Cleaning House at the DOJ, Millions to the Catholic Church for Illegals, plus Weeding out CRT from America's Schools

Summary

The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson Episode Summary: "Cleaning House at the DOJ, Millions to the Catholic Church for Illegals, plus Weeding out CRT from America's Schools"
Release Date: February 1, 2025

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Introduction

In the February 1, 2025 episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson delves into three significant and contentious topics shaping the current political landscape in America. The episode covers the recent purges within the Department of Justice (DOJ), Vice President J.D. Vance's critique of the Catholic Church's involvement with illegal immigrants, and former President Donald Trump's latest executive actions targeting Critical Race Theory (CRT) and gender ideology in the education system. Throughout the discussion, Ferguson provides unfiltered insights, notable quotes, and a critical analysis of each issue, ensuring listeners are well-informed about the developments affecting the nation.

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1. Cleaning House at the Department of Justice (DOJ)

Overview:
Ben Ferguson opens the episode by addressing the recent termination of over a dozen federal prosecutors within the DOJ who were involved in cases against former President Donald Trump. This move is portrayed as a significant shift in the administration's approach to justice and political prosecution.

Key Points:

• Weaponization of Government: Ferguson criticizes the DOJ under Special Counsel Jack Smith for allegedly using legal mechanisms to undermine President Trump, labeling their actions as "lawfare."
• Terminations Explained: Acting Attorney General James McHenry cited the inability to trust these officials to implement the president's agenda faithfully as the reason for their dismissal.
• Broader Implications: The firings are seen as part of a larger initiative to end the perceived politicization of federal institutions.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Ferguson [00:01]: “Think of that.”
• Ferguson [02:00]: "They cannot trust to assist in faithfully implementing the president's agenda."
• Ferguson [03:58]: "Jack Smith came in as nothing more than a hitman to take out Donald J. Trump."

Analysis:
Ferguson argues that the DOJ's actions were primarily motivated by political vendettas against Trump, undermining the integrity of the department. By removing officials associated with anti-Trump investigations, the current administration signals a new direction aimed at protecting its interests and those aligned with its political goals.

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2. Millions to the Catholic Church for Illegal Immigrants

Overview:
The episode shifts focus to Vice President J.D. Vance's recent statements criticizing the Catholic Church for its role in supporting illegal immigrants. Vance accuses the Church of profiting from federal funds allocated to assist undocumented individuals.

Key Points:

• Financial Allegations: Vance claims that the Catholic Church receives over $100 million to resettle illegal immigrants, questioning whether the motive is humanitarian or financial gain.
• Policy Enforcement: He supports stringent enforcement of immigration laws, emphasizing the protection of American citizens from violent criminals, regardless of immigration status.
• Church's Role: Vance urges the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to prioritize law enforcement over what he perceives as exploitation of funds for supporting illegal immigrants.

Notable Quotes:

• J.D. Vance [05:29]: “We are going to enforce immigration law. We're going to protect the American people.”
• Vance [07:06]: "I desperately hope it has a chilling effect on legal immigrants coming."
• Ferguson [07:55]: “Early reports have been coming out after Vance did that interview showing millions and millions and millions have been flowing into the Catholic Charities to make sure that they take care of the illegal immigrants.”

Analysis:
Ferguson highlights Vance's stance as a direct attack on the Catholic Church's involvement with immigration services. By focusing on the financial aspects and alleging profiteering, Vance frames the issue as not only a moral and legal concern but also an economic one. Ferguson underscores the Vice President's position that the Church's actions are less about humanitarian aid and more about benefiting financially from government funds.

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3. Weeding Out Critical Race Theory (CRT) from America's Schools

Overview:
In the final segment, Ben Ferguson discusses former President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at eliminating CRT and gender ideology from the education system. This action represents a significant push against what Trump and his supporters view as radical left influences in schools.

Key Points:

• Executive Order Details: The order mandates the Department of Education to develop a plan within 90 days to remove CRT and gender ideology from K-12 schools. It also includes defunding schools that continue to teach these concepts.
• National Commission on Patriotic Education: Trump announced the establishment of the 1776 Commission to promote patriotic education, countering the influence of CRT.
• Impact on Education: The move is intended to shift the educational focus back to American history and values, reducing what the administration sees as indoctrination by left-wing ideologies.

Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump [11:15]: “Today, I'm also pleased to announce that I will soon sign an executive order establishing a national commission to promote patriotic education.”
• Ferguson [11:46]: “It's amazing. The difference between the Democratic party and what they were doing with our kids' minds and what Donald Trump is doing right now.”

Analysis:
Ferguson presents Trump's executive order as a decisive measure to reclaim the education system from radical ideologies. By framing CRT and gender ideology as detrimental to American values, the administration aims to reshape the curriculum to reflect a more traditional and patriotic narrative. Ferguson applauds this move, emphasizing the stark contrast between the current policies and those advocated by the Democratic Party.

