The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Episode: Operation Hawkeye – ISIS Gets Front-Row Seats to Shock and Awe 2.0!

Date: December 20, 2025
Host: Ben Ferguson

Episode Overview

In this special Saturday edition, Ben Ferguson provides an in-depth breakdown of “Operation Hawkeye,” a decisive U.S. military retaliation against ISIS in Syria, ordered by President Donald Trump in response to the recent deaths of American personnel. Ben analyzes the military, diplomatic, and political implications of the operation, offers exclusive commentary on President Trump’s doctrine of deterrence and vengeance, and highlights reactions from top officials and allies.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Background and Trigger Event

• The U.S., under President Trump, launched a retaliatory strike—Operation Hawkeye—after an ambush in Syria killed two American National Guard soldiers and a civilian interpreter.
• The high-profile operation was billed as a direct, “vengeance” response to prevent future attacks on U.S. forces abroad.
• [03:42] Ben Ferguson: “You mess with American service members, we will come find you and we will hunt you down. We have all the details of the attack.”

2. Details of Operation Hawkeye

• Scale and Execution:

  • Strikes hit more than 70 ISIS-related targets across central Syria.
  • Utilized a mix of precision munitions, multiple types of aircraft (F-15s, A-10s, F-16s), helicopters, and artillery.

• Targets:

  • ISIS infrastructure, logistics depots, command and control nodes, and weapons sites.

• Multinational Participation:

  • Jordanian jets supported U.S. forces; Syrian partners cooperated in follow-up raids.

• Fox News Coverage Recap:

  • More than 50 ISIS targets struck in a matter of hours.
  • Named “Hawkeye Strike” (reflecting the victims’ Iowa origins).
  • Resulted in the death or capture of more than two dozen ISIS-affiliated individuals.
  • Intelligence for the operation leveraged electronics and interviews following the initial ambush.
  • Continuing CENTCOM investigation into the shooter, suspected of jihadist ties.
  • [08:20] Fox News Correspondent (Jennifer Griffin):

    “Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth tweeted, ‘This is not the beginning of a war. It is a declaration of vengeance.’ The United States of America, under President Trump’s leadership, will never hesitate to and never relent to defend our people.”

3. President Trump’s Response & Deterrence Doctrine

• Vengeance, Not War:
  • The strikes are framed as a declaration of vengeance, rather than an escalation to war.
  • Clear, public warnings to ISIS and other terrorist networks: threats to Americans will be met with overwhelming force.
  • [09:59] Ben Ferguson:

    “Leaders called the effort a declaration of vengeance… President Trump publicly warned ISIS and broader terrorist networks that threats to Americans would be met with strong and sustained retaliation. Reinforcing our resolve.”

• Precision and Minimization of Collateral Damage:
  • Over 100 “precision munitions” deployed targeting logistics and command nodes, specifically avoiding broad assaults to reduce civilian risk.
• Ongoing U.S. & Coalition Coordination:
  • Jordanian participation + Syrian local enforcement support.
  • Cooperation with other Middle Eastern partners, coordinated diplomatically by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

4. Broader U.S. Anti-ISIS Strategy

• Beyond Syria:
  • Recap of recent strikes on ISIS in Somalia—killing dozens of fighters and degrading leadership, as part of a broader, continuous counterterrorism campaign.
• Goal:
  • Prevent resurgence of ISIS, degrade operational capabilities globally, and enforce U.S. protection of soldiers abroad.
  • [11:40] Ben Ferguson:

    “It reinforces the Trump doctrine that U.S. personnel abroad will be defended by whatever means are necessary by the Commander in Chief.”

5. Political Messaging and Public Takeaways

• Presidential Resolve:
  • Assurance that U.S. forces and citizens abroad are fully protected.
• Multinational, Technologically-Advanced Operations:
  • Highlights U.S. military capability, coalition strength, and diplomatic coordination.
• Future Warning:
  • Operation designed as a deterrent to ISIS and all terrorist organizations globally.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Precision Retaliation

  • “Strikes reportedly delivered a significant blow to ISIS remnants’ operational capabilities by hitting logistics, storage depots, command and control points and infrastructure.”
    — Ben Ferguson [04:50]

• Presidential Vengeance

  • “This is not the beginning of a war. It is a declaration of vengeance. The United States of America, under President Trump’s leadership, will never hesitate to and never relent to defend our people.”
    — Fox News, quoting Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth [08:20]

• Broad U.S. Commitment

  • “The operation, integrated air assets, helicopter gunships, rocket artillery, and support from coalition aircraft... a demonstration of a multinational cooperation, specifically against ISIS terrorists.”
    — Ben Ferguson [10:50]

• Trump Doctrine Restated

  • “When you kill a man or a woman in uniform under Donald Trump’s watch, we’re going to find you, we’re going to hunt you down, and we’re going to kill you.”
    — Ben Ferguson [13:01]

• Deterrence Clarified

  • “At the end of the day, it’s very clear that the President, United States of America, meant what he said when he said, it is going to be a major response and it will be one that they will know not to mess with us again.”
    — Ben Ferguson [13:21]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:30 – Ben Ferguson introduces the main story: Operation Hawkeye retaliation explained
• 08:00 – Fox News live recap and details of the operation
• 09:59 – Ben discusses the strategic impact and broader deterrence message
• 11:40 – U.S. and coalition coordination, extension of operations into Somalia
• 13:01 – Statement of the Trump Doctrine and summary of U.S. message to adversaries
• 13:21 – Final analysis on President Trump’s objective and the operation’s warning effect

Tone & Style

The episode features Ben Ferguson’s signature direct, passionate, and pro-administration commentary, blending military analysis with assertive political messaging. Ferguson frames the episode as a rallying call for national resolve and military might, emphasizing the themes of deterrence, precision, and unwavering American protection.

Summary

Ben Ferguson’s “Operation Hawkeye” episode delivers a thorough rundown of the U.S. military’s massive, precisely orchestrated retaliation against ISIS in Syria after American casualties. With both factual updates and fierce pro-Trump commentary, Ferguson argues the operation showcases American military superiority and sends an unmistakable warning: attacks on U.S. forces will be answered rapidly and overwhelmingly. The segment reinforces President Trump’s doctrine of decisive retribution, highlights the importance of coalition diplomacy and advanced technology, and closes with a call for listeners to stay informed and resolute.