Trump Triumphs in Court as Grassley Blows Lid Off Deep State

Summary

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The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Episode: Trump Triumphs in Court as Grassley Blows Lid Off Deep State
Date: October 28, 2025
Host: Ben Ferguson

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Overview

In this hard-hitting episode, Ben Ferguson covers two headline-grabbing developments shaking up the American political landscape:

• President Trump’s legal victory regarding his authority to deploy the National Guard in Portland, as affirmed by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
• Revelations from Senator Chuck Grassley about the Department of Justice and FBI’s covert surveillance of Republican lawmakers and conservative groups under an operation called “Arctic Frost.”
  Ferguson frames both stories as evidence of “deep state” overreach in the Biden era and significant victories for conservative governance under President Trump.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Win in the 9th Circuit: National Guard Deployment

[03:00–08:23]

Background

• President Trump received a legal win allowing him to deploy the National Guard in Portland to restore law and order during unrest.
• The decision comes from the historically liberal 9th U.S. Circuit, marking a significant moment for presidential authority and Trump’s law-and-order agenda.

MSNBC’s Reaction

• Ferguson highlights the left’s frustration at the court’s decision, playing a significant clip from MSNBC correspondent Lisa Rubin.

Lisa Rubin [06:44]:
“After considering the record…we conclude that it is likely that the president lawfully exercised his statutory authority under 10 USC section 12406... The evidence the president relied on reflects, ‘a colorable assessment of the facts and law within a range of honest judgment.’ We thus conclude that defendants are likely to succeed on the merits of their appeal…”

• Ferguson cites this as proof that Trump’s actions were within his powers, criticizing the left’s resistance.

Ben Ferguson [08:23]:
“It is very clear the left realizes now they’re running out of ways to stop President Trump from doing his job, a job that he was elected by the American people to do.”

Implications

• The ruling solidifies Trump’s discretion as president to deploy the National Guard to protect cities and enforce law and order.
• Ferguson frames unrest in Democratic cities (Portland, D.C., Memphis, Chicago) as proof that tough action is necessary and effective.

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2. Deep State Revelations: Grassley, DOJ, and ‘Arctic Frost’

[08:23–16:37]

What is “Arctic Frost”?

• Investigative operation launched by the DOJ and FBI in April 2022 as a “sensitive investigative matter.”
• Targeted Trump, his allies, and Republican lawmakers—purportedly to probe “efforts to overturn the 2020 election.”

Grassley’s Bombshell

• Senator Chuck Grassley releases documents showing that then-Attorney General Merrick Garland, Deputy AG Lisa Monaco, and FBI Director Christopher Wray personally approved opening Arctic Frost.
• Scope revealed:
  • Hundreds of subpoenas
  • Dozens of interviews
  • Phone data requests for at least 9 Republican Senators and 1 House member
  • Targeting of GOP-aligned organizations, such as Turning Point USA

Ben Ferguson [10:30]:
“We now know that list has expanded and now includes Senator Ted Cruz. We also know that not only were they spying on elected members of Congress that were Republicans only, they also targeted GOP aligned organizations.”

Grassley’s Characterization

Ben Ferguson (quoting Grassley) [11:15]:
"Grassley’s characterization is simple. He framed Arctic Frost as a sweeping partisan overreach that weaponized law enforcement and surveilled members of Congress. …He said this shows now that they were targeting their political adversaries."

• Grassley connects Arctic Frost directly to the now-dismissed Jack Smith case against Trump.

Fallout and Reforms

• FBI’s CR15 squad (public corruption unit) targeted conservatives—now disbanded as part of a broad agency reorganization.
• Former FBI Director Cash Patel promises transparency and accountability, referencing terminations and ongoing investigations into prior abuses.

Ben Ferguson [15:00]:
“Here we are with even more evidence that the Biden administration did everything they could not only to go after Donald Trump, but to go after anyone that supported Donald Trump politically and any up and coming conservative that they found a threat.”

