Detailed Summary of "Biden’s Chief of Staff Under Fire for Autopen plus U.S. May Join Allies in Labeling Muslim Brotherhood as Terrorists"

Podcast: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Host: Ben Ferguson
Release Date: July 16, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson tackles two significant and contentious topics: the alleged misuse of an autopen by President Joe Biden's administration to issue pardons, and the United States' potential move to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. Ferguson provides in-depth analysis, incorporates notable quotes from key figures, and explores the broader implications of these developments.

1. Biden’s Autopen Controversy

a. Overview of the Scandal

Ferguson opens the discussion by addressing a major controversy involving President Joe Biden's use of an autopen—a device that automates the signing of documents. According to allegations referenced from the New York Times article by Tyler Pager and the forthcoming book Original Sin, Biden's inner circle purportedly restricted his involvement in critical decision-making processes, particularly concerning the issuance of presidential pardons during his final days in office.

b. Key Allegations and Quotes

• Ben Ferguson (00:36):

  "We had a big win with the Supreme Court on the Department of Education. And we wanted, as you know, we want to bring education back to the states..."

• Donald Trump (00:53 & 02:43):

  "You're listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson... Joe Biden in serious trouble with the autopen."
  "President Trump said, 'Now is one of the biggest scandals that we've had in 50 to 100 years.'"

• Ben Ferguson (03:40):

  "I guarantee he knew nothing about what he was signing. I guarantee it."

Ferguson explains that the autopen was allegedly used to sign numerous pardons automatically, bypassing President Biden's direct approval. This has raised questions about the legitimacy of these pardons and whether key figures, such as Dr. Anthony Fauci and General Mark Milley, were unjustly protected from potential retribution.

c. Implications and Responses

The use of the autopen could have far-reaching legal and political consequences. If the pardons are deemed illegitimate, individuals like Fauci may face legal challenges. Additionally, the scandal could erode public trust in Biden's administration, highlighting potential overreach by his inner circle.

• Donald Trump (04:28):

  "This comes on top of new reporting that Biden's chief of staff reportedly gave approval for autopen pardons on the final day in office..."

• Ben Ferguson (03:44):

  "Look, the autopen, I think is maybe one of the biggest scandals that we've had in 50 to 100 years."

Trump and Ferguson emphasize the gravity of the situation, suggesting that the autopen was misused to execute significant legislative actions without the President's informed consent.

2. U.S. May Designate Muslim Brotherhood as a Terrorist Organization

a. Introduction to the Legislation

Shifting focus, Ferguson discusses Senator Ted Cruz's initiative to formally designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization in the United States. This move aligns the U.S. with several other countries that have already labeled the group as such.

b. Details of Cruz’s Proposal

• Ted Cruz (11:29):

  "The Muslim Brotherhood is a global Islamist violent organization. It was founded in 1928 in Egypt... They explicitly intend to use violent jihad to overthrow non-Islamist governments."

Cruz outlines the legislative framework, the "Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Act of 2025," which seeks to:

1. Catalog and Designate: Mandate Secretary of State Marco Rubio to identify and designate relevant Muslim Brotherhood branches worldwide.
2. International Alignment: Mirror actions taken by countries like Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and the United Arab Emirates.
3. Legal Basis: Utilize the 1987 Anti-Terrorism Act to formalize the designation, imposing financial embargoes and prohibiting American entities from engaging with the group.

c. Support and Strategy

Cruz's bill enjoys backing from GOP leaders, including Tom Cotton and Rick Scott, and receives support from Middle Eastern allies. The strategy involves both legislative action and the potential for an executive order if congressional efforts face opposition.

• Ted Cruz (14:11):

  "I think it's gonna happen this term."

Trump echoes Cruz’s sentiments, reinforcing the bipartisan support needed to advance the designation.

• Donald Trump (14:11):

  "Make no doubt about it, it's long overdue for us to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization."

d. International Context and Historical Precedent

Ferguson underscores the broader international context, noting that several nations have already labeled the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist entity. This move is seen as part of a larger strategy to combat global Islamist terrorism and safeguard national security.

Conclusion

In this episode, Ben Ferguson provides a comprehensive analysis of two pivotal issues: the alleged misuse of an autopen by President Biden's administration and the legislative push to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. By incorporating direct quotes and detailed explanations, Ferguson ensures that listeners are well-informed about the complexities and potential ramifications of these developments. The episode underscores the ongoing political tensions and the significant impact these issues may have on American governance and international relations.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Ben Ferguson (03:40):
  "I guarantee he knew nothing about what he was signing. I guarantee it."

• Donald Trump (04:28):
  "This comes on top of new reporting that Biden's chief of staff reportedly gave approval for autopen pardons on the final day in office..."

• Ted Cruz (11:29):
  "The Muslim Brotherhood is a global Islamist Violent organization. It was founded in 1928 in Egypt..."

• Donald Trump (14:11):
  "There's no doubt the Muslim Brotherhood is a global terrorist organization... Make no doubt about it, it's long overdue for us to designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization."

This structured and detailed summary encapsulates the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions presented in the episode, providing a clear and comprehensive overview for those who have not listened to the podcast.