The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson: Episode Summary Release Date: February 19, 2025

In this episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson, host Ben Ferguson delves into three major stories impacting the United States: an explosive interview between Donald Trump and Elon Musk uncovering Social Security fraud, a staggering revelation of $4.7 trillion in untraceable Treasury payments, and the CIA’s intensified efforts against Mexican cartels using advanced drone technology. Below is a comprehensive summary of each segment, enriched with notable quotes and insights from the discussion.

1. Donald Trump and Elon Musk Expose Social Security Fraud and Propose DOGE Rebate

Interview Highlights:
Ben Ferguson begins the episode by spotlighting a high-profile interview featuring former President Donald Trump and entrepreneur Elon Musk. The duo, alongside Sean Hannity, discuss alarming findings related to Social Security fraud uncovered by Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Key Revelations:
Trump and Musk reveal that millions of Social Security checks are being issued to individuals who are deceased or would be impossibly old if still alive. Elon Musk notably tweeted about the discrepancies in the Social Security database, highlighting absurd ages of beneficiaries:

• Elon Musk (01:15): "We'll give mine to the Taliban."
• Ben Ferguson (05:24): "We gave money to the Taliban. And then Elon Musk raises his eyebrows and says, like, a lot."

Shocking Statistics Presented:

• Ages 100-109: 4.7 million beneficiaries
• Ages 110-119: 3.6 million beneficiaries
• Ages 120-129: 3.4 million beneficiaries
• Ages 130-139: 3.9 million beneficiaries
• Ages 140-149: 3.5 million beneficiaries
• Ages 150-159: 1.3 million beneficiaries
• Ages 200-229: Over 2,000 beneficiaries

Notable Quotes:

• Elon Musk (04:39): "I think the average taxpaying American should be mad as hell because their tax money is being poorly spent."
• Donald Trump (05:48): "He’s actually a very good businessman. And when he talks about the executive orders... Get it done, get it done."

Potential Solutions and Future Plans:
Ben Ferguson discusses the possibility of a DOGE rebate, a financial return to taxpayers based on identified savings from cutting government waste. Musk estimates that there is approximately a trillion dollars in government waste, indicating a substantial potential rebate for Americans.

2. $4.7 Trillion in Treasury Payments Sent Without Identification Codes

Discovery and Implications:
Ben Ferguson addresses a significant issue uncovered by DOGE: the U.S. Treasury Department had issued over $4.7 trillion in payments lacking the Treasury Access Symbol (TAS) identification codes. This omission rendered the payments virtually untraceable, raising serious concerns about transparency and accountability in government spending.

Government Response:

• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant (07:01): "This is not some roving ban. This is being done methodically and is going to yield big savings for the American taxpayer."

Changes Implemented:
As of the past weekend, TAS codes are now mandatory for all Treasury payments, enhancing oversight and ensuring that every dollar is accounted for. The Department of Government Efficiency has lauded this improvement, highlighting the establishment’s role in securing around $55 billion in estimated savings since its inception.

Political Fallout:
Democrats and several state attorney generals have opposed DOGE’s audit, arguing that DOGE should not have access to sensitive taxpayer data. Fourteen states have initiated lawsuits to block DOGE’s access, citing concerns over executive overreach.

Media Coverage:
Fox News emphasized the importance of TAS codes, quoting the Bureau of Fiscal Service:
"All financial transactions made by the federal government are classified by these symbols when reporting the treasury and importantly the Office of Management and Budget."

Elon Musk’s Endorsement:

• Elon Musk (08:00): "This is a combined effort of DOGE, the U.S. Treasury, and the Federal Reserve. Nice work by all."

Ben Ferguson’s Commentary:
He underscores the relentless efforts of Trump, DOGE, and Musk in identifying and eliminating wasteful government spending, affirming their commitment to safeguarding taxpayer money.

3. CIA’s Quest to Defeat Mexican Cartels with Reaper Drones

Situation Overview:
The episode shifts focus to national security concerns regarding Mexico, described by Ferguson as a "failed state" dominated by powerful cartels that influence government actions. The primary threat identified is the rampant distribution and production of fentanyl, a potent and lethal opioid.

CIA’s Strategic Move:
To combat the cartels, the CIA has ramped up the use of MQ-9 Reaper drones for surveillance and intelligence gathering. These drones, typically employed in conflict zones like Iraq and Afghanistan, are now tasked with identifying fentanyl labs and cartel operations within Mexico.

Operational Details:

• Unarmed Drones: Currently, the Reaper drones are unarmed but are capable of carrying lethal payloads for targeted strikes.
• Designation of Cartels: Under President Trump’s administration, Mexican cartels have been labeled as foreign terrorist organizations, justifying the increased military attention.

Notable Quotes:

• Unnamed Interviewee (12:14): "President Trump has demanded they take action... we've been in office, less than a month... total Southwest border apprehensions, 229."
• Unnamed Interviewee (13:10): "President Trump will wipe them off the face of the earth."

Potential for Armed Action:
While the current drone missions are unarmed, discussions are ongoing regarding the authorization of lethal strikes against cartel leaders who pose direct threats to American border security. The CIA is diligently gathering intelligence to support any future military actions against these organizations.

Tom Holman Interview Excerpts:
Tom Holman, an expert interviewed on the show, highlights the systemic issues within Mexico’s governance:

• Tom Holman (12:00): "Look, I agree with you. They don't enforce... President Trump has put military on their northern border and our southern border."

Ben Ferguson’s Analysis:
Ferguson emphasizes the gravity of the situation, noting that such military interventions represent a significant escalation in the U.S. strategy to dismantle cartel operations in Mexico. He underscores Trump’s dedication to transforming border security and eliminating threats posed by foreign terrorist organizations.

Media Reporting:
CNN reported on the CIA’s deployment of MQ-9 Reaper drones, detailing their specifications and intended use: "The MQ9 drones used for the mission are not armed, but they can be equipped with payloads to carry out precision strikes. The US regularly uses them to target suspected terrorists in Syria, Iraq, and Somalia."

Conclusion

In this episode, Ben Ferguson presents a trio of impactful stories that underscore significant concerns regarding government accountability, national security, and fiscal responsibility. From exposing unprecedented Social Security fraud and untraceable Treasury payments to the CIA’s proactive measures against Mexican cartels, the episode offers listeners a deep dive into issues that shape contemporary American policy and governance. Through insightful commentary and exclusive information, Ferguson provides a comprehensive overview that keeps the American electorate informed and engaged.

Notable Quotes for Reference:

• Elon Musk: "I think the average taxpaying American should be mad as hell because their tax money is being poorly spent." (04:39)
• Donald Trump: "He’s actually a very good businessman... Get it done, get it done." (05:48)
• Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant: "This is not some roving ban... yield big savings for the American taxpayer." (07:01)
• Unnamed Interviewee: "President Trump will wipe them off the face of the earth." (13:10)

For those seeking to stay ahead of national developments and gain unfiltered insights into the political landscape, The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson continues to deliver timely and crucial information.