Trump's First 100 Days in Office, a New era at the Border-from the WH

Summary

The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson: Episode Summary Release Date: April 24, 2025

In this episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson delves into two pivotal issues shaping the Trump administration’s first 100 days: the pursuit of a fair trade deal with China and the administration’s stringent measures to secure the U.S. border, particularly focusing on the deportation of MS-13 gang members. Through incisive commentary and an in-depth interview with Trisha McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Ferguson provides listeners with a comprehensive overview of these critical topics.

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1. President Trump’s Trade Negotiations with China

a. Striving for a Fair Trade Deal

President Donald Trump expressed optimism about nearing a favorable trade agreement with China, emphasizing the United States' shift from a trade deficit to a surplus. Addressing reporters shortly after inspecting the North Lawn of the White House, Trump declared:

“We’re making a lot of money. This country, this country is not going to be losing money on trade anymore. We were losing $2 trillion a year on trade. Now we're going to be making money, a lot of money. We'll be able to lower taxes substantially and we're going to be proud of ourselves.” [00:16]

b. Active Engagement with Multiple Nations

Ferguson highlighted that the Trump administration has received 18 formal trade offers and is scheduled to engage with 34 countries in trade discussions within the week. Trump further elaborated on the global interest in U.S. trade negotiations:

“They all want to be involved with America, and we have a lot of action going on.” [02:03]

c. White House’s Stance on Tariffs

Contrary to media speculation, the White House clarified that there would be no unilateral reduction in tariffs against China. Press Secretary Caroline Levitt asserted:

“There will be no unilateral reduction in tariffs against China. The President has made it clear China needs to make a deal with the United States of America.” [04:47]

Ferguson underscored the administration’s conditions for lowering tariffs, which include:

• Reduction of existing tariffs and non-monetary barriers by China.
• Encouraging companies to relocate manufacturing back to the United States to strengthen critical supply chains.

d. Future Prospects

The administration anticipates announcing new trade agreements in the near future, signaling a proactive approach in reshaping international trade dynamics to favor American economic interests.

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2. Securing the Border: Deportation of MS-13 Gang Members

a. Interview with Trisha McLaughlin

Ben Ferguson conducted an in-depth interview with Trisha McLaughlin, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security, focusing on the ongoing efforts to enhance border security and deport illegal immigrants affiliated with violent gangs such as MS-13.

b. Case Study: Abrego Garcia

The discussion centered around the case of Abrego Garcia, an MS-13 gang member with a documented history of criminal activity:

“When he was initially arrested in 2019, he was found among other MS.13 gang members decked out in MS.13 gear... He had final deportation orders.” [07:57]

Garcia’s case exemplifies the challenges faced by the administration in deporting individuals linked to violent criminal organizations. Despite his documented affiliations and violent behavior, political and media opposition has complicated his deportation process.

c. Media and Political Obstacles

McLaughlin criticized media and Democratic efforts to portray Garcia as an innocent individual rather than a criminal:

“The media has become like he's some sort of folk hero... Senators that are holding his hand like he's been persecuted by the United States of America.” [09:36]

She emphasized the danger of sanctuary cities and the ongoing struggle against judicial obstacles that hinder effective deportation:

“We are looking at options with these sanctuary cities... if ICE isn't able to lodge these detainers against these criminal aliens, they could be released into American communities and go out and commit the same act.” [14:46]

d. Legal Challenges and Lawfare

The administration faces significant legal battles as activist judges employ lawfare tactics to impede deportations. McLaughlin asserted confidence in overcoming these challenges:

“Ultimately, President Trump, Secretary Nooman, this entire administration, are going to be victorious on this issue.” [12:32]

e. Progress and Future Initiatives

Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, the administration has achieved unprecedented control over the border, reducing crossings by 95% within 90 days. Future plans include:

• Increasing deportation rates.
• Collaborating with third-party countries like El Salvador to repatriate criminal elements.
• Enhancing ICE’s resources and operational capabilities to ensure the safety and effectiveness of enforcement officers.

f. Securing Due Process

Despite the emphasis on swift deportations, McLaughlin assured that all individuals would receive due process in accordance with the U.S. Constitution:

“These are still the United States of America, and we guarantee due process under the US Constitution.” [11:38]

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3. Key Takeaways

• Economic Revitalization: The Trump administration is aggressively pursuing fair trade deals to eliminate trade deficits, particularly with China, aiming to bolster the U.S. economy and reduce taxes.

• Border Security: Significant strides have been made in securing the border, with a dramatic decrease in illegal crossings and a robust strategy to deport violent gang members.

• Political and Legal Hurdles: The administration contends with media misrepresentation and political resistance, utilizing legal avenues to reinforce its border security measures.

