Podcast Summary: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Episode: DOJ Probes BLM: Where Did the Millions Go? plus Comey “I Didn’t Lie! I Was Confused by Cruz’s Questions”
Date: October 31, 2025
Host: Ben Ferguson
Length: ~17 minutes

Overview

In this episode, Ben Ferguson dives into two high-profile stories:

1. The Department of Justice’s investigation into the Black Lives Matter (BLM) Global Network Foundation, focusing on allegations of donation misuse and donor fraud.
2. Former FBI Director James Comey’s bid to dismiss his indictment for lying to Congress, on grounds the questions asked by Senator Ted Cruz were “too long and confusing.”

Ben offers his signature unfiltered conservative analysis, highlighting themes of government accountability, transparency, and the shifting political climate under President Trump’s administration.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. DOJ Investigates BLM for Donor Fraud

[04:07–11:00]

• Background:
  The DOJ has initiated a probe into Black Lives Matter (BLM) leaders regarding misuse or misallocation of millions in donations, specifically stemming from the 2020 protests following George Floyd’s death.

• Investigation Details:

  • Federal agents have issued subpoenas and at least one search warrant focused on the BLM Global Network Foundation Inc.
  • The investigation began under the Biden administration and is receiving renewed attention under Trump.
  • While criminal charges are uncertain, the investigation intensifies public scrutiny of BLM’s finances.
  • Recent tax filings show BLM Foundation had $28 million in assets as of June 2024.

• Criticisms of BLM:

  • Critics have long accused BLM of lacking transparency and misusing donated funds.
  • Controversy peaked in 2022 when it was revealed over $6 million was used to purchase a luxury Los Angeles property.
  • The foundation released tax documents denying wrongdoing and claims it's not a target of the federal investigation.

• Political Fallout & Civil Rights Concerns:

  • Civil rights groups suggest this investigation could signal broader targeting of progressive organizations under Trump (including BLM, transgender rights groups, and anti-ICE protesters).

• Notable Quotes:

  • “Massive amounts of money that came in and the question is, where did it all go?” — Ben Ferguson [06:41]
  • “The President, United States of America, made it very clear that he was going to hold those accountable, especially those that were committing crimes or defrauding the public.” — Ben Ferguson [10:29]
  • BLM’s statement to AP: “We remain committed to full transparency, accountability and the responsible stewardship of resources dedicated to building a better future for black communities.” [07:56]

2. James Comey Moves to Dismiss Lying-to-Congress Charges

[11:02–17:01]

• Comey’s Defense:

  • Former FBI Director James Comey is seeking to dismiss his indictment for lying to Congress, arguing that Senator Ted Cruz’s questions were confusing and too lengthy.
  • Comey maintains his answers were “literally true” because the questions lacked clarity.
  • Comey’s lawyers argue no person of “ordinary intellect” would be expected to have a clear understanding of Cruz’s multi-part, ambiguous questioning.

• Background on Allegations:

  • Comey is charged with making a false statement to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding.
  • The central issue: whether Comey authorized leaks to the press about the Trump and Clinton investigations.
  • Federal prosecutors allege that Comey had, in fact, authorized a Columbia Law professor (Daniel Richman) to act as an anonymous source, contradicting his testimony.

• Memorable Moments & Tone:

  • Ben Ferguson mocks Comey’s defense, characterizing it as an admission of incompetence:
    “So what the lawyers for James Comey are now saying is James Comey, as the FBI Director is too dumb to understand basic questions coming from Senator Cruz.” [16:04]
  • Ferguson repeatedly emphasizes the irony and perceived absurdity of Comey’s claims, presenting them as an attempt to dodge accountability.

• Potential Outcomes:

  • If convicted, Comey could face up to five years in prison.
  • The case is depicted as both politically charged and a potential precedent-setter for future congressional testimony.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “James Comey is now arguing that the criminal case against him for allegedly lying to Congress should just go away because Senator Cruz's questioning of him was just too confusing and too long.” — Ben Ferguson [11:14]
  • “This, my friends, is going to be very interesting moving forward because I have a feeling there's a lot in the courtroom that aren't going to believe Comey on this one either.” — Ben Ferguson [16:49]

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• “Massive amounts of money that came in and the question is, where did it all go?”
  — Ben Ferguson [06:41]

• “We remain committed to full transparency, accountability and the responsible stewardship of resources dedicated to building a better future for black communities.”
  — BLM Foundation Statement [07:56]

• “James Comey is now arguing that the criminal case against him for allegedly lying to Congress should just go away because Senator Cruz's questioning of him was just too confusing and too long.”
  — Ben Ferguson [11:14]

• “So what the lawyers for James Comey are now saying is James Comey, as the FBI Director is too dumb to understand basic questions coming from Senator Cruz.”
  — Ben Ferguson [16:04]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:36] - Donald Trump soundbite on the economy, accountability
• [04:07] - Start of in-depth BLM investigation coverage
• [11:02] - Start of James Comey indictment analysis
• [16:49] - Ferguson’s closing thoughts on Comey and courtroom perceptions

Conclusion

Ben Ferguson leverages these two breaking stories to discuss broader issues of accountability and transparency in American society, blending pointed critique with analysis of evolving political power. The tone is assertive, skeptical of BLM’s financial management, and overtly critical of James Comey and perceived political evasions by former government officials.

Listeners walk away informed about the DOJ’s renewed probe into BLM and the unusual legal strategy employed by Comey’s defense, with Ferguson’s conservative perspective framing both as emblematic moments in the current political landscape.