The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Episode: DOJ Launches Criminal Probe into Fed Chair plus Paid Pro Agitators Target ICE Nationwide
Date: January 17, 2026
Host: Ben Ferguson (Premiere Networks)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Ben Ferguson delivers an unfiltered breakdown of two headline-making stories: the Department of Justice opening a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, and President Trump vowing to expose funding behind “professional agitators” targeting ICE agents nationwide. Ferguson presents exclusive statements from Powell and Trump, alongside in-depth commentary and updates on the protests and law enforcement response in Minneapolis.

Main Segments & Key Discussion Points

1. DOJ Criminal Investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell

Timestamps: [05:58–12:21]

Background and New Developments

• Ben opens with the shocking news that President Trump’s administration has launched a criminal probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
• Powell publicly responded in an unprecedented video, vowing not to "bow to the Trump administration and its intimidation."
  • The criminal investigation stems from Powell’s congressional testimony regarding expensive renovations at the Fed’s Washington, D.C. headquarters.
• The central theme is the perceived threat to the independence of US monetary policy — a point stressed both by Powell and the media.

Powell’s Statement: Video Highlights

• Powell's own words (full excerpt) are played (07:59), emphasizing both respect for the rule of law and grave concern about political interference:
  • Quote: "The threat of criminal charges is a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than following the preferences of the President." (Jerome Powell, 08:45)
  • Quote: "This is about whether the Fed will be able to continue to set interest rates based on evidence and economic conditions, or whether instead, monetary policy will be directed by political pressure or intimidation." (Jerome Powell, 09:14)

Ferguson’s Analysis

• Ben notes the rarity and seriousness of the Fed Chair releasing a video message:
  • He observes Powell’s repeated emphasis that “no one, certainly not the chair of the Federal Reserve, is above the law.”
• Discusses media framing: While the left and media suggest an attack on monetary policy independence, Ferguson stresses the DOJ’s stated priority of investigating abuse of taxpayer dollars.
  • Quote: "Maybe the media, you should look at the facts...maybe this is not about interest rates, but maybe [about] his own testimony and what he said to Congress." (Ben Ferguson, 11:47)

Noteworthy Details

• The grand jury subpoenas were delivered Friday; Powell’s video released after being served.
• The DOJ investigation is being overseen by Judge Jeanine, the D.C. U.S. Attorney, appointed by President Trump.
• The White House defers comment to the Department of Justice.

2. Paid 'Pro Agitators' Targeting ICE – Trump’s Response and New Protests in Minneapolis

Timestamps: [12:21–18:12]

Trump’s Pledge and Commentary

• President Trump claims the woman shot by ICE in Minneapolis may have been a "professional agitator," promising to uncover who pays for the rapidly proliferating anti-ICE activities.
  • Quote: “They were harassing, they were following for days and for hours. And I think, frankly, they're professional agitators and I'd like to find out, and we are going to find out, who's paying for it with their brand new signs and all the different things.” (Donald Trump, 12:53)
  • Quote: “Law enforcement should not be in a position where they have to put up with this stuff.” (Donald Trump, 13:09)

Funding Allegations and Social Media Chatter

• US Department of Homeland Security retweets Republican Rep. Lance Gooden: "The anti-ICE mobs are anything but organic. Dark money is bankrolling these far-left groups like ICE Watch and lighting the fuse."
• Ferguson underscores the administration's framing: acknowledging a highly organized, paid movement targeting federal immigration enforcement.

On-the-Ground Reporting: Minneapolis Unrest

• Fox News segment ([14:49–17:19]) brings live updates from protests in Minneapolis:
  • Up to 1,000 additional federal officers being deployed to quell anti-ICE unrest, on top of 2,000 agents already in the city.
  • DHS Secretary Kristi Noem calls the incident domestic terrorism.
  • Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry disputes this, declaring the city safe despite the ICE incident, and chastises federal authorities for escalating tensions.
  • Quote: "As soon as they [Border Patrol] get out of their cars they are met with people who have those ear-piercing whistles, people resisting, trying to surround the car. There is really a highly organized anti-ICE, Anti–Border Patrol network here on the ground in the Twin Cities." (Fox News Reporter, 17:19)
  • Crowd control tactics used, including tear gas and pepper balls, as protestors attempt to block federal facilities.

Law Enforcement Perspective

• Border Patrol and ICE officials vow not to be deterred by local political opposition:
  • Quote: "We're out here to do a job and we're not going to stop until it’s done." (Border Patrol official cited in Fox News report, 17:34)
• DHS Assistant Secretary Trisha McLaughlin publicly supports the ICE agent’s self-defense claim.

Ferguson’s Takeaway

• The President and DHS are determined to trace back organizational and financial roots of anti-ICE agitation.
• Quote: "One thing's for sure, the President now has made it clear—we're going to find out exactly who's paying these individuals and what group is behind them." (Ben Ferguson, 17:56)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Jerome Powell, on political pressure:
  "I have served at the Federal Reserve under four administrations, Republicans and Democrats alike. In every case, I have carried out my duties without political fear or favor, focused solely on our mandate of price stability and maximum employment. Public service sometimes requires standing firm in the face of threats." [(09:23)]

• Donald Trump, on agitators:
  "These are professional agitators and law enforcement should not be in a position where they have to put up with this stuff." [(13:09)]

• Ben Ferguson, challenging the media narrative:
  "Maybe the media, you should look at the facts...maybe this is not about interest rates, but maybe his own testimony and what he said to Congress." [(11:47)]

• Fox News on the ground:
  "There is really a highly organized anti-ICE, Anti–Border Patrol network here on the ground in the Twin Cities." [(17:19)]

Segment Timestamps

| Topic | Start | End | |------------------------------------------------------------|---------|---------| | DOJ probe of Fed Chair Jerome Powell | 05:58 | 12:21 | | Jerome Powell’s video statement | 07:59 | 09:49 | | Ben Ferguson analysis & DOJ/media framing | 09:49 | 12:21 | | Trump’s response to ICE agitators & Minneapolis coverage | 12:21 | 18:12 | | Fox News, Minneapolis unrest, and law enforcement response | 14:49 | 17:37 | | Final thoughts / Wrap-up | 17:56 | 18:12 |

Summary & Tone

Ben Ferguson’s coverage is sharply critical of media and left-wing reactions, openly supportive of Trump’s initiatives, and embraces a combative, conspiratorial tone—especially regarding alleged “dark money” and the organization of anti-ICE protests. The episode provides direct excerpts from both Powell and Trump, hard-edged assessments, and a blend of news update and opinion, making it clear for listeners who value a conservative, inside-the-administration perspective.