Podcast Summary: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Episode: Comer Labors Going After DC Crime Stats & Autopen Investigation Ramps UP
Date: September 1, 2025
Host: Ben Ferguson
Producer: Premiere Networks

Episode Overview

In this episode, Ben Ferguson delves into two major political controversies unfolding in Washington, D.C.:

1. The House Oversight Committee’s investigation into possible manipulation of Washington, D.C.’s crime statistics—alleged attempts by city officials to make the city appear safer than it is.
2. The intensifying probe into former President Joe Biden’s use of the autopen to sign official documents, raising deep concerns over presidential authority and potential cover-ups regarding Biden’s cognitive fitness in his final days in office.

Ferguson provides unfiltered commentary, plays exclusive interview clips with House Oversight Chairman James Comer, and offers insider analysis on the stakes and fallout from both investigations.

1. Investigation into Washington, D.C. Crime Stats

Timestamps: 01:31–07:44

Key Discussion Points

• Allegations of Manipulated Crime Data

  • House Oversight, led by Rep. James Comer, is officially investigating the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department for potentially falsifying crime stats to present a false sense of public safety.
  • A whistleblower claims manipulation was directed by supervisory officials, possibly affecting all patrol districts in D.C.
  • U.S. Attorney Janine Pirro (formerly of Fox News Channel) is also conducting a criminal probe after a district commander was suspended for allegedly downgrading serious crimes (e.g., stabbings, carjackings).

• Comer’s Perspective on the Broader Issue

  • Comer argues the statistics don’t match lived reality: "For those of us who have lived in Washington, D.C. over the past several years...we don't see any reduction in crime." ([04:05])
  • Asserts Democrats are manipulating stats to counter President Trump’s “law and order” agenda and that criminal justice reform has gone too far, resulting in revolving-door justice.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Rep. James Comer (paraphrased via Fox News Channel):

  • "What we see is not what the statistics reflected...We have reason to believe that they've been lying about these statistics to have a talking point to try to prevent Donald Trump from doing exactly what he's doing. And that is sending the National Guard in to control the out-of-control crime in Washington, D.C." ([04:34])
  • "This is based on a city that has passed excessive criminal justice reform to the point to where you don't get arrested unless you commit a murder...You get caught for carjacking in the morning, they get let out, and by that afternoon and evening, they've tried to carjack again." ([05:13])

• Comer on Going Beyond D.C.:
  "If we can prove that Washington, D.C. has been dishonest with their statistics, we'll take this show on the road to other cities, because we've got to get serious about crime." ([06:51])

Commentary and Analysis

• Ben Ferguson and the segment’s anchor describe this as a pivotal moment: if the probe confirms data manipulation, similar investigations may expand to other cities with “liberal prosecutors, liberal judges,” and high crime rates.
• Ferguson echoes the current President’s stance: "If Democrats refuse to keep Americans safe, the federal government is going to do everything in their power to actually keep you safe." ([07:27])

2. The Biden Autopen Investigation

Timestamps: 07:44–12:45

Key Discussion Points

• Expanding House Investigation

  • Comer’s committee is probing whether Biden’s staffers—potentially without Biden’s knowledge or consent—used the autopen to sign official documents, including pardons and executive orders.
  • Obstruction and lack of transparency: Top Biden aides have invoked the Fifth Amendment to avoid testifying. Some admitted to minimal direct interaction with Biden, raising concerns over who was actually making executive decisions.
  • Focus on identifying who authorized autopen use during the period in question and whether Biden's cognitive decline was concealed.

• Recent Developments

  • In May, Comer issued subpoenas to key staff and close aides, including Biden’s physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor.
  • By July, at least two high-profile witnesses—including a former aide to Jill Biden—invoked the Fifth Amendment.
  • Upcoming committee appearances include former Deputy Assistant Andrew Bates, Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, and ex-Chief of Staff Jeff Zients.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Ben Ferguson on Cover-up Concerns:

  • "Representative Comer asserts he now has unprecedented evidence of a cover up involving the autopen use and Biden's cognitive decline." ([09:34])

• James Comer (via Fox News Sunday):

  • "When we put [Ian Sams] under oath, he admits, well, I only saw Joe Biden two times over a two year period. That's unprecedented. We're trying to get to the bottom of who was operating the autopen." ([11:32])
  • "It appears without President Biden's knowledge very clearly." ([12:17])

Commentary and Analysis

• Ferguson paints a picture of a White House where “unaccountable decision making”—and efforts to obstruct oversight—have shaken public faith in the presidency.
• Comer frames the investigation as “illuminative,” distinguishing how each political party handles law, order, and transparency: "One party that's for law and order, that's Republicans. There's one party that's against it, that's the Democrats." ([05:56])
• The anchor emphasizes the anxiety within the so-called “deep state,” stating: “This is exactly what so many Americans voted for and why I think there’s many in Washington right now in the deep state that are very concerned about what’s happening.” ([12:27])

Memorable Moments & Stand-out Quotes

• Rep. James Comer on national implications:
  "If we can prove that Washington, D.C. has been dishonest with their statistics, we'll take this show on the road to other cities..." ([06:51])

• Comer on Biden’s inner circle:
  "The families and then come to find out when we put him under oath, he admits, well, I only saw Joe Biden two times over a two year period. That's unprecedented." ([11:32])

• Ferguson on stakes and urgency:
  "Representative Comer asserts he now has unprecedented evidence of a cover up involving the autopen use and Biden's cognitive decline." ([09:34])

Episode Structure and Segment Timestamps

• Opening & Headlines: 00:47–01:30
• Story 1: Crime Stats Probe
  • Allegations, committee investigation, criminal inquiries: 01:31–03:25
  • James Comer interview and analysis: 03:26–07:44
• Story 2: Biden Autopen Investigation
  • Investigation background and developments: 07:44–10:18
  • Comer interview and committee focus: 10:18–12:45

Closing Thoughts

This episode delivers sharp, partisan commentary and insider updates on two headline investigations gripping Washington, D.C. The tone is direct and combative, with Ben Ferguson and his guests highlighting Republican oversight efforts and amplifying concerns of administrative misconduct and political cover-ups.

Listeners are left with the impression of a government at a crossroads, as probes into crime data manipulation and presidential authority reach deeper into the nation’s capital—and potentially, beyond.