The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson Episode: Epstein, Trump & WSJ-MAGA Battle Explodes, plus Congress Defunds NPR & PBS and Stephen Colbert Canceled
Release Date: July 18, 2025

1. The Epstein Files and the Call for Transparency

Ben Ferguson opens the discussion by addressing the ongoing controversy surrounding Jeffrey Epstein's files and their purported connections to former President Donald Trump. Emphasizing the demand for greater transparency, Ferguson outlines four key principles essential for addressing the issue:

1. Support and Demand Transparency
   “Transparency is good. We should support transparency. We should demand transparency. We should fight for transparency.” [03:04]

2. Protect the Victims
   Ferguson highlights the need to safeguard the privacy and dignity of Epstein's victims, referencing conversations with Pam Bondi about the sensitive nature of the evidence.
   “Nobody wants to see children being sexually assaulted, having their privacy violated.” [04:00]

3. Release All Information
   Advocating for the complete disclosure of all relevant materials, Ferguson insists that withholding information only fuels distrust.
   “Release it all. That should be the basic standard.” [04:30]

4. Prosecute Predators
   The necessity of holding perpetrators accountable is stressed, ensuring that justice is served for those harmed.
   “Predators should be prosecuted. Anyone who sexually assaulted a child should be prosecuted and they should go to jail.” [05:00]

2. The Trump vs. Wall Street Journal Legal Battle

A significant portion of the episode delves into the tumultuous relationship between Donald Trump and the Wall Street Journal (WSJ). The WSJ reported that a purported letter from Trump to Epstein was authentic, prompting Trump's vehement denial and threats of legal action.

Ferguson scrutinizes the credibility of the WSJ's report, highlighting inconsistencies that cast doubt on its authenticity: “If any of us have a BS meter, it ought to be flashing. So here's what the Wall Street Journal reported... It doesn't seem like Donald J. Trump.” [09:45]

Trump's response was unequivocal: “The Wall Street Journal and Rupert Murdoch personally were warned directly by President Donald J. Trump that the supposed letter they were printed by President Trump to Epstein was a fake... Trump will be suing the Wall Street Journal.” [16:35]

Ted Cruz supports Trump's stance, drawing parallels to past instances where Trump successfully challenged misleading media narratives: “When he sued, he's been right.” [17:16]

Ferguson further reinforces Trump's position by presenting additional arguments:

1. Lack of Evidence in Biden's Tenure
   “If there were evidence of Donald Trump in the Epstein files, Biden would have released it.” [17:16]

2. Jeffrey Epstein's Democratic Ties
   Emphasizing Epstein's connections to Democrats, including a peculiar detail about a painting in Epstein's residence.
   “Jeffrey Epstein was a Democrat. He was a friend of Bill [Clinton].” [18:09]

3. Trump's Pursuit of Transparency
   “Based on the ridiculous amount of publicity given to Jeffrey Epstein, I have asked Attorney General Pam Bondi to produce any and all pertinent grand jury testimony subject to court approval.” [18:45]

3. Congress Defunds NPR and PBS

A landmark legislative move saw Congress, with significant input from conservative factions, successfully defund NPR and PBS, marking a major victory for conservatives after decades of efforts.

Ferguson narrates the arduous battle to achieve this outcome: “Right before the election... the Senate finally voted to cut off to zero out taxpayer funding. We're no longer paying for left-wing propaganda.” [25:08]

Ted Cruz elaborates on the motivations behind this decision, arguing that public broadcasting has become overtaken by partisan activism: “Public broadcasting has long been overtaken by partisan activists. NPR and PBS have revealed their left-wing bias time and time again.” [28:05]

Key Points Raised:

• NPR's Alleged Liberal Bias:
  “NPR has always had a liberal bent. They don't have an audience that reflects America.” [28:10]

• PBS's Skewed Coverage:
  “PBS coverage of last year's DNC was only 12% negative. The RNC, a staggering 72% negative.” [29:00]

• Call for Balanced Media Consumption:
  Ferguson urges taxpayers to seek politically diverse media sources instead of funding perceived propaganda outlets.
  “If you want to publish articles like this, that is your right as an American... but we're not for taking $500 million every single year and giving it to these stations.” [32:00]

4. The Cancellation of Stephen Colbert's Show

The episode takes a noteworthy turn discussing the abrupt cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s long-running late-night show, portraying it as a casualty of his increasingly partisan demeanor.