Memorable Lines

Ben Ferguson [15:43]:
“Thank goodness President Trump is now in the Oval Office and the people around him are making sure that this never happens again.”

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On presidential authority:

  “What you’re witnessing is a president that is doing exactly what he promised he was going to do. Keep all Americans safe, no matter where you live.”
  —Ben Ferguson [08:17]

• On DOJ/FBI overreach:

  “Grassley called this worse than Watergate.”
  —Ben Ferguson [14:30]

• On targeting of conservatives:

  “Arctic Frost wasn’t just a case to politically investigate Trump. It was the vehicle by which partisan GOP agents and DOJ prosecutors could achieve their partisan ends and improperly investigate the entire Republican political apparatus, Grassley added.”
  —Ben Ferguson [13:37]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [02:59] – Show officially begins; Ferguson introduces top stories.
• [03:00–08:23] – Ninth Circuit upholds Trump’s authority to deploy the National Guard.
  • MSNBC reaction clip at [06:44].
• [08:23–16:37] – Grassley/DOJ “Arctic Frost” revelations:
  • Explanation of Arctic Frost and targets [09:24–14:30].
  • Discussion of the scope of surveillance, including targeted senators and conservative groups [11:15–13:37].
  • Fallout, FBI reforms, and conclusions [14:30–16:37].

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Tone and Style

• Direct, urgent, and unapologetically partisan in support of Trump and conservative governance.
• Frequent use of phrases like “deep state,” “weaponized law enforcement,” and references to “the left” and “mainstream media.”
• Ends on a hopeful note, expressing gratitude for Trump’s current leadership and promising continued vigilance.

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Summary for Non-Listeners

This episode is a succinct yet passionate rundown of recent legal and political developments favoring former President Trump and current conservatives. Ferguson lauds Trump’s legal win on National Guard authority as a return to law and order, while casting deep suspicion on previously undisclosed DOJ/FBI actions against Republican lawmakers. New evidence released by Senator Grassley is presented as proof of a historic abuse of power now being dismantled under Trump’s resumed leadership. The overall message is one of vindication for conservatives, warning of ongoing threats from within the government, and reassurance that corrective actions are underway.

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Transcript

[Ben Ferguson]

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[Ben Ferguson]

The Democrats should just do a simple extension. That's the best way. The Democrats are holding it up. They want $1.5 trillion for people that came out of prisons, for illegal aliens that come into our country. We don't want to do that because that will really hurt the health care that we have in our country. And frankly, we'd like to see better health care, period. You're listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson. Good Tuesday morning. It's nice to have you with us on the 47 Morning Update. Ben Ferguson with you. And here are the two big stories that are coming out of the White House this morning. First up, there was a massive win for the president when it comes to deploying the National Guard, this time coming from the 9th U.S. circuit decision dealing with him doing exactly this in Portland. And what does this mean for other cities around the country? Also, a massive bombshell, this time coming from Senator Chuck Grassley saying he now has proof that Biden's Attorney General Merrick Garland and Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, plus the FBI director, Christopher Wray, all personally approved opening Arctic Frost to go after Donald Trump and conservatives that were aiding and supporting him. I'll have more details on that in a second. But first, every so often, something happens that reminds us just how fragile our freedoms are. We can't afford to take our rights for granted. We must draw a line in the sand. And our friends at Patriot Mobile have been doing just that for more than 12 years. The truth is there is only one provider that boldly stands in the gap for Americans who believe freedom is worth fighting for. And that company is Patriot Mobile. Not only are they leading the red economy, they're also outpacing the competition in technology. Patriot Mobile is one of the only carriers offering premium access to to all three major U S networks, giving you nationwide coverage and service that you can count on day after day. They also offer unlimited data plans, mobile hotspots, international roaming, Internet backup, and so much more. And switching has never been easier. You can activate in minutes on your phone from your home or your office, and you keep your same number you've got. Now keep your same phone or upgrade to a new one. And this is where the magic happens. Every month, about 5% of your bill is given back to conservative causes at no extra cost to you that stand up for our first and our Second Amendment rights, the rights of unborn children and our wounded warriors and those that have fought for our country and wear a badge. So take a stand today. Go to patriotmobile.com Ben47 or call 972 Patriot. And if you use the promo code Ben47, you're going to get a free month of service. That's patriotmobile.com Ben47 or 972-patriot and make the switch today. It's the 47 Morning Update, and it starts right now. Story number one, the Ninth Circuit saying that President Trump can send the National Guard to Portland is another massive win for law and order. And if you think that the left is going to sit down and just say, okay, fine, the president's going to be able to be the president and he has the authority to do this and he was elected to do it, you're wrong. MSNBC having a total meltdown, as Lisa Rubin had to read the 9th Circuit decision authorizing Trump to deploy the National Guard in Portland. Take a listen to how they spun it on msnbc.

