Podcast Summary: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson Episode Title: Terrorist Linked Illegal Aliens Released into the US plus Protecting Your Children takes a Single Act
Release Date: March 14, 2025
Host/Author: Premiere Networks
Participants: Ben Ferguson, Senator Ted Cruz
Duration: Approximately 46 minutes

Introduction to Key Topics

In this compelling episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson engages in a profound discussion with Senator Ted Cruz, addressing two critical issues impacting America today: the release of terror-linked illegal immigrants and the advancement of the Take It Down Act aimed at protecting children from online exploitation.

Terror-Linked Migrants Released into the US

Overview of the Issue

Senator Cruz highlights a startling revelation from Tulsi Gabbard regarding the Biden administration's handling of terror-linked illegal immigrants. According to Gabbard, nearly 100 individuals connected to terrorist organizations were released into the United States in 2024 after their arrest.

Key Details and Analysis

• Tulsi Gabbard's Testimony ([05:28]):
  "Over 21 million people have come across our borders illegally under Joe Biden's administration. ... Only eight were either deported or remained in custody. The rest of them were released back into our country."
  Gabbard's statements underscore a significant lapse in national security protocols, raising concerns about the potential threats posed by these released individuals.

• Senator Cruz's Reaction ([10:34]):
  "We released terror-linked illegal immigrants into America. What possibly could go wrong with that?"
  Cruz vehemently criticizes the administration's decision, suggesting either gross incompetence or a more sinister motive behind the release of known or associated terrorists.

Implications for National Security

The release of terror-linked individuals without proper vetting poses a severe risk to American safety. Cruz emphasizes the need for stringent measures to prevent such breaches, advocating for accountable border policies.

The Take It Down Act: Protecting Children Online

Legislation Overview

The Take It Down Act, spearheaded by Senator Cruz, seeks to combat the dissemination of revenge porn and deepfake pornography targeting individuals, especially minors. The bill mandates that technology platforms implement a robust notice-and-takedown system, ensuring swift removal of non-consensual explicit imagery.

Melania Trump's Involvement ([20:10]):

Senator Cruz highlights First Lady Melania Trump's active support for the legislation. Trump participated in a Capitol Hill roundtable, reinforcing the bipartisan effort to safeguard children online.

• First Lady Trump's Statement ([25:42]):
  "I urge Congress to prioritize the passage of the Take It Down Act. This legislation is essential for addressing the growing concerns related to online safety, protecting individual rights, and promoting a healthier digital environment."

Personal Stories and Victim Testimonies

The episode features heartfelt accounts from victims who have suffered due to non-consensual sharing of explicit images.

• Elliston Berry ([38:30]):
  "I'm Elliston Berry. I'm 15 years old. I was a survivor of AI deepfakes. ... The boy did not get in significant trouble, and the images were still up nine months later despite repeated requests for removal."

• Brandon Guffey ([39:52]):
  "July 27, 2022. I lost my oldest son, Gavin, to suicide after he was extorted online with fabricated explicit images. ... The Take It Down Act would have provided the necessary legal framework to remove those images and support my family during our tragedy."

These testimonies illustrate the profound emotional and psychological toll such abuses have on victims and their families, underscoring the urgent need for legislative action.

Legislative Process and Bipartisan Support

Senator Cruz discusses the collaborative efforts required to pass the Take It Down Act, highlighting the importance of personal relationships and bipartisan cooperation within Congress.

• Senator Cruz on Cooperation ([34:10]):
  "Personal relationships make a difference. ... When the First Lady leaned in, both the Speaker and the Majority Leader committed to prioritizing this legislation."

Implementation and Impact

The Act not only criminalizes the publication of non-consensual intimate images but also imposes strict penalties on tech platforms that fail to comply with takedown requests within 48 hours.

• Senator Cruz's Closing Remarks ([35:46]):
  "Criminalizing the publication of such images online is a terrible, terrible thing. Once it passes the House, I look forward to signing that bill into law."

Future Outlook

With strong support from both ends of the political spectrum and endorsements from influential figures like the First Lady, the Take It Down Act is poised for swift passage, promising substantial protection for vulnerable populations against digital exploitation.

Impact and Public Support

Poll Numbers Reflecting Public Sentiment ([13:15]):

Senator Cruz shares encouraging poll results indicating robust public approval for the President's stance on immigration and the efficacy of the Take It Down Act.

• Key Poll Findings:
  • 76% approved of Trump's address to Congress.
  • 77% supported Trump's immigration plan at the border.
  • 68% believed the President had a clear plan to battle inflation.
  • High marks for the Act's potential to protect children and promote online safety.

These statistics reveal substantial public backing, reinforcing the necessity and timeliness of the proposed policies.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, The 47 Morning Update delivers an in-depth exploration of significant national security and child protection issues. Through the insightful dialogue between Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges posed by inadequate border security and the pervasive threat of online exploitation. The collaborative efforts to pass the Take It Down Act, bolstered by personal stories and bipartisan support, highlight a pivotal moment in safeguarding America's future generations.

Listeners are encouraged to stay informed, support legislative initiatives, and share the podcast to amplify these crucial discussions.

Notable Quotes:

• Senator Ted Cruz ([01:02]):
  "Almost 100 terror-linked migrants were released into the United States of America in 2024 alone by the Biden administration."

• Tulsi Gabbard ([05:28]):
  "Only eight of those who were arrested were either deported or remained in custody. The rest were released back into our country."

• Senator Ted Cruz ([10:34]):
  "I believe the Biden administration wants terrorists to attack America. But then why would you release these people?"

• First Lady Melania Trump ([25:42]):
  "I urge Congress to prioritize the passage of the Take It Down Act. This legislation is essential for addressing the growing concerns related to online safety."

• Elliston Berry ([38:30]):
  "There was nothing she could do about it. The boy did not get in significant trouble, and the images were still up nine months later."

• Brandon Guffey ([39:52]):
  "I lost my oldest son, Gavin, to suicide after he was extorted online with fabricated explicit images."

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