Ferguson criticizes Colbert for abandoning the traditional role of late-night hosts as neutral comedic commentators: “Stephen Colbert is a vicious, dishonest, partisan leftist. He despises more than half of America.” [35:04]

He reminisces about the earlier days of his own appearances on various late-night shows, contrasting them with the perceived decline caused by Colbert: “None of the late-night shows have Republicans on anymore. They don't invite anyone.” [37:00]

Ted Cruz echoes these sentiments, attributing the cancellation to Colbert’s failure to maintain comedic neutrality: “His show became this sanctimonious woke lecture every night attacking half of America.” [38:25]

Ferguson juxtaposes Colbert’s approach with what he views as healthier comedic formats: “Team America, World Police... making fun of both sides. That's comedy.” [41:26]

5. The MAGA and Trump Supporters' Internal Struggles

The podcast addresses the perceived internal conflicts within the conservative movement, particularly between MAGA supporters and Trump's base. Ferguson reassures listeners that a civil war between these groups is unlikely, despite media portrayals: “Millions of conservatives... the media has been just beside themselves trying to flame a civil war. They’re hoping that all of the elements of the conservative movement... will consume each other. I don’t think that’s going to happen.” [06:35]

He advises maintaining composure and adhering to the outlined principles to navigate the turmoil: “Part of my advice to everyone is just breathe. Count to 10. We're gonna make it through this.” [07:00]

6. Media Critique and Call for Responsible Journalism

Throughout the episode, Ferguson and Cruz present a critical view of mainstream media outlets, accusing them of bias and prioritizing sensationalism over factual reporting.

Ferguson highlights specific instances where NPR allegedly failed to cover significant stories, implying political motivation: “After the New York Post broke the Hunter Biden laptop story, NPR ran political cover for the Democrats, refusing to cover the story.” [28:20]

Cruz concurs, emphasizing the need for the media to uphold truthful and unbiased reporting: “The press has to learn to be truthful and not to rely on sources that probably don't even exist.” [17:00]

7. Conclusion and Forward Look

Closing the episode, Ferguson reiterates the successes of the current administration, including border security measures, ending specific policies, and securing legislative victories like defunding NPR and PBS. He maintains an optimistic outlook on the future of the conservative movement and its influence on American politics.

“We won. We won. The Senate voted to cut off to zero out taxpayer funding. We're no longer paying for left-wing propaganda.” [34:30]

Ted Cruz wraps up by encouraging listeners to stay engaged through the podcast and upcoming episodes: “Make sure you subscribe to Verdict with Ted Cruz. Wherever you get your podcast, have a fabulous week.” [42:56]

Notable Quotes

• Ben Ferguson on Transparency:
  “Transparency is good. We should support transparency. We should demand transparency. We should fight for transparency.” [03:04]

• Trump’s Response to WSJ Report:
  “The Wall Street Journal and Rupert Murdoch personally were warned directly by President Donald J. Trump that the supposed letter they were printed by President Trump to Epstein was a fake... Trump will be suing the Wall Street Journal.” [16:35]

• Defunding NPR and PBS:
  “NPR and PBS have revealed their left-wing bias time and time again.” [28:10]

• Cancellation of Stephen Colbert:
  “Stephen Colbert is a vicious, dishonest, partisan leftist. He despises more than half of America.” [35:04]

• Media Critique:
  “After the New York Post broke the Hunter Biden laptop story, NPR ran political cover for the Democrats, refusing to cover the story.” [28:20]

This episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson provides a comprehensive examination of the intersection between high-profile political scandals, media accountability, and legislative actions shaping the conservative landscape in America. Through incisive commentary and strategic interviews, Ferguson and his guests navigate the complexities of power, transparency, and ideological battles defining the current political era.