The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson: Explosive FD1023 Released – Detailed Summary

Release Date: July 24, 2023
Host/Author: Premiere Networks
Guests: Senator Ted Cruz
Episode Title: Explosive FD1023 Released: Gives Explicit, Damning Details of Joe Biden Bribery Allegations

Introduction

In this pivotal episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson teams up with Senator Ted Cruz to delve deep into the newly released FD1023 form. This document alleges a $5 million bribery scheme involving Joe Biden and Burisma Executive. The episode builds upon previous discussions, particularly a two-part series featuring James Comer, Chairman of the House Oversight Committee, which garnered significant attention and virality.

Unveiling the FD1023 Allegations

Timestamp: [00:01] – [01:18]

Ben Ferguson opens the episode by highlighting the significance of the newly released FD1023 form, spearheaded by Senator Chuck Grassley. This document alleges that then-Vice President Joe Biden was embroiled in a $5 million bribery arrangement with Burisma, a Ukrainian natural gas company. Ferguson emphasizes the importance of understanding the contents of FD1023, especially following the impactful two-part series with James Comer that went viral.

Detailed Breakdown of FD1023

Timestamp: [01:18] – [17:24]

**a. Meetings and Initial Allegations

Senator Ted Cruz provides an exhaustive walkthrough of the FD1023 report. He details a telephonic meeting from June 30, 2020, where a confidential human source discusses interactions between Burisma executives and Joe Biden’s son, Hunter Biden. Key points include:

• Introduction to Burisma: In late 2015 or 2016, during the Obama administration, Burisma officials introduced the source to Alexander Ostapenko and other key figures.

• Merger Discussions: The meeting focused on Burisma’s interest in acquiring a U.S.-based oil and gas company for an IPO, with Burisma willing to invest $20-30 million.

• Hunter Biden’s Role: Burisma CFO Vadim Porzsky queried the source about the composition of Burisma’s board, revealing Hunter Biden's presence. Porzsky mentioned hiring Hunter to "protect us through his dad from all kinds of problems" ([01:58]).

**b. Alleged Bribery Mechanics

Senator Cruz elaborates on the alleged mechanics of the bribery scheme:

• Influence Peddling: The language used by Burisma executives suggests that Hunter Biden’s role was to leverage his father’s political clout for Burisma’s benefit.

• Financial Transactions: The source claims that $10 million was funneled to the Biden family, ostensibly to secure favorable outcomes for Burisma ([07:21]).

• Legal and Ethical Implications: Cruz underscores that selling favors from a sitting government official, as alleged, constitutes illegal influence peddling.

**c. Subsequent Meetings and Pressures

Further analysis of the FD1023 reveals:

• Vienna Meeting (2016): Discussions around Burisma's IPO plans coincided with Joe Biden’s public stance against Ukrainian Prosecutor General Victor Shokin, whom Biden pressured to remove ([06:44] – [11:16]).

• Coercion and Record-Keeping: Burisma executives allegedly coerced payments to the Bidens, with intentions to cover up the financial dealings. The source mentions that Slochevsky, Burisma’s CEO, maintained recordings as an "insurance policy" ([17:40]).

Joe Biden’s Admission and Quid Pro Quo

Timestamp: [17:24] – [35:59]

**a. Biden’s Role in Shokin’s Removal

Cruz references a recorded interview where Joe Biden admits to pressuring Ukraine to oust Prosecutor General Shokin, a move that aligns with the FD1023 allegations of quid pro quo:

• Biden’s Statement: "If the prosecutor's not fired, you're not getting the money... Oh, son of a bitch got fired" ([19:15]).

• Quid Pro Quo Defined: Cruz draws parallels to the Trump impeachment's "quid pro quo" narrative, asserting that Biden's actions demonstrate using his official power to secure personal favors.

**b. Connecting the Dots

Ferguson and Cruz collaboratively piece together existing evidence, including suspicious activity reports and whistleblower testimonies, to substantiate the bribery claims. They argue that the convergence of these elements creates a compelling case against Joe and Hunter Biden.

Patterns of Corruption and Further Allegations

Timestamp: [35:59] – [43:25]

**a. Historical Context of Corruption

Senator Cruz points out that bribery is rampant in post-Soviet states, framing the Biden-Burisma interactions as part of a broader pattern of corrupt business practices in Ukraine and Russia.

**b. Whistleblower Revelations on Valerie Biden Owens

The discussion shifts to Valerie Biden Owens, Joe Biden's sister, who is implicated in receiving funds from Hunter Biden:

• IRS Whistleblower Testimony: Joseph Ziegler, an IRS whistleblower, alleges that Owens received payments via Venmo from Hunter Biden but was shielded from investigation due to her intelligence role ([40:27]).

• Protection of the Biden Family: The whistleblower claims that the IRS obstructed interviews with key Biden family members, including Owens and Hunter Biden, suggesting systemic protection against scrutiny ([42:59]).

**c. Systemic Bias and Media Silence

Cruz and Ferguson express frustration over the lack of media coverage on these allegations, arguing that mainstream outlets are either unaware or deliberately ignoring the explosive evidence.

Conclusion

Throughout the episode, The 47 Morning Update presents a forceful narrative against the Biden family, leveraging the newly released FD1023 form and corroborative evidence from whistleblowers and public statements. Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson argue that the cumulative evidence points to a deeply entrenched bribery scheme involving high-ranking officials and the Biden family, with significant implications for American politics and governance.

Notable Quotes

• Senator Ted Cruz ([07:21]):
  "They hired Hunter Biden to quote, protect us through his dad from all kinds of problems. That is illegal."

• Senator Ted Cruz ([19:15]):
  "Oh, son of a bitch got fired."
  (Referring to Joe Biden’s role in removing Victor Shokin)

• Ben Ferguson ([11:49]):
  "That's bribery through and through."

• Senator Ted Cruz ([30:45]):
  "The only question is, is what this guy is saying credible?"

Implications and Forward Look

The episode underscores the urgency of investigating these allegations thoroughly. Both Ferguson and Cruz advocate for transparency and accountability, calling on the FBI and Department of Justice to address these claims openly. They also emphasize the importance of listener engagement in disseminating this information, aiming to counteract perceived media suppression.

Note: This summary is based on the transcript provided up to the 43:29 timestamp of the podcast episode. Any discussions or revelations beyond this point are not included.