The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson – July 11, 2025

Episode Summary:

In this compelling episode of The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson, host Ben Ferguson engages in a profound discussion with Senator Ted Cruz, delving into pressing national issues. The conversation is segmented into four primary topics: the devastating Texas floods, President Biden’s doctor pleading the Fifth Amendment, the surge in violence against ICE agents fueled by leftist rhetoric, and the FBI’s investigations into former intelligence officials John Brennan and James Comey. This summary encapsulates the key points, notable quotes, and insightful analyses presented during the episode.

1. Devastating Texas Floods and Camp Mystic Tragedy

Overview: The episode opens with a heartfelt discussion about the catastrophic floods that struck Texas a week prior. Senator Ted Cruz provides an in-depth account of the destruction, particularly focusing on the tragic loss of young lives at Camp Mystic, a revered Texas institution.

Key Points:

• The Guadalupe River, typically serene, experienced an unprecedented surge of 1.8 trillion gallons of rainwater, leading to a 30-foot rise in water levels within an hour.
• Casualties and Missing Persons: As of the discussion, 119 lives were confirmed lost, with approximately 200 individuals still missing.
• Camp Mystic’s Significance: Founded in 1926, Camp Mystic has been a cherished summer retreat for Texas girls across generations. The flooding disrupted a significant closing ceremony, intensifying the community’s grief.
• Community Resilience: Despite the overwhelming loss, Senator Cruz emphasizes the unity and resilience of Texans in the face of adversity.

Notable Quotes:

• Senator Ted Cruz (00:36): “It remains seeing firsthand what happened at Camp Mystic remains the most horrible thing I've ever seen.”
• Senator Ted Cruz (04:57): “In my home in Houston, in my front yard, the tree, we have a green ribbon around the tree mourning the girls lost in Mystic.”

Insights: Senator Cruz underscores the emotional and logistical challenges in identifying all affected individuals, especially given the influx of out-of-town visitors during the holiday weekend. He highlights the profound impact on families and the broader Texas community, commending the collective support that has emerged in response to the tragedy.

2. President Biden’s Doctor Pleads the Fifth Amendment

Overview: The conversation shifts to a controversial moment involving President Joe Biden’s physician, Dr. Kevin O’Connor, who pleaded the Fifth Amendment during a House oversight probe into the President’s health. Senator Cruz critiques this invocation, suggesting it hints at deeper issues regarding presidential transparency and honesty.

Key Points:

• Deposition Refusal: Dr. O’Connor declined to answer critical questions about President Biden’s health, invoking physician-patient privilege and the Fifth Amendment.
• Senator Cruz’s Critique: Cruz interprets the doctor’s refusal as indicative of potential dishonesty, questioning the integrity of the President’s medical disclosures.
• Comparison with Past Officials: Cruz references Ronny Jackson, former President Trump’s doctor, who willingly communicated presidential health matters, contrasting him with Dr. O’Connor’s evasiveness.
• Potential Legislative Actions: Cruz mentions the possibility of Congress granting immunity to compel testimony, thereby nullifying the Fifth Amendment protection in this context.

Notable Quotes:

• Senator Ted Cruz (08:52): “Instead of answering reasonable questions, The President's doctor, Dr. Kevin O', Connor, sat in front of the House of Representatives and he pleaded the Fifth.”
• Senator Ted Cruz (11:21): “It's shocking and it's lawless. The Fifth Amendment does not protect. There's nothing in the patient doctor privilege that protects.”

Transcript Excerpt:

• Dr. Kevin O'Connor (10:54 – 11:01): “I must respectfully decline to answer based upon physician patient privilege and in reliance on my right under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution. I am not a lawyer.”

Insights: Senator Cruz emphasizes the unprecedented nature of a presidential doctor refusing to provide straightforward answers, suggesting it raises serious questions about the administration’s transparency. He advocates for legislative measures to ensure accountability and urges the American public to scrutinize the motivations behind such refusals.

3. Rising Violence Against ICE Agents Fueled by Leftist Rhetoric

Overview: The discussion transitions to the alarming increase in violent attacks against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, attributing this surge to inflammatory rhetoric from left-wing politicians and media outlets.

