The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson Episode: Trump Pushes for Keystone Pipeline & Backs Elon's Email to Government Workers
Release Date: February 25, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson delves into three pivotal stories shaping the current political landscape: former President Donald Trump's support for Elon Musk's initiative within the federal government, the renewed push for the Keystone XL pipeline, and Senator Marco Rubio's criticisms of the United Nations' role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Ferguson provides insightful commentary, backed by recent polling data, and features exclusive discussions that illuminate these critical issues.

Elon Musk's Initiative to Enhance Government Efficiency

Timestamp: [01:51]

Ben Ferguson opens the discussion by addressing a controversial move by Elon Musk, who was appointed by President Donald Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, colloquially known as DOGE. Musk sent an email to all federal employees with the subject line, "What did you do last week at work?" The directive required employees to submit a list of five accomplishments from the previous week by 11:59 PM on Monday night, warning that non-responses would be considered resignations.

Notable Quote:

"We're trying to find out who's working for the government, are we paying other people that aren't working? And you know, where is all that? Where's the money?"
— Ben Ferguson [03:36]

Ferguson explains that Musk's strategy aims to identify and eliminate non-performing government employees, thereby addressing fraud and inefficiency within federal agencies. While some agency heads instructed their employees to ignore the email pending further guidance, Ferguson praises the initiative as a brilliant method to ensure accountability. He highlights the political tension, suggesting that media narratives attempting to portray a war between Trump and Musk are unfounded.

Furthermore, Ferguson references a Harvard Harris poll indicating strong public support for Trump's administration, with 58% of Americans believing Trump is doing a better job than President Biden. Other significant poll results include:

• 81% support deporting criminal aliens.
• 76% support eliminating fraud, waste, and abuse in government.
• 76% support closing the U.S. border.
• 70% support merit-based hiring over government quotas.
• 61% back reciprocal tariffs.
• 60% believe DOGE is significantly aiding the country.

These statistics, Ferguson argues, validate the administration's efforts to streamline government operations and reduce corruption, despite contrary media reports.

Trump's Renewed Push for Keystone XL Pipeline

Timestamp: [06:41]

The conversation shifts to the Keystone XL pipeline, a project Trump promised to revive seven years prior to lower energy costs for American families and achieve energy independence. Originally proposed in 2008, the pipeline was halted in 2021 when President Biden revoked a key permit following prolonged opposition from climate activists and Democratic policymakers.

Notable Quote:

"We're going to find out who's working for the government, are we paying other people that aren't working? … we're trying to find out who's working for the government, are we paying other people that aren't working?"
— Ben Ferguson [03:36]

Ferguson recounts Trump's original statement from seven years ago, emphasizing the administration's commitment to efficient project completion and technological advancement. He criticizes the Biden administration for their inaction and suggests that the Trump administration's approach offers "easy approvals" and "almost immediate start" for such projects.

In recent statements on Truth Social, Trump declared his intention to resurrect the Keystone XL pipeline, praising its potential to boost American jobs and achieve historic energy independence. He labels the Biden administration as "incompetent" and contrasts it with his own administration's pro-business stance. Ferguson supports Trump's position, arguing that energy independence is crucial for reducing inflation and supporting American families, countering Democratic policies that, in his view, prioritize environmental agendas over economic well-being.

Marco Rubio's Critique of the United Nations and War Policy

Timestamp: [09:54]

The final major topic addresses Senator Marco Rubio's outspoken criticism of the United Nations and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. In the wake of the UN General Assembly's resolution condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine—where 93 countries voted in favor and 18, including the U.S. and Russia, abstained—Rubio condemned the UN's stance as perpetuating the conflict.

Ferguson plays a clip of Rubio explaining the administration's position:

Notable Quotes:

"President Trump wants to end this war. He thinks far too many people have died and he wants to bring it to an end."
— Marco Rubio [11:32]

"It's why I say, I hope you take the information that I give you every day here and you give it to others that you know. Because without all of us telling the story, the media will continue to lie and win."
— Ben Ferguson [14:16]

Rubio emphasizes that the Trump administration seeks to return the United Nations to its foundational mission of preventing and ending wars rather than facilitating prolonged conflicts. He highlights efforts to engage both Russia and Ukraine in negotiations aimed at achieving a swift and enduring resolution to the war. Rubio criticizes the UN's approach as antagonistic, arguing that it hinders peace efforts rather than fostering dialogue.

Ferguson underscores Rubio's comments, suggesting that mainstream media misrepresents the administration's true intentions. He encourages listeners to disseminate accurate information to counteract what he perceives as media deception, reinforcing the administration's commitment to peace and efficient governance.

Conclusion

Ben Ferguson wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of informed discourse and the administration's ongoing efforts to address inefficiencies within the government, revitalize critical energy projects, and pursue peace in international conflicts. He urges listeners to stay informed and share the insights provided to foster a well-informed public discourse, free from media bias and misinformation.

Final Thoughts

This episode of The 47 Morning Update offers a comprehensive overview of significant political initiatives and critiques within the Trump administration. By focusing on government efficiency, energy independence, and foreign policy, Ben Ferguson provides listeners with a perspective aimed at highlighting administrative successes and addressing perceived systemic issues. The inclusion of recent polling data and direct quotes from key political figures adds depth and credibility to the analysis, making it a valuable resource for those seeking to understand the current political climate.