Democrat Party in Disarray plus SNAP into Fraud

Summary

The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Episode: Democrat Party in Disarray plus SNAP into Fraud (November 14, 2025)

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Episode Overview

In this episode, Ben Ferguson delivers pointed commentary on two major issues: the escalating internal conflict within the Democratic Party following the record-breaking government shutdown, and a damning exposé on widespread fraud in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Through sharp analysis, direct quotes, and a high-profile interview with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, the episode explores how these headline stories impact American governance, policy, and taxpayer trust.

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Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Civil War Inside the Democratic Party

[04:34 – 09:40]

• Backdrop: The U.S. has just emerged from the longest government shutdown in history, with a new shutdown possible in early 2026.
• Party Fractures: Ben describes a "full blown civil war" within the Democratic Party, with progressives led by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) turning on establishment leaders like Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi.
  • Quote: “AOC and the progressives are now turning on Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi. It is an unprecedented moment of civil war for the Democratic party.” — Ben Ferguson [04:39]
• Cause of Discord: Schumer is criticized for perceived weakness and “capitulation” in negotiations to reopen the government, failing to secure key Democratic demands (notably Obamacare subsidies).
• Progressive Outrage: The party’s radical left is demanding more aggressive opposition, including rhetoric of direct confrontation with Republicans.
  • Quote: “The movement demands what? Well, aggressive opposition, including violence against Donald Trump and any Republican that gets in their way.” — Ben Ferguson [05:55]
• Leadership Future: Despite mounting public pressure, Schumer refuses to step down. There's no formal caucus move yet, but “progressive groups are going to war.”
• Pelosi’s Retirement: Nancy Pelosi has announced she won’t seek reelection, further amplifying the party’s leadership uncertainty.
• AOC’s Rising Star: Ben speculates AOC may win Schumer’s Senate seat and possibly his leadership position, highlighting her increased profile post-shutdown.

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2. SNAP Program Fraud Exposed

[09:41 – 15:10]

• Scope of the Problem: Following data from 29 mostly red states, the USDA (under Secretary Brooke Rollins) has identified staggering fraud in the SNAP program.
  • Quote: “186,000 deceased men and women and children in this country are receiving a check... 187,000 dead men and women and children in this country are receiving food stamps.” — Ben Ferguson [10:12]
• Nature of the Fraud:
  • Half a million people receiving double SNAP payments.
  • Example: One individual collecting SNAP in six states under the same identity.
  • Fraud persists due to lack of oversight, especially in non-cooperating blue states.
• Brooke Rollins Interview: Secretary Rollins joins Fox News’ Laura Ingram to detail her findings and the administration’s aggressive new reforms.
  • Quote (on DNC priorities): “What the Democrats did not include in their calculation in their insane government shutdown was the fact that this spotlight was going to be shined upon one of their favorite government welfare programs that under Joe Biden increased 40%... Where all that money went trying to buy elections, we're not 100% sure, but we're rolling it back now.” — Brooke Rollins [11:33]
  • Quote (on fraud mechanisms): “Half a million people getting benefits two times under the same name. 5,000 dead people. 80% of the able bodied Americans… can work and they choose not to work, of course, because they’re getting significant benefits from the taxpayer.” — Brooke Rollins [12:11]
  • Quote (on blue states): “And by the way, Laura, these are the red states that turn their data over. It is the blue states we're still trying to get data on. Can you imagine if this fraud is happening in the red states, what's happening in the blue states?” — Brooke Rollins [14:03]
• Motivations & Outcomes:
  • Ben and Rollins suggest Democrats are using SNAP to "buy votes" and foster dependency.
  • Comparison to Trump-era policies, arguing Trump moved more minorities out of poverty and into work.