Key Points:

• Recent Attacks: The episode highlights recent incidents, including a shooter in McAllen, Texas, who targeted ICE agents, resulting in casualties.
• Incendiary Language: Senator Cruz cites numerous instances where Democratic leaders and officials have dehumanized ICE agents, referring to them as “Nazis,” “Gestapo,” and “secret police,” which Cruz argues incites violence.
• Legislative Actions: References are made to legislative proposals aimed at increasing transparency and safety for ICE agents, which Cruz views as undermining law enforcement efforts.
• Consequences of Rhetoric: The senator connects provocative statements to real-world violence, asserting that demonizing ICE agents directly contributes to attacks against them.

Notable Quotes:

• Senator Ted Cruz (16:57): “The Democrats have chosen to stand with the criminals and not law enforcement. And we're seeing the consequences.”
• Ben Ferguson (19:12): “House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said employed people to, quote, fight the Trump administration in the streets, quote, unquote.”

Examples of Rhetoric:

• Hakeem Jeffries: Advocated for fighting the Trump administration in the streets and protecting ICE agents at all costs.
• Rep. Jay Apollo: Described ICE agents as “deranged” and inspired efforts to obstruct immigration enforcement.
• Governor Tim Walz: Labeled ICE agents as the “modern day Gestapo.”

Transcript Excerpt:

• Senator Ted Cruz (23:46): “This was a planned ambush with the intent to kill ICE corrections officers. Make no mistake, this was not a so-called peaceful protest. It was indeed an ambush.”

Insights: Senator Cruz vehemently criticizes the language used by left-leaning officials, arguing that such terminology dehumanizes ICE agents and incites extremist actions against them. He underscores the direct link between aggressive rhetoric and the tangible threats faced by federal law enforcement officers, calling for responsible discourse to ensure the safety and efficacy of ICE operations.

4. FBI Investigations into Former Officials John Brennan and James Comey

Overview: The episode culminates with a deep dive into the FBI’s ongoing investigations into former CIA Director John Brennan and former FBI Director James Comey. Senator Cruz explores the implications of these investigations on national security and political integrity.

Key Points:

• Nature of Investigations: Both John Brennan and James Comey are under criminal investigation for potential misconduct related to the Trump-Russia probe, including making false statements to Congress.
• Implications for National Security: Cruz casts doubt on the integrity and loyalty of these former intelligence officials, suggesting their actions could have compromised national security.
• Historical Context: The senator contrasts the investigations with past instances of intelligence leadership, hinting at a pattern of obstruction and deceit within federal agencies.
• Personal Reflections: Cruz shares a personal anecdote regarding the political climate of the 1976 election to illustrate Brennan’s alleged extreme political leanings.

Notable Quotes:

• Senator Ted Cruz (25:44): “John Brennan was the director of the CIA from 2013 to 2017 under Barack Obama. ... he voted for someone who, I'm not calling him a communist. He was the nominee of the Communist Party.”
• Senator Ted Cruz (32:33): “The greatest exposure they have is for lying to Congress because lying to Congress, you're under oath. And lying under oath, that carries a prison sentence.”

Transcript Excerpt:

• Fox News Report (26:00): “Former CIA Director John Brennan and former FBI Director James Comey are under criminal investigation for potential wrongdoing related to the Trump Russia probe, including allegedly making false statements to Congress.”

Insights: Senator Cruz portrays the investigations as a reckoning against high-level intelligence officials who allegedly compromised presidential integrity and national security. By highlighting the legal proceedings and questioning the motivations behind the Trump-Russia probe, Cruz underscores a narrative of systemic deceit within the upper echelons of federal intelligence agencies. He calls for accountability and transparency to restore trust in these critical institutions.

Conclusion: In this episode, Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz navigate through a series of weighty national issues, offering a perspective that emphasizes accountability, national security, and the repercussions of political rhetoric. From the heart-wrenching aftermath of the Texas floods to the contentious legal battles surrounding high-profile intelligence figures, the discussion is both thorough and impassioned. Listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges facing America today, as well as the political dynamics shaping these critical narratives.

Notable Timestamps:

• 00:36: Introduction to Texas floods and Camp Mystic
• 08:52: Discussion on President Biden’s doctor pleading the Fifth
• 16:57: Analysis of rising violence against ICE agents
• 25:44: Exploration of FBI investigations into John Brennan and James Comey

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this summary reflect the content of the podcast episode and do not necessarily represent the opinions of this platform.