[Sophia Bush]

And I want to just correct one thing and then explain why functional it is the same. This is a stay of Judge Immerse opinion and that's why it reached the 9th Circuit as soon as it did, because this is an emergency motion to essentially pause her order. But as a functional matter, you are absolutely correct. It has the function of overturning her order and thereby allowing the president to send the National Guard back onto the streets of Portland. And Katie, I want to read, if I can, just from a little bit of the Beginning of this 93 page opinion, it says after considering the record, and by the record, they mean all the factual evidence. At this preliminary stage, we conclude that it is likely that the president lawfully exercised his statutory authority under 10 USC section 124 06. That's the statute we've been referring to as Title 10. When we have conversations about the National Guard deployments, which authorizes the federalization of the National Guard, when the president is unable with the regular forces to execute the laws in the United States. And this is the important part, the evidence the president relied on reflects, quote, a colorable assessment of the facts and law within a range of honest judgment. We thus conclude that defendants are likely to succeed on the merits of their appeal, basically saying that when and if a court considers all of the record in this matter is tried and it gets back to an appellate court through an ordinary process where they have Full briefing and full evidence that they speak. Still think Donald Trump is likely to prevail there because he has the discretion to determine, as the president, within a range of honest judgment when it is reasonable to support. You and I were talking about last week.

[Ben Ferguson]