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3. Broader Political Framing

[15:10 – 17:01]

• Systemic Critique: Ben repeats the charge that Democrats want to maintain a corrupt welfare system for political gain.
  • Quote: “Democrats want to protect this system and they want to protect the abusers of the system because this, they believe, is giving them some sort of political power. They are, in essence, buying votes.” — Ben Ferguson [15:10]
• Contrast with Trump: Ben highlights historic low minority unemployment under Trump, presenting this as a model for empowerment versus dependency.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Democratic Civil War:
  • “AOC publicly now questioning whether Schumer should remain in his role as leader of the Senate, pointing to broader structural issues in the Democratic Party.” — Ben Ferguson [05:27]
• On Welfare Fraud Magnitude:
  • “It’s staggering and so discouraging. You know, if you’re a taxpayer and you’re working hard every day and you’re paying your taxes and then you look and you see these stories of this fraud… We found one guy in six states who was collecting in six different States under the same number.” — Brooke Rollins [13:44]
• On Efforts for Reform:
  • “We now have a plan to fix it and we’re really, really excited about doing that for the American people.” — Brooke Rollins [12:55]
• On Political Motivation:
  • “That system is designed for one purpose, for the Democrats to count votes, to buy votes, to bribe people into supporting them and convincing people that they cannot make it without the Democratic Party. It’s an abusive relationship.” — Ben Ferguson [16:19]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [04:34] - Ben introduces the Democratic Party internal strife
• [05:27] - Specifics on Schumer’s leadership being challenged
• [09:41] - Transition to SNAP and welfare fraud expose
• [11:08] - Brooke Rollins interview begins
• [12:11] - Depth of fraud described by Rollins
• [13:44] - Discussion of individuals exploiting the system
• [14:03] - Examination of red vs. blue state SNAP fraud data
• [15:10] - Ben summarizes Democratic incentives/accusations
• [16:19] - Ben on system as a "vote-buying" tool

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Final Takeaways

This episode spotlights what Ben Ferguson sees as two urgent crises: (1) the Democratic Party’s internal rupture post-shutdown, with radicals like AOC eyeing leadership amidst accusations of establishment weakness, and (2) the exposure of massive, systemic fraud within SNAP, used by Democrats (in his view) for political patronage and control. The tone is direct, combative, and critical—characteristic of Ferguson’s style—while the inclusion of Secretary Rollins’ comments provides substance and urgency to the SNAP fraud allegations.

Listeners come away with a sharp critique of Democratic leadership dynamics and welfare policy, framed from a distinctly conservative, anti-establishment vantage.

Transcript

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[Caller/Guest]

Can we reform SNAP and these benefits so they're used for the people who really need them?

It's meant for people and you know what it does is it really puts the country at jeopardy. People that need it have to get it. I'm all for it, but people that are able bodied can do a job. They leave their job because they figure they can pick this up. It's easier. That's not the purpose of it.

[Ben Ferguson]

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

Good Friday morning. Nice to have you with us in the 47 Morning Update. We got two big stories for you. First up, one of the byproducts of the government shutdown is a full on civil war within the Democratic Party. And the leaders of the Democratic Party may be out of a job soon. I'll explain that in just a moment. Also, in a shocking report, 186,000 dead people are receiving SNAP benefits in this country and you're paying for it. And there may be more that need to be added to that list. I'll give you those details, but first.

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[Ben Ferguson]

It's the 47 Morning Update and it starts right now.

Story number one.