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Conclusion

In this episode of The 47 Morning Update, Ben Ferguson provides a comprehensive analysis of three pivotal issues: the overhaul of the Department of Justice, the Catholic Church's financial involvement with illegal immigrants, and the executive actions against CRT and gender ideology in education. Through his discussions, Ferguson underscores a broader narrative of combating perceived governmental overreach and safeguarding American values. Notable quotes and detailed explanations offer listeners a thorough understanding of these complex topics, aligning with Ferguson's commitment to delivering unfiltered and honest commentary.

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Notable Quotes Recap:

• Ben Ferguson [00:01]: “Think of that.”
• Ferguson [02:00]: "They cannot trust to assist in faithfully implementing the president's agenda."
• J.D. Vance [05:29]: “We are going to enforce immigration law. We're going to protect the American people.”
• Donald Trump [11:15]: “Today, I'm also pleased to announce that I will soon sign an executive order establishing a national commission to promote patriotic education.”
• Ferguson [11:46]: “It's amazing. The difference between the Democratic party and what they were doing with our kids' minds and what Donald Trump is doing right now.”

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Stay Informed:
To stay updated with the latest news and in-depth analysis, subscribe to The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson on the iHeartRadio app or your preferred podcast platform.

Transcript

[Ben Ferguson]

Think of that.

[Donald Trump]

China is paying 39 million to have 1.4 billion people. We pay 500 million. We have. Nobody knows what the hell we have. Does anyone know? We have so many people pouring in, we have no idea. We go up, but we're going down a little bit now. You don't mind that?

[Podcast Announcer]

You're listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson.

[Ben Ferguson]

Good morning, it's Ben Ferguson. Nice to have you with us. And here are the big stories we're covering today on the 47 Morning Update. You're fired. Key officials under Jack Smith who went after the president of the United States of America have been fired from the Department of Justice. I'll give you their names coming up in just a moment. Plus, Vice President J.D. vance calling out the Catholic church for protecting illegal immigrants and profiting off them as well. And finally, Donald Trump decides to say, guess what? You want to teach critical race theory, go ahead and do it, but you're not going to get any federal funds. This shaking up the education world big time. It's the 47 Morning Update and it starts right now.

[Podcast Announcer]

Story number one, Lawfare.

[Ben Ferguson]

It was one of the most important tools that Democrats used to try to overthrow the will of the people and to lock up their political opponent, a guy by the name of Donald Trump. You know, the guy who's the president of the United States of America right now. Well, one of the men that led that crusade to lock up Donald Trump was a special counsel prosecutor by the name of Jack Smith. Well, it is official the U. S. Department of justice under the acting Attorney General James McHenry terminated the employment of over a dozen federal prosecutors who had been involved in criminal cases against President Donald Trump. These individuals were primarily part of former special counsel Jack Smith's team which quoted investigated Trump's alleged mishandling of classified documents and his effort, they claimed, to overturn the 2020 election results. Now, the acting attorney general also made it clear he wanted America to understand why these individuals were going to be fired. He said these individuals they cannot trust to assist in faithfully implementing the president's agenda. Well, that's pretty obvious statement if you ask me for a reason to fire somebody, especially since the last thing they were working on was locking up Donald Trump. Now, McHenry has transmitted a letter to each official notifying them of their termination. A Justice Department official also said today it's unclear how many other officials will be fired in the coming days. It seems that they are starting at the top and working their way down. This action, quote, is consistent with the mission of ending the weaponization of government. The officials also said to Fox News the move comes after the Justice Department reassigned more than a dozen officials in the first week of the Trump administration to a sanctuary city task force and other measures. It also comes after Trump vowed to end the weaponization of the federal government against anyone in politics. The former attorney general, you may remember a guy by the name of Merrick Garland appointed Smith, a former Justice Department official, as special counsel back in November of 2022. Smith came in as nothing more than a hitman to take out Donald J. Trump, and he led that investigation into Trump's retention of classified documents after leaving the White House. He also was involved in the raid of Mar A Lago. And then he went after Donald Trump for other charges and other cases. And just for the record, so you know, special counsel Jack Smith, he, he's also without a job today. So I guess he's got some drinking buddies to hang out with that were all in cahoots to overthrow the will of the people and to lock up Donald Trump.

[Podcast Announcer]

Now, story number two, there's a very famous saying.

[Ben Ferguson]

It is a saying that you've probably heard before, follow the money. Well, nothing can be truer when it comes to government and politics. And many times when there is a crisis and money is thrown at that crisis, there are always people on the take that are more than happy to get rich. Well, J.D. vance is now calling out the Catholic Church saying they are doing more to help immigrants, illegal immigrants specifically, to actually help their bottom line, not so much because they believe in a policy. Well, Vice President J.D. vance ruffled a lot of feathers when he got into a back and forth over the idea now that the government is going to raid churches to if there are illegal immigrants in attendance, there are some saying that is inhumane. And the president of the United States of America is saying there should be nowhere that is off limits to violent illegal immigrants, even if they seek refuge in a church. Take a listen to what JD Vanta to say about the Catholic Church profiting off of, quote, taking care of illegal immigrants in America.

[Margaret]

Of Catholic bishops this week condemned some of the executive orders signed by President Trump, specifically those allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement to enter churches and to enter schools. Do you personally support the idea of conducting a raid or enforcement action in a church service at a school?

