The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Episode: “Iran’s Elites Move Millions as Panic sets In plus DOJ investigate Walz and Frey”

Date: January 19, 2026
Host: Ben Ferguson | Premiere Networks

Episode Overview

On this episode, Ben Ferguson dives deep into two major breaking stories:

1. The Iranian regime’s escalating crisis, with its elites moving millions out of the country amid harsh US sanctions and regime panic.
2. The Department of Justice’s investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey regarding alleged obstruction and mismanagement, with a dramatic spotlight on growing unrest and attacks on federal agents.

Ben provides pointed commentary and sheds light on political undercurrents, U.S. response, and media narratives, all with the show’s signature unfiltered approach.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Iran’s Crisis: Regime Panic and US Sanctions

[02:44 - 07:47]

• Regime Accusations and Propaganda:

  • Iran’s president publicly blames the US for ongoing national crises, denouncing “inhumane sanctions” and warning of “all out war” if the Supreme Leader is challenged.

    “If there is hardship and difficulties in the lives of the people of Iran, one of the main reasons is the longstanding enemy and inhumane sanctions imposed by the US government and its allies...” (Ben Ferguson quoting Iranian president, 04:15)

• US Sanctions Escalate:

  • Treasury Secretary outlines steps targeting Iran’s oil revenue, noting a campaign against individuals and companies smuggling oil to circumvent sanctions.
  • Efforts are further described to degrade the regime’s ability to finance terrorism, especially in Iraq.

    “Treasury is sanctioning a rogue businessman and his network of companies and vessels that smuggle Iranian oil disguised as Iraqi oil to avoid US sanctions. This network generates over $300 million annually for Tehran.” (Treasury Sec. via Ben Ferguson, 05:57)

• Iranian Elites Moving Funds Abroad:

  • Tens of millions of dollars are being wired out by Iranian leadership, as observed by US officials.

    “We are now seeing the rats fleeing the ship... millions, tens of millions of dollars being wired out of the country... We follow the money, whether it is through the typical banking system or digital assets.” (Treasury Secretary, 07:09)

  • The regime’s panic over economic collapse is seen as a victory for US “maximum pressure”; Ferguson credits the Trump administration for fortifying protests and causing regime destabilization.

    “It truly is amazing what a real leader can do to topple a regime like Iran and to help the people in that nation.” (Ben Ferguson, 08:22)

2. DOJ Investigation: Minnesota’s Walz and Frey

[08:30 - 17:49]

• Scope of DOJ Probe:

  • The Department of Justice is investigating Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for suspected obstruction of federal law enforcement and large-scale fraud.

    “People have already gone to jail and a governor has already decided not to run for reelection because of actual fraud and abuse of power... millions and millions of dollars that then turned into billions... were stolen from the taxpayers.” (Ben Ferguson, 09:25)

  • Potential links to sending money overseas, including to terrorist group Al Shabaab, are highlighted as central to the investigation.

• Political Spin and Feuds:

  • Ferguson notes that while Democrats claim intimidation tactics, the facts differ from previous politicized probes.
  • Cites source confirmation of grand jury subpoenas to Walz and Frey, with DOJ declining to comment further.

• Escalating Tensions: ICE Agents Under Attack in Minnesota

  • Ongoing unrest in Minnesota sees violence towards ICE agents; White House considers deploying National Guard under the Insurrection Act.

    “ICE agents continue to be under attack. And now the White House is looking at the real possibility of sending the National Guard in to Minnesota.” (Ben Ferguson, 03:13)

• Abolish ICE Movement & Local Officials’ Responses:

  • Representative Ilhan Omar and local officials are quoted for incendiary language against federal authorities and ICE.

    “You went on national television and you said to ICE, get the F out of Minneapolis. Do you regret that language?... I don’t regret it at all.” (Ferguson on Mayor Frey, 13:12)

  • Chris Van Hollen (paraphrased): On ABC’s This Week, claims ICE agents are “the ones breaking the law,” and that funding should be withdrawn.

    “Democrats on national TV now calling for defunding ICE.” (Ben Ferguson, 13:00)

  • Mayor Frey characterizes Minneapolis unrest as “about love,” and a stand against federal intimidation.

• ICE Arrests Surge and Public Safety Concerns

  • Reports of ICE arresting convicted criminals, including child rapists and killers, whom local politicians had attempted to shield.

    “ICE arrests in Minnesota have surged, including numerous convicted child rapists and killers... Criminal legal immigrants had deportation orders dating back decades.” (Ben Ferguson, 15:35)

  • ICE director Todd Lyons:

    “Regardless of staged political theatrics, ICE is going to continue to arrest the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens in Minnesota and elsewhere.” (15:50)

  • White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt (quoting statement):

    “May God bless [ICE agents] for their thankless work to protect American communities from these sick people.” (Ben Ferguson, 16:32)

3. Closing Perspective

[16:55 - 17:49]

• Ferguson sums up both stories as victories for “law and order” and blasts Democratic officials for enabling lawlessness. He credits the Trump administration for restoring legal oversight and equates their actions with protecting American communities.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We’re seeing the rats fleeing the ship… millions, tens of millions of dollars being wired out of the country by the Iranian leadership. So they are abandoning ship.”
  —Treasury Secretary via Ben Ferguson, 07:09

• “It truly is amazing what a real leader can do to topple a regime like Iran and to help the people in that nation. Now, anything can happen. Let’s be clear. But right now, one thing is very clear, and that’s Donald Trump is not backing down.”
  —Ben Ferguson, 08:22

• “You went on national television and you said to ICE, get the F out of Minneapolis. Do you regret that language? …I don’t regret it at all.”
  —Ben Ferguson recounting Mayor Jacob Frey’s response, 13:12

• “ICE arrests prevent recidivism and make communities safer. But it feels like local politicians want to ignore that part and they want to attack American citizens.”
  —Ben Ferguson, 16:10

Timestamps: Important Segments

• [02:44] — Iran’s leadership blames the US for crisis; warning of “all out war.”
• [05:00 - 06:57] — Treasury Secretary details new sanctions; targeting Iranian oil assets.
• [07:09] — Explanation of Iranian elites wiring millions abroad.
• [08:22] — Ferguson’s commentary on the effectiveness of Trump’s sanctions.
• [08:30] — DOJ’s investigation of Minnesota officials introduced.
• [09:25] — Background on fraud, abuse of power in Minnesota.
• [12:58 - 13:22] — Frey and other Democrats on ICE and “Abolish ICE” movement.
• [15:35 - 16:32] — ICE arrest numbers and public safety arguments.

Tone and Language

Ben Ferguson maintains a combative, unfiltered, and partisan tone throughout, framing events in terms of “law and order vs. lawlessness” and repeatedly assigning blame to Democratic officials and activists.

Summary Takeaways

• The Iranian regime is in crisis, evidenced by officials moving millions of dollars abroad in response to escalated US sanctions, with the Treasury Department targeting Iran’s oil revenue and tracking illicit financial movements.
• The DOJ is investigating high-profile Minnesota officials for alleged obstruction and fraud, directly tying these probes to claims of taxpayer theft and possible redirection of funds to terrorist organizations.
• Amid heightened unrest, attacks on ICE agents in Minnesota are sharply criticized, with the “Abolish ICE” rhetoric of local politicians singled out.
• Ferguson paints both stories as vindications of the Trump administration’s commitment to “law and order,” amplifying claims about the benefits of the administration’s aggressive enforcement policies and crackdowns.