The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Episode: Governor Waltz Doubles Down ‘Bring More In!’ Amid Somali Scandal

Date: December 30, 2025
Host: Ben Ferguson

Episode Overview

In this episode, Ben Ferguson tackles two major political stories:

1. Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz’s controversial response to a massive Somali-linked fraud scandal and his call to bring more Somali immigrants into the state, despite widespread criticism.
2. President Trump’s high-profile meetings at Mar-a-Lago with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, focusing on Middle East security, Iran’s alleged WMD programs, and advancing peace negotiations in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Ferguson provides commentary, selected soundbites, and the administration’s perspective, aiming to offer insights and updates "you won't get from the mainstream media."

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Governor Waltz and the Somali Fraud Scandal

[03:40–13:17]

• Viral Video Fallout:
  A viral video exposing alleged fraud—specifically regarding empty daycare centers in Minnesota still receiving aid—has caused public outrage and triggered federal investigations.
• Governor Waltz’s Response:
  Rather than apologizing or pledging reform, Governor Waltz doubled down on his support for the Somali community, insisting on welcoming more Somali immigrants and enhancing current programs.
• Federal Investigations:
  • Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is “actively conducting a major fraud investigation,” with agents going door-to-door at suspected sites.
  • FBI Director Cash Patel announced additional agents are being deployed to Minnesota; the magnitude of fraud could be in the billions, referencing previous cases like Feeding Our Future.
  • U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is “targeting suspected fraud sites,” including checks on legal status and related enforcement.
• Political Ramifications:
  Ben Ferguson asserts that Waltz’s stance is driven by political necessity, as the Somali community represents a powerful voting bloc in Minnesota.
• Federal Figures Weigh In:
  Conservative and Trump administration leaders frame the situation as proof of “lax oversight of federal funds” in Minnesota, calling for accountability and praising whistleblowers.

Notable Quotes

• Ben Ferguson [08:08]:
  “That’s right. You just heard the governor of Minnesota say instead of cutting programs filled with billions of dollars of fraud, we’re going to enhance those programs.”

• On Waltz’s motives [08:53]:
  “Governor Waltz knows that he could not be reelected without the Somali community...he’s basically saying, I’m willing to sell out Minnesota’s taxpayers and federal taxpayers to save the Somali community, putting them ahead of American citizens that are being defrauded.”

• Ferguson on federal action [12:14]:
  “Law and order will be restored even if the governor says we want to bring in more Somalis for more fraud. Even when he says that we’re demonizing those that are taking billions of dollars away from American citizens.”

Memorable Moments & Timestamps

• Journalists Confront Waltz on Fraud [07:21]:
  Press directly asks Governor Waltz about apologizing for the fraud and alleged retaliation against whistleblowers. Waltz pivots to community solidarity.
• Federal Law Enforcement Mobilization [10:00–12:00]:
  Describes DHS, FBI, and ICE actions—emphasizes door-to-door investigations and large-scale federal response.

2. Trump’s Diplomatic Meetings at Mar-a-Lago

[13:17–17:51]

• Trump-Netanyahu Meeting:
  Discussed U.S.-Israel relations, Middle East peace plans, and new reports regarding Iran’s development of chemical and biological weapons.
  Both leaders projected unity, countering media claims of friction.
• Addressing Iran’s Threat:
  Trump underscores U.S. and Israeli resolve to prevent Iran from acquiring weapons of mass destruction.
• Zelensky and Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks:
  Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky discussed ongoing negotiations to end the conflict, including a proposed 15-year U.S. security guarantee for Ukraine. Trump also engaged in follow-up diplomacy with Russia’s Vladimir Putin, keeping peace channels open.

Notable Quotes

• Trump on Iran’s Regime [14:39]:
  “They’ve got a lot of problems…their economy is bust…People aren’t so happy. But every time they have a riot, they start shooting people…They’re vicious, vicious people.”
• Trump on Military Action Against Iran [15:31]:
  “If [Iran] will continue with missiles—yes. The nuclear fast—okay. One will be yes, absolutely. The other was we’ll do it immediately.”
• Ferguson on the Meetings [16:17]:
  “President Trump making it clear with Netanyahu by his side that the two agree on this: There’s no way that Iran can get a nuclear weapon.”

Key Timestamps

• Trump on Iran’s regime [14:39–15:22]
• On supporting Israeli military action [15:24–15:46]
• On Ukraine security and diplomacy [16:51–17:44]

Memorable Moments & Tone

• Ben Ferguson maintains a combative, highly critical tone regarding Governor Waltz (“out of touch with reality,” “selling out taxpayers”).
• The Governor’s remarks are paraphrased for emphasis, often interpreted as prioritizing Somali interests over those of “American citizens.”
• Ferguson paints the Trump administration as assertive and proactive, emphasizing “law and order,” high-level diplomacy, and a strong U.S.-Israel relationship.
• The coverage of the diplomatic segment stresses unity, certainty, and the desire to end foreign wars.

Key Segment Timestamps

• Governor Waltz Fraud Scandal:
  [03:40–13:17]
• Trump/Netanyahu & Iran Discussion:
  [13:17–15:46]
• Trump/Zelensky & Peace Framework:
  [15:46–17:51]

Notable Quotes

• "Instead of demonizing our Somali community, we’re going to be bringing more of them in, welcoming more of them in." — Ben Ferguson paraphrasing Governor Waltz [08:03]
• “Law and order will be restored even if the governor says we want to bring in more Somalis for more fraud.” — Ben Ferguson [12:14]
• "The Somali community votes basically a hundred percent of the time together." — Ben Ferguson [08:32]
• “If they will continue with missiles, yes...absolutely. The other was we'll do it immediately.” — Donald Trump on responding to Iran's military threats [15:31]
• "There’s no way that Iran can get a nuclear weapon.” — Ben Ferguson, summarizing U.S.-Israel stance [16:17]

Summary

This episode presents a critical perspective on Minnesota’s political leadership in managing fraud within state programs and offers a supportive look at the Trump administration’s law enforcement and global diplomacy efforts. Ben Ferguson leverages direct quotes, current events, and pointed analysis to frame the debate around accountability, border policy, and U.S. foreign relations.

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