• Future Directions: Continued focus on trade negotiations and enhanced deportation efforts are expected to define the next phases of the administration’s agenda, with an emphasis on national security and economic prosperity.

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Conclusion

In this episode, Ben Ferguson effectively encapsulates the Trump administration’s dual focus on economic reform through trade negotiations and intensified border security measures. By presenting direct quotes from President Trump and insights from Homeland Security’s Trisha McLaughlin, Ferguson offers listeners a clear and comprehensive understanding of the administration’s strategies and challenges. This detailed exploration not only informs but also provides critical analysis of the policies shaping America’s present and future.

Transcript

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[Donald Trump]

We're making a lot of money. This country, this country is not going to be losing money on trade anymore. We were losing $2 trillion a year on trade. Now we're going to be making money, a lot of money. We'll be able to lower taxes substantially and we're going to be proud of ourselves.

[Ben Ferguson]

You're listening to the 40 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson.

Good Thursday morning, Ben Ferguson with you. It's nice to have you on the 47 Morning Update. And we've got two major stories we're going to be talking about. Number one, Donald Trump is saying that we're getting closer to working towards a deal with China on trade. What are the details? I'll have that for you in just a second. And also a major story. As we were at the White House, we sat down with the assistant secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to talk about where we are when it comes to deportations, including those in Ms. 13 gangs. We're also talking about securing the border and what the numbers look like right now. That live from the White house, it's the 47 Morning Update and it starts right now. It is a step in the right direction. President Donald Trump saying that the entire world now wants to be a part of trade negotiations with the United States. When asked about his discussions with China happening on Wednesday, Trump's comments came during an impromptu press gaggle after surveying the North Lawn of the White House for the best spot to stake a massive flag pole for a massive American flag that the president says he's going to pay for himself. That's another exciting win, putting America first. Now, the president was asked about what's happening with China and the trade deal. And here's the president in his own words.

[Reporter]

Clarify, Mr. President, on China. Are you thinking about, are you thinking about lowering their tariffs?

[Donald Trump]

Fair deal with China? It's going to be fair.

[Reporter]

Are you talking to them actively now?

[Donald Trump]

Actively. Everything's active. Everybody wants to be a part of what we're doing. They know that they can't get away with it any longer, but they're still going to do fine. And we're going to have a country that you can be proud of, not a laughing stock all over the world for many years. You know, in 1913, they traded to the income tax system we used to be all terrible and we had no income tax. And we had the wealthiest country. We had proportionately from about around 1870 to 1913, it was all tariffs. And we did. We had more money than anybody. They had committees how to spend the money. They had so much money they didn't know how to spend. Then some brilliant person said, let's go income tax. Let's let the people pay. Now. We're going to be able to substantially lower taxes when this is finished.

[Ben Ferguson]

We're going to be substantially able to lower taxes when this is finished. The president making it very clear the tariffs are not just about protecting America, especially on the issue, issue of national security, but also that he wants to lower your taxes significantly. He said, we're going to have a fair deal with China. It's going to be fair now. Trump also told a reporter that the administration was, quote, actively now talking directly with China. Everything is active. The White House notably revealed on Thursday that the administration had received 18 formal trade offers, and the trade team was set to meet with 34 different countries this week alone. Speaking broadly about trade negotiations in the gaggle as well, Trump said, there is a lot of action going on.

[Donald Trump]

They all want to be involved with America, and we have a lot of action going on. We have. We're making a lot of money. This country, this country is not going to be losing money on trade anymore. We were losing $2 trillion a year on trade. Now we're going to be making money, a lot of money. So that's very good. Every country wants to partake, even countries that have ripped us off for many, many years. China is an example. But it's not just China. European Union, they ripped us off for many, many years. And those days are over. We're going to make a lot of money for our people. We'll be able to lower taxes substantially, and we're going to be proud of ourselves. They're not going to be a laughing stock that got taken advantage of by virtually every country in the world.

[Ben Ferguson]

America got ripped off and the President says, I'm going to fix it now. Citing anonymous sources. The Wall Street Journal is also reporting that the Trump administration is weighing reducing tariffs on Chinese goods. The White House press secretary, Caroline Levitt, shut down the prospect of a unilateral reduction in an interview on Fox. Here's what she said.

[Caroline Levitt]

Let me be clear. There will be no unilateral reduction in tariffs against China. The President has made it clear China needs to make a deal with the United States of America. And we are optimistic that will happen. And when that continues, it will be up to the President what the tariff rate on China will be. But we certainly need to see a reduction in tariffs and non monetary tariff barriers from China as well. And we also need to continue seeing these companies abroad return their manufacturing to the United States of America so we can shore up these critical supply chains.

