The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson – Episode Summary

Release Date: July 31, 2024
Title: Bombshell Secret Service Testimony about Trump Assassination Attempt plus Israel Taking Out Hezbollah & Hamas Senior Leadership!
Host: Ben Ferguson | Guest: Senator Ted Cruz

1. Overview

In this intense and informative episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson, host Ben Ferguson engages in a compelling discussion with Senator Ted Cruz. The conversation delves into two major headlines: the shocking testimony from the Secret Service regarding the assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, and Israel's recent successes in eliminating high-ranking leaders of Hezbollah and Hamas. The episode provides listeners with unfiltered insights into national security lapses and international military actions, highlighting the intersection of politics, security, and global conflict.

2. Secret Service Hearing on Trump Assassination Attempt

A. The Hearing and Its Importance

Senator Ted Cruz recounts the pivotal Senate Judiciary Committee hearing focused on the catastrophic failures of the Secret Service during the assassination attempt on Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. The hearing featured testimony from the acting director of the Secret Service and the deputy director of the FBI, aiming to uncover the root causes of the security lapse.

B. Key Points and Discussions

• Stonewalling and Frustration: Senator Cruz expresses his frustration with the acting Secret Service director's evasive responses. He describes the experience as “frustrating” and “maddening” due to the significant stonewalling encountered during questioning.

  “We saw an enormous amount of stonewalling. We're gonna walk through exactly what happened in that hearing.” [00:23]

• Admission of Failures: Unlike his predecessor, the acting director acknowledged mistakes, stating, “we screwed up really badly” and admitted the lack of an agent on the roof was “utterly indefensible.”

  “We screwed up really badly. And the fact that there was not an agent on the roof where the shooter was was utterly indefensible.” [03:21]

• Discrepancies in Security Detail: Cruz highlights the discrepancy between the Secret Service details assigned to Trump compared to President Biden, questioning whether political motivations influenced the level of protection provided.

  “It is perfectly reasonable that President Trump is being deemed a threat...” [Note: Timestamp inferred from context]

• Lack of Accountability: Senator Cruz criticizes the Secret Service for not holding agents accountable, noting that no agents assigned to the Trump rally were fired despite the near-tragic event.

  “Nobody was fired. There was no accountability.” [32:26]

• QFRs and Continued Inquiry: Cruz mentions he is submitting written questions for the record (QFRs) to further investigate the number of threats against Trump, Biden, and the First Lady, emphasizing the need for transparency.

  “What the American people are entitled to know is that question.” [15:09]

C. Notable Exchanges and Quotes

• Secret Service Acting Director's Defense: The acting director attempted to refute claims that the Trump team was denied additional security, insisting all requests were managed appropriately.

  “Assets are requested. There's a process that is made.” [05:54]

• Cruz's Persistent Questioning: Despite interruptions, Cruz remains steadfast in seeking clear answers about the disparity in protection between Trump and Biden.

  “He is refusing to answer clear and direct questions.” [12:08]

• On Political Influence: Cruz asserts that the Secret Service's leadership decisions are politically motivated, undermining Trump's legitimacy as a candidate.

  “I believe the Secret Service leadership made a political decision to deny these requests.” [08:23]

3. Israel’s Military Actions Against Hezbollah and Hamas

A. Recent Strikes and Their Impact

Senator Cruz and Ben Ferguson discuss Israel's successful elimination of key Hezbollah and Hamas leaders responsible for significant acts of terrorism. The episode highlights two major events:

1. Elimination of Hezbollah Commander Fouad Shukr:

   • Shukr was linked to the 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Beirut that killed 241 U.S. servicemen and the recent rocket attack on a soccer field in northern Israel, resulting in the deaths of 12 children.

   “Fouad Shukr, whose death is unconfirmed by Hezbollah, was wanted by US government connection to the 1990, 1983 Marine barracks bombing in Beirut.” [38:30]

2. Assassination of Hamas Leader Ismail Haniya:

   • Reported by the AP, Haniya was killed in Tehran, with suspicion falling immediately on Israel’s Mossad. His assassination is seen as a direct response to Hamas's October 7th attacks on Israel.

   “Hamas leader Ismail Haniya was assassinated in Tehran.” [38:30]

B. Significance and Implications

• Victory for Israel and America: Cruz emphasizes that these actions are not only triumphs for Israel in their fight against terrorism but also safeguard American lives and interests globally.

  “The enemies of Israel are the enemies of America.” [38:30]

• Ongoing Conflict and Security: The discussion underscores the persistent threats from state and non-state actors against both Israeli and American figures, reinforcing the necessity for robust security measures.

  “Haniya was in Tehran to attend Iran President Massoud Peseshkians swearing in on Tuesday.” [38:30]

4. Conclusion and Call to Action

The episode concludes with Ben Ferguson reaffirming the importance of staying informed and vigilant. He encourages listeners to subscribe to The 47 Morning Update for daily updates and continuous analysis of unfolding events.

“Be informed, stay ahead, and join Ben on The 47 Morning Update!” [Release Date Section]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Senator Ted Cruz on Hearing's Frustration
  “We saw an enormous amount of stonewalling. We're gonna walk through exactly what happened in that hearing.” [00:23]

• Acting Director Admission of Failure
  “We screwed up really badly. And the fact that there was not an agent on the roof where the shooter was was utterly indefensible.” [03:21]

• Cruz on Secret Service Accountability
  “Nobody was fired. There was no accountability.” [32:26]

• Cruz on Political Influence in Security Decisions
  “I believe the Secret Service leadership made a political decision to deny these requests.” [08:23]

• Senator Cruz on Israel’s Victories
  “The enemies of Israel are the enemies of America.” [38:30]

Final Thoughts

This episode of The 47 Morning Update provides a thorough examination of critical national security issues, shedding light on governmental accountability and international military operations. Through incisive questioning and expert analysis, Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz offer listeners a nuanced understanding of the challenges facing the United States both domestically and abroad.

For those interested in the detailed discussions and ongoing updates, subscribing to The 47 Morning Update on your preferred podcast platform is highly recommended.