Iran's Nuclear Ambitions w 'Death to America' plus DEA Nominee Exposes MS-13 Gang Ties

Summary

The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson Episode: Iran's Nuclear Ambitions w 'Death to America' plus DEA Nominee Exposes MS-13 Gang Ties Release Date: May 1, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson delves into three pivotal stories shaping the current political landscape. Focusing on Iran's nuclear intentions, the integrity of the upcoming DEA administrator, and the implications of Senator Chuck Schumer's recent speech on tariffs, Ferguson provides unfiltered insights and sharp commentary on each topic.

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1. Iran's Nuclear Ambitions and the U.S. Response

Key Points:

• Iran's Stance: Iran's supreme leader has openly declared that the phrase "Death to America" is not merely a slogan but an official policy, signaling a potential willingness to utilize nuclear weapons.

• U.S. President's Position: President Donald Trump has taken a firm stance against Iran obtaining nuclear capabilities. In his own words, “Iran can't have a nuclear weapon. It's, you know, pretty simple... We’re not looking to take their industry or land. All we’re saying is you can't have a nuclear weapon” (02:01).

• Senate Republicans' Agreement: Senate Republicans have echoed the President's sentiments, emphasizing accountability and the prevention of Iran obtaining nuclear arms. They highlighted Iran's role as a state sponsor of terrorism, supporting groups like the Houthis, Hamas, and Hezbollah.

• Potential Outcomes: The episode explores the possibility of Iran acknowledging the U.S. position and either thriving without nuclear weapons or facing severe consequences if they proceed with their nuclear ambitions.

Notable Quotes:

• President Donald Trump (04:10): “I wouldn’t have accepted [the Obama nuclear deal]. That's why I terminated the deal. It was a terrible deal... I want the people of Iran to flourish, but they cannot flourish if they are threatening the rest of the world or trying to get that nuclear weapon.”

• Senate Republicans (05:13): “We are grateful that the President is holding Iran accountable and working to ensure they can't obtain a nuclear weapon.”

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2. DEA Nominee Exposes MS-13 Gang Ties

Key Points:

• Exposure of Ties: The President's nominee for the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) administration, Terry Cole, has unveiled critical information regarding MS-13 gang member Kilmar Obrego Garcia. Contrary to media portrayals, Cole confirmed that Garcia bears tattoos consistent with MS-13 affiliations.

• Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing: During the hearing, Senator Lindsey Graham questioned Garcia's alleged gang tattoos. DEA Agent confirmed the presence of symbols unmistakably linked to MS-13, debunking media claims that portrayed Garcia as a non-threatening father from Maryland.

• Media Accountability: Ferguson criticizes mainstream media outlets like ABC News for attempting to discredit the evidence by suggesting the tattoos and associated photos were fabricated or misleading.

• Implications: This revelation underscores potential biases within the media and Democratic Party, highlighting a broader narrative of misinformation and the necessity for critical evaluation of media sources.

Notable Quotes:

• DEA Agent (08:17): “Those are his markings. That's his brand. Not only my time at the DEA, but currently I participate.”

• Terry Cole, DEA Official (09:15): “Do you know of any other set of combinations that would suggest some other organization this represents with this particular one? No.”

• Ben Ferguson (09:37): “Based on your time as a DEA agent in the field, particularly in Mexico, these tattoos are consistent with MS-13 associations.”

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3. Chuck Schumer's Speech on Tariffs: A Potential Chinese Propaganda Piece

Key Points:

• Critique of Trump's Tariffs: Senator Chuck Schumer delivered a scathing speech from the Senate floor, criticizing President Trump's tariff policies as chaotic and economically damaging. Schumer claimed that the tariffs have failed to isolate China and have instead harmed the American economy by raising costs and pushing the nation toward recession.

• Ferguson's Counterpoints: Ferguson challenges Schumer's assertions by highlighting positive outcomes from the tariffs. He cites examples of U.S. manufacturers like Whirlpool and Nucor benefiting from reduced foreign competition and increased domestic production. Additionally, companies like Apple are reshoring production, anticipating higher consumer demand and decreased reliance on Chinese imports.

