The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson Episode: Dems RAGE against the Deniers, Another Pro-Hamas Campus Protester Deported & Foreign Money Floods our Universities Week In Review
Release Date: March 29, 2025

Introduction to the Week in Review

In this episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson teams up with Senator Ted Cruz to dissect three major stories dominating the political landscape. The discussions are sharp, candid, and delve deep into the pressing issues facing America today. Here's a comprehensive summary of their conversation:

1. Democrats and the Threat of Violence Against Conservatives

Rising Tensions and Violence

Ben Ferguson opens the discussion by highlighting a disturbing trend: the increasing threats directed at conservatives by Democrats. He points to recent incidents involving high-profile figures like Elon Musk, where threats have escalated to physical attacks on businesses, such as Tesla dealerships. For instance, Ben references incidents in Austin, Texas, where incinerated devices were discovered near dealerships, indicating a tangible rise in violent actions against conservative entities ([01:01]).

Jasmine Crockett's Rhetoric

The conversation takes a critical turn as Senator Cruz addresses the inflammatory remarks of Texas House member Jasmine Crockett. Ben plays a clip where Crockett advocates for physical violence against him, saying:

"I just want to say that I have never promoted violence whatsoever. I think that you punch. I think you punch. I think you're okay with you okay with punching... there is no niceties with him, like, at all. Like, you go clean off on him, right?"
— Jasmine Crockett ([03:07])

Senator Cruz condemns Crockett's stance, labeling it as reflective of the broader Democratic Party's penchant for inciting anger and disorder. He emphasizes the personal toll of such rhetoric, sharing his own experiences with threats and harassment:

"There's no way [...] when you have people on the left encouraging [...] What is wrong with these people?"
— Senator Ted Cruz ([05:25])

Personal Anecdotes and Polarization

Ted Cruz recounts personal encounters with hostility, highlighting how conservative figures are becoming targets both online and in public spaces. He shares instances where verbal abuse occurred in the presence of his family, underscoring the alarming normalization of such hostility:

"When I'm out with my daughter and someone gets in my face... it's like, what is wrong with these people?"
— Senator Ted Cruz ([05:25])

Cruz further elaborates on his approach to handling such negativity, opting for grace and restraint:

"My standard response is, I say God bless you. And I got to tell you, it infuriates them."
— Senator Ted Cruz ([07:49])

This method, while maintaining his composure, often exacerbates tensions, as evidenced by the reactions of his adversaries.

2. Deportation of Pro-Hamas Campus Protester Momodo Tal

Case Overview

The second major topic delves into the deportation of Momodo Tal, a British and Gambian dual national, from Cornell University. Ben Ferguson outlines Tal's controversial activities and statements, which led to the revocation of his F1 student visa:

"He has called on fellow student protesters to take their cues from the armed resistance in Palestine... Glory to the resistance."
— Senator Ted Cruz ([14:17])

Tal's actions and rhetoric were deemed anti-American and anti-Semitic, prompting intervention from the Department of Justice and ICE ([14:17]).

Antisemitism and Campus Safety

Ted Cruz expresses deep concern over the surge in antisemitic incidents on college campuses, attributing much of this to foreign influence and radical ideologies. He highlights the lack of opposition from Democratic leaders in response to such threats:

"Have you heard a single Democrat in the Senate speak out in favor of revoking his visa?"
— Senator Ted Cruz ([19:54])

Cruz criticizes the Democrats' apparent silence and lack of action against individuals like Tal, questioning their stance on free speech and national security.

Promotion of Extremist Ideologies

The discussion further explores Tal's extremist views, as Cruz cites his social media posts advocating for the end of the U.S. empire and denouncing Zionism:

"We are actually living in an effing alternative reality... Zionists are indeed the chosen people. Chosen for hell."
— Senator Ted Cruz ([19:54])

Cruz underscores the danger of such ideologies infiltrating American institutions and the imperative need for stringent measures against individuals who openly threaten national security and community safety.

3. Influx of Foreign Money into American Universities

Report Findings and Implications

The final segment addresses a concerning report from Americans for Public Trust, revealing that a staggering $60 billion in foreign gifts and contracts have been funneled into U.S. universities. Notably, $795 million of this comes from nations long-standing adversaries of the United States, including China, Russia, Venezuela, and Yemen ([25:26]).

Historical Context and Legislation

Senator Cruz reflects on his past efforts to curb foreign influence in academia, particularly his role in shutting down Confucius Institutes funded by China:

"I introduced legislation that banned any money from the federal Department of Defense going to university that had a Confucius Institute... resulting in more than 20 Confucius Institutes across the country being shut down."
— Senator Ted Cruz ([28:21])

He warns that the current influx surpasses previous threats, posing significant risks of espionage, propaganda, and intellectual property theft.

Call for Transparency and Regulation

Cruz advocates for robust legislative measures to ensure transparency and accountability in foreign funding:

"We need transparency. [...] The legislation I'm introducing puts punitive tax penalties. If you get money from a country that is an enemy of America, in my view, the federal government ought to put penalties in place where you end up being taxed more than you get."
— Senator Ted Cruz ([29:22])

He emphasizes the necessity of prioritizing American interests and safeguarding educational institutions from becoming vessels for foreign agendas.

Potential Consequences and Recommendations

Ben Ferguson questions the government's response, stressing the importance of regulatory oversight to prevent the undermining of American education and national security:

"If they're buying the minds of American students or influence, or even what worries me the most is stealing intellectual property or spying on America... what should the government's response be?"
— Ben Ferguson ([28:21])

Senator Cruz concurs, outlining a multi-faceted strategy to combat the issue:

"Yes, and we ought to penalize the hell out of it. If Iran is funding your university, you're doing something fundamentally wrong."
— Senator Ted Cruz ([31:32])

He calls for immediate legislative action to address the pervasive and overt foreign influence threatening the integrity of American higher education.

Conclusion

In this episode, Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz provide an unfiltered exploration of the escalating threats against conservatives, the deportation of extremist individuals from educational institutions, and the alarming influx of foreign money into American universities. Their candid discussions underscore the pressing need for decisive action to safeguard national security, uphold free speech responsibly, and maintain the integrity of American educational institutions.

For a more in-depth analysis and additional insights, listeners are encouraged to download and listen to the full podcast episode.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's like piling hot coals on their heads."
  — Senator Ted Cruz on responding to hostility ([07:48])

• "Zionist Jewish students are claiming to be unsafe, scared and somehow everyone is calling for their genocide while we are witnessing a genocide of the Palestinian people."
  — Senator Ted Cruz ([19:54])

• "We need transparency. [...] punitive tax penalties."
  — Senator Ted Cruz on foreign funding in universities ([29:22])

Disclaimer: This summary is based on the transcript provided and aims to capture the key discussions and viewpoints presented in the podcast episode.