The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Episode Title: Trump declares Antifa a Terrorist Organization plus Feds Drop Rates & How it Effects You
Date: September 18, 2025
Host: Ben Ferguson
Network: Premiere Networks

Episode Overview

Ben Ferguson delivers unfiltered insights into two headline developments:

1. President Trump’s designation of Antifa as a "major terrorist organization," including potential legal and political ramifications.
2. The Federal Reserve’s quarter-point rate cut, marking its first move in Trump’s second term, plus analysis of the potential impact on American households and the broader economy.

Ferguson walks listeners through the origins and expected fallout of these moves, shares notable statements from President Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, and frames the news in the broader context of ongoing political and economic debates.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump Declares Antifa a Terrorist Organization

Timestamp: 04:56

• Announcement Recap:
  Ferguson reports that President Trump has formally designated Antifa a "major terrorist organization." Trump pledges to recommend strong investigations into those funding Antifa “under the highest legal standards and practices,” with an emphasis on tracking funding sources due to Antifa's decentralized structure.

• Antifa Explained:

  • Ferguson characterizes Antifa as a “loosely affiliated ideology” without centralized leadership or formal membership lists, which necessitates “follow the money” investigations.
  • He frames the designation as a significant escalation, particularly following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, pointing to the need to address “left-wing extremism.”

• Legal and Logistical Challenges:

  • Ferguson notes that the lack of a clear command structure in Antifa creates significant legal obstacles to enforcing the designation, which will likely lead to constitutional challenges from groups like the ACLU and SPLC (American Civil Liberties Union & Southern Poverty Law Center).
  • He anticipates a contentious legal and political fight, with Democrats calling the move a threat to free speech.

• Consequences and Implications:

  • The designation is expected to prompt increased federal investigations into individuals and entities that provide logistical or financial support to Antifa.
  • Potential executive orders, regulatory changes, and policy shifts could follow, targeting political violence or hate speech associated with Antifa.
  • Ferguson emphasizes: “Follow the money is everything here.” (13:06)

Notable Trump Quotes

• On Designation:
  “I'm pleased to inform our many USA Patriots that I'm designating Antifa, a sick, dangerous, radical left organization, as a major terrorist organization. I'll also be strongly recommending those funding Antifa be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices.” (Recounted by Ferguson, 13:59)

• On Law Enforcement Response:
  “For four years I had to sit home and watch people screaming at policemen and spitting in their face... They don't have to take that anymore... We'll take responsibility.” — Donald Trump (09:44)

• On Agitators and RICO:
  “I've been speaking to the attorney general about bringing RICO against some of the people that you've been reading about that have been putting up millions and millions of dollars for agitation. These aren't protests, these are crimes.” — Donald Trump (08:47)

2. Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rates

Timestamp: 15:45

• Fed’s Decision:

  • The Federal Reserve cuts its benchmark rate by 0.25%, the first during Trump’s second term.
  • Ferguson frames this as vindication of Trump's criticism of the Fed for acting too slowly and keeping rates “at least three percentage points too high.”

• Economic Context:

  • CNN’s Matt Egan (audio clip at 16:12) says this quarter-point cut is in response to a “slumping job market,” noting the Fed is balancing concerns about employment and inflation.
  • The rate cut vote was nearly unanimous (11-1), with Trump’s appointee Stephen Myron pushing for a larger reduction.

• Future Projections:

  • The Fed signals two more cuts anticipated by year’s end, shifting from previous projections.
  • Ferguson emphasizes the practical effects: lower rates for people with credit card debt or floating-rate loans, though cautioning rates remain elevated.

• Reaction and Analysis:

  • Ferguson argues the cut is “massive” for Americans and credits Trump with pushing the Fed in the right direction.
  • He references Powell’s cautious tone and the ongoing political pressure from the White House.

Notable Quotes

• Matt Egan (CNN):
  “This is a big deal because it is the first interest rate cut of the second Trump administration and it's sending a clear message that Federal Reserve officials are more worried about the slumping job market than they are about stubborn inflation.” (16:24)

• Jerome Powell (Fed Chair):
  “There wasn't widespread support at all for a 50 basis point cut today... I feel like our policy has been doing the right thing so far this year. I think we were right to wait and see how tariffs and inflation and the labor market evolved. I think we're now reacting to... the much lower level of job creation and other evidence of softening in the labor market and saying, well, those risks are maybe, maybe not fully balanced, but moving in the direction of balance now. And so that warrants a change in policy.” (20:41)

• Ferguson’s Summary:
  “So even Jerome Powell having to admit he's probably gotten it wrong for a while now and he's having to be honest that Donald Trump was right.” (21:49)

Memorable Moments & Segment Highlights

• 09:44 – Trump’s vivid account of law enforcement’s previous constraints:
  “For four years I had to sit home and watch people screaming at policemen and spitting in their face...”
• 13:59 – Ferguson reads Trump’s pointed message on social media, designating Antifa a terrorist organization.
• 16:12 – CNN’s analysis outlines the Fed’s rationale; Ferguson quickly frames it as validation of Trump’s policies.
• 20:41 – Powell’s cautious policy explanation reflects the complex economic landscape and pressures facing the Fed.

Structure & Flow

• Opening Headlines: Ferguson introduces two “big stories” — the Antifa designation and the Fed rate cut.

• Antifa Designation Segment:
  Details Trump’s declaration, explains Antifa’s organizational structure, describes likely legal/political fallout, and plays Trump soundbites.

• Fed Rate Cut Segment:
  Recaps Trump’s past criticism of the Fed, presents the CNN report on the rate cut, breaks down the practical impact, and highlights reactions from Powell and others.

• Closing:
  Ferguson encourages listeners to subscribe for more updates, signaling an ongoing focus on White House-driven policy developments.

Tone & Style

• Direct, combative, and partisan, with a strong pro-Trump viewpoint
• Frequent framing of Trump’s actions as overdue corrections or vindications
• Soundbites and external media clips are used to reinforce key points and contrast coverage

Conclusion

This episode of The 47 Morning Update is focused on reinforcing President Trump’s latest policy moves—from a controversial crackdown on Antifa to securing an economic policy “win” with the long-awaited Fed interest rate cut. Ferguson presents these headlines as landmark victories for the Trump administration and offers detailed analysis, embedded quotes, and context for listeners wanting a sharply conservative take on current events.