The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Episode: A Battleship Bombshell—Trump’s Navy Goes YUGE!

Date: December 23, 2025
Host: Ben Ferguson
Main Guest: Donald Trump (audio clips from press conference)

Overview

In this episode, Ben Ferguson covers President Donald Trump's headline-making announcement of a new "Golden Fleet" of battleships for the U.S. Navy. The episode features key audio from Trump’s recent press conference at Mar-a-Lago, where he discussed military expansion, American investment, the Epstein files, Venezuela, Colombia, drug interdiction, and transparency in his administration. Ferguson provides analysis and context, emphasizing Trump’s approach to policy, job creation, and geopolitical strategy.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Trump’s "Golden Fleet" Announcement (11:44–14:17)

• Major Naval Expansion:

  • Trump reveals plans for two "very large, largest we've ever built battleships," part of a new "Golden Fleet."
  • Emphasizes technological superiority:
    “These are bigger, but they will have 100 times the force of power and there’s never been anything like these ships.” — Donald Trump (12:48)
  • Historical comparison: New ships are said to surpass legendary battleships such as Iowa and Missouri “by 100 times the force of power.”
  • Jobs and domestic industry: Focus on building ships in America, reducing reliance on foreign shipyards.

• Peace Through Strength:

  • “Battleships are the largest, sturdiest, and most heavily armed vessel built specifically for naval combat… Peace through strength.” — Donald Trump (13:58)

2. Epstein Files and Political Distraction (03:16–06:31; 06:31–09:03)

• Epstein Photo Leaks:

  • Trump responds to questions regarding photos of Bill Clinton in newly released Epstein files and public calls for transparency.
  • Expresses discomfort over widespread photo releases implicating various public figures, including those who may have met Epstein innocently.
  • Suggests controversy is politically motivated:
    “What this whole thing is with Epstein is a way of trying to deflect from the tremendous success that the Republican Party has.” — Donald Trump (03:16; 06:31)
  • Notes he “actually threw [Epstein] out of Mar-a-Lago.”

• Notable Quotes:

  • “Bill Clinton's a big boy. He can handle it. But you probably have pictures being exposed of other people that innocently met Jeffrey Epstein years ago... and they're, you know, highly respected bankers and lawyers and others.” — Donald Trump (06:41)

3. America First: Investment and Economic Growth (09:25–10:08)

• Record Economic Inflow:

  • Trump highlights claimed economic growth and investment:
    “Trillions of dollars is coming into our country from other countries and companies... including auto plants, all over the United States of America.” — Donald Trump (09:25)
  • Connects foreign investment to American jobs and credits November election results and tariff policy.

• Manufacturing Resurgence:

  • Underlines shift back to U.S. manufacturing as a national security imperative, especially in shipbuilding.

4. Anti-Drug Operations and Colombia (10:33–11:26)

• Response to Colombian Criticism:

  • Colombian President Gustavo Petro criticized U.S. sanctions and oil policies.
  • Trump issued a warning regarding Colombia’s role in cocaine production:
    “He has to watch because, you know, he’s got drug factories. They make cocaine in Colombia, and he’s no friend of the United States… He better close up those cocaine factories.” — Donald Trump (10:48)

• National Security Frame:

  • Positions drug interdiction as central to U.S. security and bilateral relations.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "I actually threw [Epstein] out of Mar-a-Lago." — Donald Trump (06:41)
• "These are bigger, but they will have 100 times the force of power and there's never been anything like these ships." — Donald Trump (12:48)
• "Bill Clinton's a big boy. He can handle it. But you probably have pictures being exposed of other people that innocently met Jeffrey Epstein years ago..." — Donald Trump (06:41)
• “He better watch it. You better close up those cocaine factories. If at least three major cocaine factories. We know where they are. He better close them up fast.” — Donald Trump (11:00)
• "It's important that you have a president that's transparent. And that is exactly what Donald Trump did yet again on a multitude of issues." — Ben Ferguson (14:24)

Important Timestamps

• 03:16: Trump on Epstein controversy and political deflection.
• 06:31 – 09:03: Trump’s direct answers regarding Epstein files and political implications.
• 09:25: Trump discusses record foreign investment and job creation.
• 10:33 – 11:26: Colombia and drug factories; foreign relations.
• 11:44 – 14:17: "Golden Fleet" battleship announcement; emphasis on U.S. shipbuilding and strength.

Tone and Style

• Direct and Unfiltered: Trump answers a wide range of questions, often squarely and with little equivocation.
• Nationalist and Optimistic: Strong emphasis on American strength, jobs, transparency, and security.
• Confrontational: Willingness to call out critics, both domestic (Rep. Massie, Democrats) and foreign leaders (Colombia’s Petro).

Summary

This episode spotlights President Trump’s unveiling of the new "Golden Fleet" for the Navy, casting it as a massive leap for U.S. military might and an engine for job creation at home. Trump frames ongoing controversies—especially around the Epstein files—as political distractions designed to undermine Republican success. The president signals no retreat from contentious topics, including U.S. sanctions, policing drug flows from Colombia, and ambition for renewed American manufacturing glory. Ben Ferguson positions Trump’s openness—regardless of topic—as unprecedented presidential transparency and central to this administration’s "America First" approach.