Podcast Summary: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Episode Title: Tariffs, Terrorism & Tons of Money from Foreign Adversaries Flooding our Universities
Release Date: March 28, 2025
Host: Ben Ferguson
Guest: Senator Ted Cruz
Source: Premiere Networks

1. Introduction

In this episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson engages in a deep-dive conversation with Senator Ted Cruz, covering three pivotal topics shaping America's current landscape:

1. Tariffs on Imported Cars: Analyzing President Donald Trump's recent announcement of a 25% tariff on imported vehicles.
2. Deportation of Radical Foreigners: Discussing the revocation of student visas for individuals supporting terrorist organizations like Hamas.
3. Foreign Funding in U.S. Universities: Examining the influx of money from foreign adversaries into American higher education institutions.

2. Tariffs on Imported Cars

Ben Ferguson opens the discussion by highlighting President Trump's declaration of a 25% tariff on imported cars, labeling it as the commencement of "Liberation Day in America."

Notable Quote:

Donald Trump ([01:52]): "So this is the beginning of Liberation Day in America... We’re going to charge countries for doing business in our country and taking our jobs, taking our wealth..."

Senator Cruz elaborates on the strategic use of tariffs, emphasizing their role as leverage to protect American interests. He cites historical instances where tariffs have been employed to secure border integrity and influence foreign policies.

3. The Use of Tariffs as Leverage

Senator Ted Cruz underscores President Trump's long-standing support for tariffs, tracing it back to the 1980s and President Reagan's administration. He asserts that tariffs serve multiple purposes:

• Economic Leverage: Encouraging foreign nations to make concessions beneficial to the U.S.
• Protecting Domestic Industries: Ensuring American businesses remain competitive by making foreign goods more expensive.

Notable Quote:

Ted Cruz ([06:02]): "Tariff is the most beautiful word in the English language... it is the most consistent policy view of his entire life."

Cruz references successful outcomes from past tariff implementations, such as:

• Mexico Border Security: Threatened with a 25% tariff, Mexico responded by deploying 6,000 soldiers to its southern border, resulting in the "Remain in Mexico" policy and the lowest illegal immigration rates in 45 years.

• Colombia Example: When Colombia initially resisted accepting illegal immigrants, the threat of tariffs led to immediate compliance, showcasing the effectiveness of tariffs as a negotiation tool.

4. Concerns Regarding Tariffs

While Senator Cruz advocates for the strategic use of tariffs, he also expresses concerns about their long-term implications:

• Economic Impact on Consumers: Tariffs lead to higher prices for imported goods, directly affecting American consumers who bear the increased costs.

• Business Uncertainty: Manufacturers and businesses face unpredictability, making long-term planning challenging.

Notable Quote:

Ted Cruz ([07:52]): "Who pays tariffs? The American consumer pays tariffs... I would rather see a scenario where we are not imposing big tariffs, but at the same time, foreign countries are lowering their tariffs."

Cruz warns against tariffs becoming a permanent fixture of U.S. economic policy, highlighting the delicate balance between protecting domestic interests and maintaining consumer affordability.

5. Deportation and Revocation of Visas for Radical Foreigners

The conversation shifts to national security concerns, specifically the revocation of 300 student visas for individuals associated with pro-Hamas activities.

Ben Ferguson references statements from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasizing the administration's stance against individuals who undermine American values and security.

Notable Quote:

Marco Rubio ([15:51]): "If you lie to us and get a visa and then enter to the United States and with that visa, participate in that sort of activity, we're going to take away your visa."

Senator Cruz passionately supports these measures, arguing that:

• First Amendment Limitations: While American citizens have protected speech rights, these do not extend to foreigners seeking entry into the U.S.

• National Security: Preventing individuals who support terrorist organizations from entering or remaining in the country is paramount for safeguarding American society.

Notable Quote:

Ted Cruz ([18:56]): "Hamas on October 7th carried out the mass murder of 1200 civilians... If you're supporting child rapists, get the hell out of our country."

He criticizes the previous administration for inaction, asserting that Democrats would prioritize radical elements over national safety.

6. Foreign Funding in U.S. Universities

Addressing the infiltration of foreign money into American higher education, Senator Cruz highlights a report from Americans for Public Trust revealing that $60 billion has flowed into U.S. universities, with $795 million originating from adversarial nations like China, Russia, Venezuela, and Yemen.

Key Concerns:

• Espionage and Propaganda: Foreign funds may be used to influence academic discourse, conduct espionage, or propagate favorable narratives about adversarial governments.

• Intellectual Property Theft: The influx of foreign capital can lead to the unauthorized acquisition of sensitive research and intellectual property.

Notable Quote:

Ted Cruz ([25:37]): "China had been funding these Confucius Institutes... they were used as hubs of espionage and tools of propaganda."

Cruz recounts his legislative efforts to combat this issue, such as the ban on Department of Defense funding for universities hosting Confucius Institutes, leading to the closure of over 20 such institutions.

Proposed Solutions:

1. Transparency Measures: Legislation requiring universities to disclose all foreign funding sources, especially from nations considered adversaries.

2. Penalties for Non-Compliance: Imposing punitive tax penalties on institutions that accept funds from enemy nations to deter such practices.

Notable Quote:

Ted Cruz ([28:32]): "We need transparency... punitive tax penalties if you get money from a country that is an enemy of America."

7. Conclusion

Throughout the episode, Senator Ted Cruz presents a robust defense of President Trump's policies on tariffs, national security, and academic integrity. He advocates for strategic economic measures to protect American interests, the stringent enforcement of immigration policies to safeguard national security, and increased regulation of foreign funding in universities to prevent undue influence and espionage.

Ben Ferguson complements Cruz's insights with pertinent examples and underscores the importance of these issues in shaping America's future. Together, they articulate a vision centered on prioritizing American prosperity, security, and intellectual independence.

Final Thoughts:
This episode of The 47 Morning Update provides a comprehensive examination of critical issues affecting the United States, from economic strategies like tariffs to national security measures and the integrity of higher education. Senator Ted Cruz offers actionable solutions and legislative perspectives aimed at reinforcing America's sovereignty and safeguarding its institutions against external threats.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements and non-content segments to focus solely on the substantive discussions between Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz.