Summary of "UFC w POTUS, Big Tech Exemption from Tariffs & Trump Victory Deporting Anti-Israel Radical"

Released on April 14, 2025, on "The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson," hosted by Premiere Networks

1. Introduction

In this episode of "The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson," host Ben Ferguson engages in a comprehensive discussion with Senator Ted Cruz. The conversation delves into Senator Cruz's eventful weekend alongside President Donald Trump, the administration's ongoing tariff negotiations, and a significant deportation ruling impacting anti-Israel activism on American campuses. The episode provides listeners with in-depth analyses, exclusive insights, and frank commentary on pressing political and economic issues shaping America.

2. Ted Cruz’s Weekend at the UFC Fight with President Trump

[00:01-03:17]

Senator Ted Cruz recounts his recent experience attending a UFC fight in Miami aboard Air Force One with President Trump and other key cabinet members. This event marked his first UFC fight attendance and provided a unique glimpse into the President's administration dynamics.

• Atmosphere and Attendees:

  • Cruz describes the event as "incredible" and highlights the enthusiasm of the crowd towards President Trump:
    “When the President walked in, there are not words to describe how much the people in that stadium love President Trump.” ([04:10])
  • Notable figures present included Elon Musk, Kash Patel (FBI Director), Bobby Kennedy, and Tulsi Gabbard.

• President Trump's Engagement:

  • The President's energetic presence contrasted with his usual attire, which prompted Cruz to don a suit out of respect:
    “If you're hanging with the President, you owe respect to the office.” ([06:10])
  • Trump’s interaction with fighters and the audience showcased his ability to connect and rally support.

• Cabinet Cohesion:

  • Cruz observes improved camaraderie within the second-term cabinet compared to the first, attributing it to President Trump appointing "change agents" committed to his agenda:
    “I think there's a much greater consistency of the Cabinet fighting alongside the President rather than fighting against the President in this second term.” ([08:42])

3. Tariffs and Trade Negotiations

[03:17-29:08]

The discussion shifts to the administration's tariff policies, emphasizing their economic impacts and the complexities of ongoing negotiations with multiple countries.

a. Overview of Current Tariff Policies

• Economic Impacts:

  • Tariffs continue to be a dominant story, with significant effects on both the U.S. and global economies.
  • The administration faces frequent changes in tariff rules and policies, requiring constant adaptation.

• Senator Cruz’s Insights:

  • Cruz highlights that the administration is negotiating with 130 countries to lower tariffs on American goods:
    “130 countries have responded and we're negotiating with them and they've got their rate down to 10%.” ([15:09])

b. Domestic Impacts: Small Businesses vs. Big Tech Exemptions

• Exemptions for Big Tech:

  • Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick announced temporary exemptions on tariffs for electronics, including smartphones and laptops, to prevent major disruptions:
    “These are going to be part of the semiconductor sectoral tariffs which are coming.” ([21:31])
  • Cruz criticizes this move, arguing it favors large corporations over small businesses:
    “That benefits gigantic tech companies that have armies of lobbyists in Washington... but it doesn't do a whole lot of good for the little guy.” ([25:49])

• Impact on Small Businesses:

  • Small manufacturers face substantial tariffs on components sourced internationally, threatening their competitiveness and viability.
  • Cruz advocates for exemptions tailored to protect small businesses rather than large tech firms:
    “If you're going to do it at all, make an exemption for small businesses, make an exemption for the little guy.” ([25:49])

c. Internal Administration Debates

• Conflicting Views:

  • There is a notable split within the administration between those advocating for lowering tariffs through free trade agreements and those supporting the continuation of high tariffs:
    “There's a battle waging within the administration... free market side of that argument is prevailing.” ([17:35])

• Senator Cruz’s Stance:

  • Cruz expresses concern over maintaining high tariffs indefinitely, emphasizing the need for balanced and predictable trade policies:
    “Massively high tariffs of every country on earth against America and massively high tariffs in America against every country on earth... that’d be really bad for Texas farmers and ranchers and businesses.” ([19:00])

d. Commerce Secretary’s Exemption Explanation

• Temporary Measures:

  • Howard Lutnick clarifies that the exemptions for electronics are temporary and part of a broader strategy to prioritize national security-related industries like semiconductors and pharmaceuticals:
    “These are coming in probably a month or two. So this is not like a permanent sort of exemption.” ([24:06])

• Strategic Focus:

  • The administration aims to ensure critical sectors are self-sufficient and less reliant on foreign dependencies, particularly from China:
    “We need our medicines and our semiconductors and our electronics to be built in America.” ([22:54])

4. Deportation of Anti-Israel Radical from Columbia University

[29:08-36:15]

A significant portion of the episode addresses the Trump administration's successful deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, an anti-Israel protester at Columbia University, highlighting the administration's stance on foreign nationals engaged in extremist activities.

• Case Details:

  • Khalil challenged his deportation, arguing that Columbia University had been too aggressive against him:
    “They should have been effectively marching alongside me in favor of Hamas.” ([34:57])
  • Judge Jamie Comins ruled in favor of deportation, citing Khalil’s misrepresentation on his green card application and involvement with organizations linked to terrorism:
    “He willfully failed to disclose his employment with the Syrian office in the British Embassy in Beirut when he applied for permanent US Residency.” ([34:57])

• Administration’s Policy:

  • Cruz commends the administration for taking decisive action against individuals who misuse visas to propagate anti-American and anti-Israel agendas:
    “If you're going to use our hospitality to attack and threaten and harass fellow students... get the hell out.” ([36:15])

• Broader Implications:

  • While Cruz acknowledges this case as a victory, he notes it as part of a broader policy to safeguard American institutions from extremist influences:
    “This is clearly right. I'm glad it came down.” ([34:57])

5. Conclusion

In this episode, Ben Ferguson and Senator Ted Cruz provide a multifaceted exploration of the Trump administration's strategies in both economic and security domains. From the high-energy environment aboard Air Force One at a UFC fight to the intricate dance of tariff negotiations affecting businesses of all sizes, and the steadfast enforcement of immigration laws against extremist elements, the conversation underscores the administration's commitment to advancing its agenda amidst complex challenges. The episode offers listeners a clear-eyed view of the policies shaping America, enriched with firsthand accounts and expert analysis.

Notable Quotes:

• “If you're hanging with the President, you owe the respect to the office.” – Ted Cruz ([06:10])
• “130 countries have responded and we're negotiating with them and they've got their rate down to 10%.” – Ted Cruz ([15:09])
• “If you're going to use our hospitality to attack and threaten and harass fellow students... get the hell out.” – Ted Cruz ([36:15])

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