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Caller
He'll call you back in two months. Two months? Yes, his schedule. He's extremely busy sleeping now. Could we speak to the president? Would that be possible? We could do it anytime over the next month. They're so used to this, right? I say no, I'm picking up right now. Is he on the phone?
Ben Ferguson
Yeah. Hello?
Caller
How you doing?
Ben Ferguson
You're listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson.
Good Monday morning. It's Ben Ferguson. Nice to have you with us. And here are the big stories we're covering today on the 47 Morning Update. Colombia's President Petro buckled under Donald Trump's trade war threat after the president refused to allow planes to land in his country filled with illegal immigrants from his nation. I'll have the latest on how Donald Trump pulled this off in a moment. Also, we now have the CIA saying that the government lied to you about the lab leak theory coming out of the Wuhan Institute of Virology. The new CIA director explaining exactly what the evidence is. We'll play that for you in a moment as well. And Finally, Vice President J.D. vance calling out the Catholic Church for protecting illegal immigrants and profiting off them as well. It's the 47 Morning Update and it starts right now. Sunday was a very busy day for Donald Trump and foreign policy, especially after Colombia's President Petro decided to stop. Two military planes landing in his country filled with illegal immigrants had been rounded up in America. The worst part about the story is he had said early on he would allow the planes to land and then decided to block them. Well, President Donald Trump wasn't having any of that and said, okay, you want to go to war, let's do it. And that is when Donald Trump responded with some incredible threats to the country. In a response, Trump swiftly enacted a wave of retaliatory measures, including ordering a 25% tariff be imposed on all Colombian goods coming to the U.S. now, many in the media were acting like that wasn't a big deal, except if you look at what Colombia exports to America, it is a big deal, including Colombian coffee. These measures are just the beginning, Trump said. We will not allow the Colombian government to violate its legal obligations with regard to the acceptance and return of of the criminals they forced into the United States. Trump went on to warn that that tariff that starts at 25% would then jump to 50% at the end of week one. Now, before the South American leader caved, the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio also alleged that the president of Colombia had canceled his authorization for the flights of Colombian nationals when the planes were already in the air. It is the responsibility of each nation to take back their citizens who are illegally present in the United States in a serious and expeditious manner. The Colombian president had authorized the flights and provided all needed authorizations and then canceled his authorization when the plans were in the air. Rubio went on to say on X, as demonstrated by today's actions, we are unwavering in our commitment to end illegal immigration and bolster America's border security. Rubio went on to state, well, guess what happened. The President of Columbia instantly caved after the list came out of exactly what President Trump was going to do. It wasn't just the emergency tariffs that were jumping from 25 to 50% at the end of one week, but also a travel ban and an immediate visa revocations on the Colombian government officials, also all of their allies and supporters. Donald Trump wasn't done with that, saying visa sanctions will happen on all party members, family members and supporters of the Colombian government. And just to add on to that, the President said he was going to have enhanced Customs and Border Protection inspections of all Colombian nationals as well as cargo because of the national security grounds. And finally, the President said the IEEPA treasury, banking and financial sanctions will be fully imposed. These measures are just the beginning, the President stated, and we will not allow the Colombian government to violate its legal obligations with regard to the acceptance and the return of criminals that they forced into the U.S. well, guess what the Colombian president did. Not only did he say, okay, let's all get along, but he even said he would send his own presidential jet to America to pick up the 160 plus illegal immigrants that we were originally flying back to Columbia. If you wanna know what make America great again looks like, well, Donald Trump, he's bringing it week one.
Now story number two.
So remember the lie that we were told for years from the Biden Harris administration that there was no such thing as a lab when it came to the origins of COVID 19. You may also remember that Dr. Fauci lied to the American people and even needed a preemptive pardon because of what he said the American people about the Institute of Virology in Wuhan and the lab leak theory. He also funded gain of function research and lied about that. Well, now because all of those individuals are out of the government, we're finding out exactly what really happened. And the CIA, it is now being reported by Politico, the Wall Street Journal, the BBC, Fox News, even CNN and the Associated Press are now running headlines that Say the CIA believes Covid most likely originated from a lab. Yes. Another headline, the CIA releases new analysis on Covid origins favoring lab leak theory. Politico's headline, CIA now says COVID 19 is more likely to have originated from a lab leak. These headlines would have been banned from social media and had your account silenced or even shut down if you shared them during COVID 19 and the pandemic. But now we're hearing a lot more about the facts. John Radcliffe is now the CIA director after being confirmed this past week. And here is what he had to say about the American people. It's time that they are able to trust their government again.