With the government shutdown finally over, we're now seeing the carnage of what happened in this country during the longest government shutdown in history. And there's a very good chance there could be another shutdown coming in early next year. Why? Because the radical left has taken over the Democratic party. Which brings us to a big takeaway of the government shutdown and that is the civil war that is taking place right now. AOC and the progressives are now turning on Chuck Schumer and Nancy Pelosi. It is an unprecedented moment of civil war for the Democratic party. Now, Chuck Schumer has been an establishment elitist liberal from New York for decades. He is now coming under growing fire after his handling of the recent government shutdown negotiations even though he voted against opening the government back up. Now, in particular, the fact that a bipartisan group of eight Senate Democrats voted against to reopen the government without securing key Democrat demands, health care, subsidies for Obamacare. That's out of control and unaffordable. That is now the flashpoint for the radical left. Now the vote is seen by many progressive Democrats, you know, the Socialists, Communists and Marxists of the Democratic Party and grassroots groups as capitulation to Republicans and Donald Trump. Many now say they feel Schumer did not use the leverage his caucus had and that his signals are signals of weakness. AOC publicly now questioning whether Schumer should remain in his role as leader of the Senate, pointing to broader structural issues in the Democratic Party. Other House Democrats, Ro Khanna, Rashid Tlaib, and even state leaders like Gavin Newsom and Governor of New York Kathy Hochul, have also now voiced discontent with the extreme leftist Chuck Schumer. You can't make it up now. Despite the pressure, Schumer has refused to step down, insisting he made the tough call for the country and the party. Now, several currents are driving this internal revolt. Perceived lack of a fight is number one for many Democratic donors and many younger and more progressive Democrats. The movement demands what? Well, aggressive opposition, including violence against Donald Trump and any Republican that gets in their way. The same people that celebrated the assassination attempt on Donald Trump and celebrated the literal assassination of Charlie Kirk. Schumer's strategy is being viewed as too cautious or deferential by many of the radical leftists. Organizational fatigue is another thing that's been quoted by Democratic insiders saying the Democratic base is just, well, frustrating, frustrated with the messaging that emphasizes tradition, process, and bipartisanship over radical bold wins. Schumer's leadership style, they say, is, well, long overdue, long tenure, institutional relationships, and just not a good framework for the Marxists and socialists that have taken over the party. Now, the shutdown fight was a leverage movement, they say, and many believe that Chuck Schumer in his caucus could have extracted more from Republicans, but did not, which means it's time for him to go. So what is the status and what is the challenge to Chuck Schumer? Well, at present, there's no formal motion in the Senate caucus to force Schumer to be out. Leadership changes typically come via internal elections or a caucus vote, and we haven't seen that yet. The pressure is clearly more public and more signaling of what can come in the days and weeks ahead. Progressive groups are going to war, and even some members of Congress are now calling openly for total new leadership. This is Nancy Pelosi has announced that she will not seek reelection as well. Schumer's refusal, they say, to Step down means, well, the default remains him in the role as leader of the Democratic Party. Unless a sizable block of Senate Democrats move to replace him, the coming months, they're going to matter. And the big question is, will Chuck Schumer force a government shutdown yet again come January? There are many Democrats that are saying, we're willing to let you go to January, but if you don't do it again and do a better job, then we're done with you. And that may be one of the silver linings of this government shutdown is we are now witnessing a full blown civil war within the Democratic Party. Aoc, by the way, may have been the only Democratic winner from the government shutdown, raising her name recognition and making it clear there's a very good chance she could be the next senator from New York going after Chuck Schumer's seat as well as his leadership role. And that is what you can take away from the government shutdown.

Now story number two.

There may be some good that actually came out of the government shutdown. Supplemental nutrition assistance Program known as food stamps to everyday Americans. But we changed the name to make it more PC and call it snap. SNAP benefits are now being exposed for being rife with massive amounts of fraud and abuse. How do we know this? The agricultural secretary, Brooke Rollins, is now telling the world what they've found. Rollins discussed the SNAP data the U. S. Department of Agriculture received from 29 states, mostly red states. The secretary said that 186,000 deceased men and women and children in this country are receiving a check. Let me say that again. 187,000 dead men and women and children in this country are receiving food stamps. Now that is what we're really going to start clamping down on. She went on to say, Rowan's also said a half a million people are receiving two SNAP payments. But here's the really stunning thing. This is just Data from those 29 mostly red states, meaning there's even more fraud and abuse in liberal states. I want you to hear more of what she had to say as she talked to Laura Ingram on Fox News channel.

[Caller/Guest]

Here to discuss Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. Madam Secretary, great to see you tonight. So we know the administration is trying to bust a lot of these groups involved in this abuse, but how do we stop this before it starts? So they can't even get as far as they get in these schemes. It's overwhelming.