It is very clear the left realizes now they're running out of ways to stop President Trump from doing his job, a job that he was elected by the American people to do. And they're going to do everything they can to continue to try to stop him. But as we witness what is happening now in Portland and the total number of arrests nationwide in the last nine months, and law and order that is also being restored to incredibly violent cities like Portland, Washington, D.C. memphis, Tennessee, and many more to come, including Chicago, what you're witnessing is a president that is doing exactly what he promised he was going to do. Keep all Americans safe, no matter where you live. Now, story number two, it happened several years ago, but we're now finally starting to get to the bottom of the corruption at the Deep State under Joe Biden's leadership. You may remember us talking about Arctic Frost, and that was an FBI DOJ investigation that was open in April of 2022 as a, quote, sensitive investigative matter. It focused on efforts they claimed at the time to overturn the 2020 election. That's right. They were saying that Donald Trump was trying to overthrow the will of the people. Multiple outlets and Senator Chuck Grassley's committee are now describing it as a precursor to Jack Smith's D.C. case against Donald Trump. Grassley's office says agents issued hundreds of subpoenas, conducted dozens of interviews and sought call records for eight Republican senators and one House member from January 4th through the 7th of 2021. We now know that list has expanded and now includes Senator Ted Cruz. We also know that not only were they spying on elected members of Congress that were Republicans only, they also targeted GOP aligned organizations. Notable actions linked to Arctic frost include the FBI's August 9, 2022 seizure of representative Scott Perry's phone surveillance used to locate him and brought a request tied to alternate electors. Later, elements fed into Special Counsel Jack Smith's work. Which brings us to the new bombshell. Chuck Grassley has now released documents he says show proof that the Attorney General, Merrick Garland, the Deputy Attorney General, Lisa Monaco, and FBI Director Christopher Wray personally approved opening Arctic Frost in April of 2022. Multiple write ups cite the memo and handwritten sign offs. And Grassley posted the claims publicly as well. Now, Grassley's characterization is simple. He framed Arctic Frost as a sweeping partisan overreach that weaponized law enforcement and surveilled members of Congress. He ties it to Smith's now dismissed D.C. case. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. So let's break this down a little bit more. The former Attorney General Merrick Garland and former FBI Director Ray decided to approve the sensitive matter. And that led to the surveillance of virtually every Republican that we know of right now. It helped spark a special counsel probe, which was what it was designed to do into Donald Trump's, quote, efforts to overturn the 2020 election. That obviously was a lie. Grassley now signed the new documents he received from the Department of Justice and Garland's approval of the sensitive investigation matter on April 5 of 2022, recommended by the Deputy Attorney General, Lisa Monaco. And what it did was authorize the FBI's Washington Field Office to launch a, quote, full investigation into what officials described as a articulable factual basis indicating the existence of a federal crime, quote, unquote. They said involved Trump and individuals closely associated with Donald Trump. Which is exactly how they opened the fishing expedition to go after Trump and to try to lock him up. Now, the launch of Arctic Frost and the investigation would then lead to the appointment of the Special Counsel, Jack Smith in November of 2022, quote, proof that Biden, Attorney General Merrick Garland, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco, and FBI Director Ray all personally approved opening Arctic Frost. Grassley said in his statement. This investigation leased unchecked government power at the highest levels. My oversight will continue, Grassley says. Grassley also announced earlier this month that at least nine Republican centers now were targeted by the FBI in this probe. On October 6, Grassley said FBI agents conducted toll record analysis, a form of communications metadata review, on several GOP lawmakers, including Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Josh Hawley of Missouri, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, and Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee. The toll analysis of the phones could have revealed whom each lawmaker contacted by call or text in the days surrounding the January 6, 2021 Capitol riot. Grassley called this worse than Watergate. In addition, 92 Republican or Conservative aligned groups and individuals, including Turning Point usa, co founded by slain conservative leader Charlie Kirk, were also targeted, suggesting that Arctic Frost was much broader than just an electoral matter, Grassley said during the briefing. He said this shows now that they were targeting their political adversaries. Arctic Frost wasn't just a case to politically investigate Trump. It was the vehicle by which partisan GOP agents and DOJ prosecutors could achieve their partisan ends and improperly investigate the entire Republican political apparatus, grassley added. FBI Director Cash Patel also coming out vowing transparency and accountability following the revelations. After Grassley's announcement, we terminate employees, we abolished the weaponized CR15 squad, and we initiated an ongoing investigation with more accountability measures ahead, Patel said. CR15 was the FBI's Washington Field Office squad focused on investigating federal public corruption. In reality, it was just going after conservatives. In May, the FBI quietly disbanded CR15 and reassigned its agents as part of a broader reorganization and shift in priorities. So here we are with even more evidence that the Biden administration did everything they could not only to go after Donald Trump, but to go after anyone that supported Donald Trump politically and any up and coming conservative that they found. A threat was then put on their list to be investigated. Thank goodness President Trump is now in the Oval Office and the people around him are making sure that this never happens again. 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. Take a deep dive into the stories making the news headlines across the world. The News Agents we're not just here to tell you what's happening, but why? From me, Emily Maitlis and me, John Sopel with Global's award winning podcast the News Agents Dropping daily covering everything you need to know about politics and current affairs and The News Agents USA. Listening to the Newsagents on America's number one podcast network, iHeart. Open your free iHeart app and search.

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[Sophia Bush]

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