John Radcliffe
Part of what we have to do is we have to restore Americans trust in our own institutions like the intelligence community and law enforcement, and that includes the CIA. And, you know, one of the things that the President stressed, you know, the purpose of the CIA is to protect Americans, to keep us safe from foreign threats and foreign adversaries. But we also need to be truthful with Americans. And he has stressed to me and others that, you know, these aren't mutually exclusive missions. We can do both. And so in the case of the CIA, which is the best foreign intelligence service in the world, after five years, to not have a public assessment, to be honest with the American people, about where the likely source of a pandemic that killed millions around the world, including a million Americans, and really impacted all 345 million Americans in some way, people lost jobs, they lost houses, they lost their health, they lost their businesses, all of that. And so I had the opportunity on my first day to make public an assessment that actually took place in the Biden administration, so it can't be accused of being political. And it does assess. The CIA has assessed that the most likely cause of this pandemic that has wrought so much devastation around the world was because of a lab related incident in Wuhan. And so we'll continue to investigate that moving forward. But I think it was important for the American people to see an institution like the CIA get off the sidelines and be truthful about what our intelligence shows at the same time of protecting us from adversaries like China, if they caused or contributed to this.
Ben Ferguson
It's very clear from Radcliffe's words there that the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump, is instructing the people in his cabinet to be transparent with the American people, to bring back faith to institutions like the CIA or the FBI or the Department of Homeland Security. And I have a feeling what we're going to witness in the days and the weeks ahead is more people like Radcliffe stepping up and saying this is what they were hiding from you in the Biden and Harris administration. It is clear this is an initiative of Donald Trump. So get ready for more bombshells. And also many moments that are going to probably be like, I knew I was right, moments where we were lied to by our government.
And lastly, story number three, there's a very famous saying.
It is a saying that you've probably heard before. Follow the money. Well, nothing can be truer when it comes to government and politics. And many times when there is a crisis and money is thrown at that crisis, there are always people on the take that are more than happy to get rich. Well, J.D. vance is now calling out the Catholic Church saying they are doing more to help immigrants, illegal immigrants, specifically, to actually help their bottom line, not so much because they believe in a policy. Well, Vice President J.D. vance ruffled a lot of feathers when he got into a back and forth over the idea now that the government is going to raid churches to if there are illegal immigrants in attendance, there are some saying that is inhumane. And the president of the United States of America is saying there should be nowhere that is off limits to violent illegal immigrants, even if they seek refuge in a church. Take a listen to what JD Vanta to say about the Catholic Church profiting off of, quote, taking care of illegal immigrants in America.
Margaret Brennan
Of Catholic bishops this week condemned some of the executive orders signed by President Trump, specifically those allowing Immigration and Customs Enforcement to enter churches and to enter schools. Do you personally support the idea of conducting a raid or enforcement action in a church service at a school?
J.D. Vance
Well, let me, let me address this. Of course, if you have a person who is convicted of a violent crime, whether they're an illegal immigrant or a non illegal immigrant, you have to go and get that person to protect the public safety. That's not unique to immigration. But let me just address this particular issue, Margaret, because as a practicing Catholic, I was actually heartbroken by that statement. And I think that the U.S. conference of Catholic Bishops needs to actually look in the mirror a little bit and recognize that when they receive over $100 million to help resettle illegal immigrants, are they worried about humanitarian concerns or are they actually worried about their bottom line? We are going to enforce immigration law. We're going to protect the American people. Donald Trump promised to do that. And I believe the U.S. conference of Catholic Bishops, if they're worried about the humanitarian costs of immigration enforcement, let them talk about the children who have been sex trafficked because of the wide open border of Joe Biden.
