The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Episode: Former Aide Sparks Autopen Firestorm plus ICE Nabs 15 Iranians with Terror Ties
Release Date: June 28, 2025

Hosted by Ben Ferguson, a prominent national radio host and political commentator, The 47 Morning Update delves deep into the pressing political and security issues shaping America today. In this episode, Ferguson tackles three major stories: a controversial testimony by a former Biden aide regarding presidential auto pen signatures, a surge in ICE arrests of Iranian nationals with alleged terror affiliations, and revelations about Iran's nuclear program contrary to mainstream media narratives.

1. Controversial Testimony on President Biden's Auto Pen Signatures

The episode opens with a bombshell revelation involving Neera Tanden, a former director of President Joe Biden's Domestic Policy Council. During a congressional hearing, Tanden testified under oath that she "does not know who ordered President Biden's auto pin signatures" ([00:31] - [05:10]). This admission has sparked significant debate and raised questions about the oversight and authorization processes within the White House.

Ferguson highlights discrepancies between Tanden's testimony and statements from her attorney. While Tanden claimed limited awareness of the final authorization of signatures, her attorney maintained that the auto pins were "used only after President Biden personally approved the decision" ([05:10]). This conflicting narrative has fueled speculation about the transparency and integrity of presidential decision-making processes.

A minority member of the Oversight Committee contested Tanden's characterization, citing a former White House staffer's assertion that "a written sign off from Biden on every executive action" was received, contradicting Tanden's under-oath statements. This ongoing dispute underscores the tension between political accountability and administrative procedures within the current administration.

2. ICE Crackdown on Iranian Nationals with Terror Links

In a significant development regarding national security, Ferguson reports on the recent arrests of Iranian nationals by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), bringing the total to nearly 20 individuals with alleged ties to terrorism and Iran ([05:10] - [12:50]). This crackdown follows what officials describe as a "major security sweep" targeting individuals with criminal backgrounds and potential terrorist affiliations.

One of the arrested individuals, a former Iranian army sniper from Atlanta, Texas, was found in possession of an "Islamic Republic army identification card" and a loaded 9mm pistol ([08:08] - [12:50]). Ferguson details several other cases, including individuals convicted of drug crimes, assault, and even grand larceny, all highlighting the administration's intensified efforts to remove perceived threats from the country.

Ferguson emphasizes the administration's stance that these individuals represent "real threats to our national security," criticizing the previous administration for allegedly allowing "sleeper cells" to proliferate ([10:05]). He forecasts that ICE operations will escalate, advocating for continued support and advocacy for the agency's mission to secure the nation's borders.

3. Reevaluation of Iran's Nuclear Program Amid Media Controversy

The final segment addresses claims from a former Biden official asserting that Iran's nuclear program has been "set back significantly," directly challenging media portrayals of the situation ([12:50] - [18:28]). According to Ferguson, a classified Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) report revealed that initial assessments of damage to Iran's nuclear sites were based on "faulty information from deceitful Iranian sources."

Former U.S. intelligence operatives, including seasoned national security insiders, have criticized the DIA's reliance on unreliable data, dubbing the agency the "Discount Intelligence Agency." This skepticism stems from evidence suggesting that Iran's military officials provided "false situation reports," undermining the credibility of the DIA's findings.

Ferguson references a statement by a longtime diplomat and former Biden senior adviser, who noted that Iran's nuclear capabilities have been disrupted, delaying their program by "an 18 month or two year delay" ([15:36]). The diplomat further criticized the media for propagating misinformation, asserting that the successful strikes on Iran's nuclear sites were "one of the most successful missions in modern military history" and not the failure portrayed by outlets aligned with Iranian propaganda.

This revelation calls into question the reliability of mainstream media reports and underscores the complex interplay between intelligence, military action, and media narratives in shaping public perception.

Conclusion

In this episode, Ben Ferguson provides a comprehensive analysis of critical issues affecting national security and political integrity in the United States. From the opaque processes surrounding presidential executive actions to the rigorous efforts to counteract potential terrorist threats from Iranian nationals, and the contentious discourse surrounding Iran's nuclear ambitions, Ferguson delivers insightful commentary backed by detailed reports and expert testimonies. This episode serves as a pivotal resource for listeners seeking unfiltered and in-depth perspectives on the current political landscape.