[Brooke Rollins]

It's pretty remarkable. And let me level set us for just a minute. It's so great to be on and talk about this. And it's funny, I think, well, funny is probably not the right word, but I do think what the Democrats did not include in their calculation in their insane government shutdown was the fact that this spotlight was going to be shined upon one of their favorite government welfare programs that under Joe Biden increased 40%. Where all that money went trying to buy elections, we're not 100% sure, but we're rolling it back now on day one, back in February for me, we sent a letter to every governor saying, send us your SNAP data. All of this money that the federal government, the taxpayers are paying for food stamps. We don't even know where it goes, what happens, what they're doing with it. And we said no more. So 29 states complied and 20 other, you know, 20 plus others did not. And we're suing. We're in a litigation right now. But of the 29 that complied, what we have found is staggering. Half a million people getting benefits two times under the same name. 5,000 dead people. 80% of the able bodied Americans, meaning they can work, they don't have small children at home, they're not taking care of an elderly parent, they can work and they choose not to work, of course, because they're getting significant benefits from the taxpayer. So this light, Laura, that has now been shined on what is perhaps one of the most corrupt, dysfunctional programs in American history that we are working now, Very big announcements coming next week on this. We are cracking down. We now have a plan to fix it and we're really, really excited about doing that for the American people.

[Caller/Guest]

So this has been going on for many years. I mean, I think I covered this on the radio 15 years ago. But recently one woman admitted on national television, this was back a couple of years ago. Watch.

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Ms. Weems was buying stamps and buying what? Buying food stamps.

[Brooke Rollins]

She was buying food stamps.

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From whom? From everybody. Me included. I buy food, I give them away. I'm just person that helps everybody.

[Caller/Guest]

This is routine, people. Just one woman last week I was watching on YouTube said, well, I get $2500 and I sell $1800 of those food stamps. I use the rest for me, yeah.

[Brooke Rollins]

It is, it's staggering and so discouraging. You know, if you're a taxpayer and you're working hard every day and you're paying your taxpayer, you're paying your taxes and then you look and you see these stories of this fraud of people charging more than once that we found one guy in six states who was collecting in six different States under the same number. But again, if we hadn't asked for this data. And by the way, Laura, these are the red states that turn their data over. It is the blue states we're still trying to get data on. Can you imagine if this fraud is happening in the red states, what's happening in the blue states?

[Caller/Guest]

What are they hiding?

[Ben Ferguson]

What are they hiding?

[Brooke Rollins]

Again, I think they're buying their votes. They're trying to push as much of our taxpayer dollars into certain segments of the society in order to say, hey, we're here to help you. We're going to give you a lot of free stuff, dependency. So vote for us. And it's dependency. Under President Trump, more jobs, better jobs. The economy is growing. We've got better take home pay for the first time in at least four years. Maybe more costs are coming down. And now it's time to get serious about these government programs, move people from welfare to work and fundamentally change the trajectory of this country yet again.

[Ben Ferguson]

Another government program that is filled with this level of corruption. The Agriculture Secretary warning that taxpayer dollars are being wasted at a level that you can't even imagine. And the numbers are getting worse as they're going through the data. What this means is there is a.

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System that is broken.

[Ben Ferguson]

Democrats want to protect this system and they want to protect the abusers of the system because this, they believe, is giving them some sort of political power. They are, in essence, buying votes. Having Americans dependent on them for their food stamps gives them power, gives them stability, and gives them election victories. This is not about actually pulling people out of poverty. You notice, that's what this is actually all about. And it brings me back to 2016, when Democrats were infuriated by what Donald Trump was doing. Donald Trump was empowering African American men, women, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Latino Americans to get out of poverty. Donald Trump saw the world differently. And he said, I don't want you living in poverty and the government paying your bills. I want you to live out of poverty and be empowered to take care of yourself and to thrive. And that is exactly what happened. Donald Trump oversaw the lowest unemployment rate in history among African American men, women and Hispanics in this country. Also Asian Americans and Native Americans. Which goes back to the big question, why are Democrats so hell bent on protecting a corrupt system? It is simple. That system is designed for one purpose, for the Democrats to count votes, to buy votes, to bribe people into supporting them and convincing people that they cannot make it. Without the Democratic Party, it's an abusive relationship. And now we're seeing just how much of our tax dollars we're going to keep this system alive to buy those votes of Americans, they're being left behind on purpose by the Democratic Party. Quick break.

Ben Ferguson Show 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.

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