The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Episode: Trump Throws Down on Iran, Sanctuary Cities, Interest Rates & the Border in One Explosive Interview

Date: February 11, 2026
Host: Ben Ferguson (Premiere Networks)
Main Guest: President Donald Trump (plus clips from broader media appearances)

Overview:

This hard-hitting episode centers on Donald Trump’s recent in-depth interviews, where he forcefully addresses major national and international issues: U.S. policy toward Iran, border security, sanctuary cities, federal fraud, and the direction of economic policy regarding interest rates and home ownership. Ben Ferguson guides listeners through Trump’s statements, offering critical context and analysis for each topic, highlighting the administration’s agenda and what Trump portrays as unprecedented successes and bold plans.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Iran Policy: Escalation or Diplomacy?

• [03:40] Trump warns Iran: Trump describes ongoing diplomacy but couples it with a threat of military force, referencing the recent “Operation Midnight Hammer” airstrikes as the precedent for possible future action (“We have an armada that is heading there and another one might be going. Either we will make a deal or... something very tough, like last time.”)
• Buildup as leverage: Discussion of sending a second aircraft carrier to the region, corroborated by U.S. officials and media reports.
• Israeli coordination: Israeli PM Netanyahu set to meet Trump, Iran is “first and foremost” on the agenda; both U.S. and Israel aligned on Iran policy.
• Iran’s red lines: Tehran pushes back, refusing to discuss missile programs or proxies in negotiations and warns against U.S. policy being shaped by outside actors.
• Quote [03:40, paraphrased]:

  “We have an armada that is heading there...either we will make a deal or we will not have a deal and we'll have to do something very tough like last time.”
  — Ben Ferguson quoting Trump

2. Border Security – A Claimed Triumph

• [07:06] Trump on the border: Trump boasts of having “the strongest border in the history of our country,” pointing to near-zero illegal crossings in the last eight months—even saying, “Even I can't believe that totally, but I'll take it.”
• He credits this claimed success to aggressive drug interdiction at sea and pledges to crack down on land routes.
• Quote [07:20]:

  “No people have come into our country illegally in the last eight months. Even I can't believe that totally, but I'll take it.” — Donald Trump

• Drug interdiction emphasized:

  “By knocking out those boats, we have dropped drugs, Fentanol, about 33%. And now we're going to start on land...” — Donald Trump, [07:50]

• Complaints about lack of credit for these efforts and a “public relations problem.”
• [08:55] Trump contextualizes: Links border policy to overall presidential achievements and military rebuilding.

3. Sanctuary Cities – “Sanctuary for Criminals”

• [09:13] Discussion shifts to sanctuary cities and proposed legislation for their abolition, with Lindsey Graham leading the charge.
• Trump criticizes sanctuary cities as “protecting criminals,” asserting removing these would dramatically cut crime.
• Quote [10:10]:

  “Sanctuary cities are only good for people... It's sanctuary for criminals, okay?” — Donald Trump

4. Fraud and Corruption – Minnesota & California

• [10:54] Interview turns to alleged fraud in Minnesota, especially regarding medical programs and involving immigrant groups. Trump links this to federal budget problems.
• Trump alleges $19B fraud in Minnesota, promises investigations in California (“California is worse”), and says finding just half the fraud would balance the federal budget “without cutting anybody.”
• Quote [10:57]:

  “So we think it's at least $19 billion of fraud, medical, every fraud. Somalia has come in here. What they've done to our country, these people, they've come into our country and what they have done with that fake congresswoman, she's so bad. No, we're going to get to the bottom of it.” — Donald Trump

5. Interest Rates & Home Ownership

• [12:23] Fed Chair Mistake: Trump admits regret in his earlier choice for Fed chair, implying political influence over his decision.
• Pledges to pick someone “spectacular” and criticizes Biden for retaining the incumbent.
• Interest rates as an economic lever:

  “All he has to do is lower interest rates. Interest rates should be low. Every point is $600 billion. Think of that. $600 billion...” — Donald Trump [13:06]

• Advocates for the U.S. to “have the lowest interest rate in the world,” linking it to deficit reduction and home affordability.
• Cites Switzerland as a comparison, laments “lousy business people” running trade and economic policy in past administrations.
• Critique of Ronald Reagan: Trump says Reagan “was bad on trade,” further distinguishing his own approach as tough and pro-American.
• Quote [13:06]:

  “If we went down two points, we don't have a deficit anymore. ...We should be the lowest interest rate in the world.” — Donald Trump

6. Trump’s Open Media Strategy

• Ferguson closes by highlighting Trump’s willingness to speak with multiple media outlets and his unfiltered approach.
• The “Trump Doctrine” is described as on full display, with bold administrative moves justified by populist rhetoric.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Iran (Diplomacy vs. Force)

  “We have an armada that is heading there and another one might be going.”
  — Trump via Ferguson [03:40]

• On Border Security

  “No people have come into our country illegally in the last eight months. Even I can't believe that totally, but I'll take it.”
  — Donald Trump [07:20]

• On Drug Interdiction

  “We saved 25,000 American lives.”
  — Donald Trump [08:00]

• On Sanctuary Cities

  “Sanctuary cities are only good for people... It's sanctuary for criminals, okay?”
  — Donald Trump [10:10]

• On Federal Fraud

  “If we find 50% of what's happened, we have a balanced budget without cutting anybody.”
  — Donald Trump [11:28]

• On Interest Rates

  “If we went down two points, we don't have a deficit anymore. ...We should be the lowest interest rate in the world.”
  — Donald Trump [13:06]

• On Reagan and Trade

  “I liked Ronald Reagan, but Ronald Reagan was bad on trade. He allowed Japan to come in and Germany to come in... But I'm not bad on trade. I'm real good on trade.”
  — Donald Trump [14:00–15:18]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:41] Trump begins interview soundbites; economic/market commentary
• [03:38–04:30] Iran & Middle East policy, escalation warning
• [07:06–09:10] Border security achievements and drug interdiction
• [09:13–10:47] Sanctuary city debate
• [10:54–11:55] Federal/state fraud in Minnesota/California
• [12:23–14:43] Interest rates, Fed policy, critique of past economic/trade policy
• [14:43–15:20] Reagan, past presidents, and Trump’s claim to economic competence

Tone & Delivery

• Ferguson maintains a brisk, newsy tone, providing context and then letting Trump’s dramatic and direct language carry the substance.
• Trump’s own style is characteristically unvarnished, combative, and self-congratulatory.
• The episode moves quickly from topic to topic, echoing Trump’s own rapid-fire, wide-ranging communication style.

Conclusion

This episode captures Trump in classic form: issuing clear-cut threats, touting administrative successes, disparaging opponents both at home and abroad, and proposing sweeping reforms. Ferguson positions these soundbites not just as news but as declarations of doctrine — painting a picture of a president who is both combative and insistent on his own achievements. Anyone seeking the pulse of Trump’s second term narrative will find this episode an essential listen.