[Ben Ferguson]

Yet again, it looks like the media got it wrong on this story as the White House had to come out and say, no, there will be no unilateral reduction in tariffs against China. What we certainly know is this. We need a reduction in tariffs, the White House did say, and a non monetary tariff barrier from China as well. And we also need to continue seeing these companies abroad return their manufacturing to the United States of America so we can shore up these critical supply chain issues. All of that coming from the White House. So the big takeaway is, yes, we are moving forward with China, but many other countries this week as well. And you can expect trade agreements to be announced in the very near future.

Now story number two.

As many of you know, this show is all about giving the news before it happens. Coming out of the White House, the big stories of the day. Well, celebrating the first hundred days of the Trump administration, I was asked to come to the White House to sit down with many members in the administration. One of Those was Trisha McLaughlin. She is the assistant secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. And we sat down for an interview and the big issue we talked about was obviously what's happening at the border. Here is that conversation that we did at the White House in the Treaty Room.

[Trisha McLaughlin]

One of the big issues that so many Americans care about right now is the issue of what's happening at the southern border. We have done a lot to secure the border under President Trump in the first hundred days. But then there's the issue of all the illegal immigrants that are in this country and how we're going to deport them, especially those that are in Ms. 13 gang members and De Lagra gangs. This is still a major issue for safety for so many Americans. So joining me now to talk about this is Tricia McLaughlin. She is the assistant Secretary, Department of Homeland Security. Trisha, it's a pleasure to have you here and to talk about this. Let's go to the headlines and start there. You've got this story of a MS.13 gang member who even his own wife was making sure that his knuckles were, that had the tattoo of the MS.13 gang symbol was, was not on social media in some of her postings. Then the media tried to say that he was not a gang member, that this was terrible, that we kicked him out of this country and that we sent him to El Salvador and they're demanding him back. And now Democrats have go all in on this. Like there's delegations using taxpayer dollars to go and meet with this person, not meet with family members and victims in this country. Those that have been terrorized, those have been killed, those have been raped and murdered by this gang that is a terrorist organization. And now we're also seeing lawfare in the courts trying to say, no, no, President Trump, you can't keep Americans safe as well.

[Reporter]

Exactly, Ben. And there really is a concerted effort by the media and Democrats to whitewash this story, whitewash who this guy is, that he's some people innocent Maryland father, when he's anything but first and foremost, he is in the country illegally. He had final deportation orders. But let's go through the timeline a little bit to describe who this guy Abrego Garcia actually is. When he was initially arrested in 2019, he was found among other MS.13 gang members decked out in MS.13 gear, having different MS.13 symbols on it. He was found with drugs and rolls of money as well. Two separate immigration judges found that he was an MS.13 gang member as well as the Prince George's county gang unit. Keep in mind, Prince George County, Maryland isn't exactly some red haven. It is very blue. They found that he is in Ms. 13 as well. Flash forwarded to 2021. His wife, his own wife, who like you said, was covering up his knuckles, was filed a domestic restraining order against him for slapping her, for ripping off her shirt, for pinching and scratching her. She, in her own written testimony, said how she feared for her children and tried to take them away from him. And then, Ben, if I may one more time is in 2022, he was pulled over by the Tennessee State Highway Patrol.

[Trisha McLaughlin]

Yeah.

[Reporter]

During which he was allegedly taking eight individuals from Texas to Maryland on a three day journey. On a three day journey with eight people. And there was not a single piece of luggage in that vehicle. That reeks of human trafficking. That is textbook. And so we're left to believe that, oh no, this is an innocent guy.

[Trisha McLaughlin]

And by the way, let's be clear, the Biden administration, the FBI said, no, no, no, just let him go. Don't worry about that.

[Reporter]

There's certainly more to the story and I'd love to hear more from the FBI and what went down there.

[Trisha McLaughlin]

So you look at this guy and he's over there. And now the media has become like he's some sort of folk hero hero for them, the Democratic Party spending taxpayer dollars to go down there and meet with him like he's a celebrity. You have senators that are holding his hand like he's been persecuted by the United States of America and demands to bring him back. What, so he can deport him to another country as soon as he gets here? Because that's exactly what could happen.

[Reporter]

It's remarkable to me that this is the Hill that the Democrats and media are willing to die on, that they have one small shred of any credibility left, and this is what they're going to burn it on is this MS.13 gang member. Americans should remember who MS.13 is. It is a vicious gang that sex traffics, that human traffics, that maims, rapes and kills Americans for sport. These are people who should not be in our country and should be hunted down and locked up immediately.

[Trisha McLaughlin]

You just look at some of the things that apparently were found on, on his devices. And, and that's one of the things that I found interesting on the reporting, is you look at what they share, Ms. 13 gang members. They share the pictures, beheadings, the butchering of humans. And then yet they're trying to say, oh, this guy's a victim who broke into America.