Margaret Brennan
You personally let them talk about going.
J.D. Vance
People like Lake and Riley who were brutally murdered. I support us doing law enforcement against violent criminals, whether they're illegal immigrants or anybody else in a way that keeps us safe. Let me ask this question. Let's separate the immigration issue. If you had a violent murderer in a school, of course I want law enforcement to go and get that person out.
Ben Ferguson
Of course.
J.D. Vance
What's the point of the question?
Margaret Brennan
You changed the regulation this week. That's the point of the question.
J.D. Vance
Exactly.
Margaret Brennan
Giving the authority to go into churches, going to schools.
J.D. Vance
We empowered law enforcement to enforce the law everywhere to protect Americans.
Margaret Brennan
A chilling effect, arguably to people to not send their kids to school.
J.D. Vance
I desperately hope it has a chilling effect on illegal immigrants.
Margaret Brennan
Coming to the U.S. conference of Catholic Bishops is are actively hiding criminals.
J.D. Vance
I think the U.S. conference of Catholic Bishops has frankly not been a good partner in common sense immigration enforcement that the American people voted for. And I hope again, as a devout Catholic, that they'll do better.
Ben Ferguson
As a devout Catholic, he hopes they'll do better. So follow the money. What are we talking about? Early reports have been coming out after Vance did that interview showing millions and millions and millions and millions of dollars have been flowing into the Catholic Charities to make sure that they take care of the illegal immigrants. Yes, the Catholic Church is profiting off of this, there's no doubt about it. And now you have the Vice President of the United States of America calling them out for it.
Thank you for listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson. Please make sure you hit subscribe wherever you're listening to this podcast right now. And for more in depth news, also subscribe to the Ben Ferguson Podcast and we will see you back here tomorrow.
Podcast Summary: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson – "Trump to Colombia on Illegals 'FAFO!'"
Release Date: January 27, 2025
Host: Ben Ferguson
Podcast: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Produced by: Premiere Networks
Introduction
In this episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson delves into three pivotal stories shaping American politics and international relations. From President Donald Trump's aggressive stance against Colombia over illegal immigration to groundbreaking revelations from the CIA on COVID-19 origins, and Vice President J.D. Vance's controversial critique of the Catholic Church's role in immigration enforcement, Ferguson provides unfiltered insights and exclusive commentary.
1. Trump vs. Colombia: A Battle Over Illegal Immigration
The episode opens with a heated discussion about President Donald Trump's recent confrontations with Colombian President Gustavo Petro. The crux of the conflict revolves around Colombia's decision to halt the landing of military planes carrying illegal immigrants to the United States, a move that initially appeared to be a cooperative effort but soon turned contentious.
Key Points:
Trade War Threats: President Trump responded to Colombia's actions by threatening a 25% tariff on all Colombian imports to the U.S., including vital exports like Colombian coffee. "These measures are just the beginning," Trump declared, emphasizing his administration's commitment to enforcing immigration laws. (Timestamp: 00:20)
Escalation of Measures: Trump further escalated the situation by announcing plans to increase tariffs to 50% after one week, implement a travel ban, and revoke visas of Colombian government officials and their affiliates. "We will not allow the Colombian government to violate its legal obligations," Trump asserted. (Timestamp: 05:00)
Secretary of State's Involvement: Marco Rubio backed Trump's stance, highlighting Colombia's abrupt cancellation of authorized flights. Rubio emphasized the U.S.'s unwavering commitment to ending illegal immigration and strengthening border security. (Timestamp: 05:35)
Colombia's Response: Faced with mounting pressure, President Petro acquiesced, agreeing to allow the return of over 160 illegal immigrants by sending his presidential jet to the United States. "If you want to know what 'Make America Great Again' looks like, well, Donald Trump, he's bringing it week one," Ferguson remarked, underscoring the swift triumph of Trump's policies. (Timestamp: 05:50)
Notable Quote:
"We will not allow the Colombian government to violate its legal obligations with regard to the acceptance and return of criminals they forced into the United States." – President Donald Trump (Timestamp: 05:00)
2. CIA Reveals New Analysis on COVID-19 Origins
Transitioning to domestic affairs, Ferguson addresses the recent statements from the CIA regarding the origins of COVID-19. This revelation challenges long-standing narratives and suggests a significant shift in intelligence findings.
