not as vulnerable to flooding as initially reported. He poignantly details the scene of devastation, including:

• 16 White Crosses: Each bearing the name of a young girl who lost their lives, including Dick Eastland, the camp director who drowned while saving the girls.
• Rubble and Personal Belongings: Evidence of the flood's impact is seen in the scattered possessions of the children, such as teddy bears and slippers, underscoring the personal tragedies endured.
• Community Response: Cruz highlights the resilience and solidarity of the local community, mentioning establishments like the Hunt Store being repurposed as hubs of hope and support. He shares an inspiring story of a barbecue truck from Rockport, Texas, symbolizing Texas' collective spirit in aiding affected individuals.

Emotional Appeal: Both Cruz and Ferguson appeal to listeners' empathy, urging them to pray for and support the affected families. They emphasize the critical role of the church and community in providing solace and assistance during such crises.

2. Rise in Violence and Anti-ICE Rhetoric

Key Discussion: The conversation shifts to the alarming increase in threats and violent attacks against ICE agents. Cruz and Ferguson critique the inflammatory rhetoric from Democratic leaders, attributing it to fueling anti-ICE violence.

Notable Quotes:

• Ted Cruz [15:17]:

  "Leftists engaging in active violence against ICE agents... he was doing so because he's been listening to the extreme rhetoric that these are Nazis."

• Ben Ferguson [17:33]:

  "House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries... expressed support for actions against ICE agents... 'fight the Trump administration in the streets.'"

• Ted Cruz [21:04]:

  "This was not a so-called peaceful protest. It was indeed an ambush."

Detailed Insights: Cruz discusses recent violent incidents targeting ICE personnel, including:

• McAllen, Texas Attack: An active shooter ambushed Border Patrol agents, resulting in one officer wounded and the shooter killed by law enforcement.
• Alvarado, Texas Plot: Eleven individuals were arrested for planning an ambush on ICE correction officers, with charges including attempted murder and conspiracy.

Ferguson brings forward specific derogatory statements made by Democratic figures towards ICE, such as:

• Hakeem Jeffries: Advocated for fighting the Trump administration on the streets and suggested harmful actions against ICE agents.
• Jay Apollo and Eric Swalwell: Made statements undermining ICE operations and advocating for transparency that endangers agents’ safety.

Consequences of Rhetoric: Cruz argues that such language from elected officials dehumanizes ICE agents, leading to real-world violence and undermining federal law enforcement efforts. He emphasizes the need for Americans to choose to support law enforcement over the erosion of respect and safety for these agents.

3. FBI Investigations into John Brennan and James Comey

Key Discussion: The episode delves into the FBI's initiation of criminal investigations against former CIA Director John Brennan and former FBI Director James Comey, focusing on their roles in the Trump-Russia probe.

Notable Quotes:

• Ted Cruz [26:00]:

  "The full scope of the criminal investigations into Brennan and Comey is unclear... this is a big damn deal that the former head of the FBI and the former head of the CIA are being criminally investigated for felony conduct."

• Ben Ferguson [26:34]:

  "John Brennan was clueless about what it is exactly that they may be investigating."

• Ted Cruz [30:07]:

  "John Brennan decided Jimmy Carter is too right wing for him, and he voted for someone who... we need a full-on communist."

Detailed Insights: Cruz provides background on John Brennan’s political leanings, humorously alleging that Brennan supported the Communist Party's presidential candidate in 1976 over more mainstream options. This anecdote serves to illustrate Cruz’s perception of Brennan's extreme political biases.

He also touches upon the potential legal ramifications for Brennan and Comey, particularly emphasizing the seriousness of lying to Congress:

• Legal Consequences: Lying under oath can lead to significant prison time, highlighting the gravity of the investigations.
• Impact on Institutions: Cruz frames the investigations as indicative of a "deep state" effort to undermine the Trump administration, suggesting systemic attempts to hold former intelligence officials accountable for political motives.

Emotional Appeal and Critique: Ferguson expresses disbelief and concern over the investigations, reinforcing the narrative of elite accountability and questioning the motivations behind targeting high-profile figures like Brennan and Comey.

Additional Commentary: Cruz contrasts Brennan and Comey's actions with other figures like James Clapper, suggesting a pattern of misconduct within the intelligence community. He underscores the unprecedented nature of these investigations, framing them as a pivotal moment in combating corruption at high levels of government.

Conclusion: In this episode of The 47 Morning Update, Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz tackle deeply emotional and politically charged topics. From the tragic flooding at Camp Mystic and its profound impact on the community to the escalating violence against ICE agents fueled by inflammatory political rhetoric, the discussion highlights critical national issues. Additionally, the scrutiny of former intelligence leaders Brennan and Comey underscores ongoing tensions within American political and governmental institutions. Through detailed narratives and compelling quotes, the episode provides listeners with a comprehensive review of significant events shaping the nation's landscape in July 2025.