[Reporter]

Anything but. And that is, I mean, if you look at the crime on American streets and the crimes by these illegal immigrant gangs, so much of the time they're done by Ms. 13. They're done by Trend Aragua. They're done by these other vicious gangs. They shouldn't have been here in the first place because they're in the country illegally, much less the fact that with impunity, they've been allowed to reign terror on American streets for the last four years.

[Trisha McLaughlin]

Let's talk about the court system now. And we've seen these activist judges who are stepping in and using lawfare to say, hey, the president can't do this anymore. You can't just ship people off to the other countries. We're going to, we're going to stop you every, every step of the way. What is the administration's response to that? How long is it going to take for this to play out?

[Reporter]

I think ultimately, President Trump, Secretary Noman, this entire administration, are going to be victorious on this issue. On November 5, 2024, there is a clear mandate from the American people that we need to get criminal illegal aliens out of this country. There was likely 10 to 20 million illegal aliens who came into this country under Joe Biden, the American people are done with it. Look, whether Garcia is in a American detention facility or in El Salvador, what matters really is that he's locked up. But I do think ultimately this will be sorted out. We will ensure that these individuals have due process. That was what the Supreme Court was most concerned about, was the amount of time these individuals were given notice. But we're going to be very clear that despite the fact that these are terrorists, these are criminal gang members, this is still the United States of America, and we guarantee due process under the US Constitution.

[Trisha McLaughlin]

So when you look forward, after we're at the 100 day mark, in essence, and this is pretty awesome because there's a lot that's been done. The border is now more secure than it's been in decades. The number of people are coming across. I think the message the President sent loud and clear was, you come here now it's game on. We're seeing that the number of crossings have dropped significantly. But there's the big question of, okay, there's a lot of people that got in under the Biden years. There's literally millions. How are we going to unwind all of that in an orderly fashion?

[Reporter]

Yeah, I think that we're working to do just that. Secretary Noem was handed a tough task and she's taking it on, miraculously. Look at the border. As you just mentioned, we virtually have operational control of the border. Border crossings are down 95%. That is by all accounts the most secure border in American history. That's in less than 90 days. It's pretty, pretty remarkable. But we also have to look at our legal immigration system as well. The Biden administration, mayorkas use parole programs, temporary protected status, and these other programs to allow illegal immigrants to come into this country unvetted. We don't know really who's in this country. So we have to really take a pause and go through who did we let in for the last four years? So I think it's going to take also a unleashed ice. Secretary Noemi has been remarkable in that. But the fact is, for the last four years, Biden did not allow these ICE agents to actually do their jobs. They were disincentivized for making any of these arrests, whether it be just illegal aliens to criminal vicious aliens like these Ms. 13 members, as we've mentioned before. So we have a tall task and we got to get these arrest numbers up. But that's part of the reason why Secretary Noem is on the ground, you know, on a weekly basis with our enforcement Officers from Border and Protection Patrol and from ICE to make sure that we're getting them the resources they need to be successful to get these arrest numbers up and to make sure they're safe on the job.

[Trisha McLaughlin]

Let's talk about detention detainers that the ICE needs in the court system. They need these courts to alert them when they have somebody in custody that is clearly needs to be deported. We still are seeing activists that are not allowing for that to happen. How big of an issue is that going to be moving forward and is there more the White House can do to stop that from being a thing?

[Reporter]

Yeah, I think the Department of Justice under Attorney General Pam Bondi is definitely looking at options with these sanctuary cities like you mentioned, if ICE isn't able to lodge these detainers against these criminal aliens, that they could be released into American communities and go out and commit the same act. Actually, a couple weeks ago, Secretary Noem was in New York City and a lot of listeners will probably remember this really heinous crime at Coney island, the subway station there where this illegal immigrant lit this woman on fire and killed her. It was incredibly depraved. ICE tried to lodge a detainer and we are not sure if that's going to be honored. So we don't know if and when this guy will get out. But if he's not, he could be released back into New York even though he's in this country illegally. That's the kind of cases we have to end. And that's why, I mean, case in point, why sanctuary cities are so, so dangerous.

[Trisha McLaughlin]

Final question for you on moving for the next hundred days. What do you expect the headlines to be from this administration on this issue? Obviously, the border is secure. We can check that box. We're doing more. But where is this going to go and what can the American people expect?

[Reporter]

I think you're going to see ramped up deportation numbers. I think you're going to see more agreements with third party countries. Whether you see that with El Salvador, that they're taking some of our most vicious, worst, the worst criminal aliens, I think you're going to see more of that from other countries to make sure that these guys are off of American soil and take and take part in getting their folks folks back. I also think we're going to see more, you know, we're going to see more action with these, the courts and some of these activist judges, but we're not going to let it stop us. We have deportation flights going almost every single day and alien and New music act is only one tool in our arsenal. We have a lot of authorities to get these people out of the country.

[Ben Ferguson]

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.