• Allegation of Propaganda: Ferguson insinuates that Schumer's speech mirrors Chinese Communist Party (CCP) rhetoric, suggesting a troubling closeness between the Democratic Party and Beijing. He argues that the speech contains misleading information and flat-out lies intended to undermine the administration's trade policies.

• White House Perspective: The episode also presents the White House's stance, emphasizing that the tariffs aim to rebuild the economy, restore national security, and secure well-paying manufacturing jobs for American workers. Negotiations with various countries indicate a strategic approach to trade policy adjustments.

Notable Quotes:

• Chuck Schumer (11:15): “Donald Trump's tariffs have been a total failure. Instead of isolating China, Donald Trump's tariffs are isolating us... The only thing Donald Trump's tariffs have succeeded in is raising the odds of recession and sending markets into its tailspin.”

• Ben Ferguson (12:01): “If you want to file that speech under Chinese propaganda, it'd be a perfect place to put it.”

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Conclusion

In this episode, Ben Ferguson delivers a robust analysis of critical political issues, challenging mainstream narratives and emphasizing the importance of factual accuracy and strategic policy implementation. From Iran's nuclear threats and the integrity of federal appointments to the efficacy of trade tariffs, Ferguson encourages listeners to engage in informed and critical thinking about the policies shaping America's future.

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Stay Informed: For a deeper dive into these stories and more, subscribe to The 47 Morning Update on the iHeartRadio app or your preferred podcast platform. Stay ahead with Ben Ferguson's unfiltered insights and comprehensive coverage of the issues that matter most to America.

Transcript

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[Clay]

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[Buck]

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[Clay]

Thrown in this podcast. Like a daily dose of that. Minus the campfires, archery and pranking, the girls.

[Buck]

The bonafide boot camp for critical thinking. You can get in on it for free at the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcast. Just search our names, play in balk, listen and subscribe.

[Ronald Reagan]

Iran can't have a nuclear weapon. It's, you know, pretty simple. It's really simple. We're not looking to take their industry. We're not looking to take their land. We're not. All we're saying is you can't have a nuclear weapon. I'd like to see Iran thrive. And they can do that, I think, very easily. Or they can do it the other way. The other way is not going to be good for them. It's going to be really bad for them.

[News Anchor]

You're listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson.

[Ben Ferguson]

Good Thursday morning. Ben Ferguson with you. It's so nice to have you on the 47 Morning Update. And here are the three big stories we're talking about today. First up, Iran's supreme leader on obtaining nuclear weapons says, quote, death to America is not just a slogan, it's a policy. And the White House responds. Up next, Lindsey Graham has some questions for the man that's going to be leading the DEA and what he had to say about Kamar Obrega. Garcia. Well, it will shock the media with their big lie and the Democratic Party. And we have the audio for you here in just moment. And finally, a shocking speech from the floor of the Senate by Chuck Schumer which basically could have been written by the Chinese Communist Party on tariffs. I'll have that for you in just a second. It's the 47 Morning Update and it starts right now.

[News Anchor]

Story number one, as we move past.

[Ben Ferguson]

The 100 day mark in the Trump administration, there is still a lot that is happening, including on the issue of Iran and their nuclear weapon capabilities. Iran's supreme leader setting the stage for exactly what they want when it comes to their future. Saying this about obtaining nuclear weapons, death to America is not just a slogan, it is a policy. Translation, if we get a nuclear weapon, we plan on using it. These are genocidal maniacs and it's a terrorist regime no matter what the liberal media tries to sell you on. Now, the president of the United States of America was asked about where are we when it comes to Iran nuclear deal and what will we do moving forward? Here's the president in his own words.

[Ronald Reagan]

Iran can't have a nuclear weapon. It's, you know, pretty simple. It's really simple. We're not looking to take their industry, we're not looking to take their land. We're not. All we're saying is you can't have a nuclear weapon. The deal that was made, the deal that was made with Obama and that deal would have expired already. It was a terrible deal. It was, it was, it would have expired and that gave them a clear path to a nuclear weapon. I wouldn't have accepted. That's why I terminated the deal. Number one, it was way too short. You know, when countries are involved, you don't make short term deals. These are countries with long lives. And I terminated that. And it was a great termination because it didn't allow us to do anything once it terminated. You know what the deal was? It was a terrible deal, really, one of many terrible deals made by the U.S. but no, I want I'd like to see Iran thrive. And they can do that, I think, very easily, or they can do it the other way. The other way is not going to be good for them and be really bad for them.

