Podcast Summary: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Episode: Florida Probe Ignites Fresh Scrutiny Into 2016 Russia Election Hoax
Date: February 18, 2026
Host: Ben Ferguson (Premiere Networks)

Overview

In this episode, Ben Ferguson covers breaking news about the Department of Justice issuing new subpoenas in a Florida-based investigation connected to allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Ferguson critically examines the origins and evolution of the Russia investigation, the involvement of intelligence agencies, and the recent scrutiny of former officials like John Brennan. The episode features excerpts from Greta Van Susteren and an interview with Congressman Jim Jordan, investigating alleged misconduct, false statements, and lack of accountability surrounding the Russia inquiry.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Context: DOJ Subpoenas and the 2016 Election Probe

• Ferguson recounts the DOJ's new subpoenas regarding the intelligence community’s response to Russian interference claims.
• Reminds listeners of the initial U.S. intelligence assessment post-2016 election, which asserted Russian efforts to undermine confidence in democracy and favored Trump (01:00–02:50).
• Emphasizes that while Russia’s interference was claimed, no evidence surfaced for direct vote tampering or criminal Trump-Russia conspiracy (03:41).

"At the end of the day, what we found out was reality. There was no criminal conspiracy. This is all made up in a lie to attack and undermine Donald Trump..." (04:11, Ben Ferguson)

2. Accountability and the ‘Deep State’

• Ferguson frames the original Russia probe as a "coup attempt" by unelected bureaucrats to undermine Trump’s victory (01:35).
• He questions whether the government will ever hold itself accountable for alleged attempts to “overthrow a president.” (05:00).

“When the government went rogue to undermine the American people, the will of the people, and to try to overthrow a president of the United States of America, was there ever going to be accountability for that?” (05:00, Ben Ferguson)

3. Details of the New Florida Investigation

• The Florida-based probe targets individuals linked to actions against Trump and critically revisits the U.S. government’s response to alleged Russian interference.
• Initial subpoenas focused on documents from around the January 2017 intelligence assessment (05:41). New subpoenas seek records from subsequent years (05:52).
• Former CIA Director John Brennan has been informed he is a target but claims no legal basis for investigation (06:01).

“Lawyers now for former CIA Director John Brennan ... have said they have been informed that he is a target ... but have not been told of any, quote, legally justifiable basis...” (05:58, Ben Ferguson)

4. Criminal Referral of John Brennan

• Greta Van Susteren covers the House Judiciary Committee’s criminal referral of Brennan to DOJ for allegedly lying to Congress about his role in the “Russia collusion hoax” (06:22).
• Jim Jordan explains the referral, citing Brennan’s contradictions regarding the use of the Steele dossier in the intelligence community assessment (07:16–08:29).

“He told us he wasn’t involved at all with the dossier ... and yet ... John Brennan put in writing: Yes, include the dossier in the intelligence community assessment.” (07:40, Jim Jordan)

5. Disputes Over the Steele Dossier and Intelligence Process

• Ferguson elaborates how the Steele dossier, containing opposition research, became central to the dispute (10:00–11:20).
• Former intelligence officials are accused of including uncorroborated material and misleading both Congress and the public.
• The episode highlights internal clashes: Brennan claimed he opposed including dossier info; others allege he supported it.

“Someone’s lying. More than likely, a lot of people are lying. And the big question now is, will there be accountability for this?” (12:08, Ben Ferguson)

6. Broader Implications and Ongoing Accountability

• Ferguson frames the Florida probe as part of a broader attempt by the current Trump administration to revisit and potentially overturn findings from earlier investigations (11:43–13:04).
• Emphasizes the need to prevent government overreach and abuse of investigatory power in the future.

“That’s exactly what this investigation clearly seems to be doing and wanting to get to the bottom of all of it so we don’t have to worry about these types of bad actors in our government abusing their power moving forward.” (12:27, Ben Ferguson)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Brennan’s motivations:
  “The former CIA Director John Brennan is an individual who hated Trump and at all costs was willing to do whatever it took to take him down.” (08:58, Ben Ferguson)
• On legal standards:
  “You’re not supposed to lie. We all know that. And you’re definitely not supposed to lie when you’re under oath talking to Congress.” (07:17, Jim Jordan)
• On the intelligence assessment’s flaws:
  “A declassified CIA tradecraft review ... found multiple procedural abnormalities in the intelligence community’s assessment. And chided Brennan for the fact that the classified version referenced the Steele dossier, which they knew was user generated and a lie.” (11:14, Ben Ferguson)
• Final assessment:
  “Someone’s lying. More than likely, a lot of people are lying. And the big question now is, will there be accountability for this?” (12:08, Ben Ferguson)

Important Segment Timestamps

• DOJ New Subpoenas Announced: 01:30–04:00
• Recap of 2016 Russia Investigation Origins: 02:00–05:00
• Greta Van Susteren & Jim Jordan on Brennan Referral: 06:22–08:56
• Discussion of the Steele Dossier & Intelligence Community Assessment: 10:00–11:20
• Summary Reflections and Broader Accountability Theme: 11:43–13:04

Tone and Language

Ben Ferguson’s approach is direct and accusatory, consistently framing the Russia probe as a politically motivated hoax. The episode maintains a skeptical and outraged tone regarding intelligence officials and opponents of Donald Trump. Greta Van Susteren and Jim Jordan’s exchange adds a legal and investigative perspective.

In Summary

This episode explores the re-ignition of scrutiny over the 2016 Russia probe, focusing on Justice Department subpoenas, John Brennan’s alleged misconduct, and broader issues of government accountability. Ferguson and guests argue forcefully that the investigation into Trump was baseless, with renewed efforts to hold architects of the original probe responsible. The episode is dense with political critique and calls for transparency, appealing to listeners skeptical of the intelligence community’s past actions.