Podcast Summary: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Episode Title: Biden Released 100 Potential Terrorist Illegal Aliens in a Single Year plus POTUS & First Lady Support my Take It Down Act
Host/Author: Premiere Networks
Release Date: March 7, 2025
Introduction
In this compelling episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson engages in a critical discussion with Senator Ted Cruz and former Representative Tulsi Gabbard. The conversation centers around two major issues: the Biden administration's release of nearly 100 individuals linked to terrorism and illegal immigration in 2024, and the bipartisan support for Senator Cruz's proposed Take It Down Act aimed at combating online revenge porn and deepfake pornography.
1. Biden Administration's Release of Terror-Linked Migrants
Overview of the Issue
Senator Cruz opens the discussion by highlighting a disturbing revelation presented by Tulsi Gabbard: in 2024, the Biden administration released over 90 individuals connected to terrorist organizations back into the United States. This deliberate action raises significant national security concerns.
Key Details and Quotes
-
Tulsi Gabbard's Revelation:
"Almost 100 terrorist-linked migrants were released into the United States in 2024. This wasn't an accident; it was done on purpose."
(Timestamp: 01:31) -
Senator Cruz's Analysis:
"They knew these individuals were linked to terrorist organizations yet chose to release them. It's baffling why no justification has been provided by the Democrats for this decision."
(Timestamp: 08:45) -
Christopher Allen’s Statement:
"Over 21 million people have crossed our borders illegally under Joe Biden's administration. Out of these, over 4,000 were smuggled in using an ISIS-affiliated network. Despite knowing that hundreds were associated with terrorism, only eight were deported or remained in custody."
(Timestamp: 04:02)
Impact and Concerns
The release of these individuals poses a significant threat to national security. Cruz emphasizes the administration's failure to act on intelligence reports, leaving communities vulnerable to potential terrorist activities. The discussion underscores the need for stringent vetting processes and accountability in immigration enforcement.
2. The Take It Down Act: Legislative Efforts and Support
Purpose of the Act
The Take It Down Act is a legislative measure spearheaded by Senator Cruz to protect individuals, especially young girls and boys, from online harassment through revenge porn and deepfake pornography. The act seeks to criminalize the publication of non-consensual explicit images and enforce stringent takedown procedures on tech platforms.
Bipartisan Efforts and Support
-
Senator Cruz's Introduction of the Act:
"The Take It Down Act empowers victims to have non-consensual intimate images removed from the internet. It makes it a felony to publish such images, including deepfakes, and mandates tech platforms to act swiftly upon notification."
(Timestamp: 02:56) -
Support from First Lady Melania Trump:
First Lady Trump actively participated in a roundtable discussion to endorse the Act. Her involvement signifies a strong bipartisan commitment to addressing the issue. -
President Trump's Endorsement:
During the State of the Union, President Trump praised the Senate for unanimously passing the Take It Down Act and urged the House to do the same, highlighting the administration's support:
"Criminalizing the publication of such images online is a terrible thing. Once it passes the House, I look forward to signing that bill into law."
(Timestamp: 33:29)
Victim Testimonies and Legislative Impact
The episode features poignant testimonies from victims who have suffered due to non-consensual image dissemination:
-
Ellison Berry's Story:
"A classmate used an AI app to create naked pictures of me and sent them to all my classmates. I was left in tears with no way to remove the images."
(Timestamp: 35:51) -
Brandon Guffey on His Son's Tragedy:
"My son was extorted online with fake explicit images, leading to his tragic suicide. The Take It Down Act would have provided the necessary legal framework to remove those harmful images promptly."
(Timestamp: 38:02)
Senator Cruz emphasizes that the Act not only criminalizes such acts but also imposes accountability on tech companies to ensure swift removal of harmful content, thereby offering victims a path to justice and healing.
3. Legislative Process and Bipartisan Collaboration
Passing the Senate and Moving to the House
The Take It Down Act successfully passed the Senate with unanimous support. Senator Cruz discusses the strategic efforts to garner support in the House, leveraging personal relationships and bipartisan cooperation:
-
Senator Cruz on House Collaboration:
"Personal relationships make a difference. Working closely with House leaders like Speaker Johnson and Majority Leader Scalise ensures that the Act remains a priority."
(Timestamp: 32:20) -
Role of Bipartisan Sponsors:
Senator Klobuchar (Democrat) in the Senate and Representatives Salazar and Dean in the House (Republicans) are acknowledged for their collaborative efforts in advancing the legislation.
Leadership Endorsements and Public Support
-
Public Polls and Presidential Support:
Polls indicate strong public support for the Act and President Trump's stance on immigration and national security, reinforcing the political momentum behind the legislation. -
First Lady's Advocacy:
Melania Trump's active role in advocating for the Act during the roundtable adds significant weight, demonstrating executive branch support.
4. Conclusion and Call to Action
Senator Cruz and Tulsi Gabbard conclude the episode by urging listeners to support the Take It Down Act and remain vigilant about national security threats posed by inadequate immigration controls. They emphasize the importance of bipartisan efforts in passing meaningful legislation to protect vulnerable populations both online and within the community.
-
Senator Cruz's Final Remarks:
"We will get the House to pass the Take It Down Act swiftly. This is about protecting our children and ensuring our communities are safe from online predators and unvetted immigrants linked to terrorism."
(Timestamp: 42:07) -
Tulsi Gabbard's Advocacy:
"It's heartbreaking to hear these stories, but it's inspiring to see such strong legislative efforts to protect our youth and ensure justice for victims."
(Timestamp: 41:53)
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
-
Tulsi Gabbard on Deliberate Release:
"This wasn't an accident; it was done on purpose."
(01:51) -
Christopher Allen on Intelligence Failures:
"Only eight were either deported or remained in custody. Where are they? What are they doing?"
(04:02) -
Senator Cruz on Policy and Public Safety:
"These are people they know are either themselves known terrorists or associated with known terrorists... releasing terror-linked illegal immigrants into America is just idiocy."
(08:45) -
Victim Testimony - Ellison Berry:
"There was nothing I could do about it. The images were still up nine months later."
(35:51) -
Brandon Guffey's Testimony:
"My son was extorted online and took his life within an hour and forty minutes of being contacted."
(38:02) -
President Trump's Endorsement:
"Criminalizing the publication of such images online is a terrible thing... I'm going to use that bill for myself too."
(33:29)
Final Thoughts
This episode of The 47 Morning Update sheds light on critical national security and online safety issues. Through in-depth discussions, impactful testimonies, and strong bipartisan support, Senator Cruz's initiatives aim to address and mitigate threats both within our borders and in the digital realm. Listeners are encouraged to stay informed, support legislative efforts, and advocate for safer communities.
For more detailed discussions and updates, subscribe to The 47 Morning Update on the iHeartRadio app or your preferred podcast platform.