[Ben Ferguson]

Very clear stance from the President. United States of America, either do a deal or we will stop you. The Senate Republicans coming out with a statement as well, agreeing with President Trump saying, quote, Iran has no reason to enrich uranium and must never have a nuclear weapon, saying, quote, we are grateful that the President is holding Iran accountable and working to ensure they can't obtain a nuclear weapon. Now, the message to Iran is also very clear. We know that you are a state sponsor of terrorism. We know that you support the Houthis, we know that you support Hamas and Hezbollah. And we know that you are funneling money to any of these proxies to go after people that you don't like, including Israel. We know that you chant Death to America and Death to Israel. And at the end of the day, it will be impossible for us to allow you to gain nuclear weapons. Now, if you look at what is happening right now, there does seem to be movement where Iran is coming to terms with the reality that President Donald Trump is not flinching on this issue and the ability for them to have a nuclear weapon is a non starter. And yes, military power will be used to stop them if we must. But if you notice there what the President also said, he wants the people of Iran to flourish, but they cannot flourish if they are threatening the rest of the world or trying to get that nuclear weapon. Now the big question is, what will Iran do next? As they are saying, death to America. Are they actually willing to get a deal done? We'll have to watch in the days ahead, but it's clear the President has said to them and the rest of the world, if you don't get in line, we will stop you no matter what.

[News Anchor]

Next story number two.

[Ben Ferguson]

Another media lie has exploded in the face of Democrats and those in the media that were telling the story. President Donald Trump's pick to lead the Drug Enforcement Agency known as the DEA has blown up the denials from liberal media outlets that purported that the MS.13 gang member Kilmar Obrego Garcia is not sporting tattoos for the gang. The DEA administrator, Terry Cole, made it very clear to the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee that the media and Democrats were lying about the tattoos of a man they described as just a father from Maryland. He was asked about the tattoos during the hearing from Lindsey Graham and here is what he said.

[DEA Official]

Are you familiar with ms.13?

[DEA Agent]

Yes, sir.

[DEA Official]

Briefly. What are they?

[DEA Agent]

They're a terrorist organization.

[DEA Official]

Yeah, they've been designated a foreign terrorist organization.

[DEA Agent]

Yes, sir.

[DEA Official]

They're involved in drugs.

[DEA Agent]

Fentanyl extortion, kidnapping, drugs intimidation, money laundering.

[DEA Official]

In your time in the dea, do they have like membership cards?

[DEA Agent]

Not necessarily the membership cards, but they are well recognized based on tattoos and different.

[DEA Official]

Do you have a photo I think our office provided to you?

[DEA Agent]

We spoke. Yeah, we spoke about it earlier. Yes, sir.

[DEA Official]

Can you give this to. This is a photo of tattoos of Mr. Ebrillo Garcia. Much attention has been paid to his case. Think he's in Venezuela. Can you see the photo here?

[DEA Agent]

Yes, sir. I can have a copy of it.

[DEA Official]

Okay, based on your time and experience and expertise in the dea, what does that photo or those markings suggest to you?

[DEA Agent]

Well, they suggest that he's an Ms. 13 member. That. Those are his markings. That's his brand. Not only my time at the dea, but currently I participate.

[DEA Official]

Start with a leaf. What's that a sign of?

[DEA Agent]

Marijuana.

[DEA Official]

Okay, the next one is your smiley face. Okay. And the next one is.

[DEA Agent]

I believe that's a one. I can't. It's a little blurred out for me, sir. And then the last one's a three backwards.

[DEA Official]

Okay. So based on your time as a DEA agent in the field, particularly and Mexico, these TAS twos are consistent with Ms. 13 associations.

[DEA Agent]

Yes, sir, that's correct.

[DEA Official]

Do you know of any other set of combinations that would suggest some other organization this represents with this particular one?

[DEA Agent]

No, sir.