Key Points:
Shift in Narrative: The CIA, under new director John Radcliffe, has publicly stated that COVID-19 likely originated from a lab leak at the Wuhan Institute of Virology. This marks a departure from previous denials and aligns with reports across major media outlets like Politico, Fox News, and CNN. (Timestamp: 05:10)
Radcliffe's Statement: Emphasizing transparency, Radcliffe stated, "It's time that they are able to trust their government again." He elaborated on the CIA's dual mission of protecting Americans and being truthful about intelligence findings. (Timestamp: 06:40)
Ferguson's Commentary: Ferguson interprets Radcliffe's statements as indicative of President Trump's directive to restore trust in governmental institutions and promises more revelations uncovering past deceptions. "It is clear this is an initiative of Donald Trump," he asserted, anticipating further disclosures that may validate Trump's criticisms of previous administrations. (Timestamp: 08:22)
Notable Quote:
"The CIA has assessed that the most likely cause of this pandemic that has wrought so much devastation around the world was because of a lab-related incident in Wuhan." – John Radcliffe, CIA Director (Timestamp: 07:10)
Notable Quote:
"It's time that they are able to trust their government again." – John Radcliffe, CIA Director (Timestamp: 06:40)
3. J.D. Vance Slams the Catholic Church for Profiting from Illegal Immigration
In the final segment, Vice President J.D. Vance engages in a provocative interview with Margaret Brennan, targeting the Catholic Church's involvement in immigration services. Vance accuses the Church of prioritizing financial gains over genuine humanitarian concerns.
Key Points:
Controversial Accusations: Vance criticizes the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops for receiving over $100 million to aid in resettling illegal immigrants, questioning their motives. "Are they worried about humanitarian concerns or are they actually worried about their bottom line?" he challenged. (Timestamp: 10:37)
Law Enforcement and Enforcement Action: Vance defends the administration's expanded authority to conduct raids in places of worship, arguing that protecting public safety necessitates enforcing immigration laws everywhere, including churches and schools. "We empowered law enforcement to enforce the law everywhere to protect Americans," he stated. (Timestamp: 11:58)
Financial Implications: Highlighting emerging reports, Ferguson underscores Vance's allegations with evidence suggesting substantial funds have flowed into Catholic Charities for immigration purposes. "The Catholic Church is profiting off of this, there's no doubt about it," Ferguson emphasized. (Timestamp: 12:32)
Notable Quote:
"We empowered law enforcement to enforce the law everywhere to protect Americans." – Vice President J.D. Vance (Timestamp: 11:58)
Notable Quote:
"Let me just address this particular issue, Margaret, because as a practicing Catholic, I was actually heartbroken by that statement." – Vice President J.D. Vance (Timestamp: 11:34)
Conclusion
In this episode, Ben Ferguson delivers a robust analysis of current events, highlighting significant developments in U.S.-Colombia relations, revelations about COVID-19 origins from the CIA, and contentious debates surrounding the Catholic Church's role in immigration enforcement. Through incisive commentary and exclusive interviews, Ferguson provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the issues dominating America's political landscape.
Final Remarks: "Thank you for listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson. Please make sure you hit subscribe wherever you're listening to this podcast right now. And for more in-depth news, also subscribe to the Ben Ferguson Podcast and we will see you back here tomorrow."
Notable Quotes Compilation:
President Donald Trump:
"We will not allow the Colombian government to violate its legal obligations with regard to the acceptance and return of criminals they forced into the United States." (05:00)
John Radcliffe, CIA Director:
"The CIA has assessed that the most likely cause of this pandemic that has wrought so much devastation around the world was because of a lab-related incident in Wuhan." (07:10)
"It's time that they are able to trust their government again." (06:40)
Vice President J.D. Vance:
"We empowered law enforcement to enforce the law everywhere to protect Americans." (11:58)
"Let me just address this particular issue, Margaret, because as a practicing Catholic, I was actually heartbroken by that statement." (11:34)
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