The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Episode: Israel, Ukraine & TikTok Bill in Depth: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly
Release Date: April 24, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The 47 Morning Update, Ben Ferguson engages in a substantive conversation with Senator Ted Cruz, dissecting the recently passed foreign aid package in the Senate. The discussion navigates through critical facets of the bill, including military assistance to Israel, funding for Taiwan, the contentious TikTok divestment, and the broader implications for U.S. national security and domestic policies.

Foreign Aid Package Overview

Military Aid to Israel

Senator Cruz underscores the significance of the military aid allocated to Israel, emphasizing its immediacy and necessity.

Senator Ted Cruz [00:54]: "The biggest thing that is good and important about this bill is it finally provides emergency military aid to Israel... It has been battling Hamas in Gaza... and Iran has been waging war against Israel."

Cruz criticizes the Biden administration for delays in providing this aid, attributing the obstruction to Democratic opposition. He highlights the strategic importance of supporting Israel amidst ongoing conflicts and Iranian aggression.

Aid to Taiwan

The bill also allocates $8 billion to support Taiwan in defending against Chinese aggression. Cruz articulates the long-term geopolitical threats posed by China and the critical role of Taiwan in maintaining regional stability.

Senator Ted Cruz [11:12]: "Deterring Chinese aggression in Taiwan is all about protecting America's national security interests."

He explains that enhancing Taiwan's resilience serves as a deterrent against potential invasions, thereby safeguarding U.S. interests in advanced semiconductor manufacturing and broader economic stability.

TikTok Divestment

A significant portion of the aid package addresses national security concerns related to TikTok. The bill mandates the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to relinquish control of the platform in the United States.

Senator Ted Cruz [09:03]: "The Chinese Communist Party uses TikTok. It has the capacity for espionage and surveillance of every American."

Cruz emphasizes TikTok's role in spreading pro-Hamas propaganda and anti-American sentiment, advocating for its divestment to mitigate these risks.

Senator Ted Cruz on the Aid Bill

Support for Key Components

Cruz expresses strong support for military aid to Israel and funding for Taiwan, recognizing their alignment with U.S. national security interests.

Senator Ted Cruz [07:42]: "This bill also includes the House's bill to force the Chinese Communist Party to give up control of TikTok in the United States. That's something I strongly support."

Concerns About Humanitarian Aid to Gaza

However, Cruz voices significant reservations about the $9 billion allocated for humanitarian aid to Gaza, which he argues may inadvertently support Hamas terrorism.

Senator Ted Cruz [12:38]: "The bill spends over $9 billion on so-called humanitarian aid, much of which goes to Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas... it keeps sending money that will be used ultimately against America and against our allies."

He criticizes the Biden administration's track record of funding Gaza without ensuring the aid doesn't bolster terrorist activities.

Issues with Migration and Border Security Funding

A particularly contentious aspect for Cruz is the $3.4 billion earmarked for migration and refugee assistance, which he contends exacerbates illegal immigration and undermines border security.

Senator Ted Cruz [18:44]: "This gives them billions more to keep funneling into these organizations that are trafficking people illegally into this country... and does nothing to secure our southern border."

Cruz underscores the Senate's failure to link Ukraine aid with tangible border security measures, a compromise he vehemently opposes.

National Enquirer Fabrication of Ted Cruz's Father Story

Early in the episode, Senator Cruz addresses recent developments regarding the National Enquirer's admission of fabricating a story about his father's alleged involvement in the JFK assassination.

Ben Ferguson [02:47]: "National Enquirer has come out in the court case in New York and admitted they made up the story centering about your father."

Cruz dismisses the fabricated claims while asserting the possibility that his father could have been involved, criticizing the Unproven negative stance.

Senator Ted Cruz [03:41]: "Just because the National Enquirer made up that my father played a part in killing Kennedy doesn't mean that he didn't secretly play a part in killing Kennedy."

He commends Marco Rubio for defending his family, highlighting intra-party support amidst sensationalist media attacks.

Antisemitism on College Campuses

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the rising tide of antisemitism on college campuses and the perceived lackluster response from the Biden administration.

Incidents at Columbia and Yale

Cruz recounts alarming incidents at Columbia University and Yale, where Jewish students faced hostility and threats.

Senator Ted Cruz [25:34]: "A group of Yale Student center formed a human chain to block a Jewish student from entering the university yesterday... this was a chilling act of anti Semitism."

He condemns university administrations for prioritizing protester demands over the safety and rights of Jewish students and faculty.

Biden Administration's Response

Cruz criticizes President Biden's inadequate response to these antisemitic incidents, portraying it as indicative of broader governmental indifference.

Senator Ted Cruz [23:35]: "The president condemns anti Semitic protests but professes ignorance about specific incidents... that's utterly disgraceful."

Political Figures’ Reactions

The episode highlights Democratic figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) who, in Cruz's view, indirectly support antisemitic sentiments by praising student-led protests without addressing the violence.

Senator Ted Cruz [24:54]: "AOC had something to say on this that I want everyone to listen and hear... she's praising what's happening at Columbia and Yale."

Cruz underscores the disconnect between Democratic rhetoric and effective action against antisemitism.

TikTok Divestment and National Security

The bill's provisions to decouple TikTok from CCP control are a focal point. Cruz elaborates on the national security implications of allowing a Chinese-controlled platform to operate unchecked in the U.S.

Senator Ted Cruz [09:03]: "The CCP uses TikTok to push propaganda, particularly to our young people."

He points out that Democrats delayed this divestment until after the election, undermining the bill's effectiveness.

Senator Ted Cruz [10:33]: "One of the prices that the Democrats insisted upon to pass this was that it be delayed till after the election."

Dark Money and NFL Involvement

Towards the episode's conclusion, Cruz touches upon the influence of dark money in orchestrating antisemitic events and blocking pro-Israel initiatives on college campuses.

Senator Ted Cruz [31:05]: "We've now found out that the NFL funded a left-wing group bailing out anti-Israel bridge blockers. This is how the left holds companies hostage."

He warns of the pervasive reach of corporate and organizational funding in perpetuating antisemitism and undermining pro-Israel efforts.

Conclusion

Senator Ted Cruz provides a nuanced critique of the passed foreign aid package, balancing support for critical national security measures with staunch opposition to allocations he views as detrimental to U.S. interests and domestic security. The episode delves deep into the complexities of legislative compromises, the urgency of addressing antisemitism, and the overarching influence of political and financial entities in shaping policy and public discourse.

Notable Quotes:

• Senator Ted Cruz [00:50]: "This foreign aid package has passed that obviously is the center of the world right now."

• Senator Ted Cruz [03:55]: "Does that mean that Elvis is not working at a Walmart in Idaho?"
  (Humorous remark following the National Enquirer confession)

• Senator Ted Cruz [12:09]: "Deterring Chinese aggression in Taiwan is all about protecting America's national security interests."

• Senator Ted Cruz [22:04]: "The Democrats have gone all in. They have decided that they are the open border party..."

• Senator Ted Cruz [25:34]: "A group of Yale Student center formed a human chain to block a Jewish student from entering the university yesterday... this was a chilling act of anti Semitism."

This episode of The 47 Morning Update offers listeners a thorough examination of pivotal political issues, articulated through Senator Cruz's experienced and resolute perspective. From international alliances to domestic challenges, the discussion provides valuable insights into the current legislative landscape and its broader implications for American society.