The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Episode: FBI Uncovers Chinese Plot to Sway 2020 Election for Biden plus U.S. Moves to Ban Chinese Ownership of Farmland
Release Date: July 9, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson, host Ben Ferguson delves into two significant national security concerns: the FBI's investigations into former top government officials related to the 2016 Trump-Russia probe, and a newly uncovered Chinese plot aimed at influencing the 2020 U.S. presidential election in favor of Joe Biden. Additionally, Ferguson examines the United States' strategic move to ban Chinese ownership of American farmland, particularly areas near military bases.
FBI Investigations into John Brennan and James Comey
The episode opens with alarming revelations about the FBI's latest investigations targeting John Brennan, the former CIA Director, and James Comey, the former FBI Director. These investigations are centered around their roles in the Trump-Russia probe, which is now being scrutinized for possible collusion aimed at undermining President Donald Trump's administration.
Notable Highlights:
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Accountability Measures: The FBI has launched criminal investigations into Brennan and Comey for their alleged involvement in a "coup attempt" to remove Trump from office. According to the News Anchor, "The Department of Justice sources now telling Fox News that the CIA director John Ratcliffe had allegedly referred evidence of wrongdoing by Brennan to the FBI Director Cash Patel and added that a quote, criminal investigation to Brennan was opened and is underway, quote, unquote" ([06:14]).
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Internal CIA Review: An internal CIA review, declassified by CIA Director John Ratcliffe, suggests that the intelligence community's assessment of Russian interference in the 2016 election was tainted by a "corrupt process" under Brennan and Comey's leadership ([06:14]).
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Conspiracy Concerns: The FBI views the interactions between Brennan and Comey as potential "conspiracy," raising questions about the integrity of the initial Russia investigation ([06:14]).
Quote:
"CIA Director John Ratcliffe referred evidence of wrongdoing by Brennan to the FBI director Cash Patel for potential prosecution is what DOJ sources also told to Fox News." ([07:52])
Chinese Plot to Sway the 2020 Election Favoring Joe Biden
Transitioning from internal government investigations, the episode uncovers a disturbing Chinese scheme to influence the 2020 U.S. presidential election. According to declassified FBI documents highlighted by Fox News, China attempted to flood the United States with fake driver's licenses to facilitate fraudulent mail-in ballots for Joe Biden.
Key Points:
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Election Interference Tactics: The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) aimed to distribute 20,000 fake driver's licenses, potentially altering key battleground states like Wisconsin, Arizona, and Georgia ([06:14]).
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FBI's Delayed Response: Despite possessing this intelligence before the election, the FBI allegedly downplayed the threat by attributing suspicious activities solely to Russia, as stated by former Director Chris Wray during his testimony to Congress ([06:14]).
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Biden's Ties to China: The documents suggest that the Biden family was financially entangled with Chinese interests, hinting at a complex web of influence and corruption ([07:52]).
Quote:
"If Democrats actually care about democracy, they'd want answers." ([07:52])
U.S. Moves to Ban Chinese Ownership of Farmland Near Military Bases
Shifting focus to agricultural security, the episode discusses the United States' concerted efforts to prevent Chinese entities from purchasing American farmland, especially those in proximity to military installations. This move is spearheaded by Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins under the new National Farm Security Act.
Highlights:
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Scale of Chinese Ownership: As of 2023, China owned over 277,000 acres of U.S. farmland, with significant holdings near critical military bases ([10:58]).
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Legislative and Executive Actions: The proposed ban involves executive orders and potential legislation to restrict new sales and reclaim existing Chinese-owned lands through multi-agency coordination, including the USDA, Defense Department, Homeland Security, and Treasury Department ([11:24]).
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Decline in Chinese Ownership: USDA data indicates a reduction in Chinese farmland ownership to approximately 265,000 to 300,000 acres, with major players like Smithfield Foods divesting around 85,000 acres ([12:05]).
Quote:
"Madam Secretary, it's good to see you tonight. So as of 2023, and this is going to shock the viewers, China reportedly owned more than 277,000 acres of agricultural land in the country." ([10:58])
Comments from Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins provides deeper insights into the government's strategy to curb foreign influence in American agriculture. She emphasizes the national security implications of allowing adversarial nations to own vital agricultural resources.
Key Statements:
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National Security Priority: "100% national security issue. Food security, national security." ([12:13])
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Executive and Legislative Collaboration: Stressing the need for an "all of government approach," Rollins outlines the multifaceted efforts to implement the farmland ban through executive actions and legislative support ([11:42]).
Quote:
"How is this allowed, though? China owns Smithfield Foods, one of the largest food processing plants in the United States. Land near military bases. I've covered this for 20 years." ([12:05])
President Trump's Remarks on Farm Workers
The episode also touches upon President Donald Trump's contrasting statements regarding illegal immigrant farm workers. While Trump emphasizes a stringent stance against amnesty and advocates for deportations, he simultaneously acknowledges the indispensable role of immigrant labor in the agricultural sector.
Highlights:
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No Amnesty Policy: Trump reiterates his administration's commitment to deporting illegal immigrants, focusing on "criminals" while ensuring the continuity of the food supply through established work programs ([12:41]).
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Balancing Security and Labor Needs: Despite advocating for mass deportations, Trump recognizes the essential contribution of immigrants to farming, suggesting that farmers vouch for their workers to maintain agricultural productivity ([12:50]).
Quote:
"There's no amnesty. What we're doing is we're getting rid of criminals, but we are doing a work program." ([12:41])
Conclusion
Ben Ferguson's episode of The 47 Morning Update provides a comprehensive analysis of critical national security issues facing the United States. From internal investigations that may reshape perceptions of the 2016 Trump-Russia probe to external threats aimed at undermining democratic processes, the podcast underscores the multifaceted challenges in safeguarding American sovereignty. Additionally, the strategic move to ban Chinese ownership of farmland near military bases highlights the administration's proactive measures to secure vital national resources. Through detailed reporting and insightful commentary, Ferguson ensures listeners are well-informed about the pressing issues shaping America's future.
Notable Quotes:
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John Ratcliffe on Brennan's Investigation:
"CIA Director John Ratcliffe referred evidence of wrongdoing by Brennan to the FBI director Cash Patel for potential prosecution is what DOJ sources also told to Fox News." ([07:52])
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Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on Farmland Ownership:
"How is this allowed, though? China owns Smithfield Foods, one of the largest food processing plants in the United States. Land near military bases. I've covered this for 20 years." ([12:05])
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President Trump's Stance on Illegal Immigrants:
"There's no amnesty. What we're doing is we're getting rid of criminals, but we are doing a work program." ([12:41])
This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the episode, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the critical issues addressed without needing to listen to the full podcast.