[Ben Ferguson]

Yet again, it's very clear the DEA nominee is the Democrats and the media's worst nightmare. Quote, based on your time as a DEA agent in the field, particularly in Mexico, these tattoos are consistent with Ms. 13 associations. The DEA chief nominee. Yes. So why did the media lie to you? Why do they say that the picture wasn't even real? That the President was, you know, bamboozled? Well, ABC News, even in the hundred day interview, tried to imply that the picture wasn't real. Not only is it real, but now we know from the man who will be in charge of the DEA that, yes, this individual is an Ms. 13 gang member, not some father from Maryland. And just think about it this way. This is the man that Democrats flew down to hang out with, hold his hand, and desperately want to bring back into the United States of America a man that two different courts have declared a member of a terrorist organization. So if you think Democrats and the media are looking out for you, just look at this new hoax that they've already been busted on.

[News Anchor]

And here is story number three.

[Ben Ferguson]

It was a speech from the floor of the Senate by the Senate leadership of the Democratic party, Chuck Schumer. And it was a speech that very well could have been written by the Chinese Communist party. If you want to know just how much they hate American workers and they hate the idea of America standing firm or standing up to China, well, just listen to Chuck Schumer's own words. And I'm not kidding when I say this. You got to wonder, did the speech come directly from the ccp?

[Chuck Schumer]

One thing is clear. Donald Trump's tariffs have been a total failure. Instead of isolating China, Donald Trump's tariffs are isolating us. Instead of spurring a manufacturer, American manufacturing, Trump's tariffs are raising costs and driving us into recession. There's no strategy with Trump's tariffs, only chaos. One day, Donald Trump says yes to tariffs, the next day, no to tariffs. One day tariffs on this country, the next day tariffs on that country. Even Donald Trump's own policy advisers are struggling to explain his flip flopping. The only thing Donald Trump's tariffs have succeeded in is raising the odds of recession and sending markets into its tailspin.

[Ben Ferguson]

If you want to file that speech under Chinese propaganda, it'd be a perfect place to put it. And there was also many things that were just flat out lies. For example, he said it was destroying manufacturing. These tariffs in America. Well, that's actually not true. Many U. S. Manufacturers are now reporting major benefits from the tariffs. Whirlpool, for instance, has indicated that the new trade policies helped level the playing field by reducing foreign competitors cost advantages and bolstering domestic production. Nucor, a leading steel producer, also saying now they have strong demand and increase order backlogs, attributing this to reduced reliance on imported steel. The tariffs have prompted companies to consider reshoring production, Including Apple, for example, is expected to exceed earnings projections partly due to increased consumer demand ahead of potential tariffs and its effort to ship production from China to India and other countries. Yes, the president is making progress on tariff negotiations. As the administration says, be patient. Many countries have lined up to talk with the White House and are currently in negotiations. Why? The White House statement said it very clearly. Tariffs are aiming to rebuild the economy, restore national and economic security and make sure that American workers have great paying manufacturing jobs. Yes, all of this indicates that there are major outcomes that could come in the days and weeks ahead that will be good for America. So why did the man in charge of the Democratic party put a propaganda speech out there from the floor of the Senate. Well, you got to look at maybe just how close the Democratic Party really is to the Chinese Communist Party in Beijing.

[News Anchor]

Thank you for listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson. Please make sure you hit subscribe wherever you're listening to this podcast right now. And for more in depth news, also subscribe to the Ben Ferguson Podcast and we will see you back here tomorrow.

[Podcast Narrator]

In the fall of 1986, Ronald Reagan found himself at the center of a massive scandal that looked like it might bring down his presidency. It became known as the Iran Contra Affair.

[Buck]

The things that happened were so bizarre.

[Ronald Reagan]

And insane I can't begin to tell you.

[News Anchor]

Please do.

[Podcast Narrator]

To hear the whole story. Listen to Fiasco Iran Contra on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Buck]

Hey Clay, if there was a summer camp for critical thinking, we'd be the chief counselors.

[Clay]

Those jelly heads in June would be intellectual warriors by August.

[Buck]

Be a lot of fun too. Some Bill and Ted's excellent adventure references.

[Clay]

Thrown in this podcast like a daily dose of that. Minus the campfires, archery and pranking the girls.

[Buck]

The Bonafide Boot camp for critical thinking. You can get in on it for free at the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcast. Just search our names Clay and Buck. Listen and subscribe.