The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson Episode: Tariffs, Election Triumph & Trump's Warpath on Liberation Day
Release Date: April 2, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson, host Ben Ferguson delves into three pivotal stories shaping the political and economic landscape of America. Focusing on recent election outcomes, President Donald Trump's declaration of Liberation Day, and the Department of Government Efficiency's (DOGE) efforts to root out governmental corruption, Ferguson provides listeners with in-depth analysis and exclusive insights into these critical developments.

1. Election Triumphs and Setbacks

Timestamp: 02:44 – 06:05

Ben Ferguson opens with a comprehensive overview of the recent election day held on April 1st, highlighting significant victories and a notable loss that impact President Trump's America First agenda.

• Florida's Special Elections:

  • 1st Congressional District: Despite Democrats outspending Republicans 10 to 1, the Republican candidate secured a victory with 56.9% of the vote. Ferguson emphasizes, “This was massive for President Trump because it was an endorsement and an important ally for him.”

  • 6th Congressional District: The Republican candidate won with 56.7% of the vote, succeeding Mike Waltz, who has been appointed as President Trump’s national security adviser. This victory provides significant support within the House, allowing Speaker Johnson to lead the Republican Party more effectively without internal disruptions.

• Wisconsin's Voter ID Amendment:

  Wisconsin voters approved a constitutional amendment to enshrine photo ID requirements for voting, passing with approximately 63% in favor. Ferguson notes, “This will have a huge impact around the country as Republicans will now look at this vote in Wisconsin and say it's time to ensure that each and every state has not only voter ID laws but also they are a part of the state constitution.”

• Wisconsin Supreme Court Election:

  Contrasting the other victories, the liberal candidate Susan Crawford defeated the conservative nominee backed by President Trump and Elon Musk, maintaining a 4-3 liberal majority on the court. Ferguson acknowledges this setback but maintains an optimistic outlook: “Overall, three major victories and a margin that is greater in the House will serve the President and the American people well. Yes, we had a loss, but overall, a 3 to 1 victory on election Day is always a good thing.”

Notable Quote:

“This was massive for President Trump because it was an endorsement and an important ally for him.” — Ben Ferguson [03:15]

2. President Trump Declares Liberation Day with New Tariffs

Timestamp: 06:05 – 08:53

Ben Ferguson shifts focus to President Donald Trump's declaration of April 2nd, 2025, as Liberation Day, marking the introduction of a series of tariffs aimed at strengthening American industry and reducing dependency on foreign imports.

• Key Components of the Tariff Policy:

  • Reciprocal Tariffs: The administration plans to implement tariffs that mirror those imposed by other countries on U.S. products. This strategy is intended to promote fair trade relationships and encourage trading partners to adopt more equitable trade practices.

  • Support for Domestic Manufacturing: By making imported goods more expensive, the tariffs aim to incentivize companies to manufacture products within the United States, potentially creating jobs and bolstering the industrial base.

  • National Security Considerations: Reducing reliance on foreign suppliers for critical goods enhances national security by ensuring essential industries remain robust and self-sufficient. Ferguson draws parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting vulnerabilities revealed during that time.

• Long-Term Vision:

  Supporters argue that these measures will rectify decades of unfair trade practices, benefiting American workers and industries. Ferguson summarizes the administration’s stance: “President Trump has emphasized that Liberation Day represents a pivotal moment in reclaiming economic independence and prioritizing American interests in global trade.”

Notable Quote:

“President Trump has emphasized that Liberation Day represents a pivotal moment in reclaiming economic independence and prioritizing American interests in global trade.” — Ben Ferguson [07:20]

3. DOGE Uncovers Governmental Corruption

Timestamp: 08:53 – 11:37

The final segment addresses a significant revelation by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, concerning financial misconduct within the U.S. Institute of Peace (USIP).

• Incident Overview:

  DOGE detected an attempt by USIP employees to delete a terabyte of financial data amidst an investigation into the agency’s operations. Despite the deletion attempt, DOGE successfully recovered the data, uncovering unauthorized payments to entities such as the Taliban and Iraqi leaders.

• Elon Musk’s Statement on Transparency:

  Musk emphasizes DOGE’s commitment to transparency and accountability:

  “Everything that DOGE does is an open book. So we're, I think, the most transparent organization in government ever. Every single DOGE action is listed on the doge.gov website. It's also listed on the X handle... We will act very quickly to correct mistakes... We're trying to do the right thing for the American taxpayer, for the American people.”
  — Elon Musk [10:29]

• Implications for Government Accountability:

  This incident underscores DOGE's role in enhancing transparency within government operations. Ferguson highlights the public’s trust in DOGE and Trump, noting that "the American people are still overwhelmingly in the polls behind Elon Musk, DOGE, and Donald Trump because of what they're finding."

Notable Quote:

“Everything that DOGE does is an open book... We're trying to do the right thing for the American taxpayer, for the American people.” — Elon Musk [10:29]

Conclusion

Ben Ferguson concludes the episode by reaffirming the significance of the election victories, the strategic implementation of tariffs under Liberation Day, and DOGE's pivotal role in combating governmental corruption. These developments collectively contribute to strengthening President Trump’s administration and advancing the America First agenda. Ferguson encourages listeners to stay informed and engaged as these stories continue to unfold, shaping the future of American politics and economy.

Final Thoughts:

"Overall, three major victories and a margin that is greater in the House will serve the President and the American people well. Yes, we had a loss, but overall, a 3 to 1 victory on election Day is always a good thing." — Ben Ferguson [06:05]

Key Takeaways:

• Election Outcomes: Significant Republican victories in Florida reinforce President Trump's influence in Congress, while the Wisconsin Supreme Court remains a liberal stronghold.

• Liberation Day Tariffs: A strategic move to enhance American manufacturing, promote fair trade, and secure national interests.

• DOGE’s Transparency Efforts: Strong measures are being taken to ensure governmental accountability, restoring public trust through transparency and swift action against corruption.

Stay informed and ahead by subscribing to The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or your preferred podcast platform.