[J.D. Vance]

Well, let me, let me address this. Of course, if you have a person who is convicted of a violent crime, whether they're an illegal immigrant or a non illegal immigrant, you have to go and get that person to protect the public safety. That's not unique to immigration. But let me just address this particular issue, Margaret, because as a practicing Catholic, I was actually heartbroken by that statement. And I think that the U.S. conference of Catholic Bishops needs to actually look in the mirror a little bit and recognize that when they receive over $100 million to help resettle illegal immigrants, are they worried about humanitarian concerns or. Or are they actually worried about their bottom line? We are going to enforce immigration law. We're going to protect the American people. Donald Trump promised to do that. And I believe the U.S. conference of Catholic Bishops, if they're worried about the humanitarian costs of immigration enforcement, let them talk about the children who have been sex trafficked because of the wide open border of Joe Biden.

[Margaret]

You personally let them talk about going.

[J.D. Vance]

Into people like Lake and Riley who were brutally murdered. I support us doing law enforcement against violent criminals, whether they're illegal immigrants or anybody else, in a way that keeps us safe. Let me ask this question, Margaret. Let's separate the immigration issue. If you had a violent murderer in a school, of course I want law enforcement to go and get that person out.

[Margaret]

Of course.

[J.D. Vance]

So what's the point of the question?

[Margaret]

You changed the regulation this week. That's the point of the question.

[J.D. Vance]

Exactly.

[Margaret]

Giving the authority to go into churches, go into schools.

[J.D. Vance]

We empowered law enforcement to enforce the law everywhere to protect Americans.

[Margaret]

A chilling effect, arguably, to people to not send their kids to school.

[J.D. Vance]

I desperately hope it has a chilling effect on legal immigrants coming.

[Margaret]

The Conference of Catholic Bishops is, are actively hiding criminals.

[J.D. Vance]

I think the U.S. conference of Catholic Bishops has frankly, not been a good partner in common sense immigration enforcement that the American people voted for. And I hope, again, as a devout Catholic, that they'll do better.

[Ben Ferguson]

As a devout Catholic, he hopes they'll do better. So follow the money. What are we talking about? Early reports have been coming out after Vance did that interview showing millions and millions and millions and millions of dollars have been flowing into the Catholic Charities to make sure that they take care of the illegal immigrants. Yes, the Catholic Church is profiting off of this. There's no doubt about it. And now you have the Vice President of the United States of America calling them out for it.

[Podcast Announcer]

And lastly, story number three, another major.

[Ben Ferguson]

Campaign promise from Donald Trump was that he was going to get our education system back to the basics and out of the hands of the radicals. Well, President Donald Trump is going scorched earth on the radical left's grip over education and lawlessness, whether it is elementary, middle, high school or the college level. He did so today through an executive order. School choice is also getting priority funding for the first time ever. And schools that are pushing CRT and gender ideology will no longer be receiving federal funds. Also, pro Hamas students, visa holders, well, you can expect deportations for them. The message is clear. America's future will not be shaped by radical indoctrination or. Or foreign agitators. And Donald Trump is paying off on this, clearly. Now, this executive order to defund schools that teach gender ideology and critical race theory was one that was well thought out. Now, the order will give the Department of Education 90 days to create a plan about how to weed out crt, critical race theory and radical gender ideology instruction in K through 12 schools. Now, according to the White House memo, Trump notably promised on the campaign trail to sign an order defunding schools that teach critical race theory, transgender insanity, and other inappropriate radical sexual or political content, quote, unquote. The White House memo also states that the order will direct the Attorney general to work with state attorney generals and district attorneys to, quote, file actions against teachers and school officials who sexually exploit minors or practice medicine without a license through social transition practices, something the left has been teaching. Now, critical race theory has, well, been pretty incredible if you look how the left has implemented it. They put it into virtually all of our institutions, our government, our economy, our culture, and they're all based on a radical hierarchy with white individuals on top and black individuals at the bottom. Even things that look race neutral are, on closer inspection, racist. According to this doctrine, CRT was the invention of a group of radical left wing intellectuals known as the Frankfurt School. They developed it to achieve what they saw as a cultural change, a change that looks a lot like, well, what Marxism is and what it could not achieve politically. Now, if you move to gender ideology, what is that? Well, simply put, is the false belief that one can become a different sex than what they were born. And colleges and high schools and elementary schools are indoctrinating anyone who will listen. President Trump says he will sign the executive order to create a national commission to promote patriotic education instead of the radical left's crt.

[Donald Trump]

Today, I'm also pleased to announce that I will soon sign an executive order establishing a national commission to promote patriotic education. It will be called the 1776 Commission. It will encourage our educators to teach our children about the miracle of American history and make plans to honor the 250th anniversary of our founding. Think of that. 250 years.

[Ben Ferguson]

It's amazing. The difference between the Democratic party and what they were doing with our kids minds and what Donald Trump is doing right now. God bless Trump for doing this, signing this executive order.

[Podcast Announcer]

Thank you for listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson. Please make sure you hit subscribe wherever you're listening to this podcast right now. And for more in depth news, also subscribe to the Ben Ferguson Podcast and we will see you back here tomorrow.