The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson Episode: USAID—Who Was on the Take? Plus National Guard on the Border & Zelenskyy "Where's the MONEY?!"
Release Date: February 8, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The 47 Morning Update, host Ben Ferguson delves into three major stories that have significant implications for U.S. politics and international relations. Ferguson provides in-depth analysis and exclusive insights into Donald Trump's recent actions against USAID, the Texas National Guard's new role in immigration enforcement, and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's alarming claims about U.S. aid transparency.

1. Donald Trump's Showdown with USAID

Timestamp: [01:55]

Ben Ferguson opens the discussion by addressing Donald Trump's intensified criticism of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Trump labels USAID as a "radical left lunatic filled organization wasting taxpayer dollars," asserting that it has been effectively shut down under his directive.

Key Points:

• Shutdown of USAID: Trump accuses USAID of significant waste and abuse, emphasizing that the organization is no longer functioning as intended. He claims, "The war would have never started if I were president."

• Allegations of Misuse of Funds: Trump cites specific instances of alleged financial mismanagement, including:

  • $1.5 million allocated to advance Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Serbia's workplaces.
  • $70,000 for a DEI musical in Ireland.
  • $47,000 for a transgender opera in Colombia.
  • $32,000 for a transgender comic book in Peru.

  Trump states, "As an American taxpayer, I don't want my dollars going towards this crap."

• Agency Leadership's Response: Following Trump's directive, USAID staffers received an email ordering them to work remotely, limiting their physical presence at the D.C. headquarters. This move aligns with Trump's broader agenda to eliminate what he perceives as fraudulent activities within federal organizations.

• Media and Democratic Reaction: The media has labeled Trump's actions as an overreaction. Democrats responded by storming the USAID building, framing it as an insurrection. However, the White House remains steadfast, presenting evidence to justify the shutdown.

Notable Quote:

"I love the concept, but they turn out to be radical left lunatics." — Donald Trump [03:29]

Ferguson's Analysis: Ben emphasizes the gravity of Trump's actions, suggesting that the shutdown is part of a broader effort to purge government agencies of inefficiency and ideological bias. He raises critical questions about the true recipients of USAID funds and hints at ongoing investigations led by Elon Musk to uncover further abuses.

2. Texas National Guard Empowered in Immigration Enforcement

Timestamp: [07:07]

Fergusion shifts focus to a groundbreaking development in immigration enforcement: the Texas National Guard has been granted the authority to make immigration arrests. This change comes through a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the state of Texas.

Key Points:

• Scope of Authority: The MOU allows National Guard soldiers to perform immigration-related duties, including making arrests, provided they are accompanied by U.S. immigration officers or border patrol agents. The preliminary ratio is set at one immigration officer to four National Guard soldiers.

• Implementation: Although the memorandum has not yet been distributed to all Texas border sectors, the immediate authorization marks a significant shift in border enforcement strategy.

• Impact on Border Security: With an additional 3,000 Texas Army National Guard soldiers involved, alongside existing federal law enforcement agents, this move is poised to enhance the U.S. government's capacity to control illegal immigration at the southern border.

• Potential Expansion: Sources indicate that similar arrangements may soon be adopted by other border states, potentially transforming national immigration enforcement practices.

Notable Quote:

"This is going to add at least 3,000 Texas Army National Guard soldiers to the number of ATF, FBI, and United States Deputy Marshals assisting the Department of Homeland Security." — Ben Ferguson [10:16]

Ferguson's Analysis: Ben underscores the strategic importance of this collaboration between state and federal agencies. He suggests that this initiative reflects the administration's commitment to tightening border security and deterring illegal immigration through increased manpower and authority.

3. Zelenskyy Questions the Transparency of U.S. Aid to Ukraine

Timestamp: [10:18]

In the final segment, Ferguson addresses Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's troubling revelations regarding the transparency and allocation of U.S. aid to Ukraine. Zelenskyy asserts that less than half of the authorized funds have been effectively utilized, raising concerns about corruption and inefficiency.

Key Points:

• Discrepancy in Aid Figures: Zelenskyy states that Ukraine has received approximately $78 billion in aid, despite the U.S. authorizing around $175 billion to support the war-torn nation. This suggests that about $100 billion remains unaccounted for.

• Nature of the Aid: While much of the aid was designated for military support, including weapons valued at $70 billion, the exact whereabouts and usage of these funds are unclear.

• Corruption Allegations: Reports highlight rampant corruption within Ukraine, ranking it as the second most corrupt European nation in 2023, trailing only Russia. The U.S. House Oversight Committee has uncovered instances of bribery, misuse of government resources, and inflated procurement practices among Ukrainian officials.

• Transparency International's Findings: The organization's assessment of Ukraine's corruption further corroborates concerns about the effective governance of received aid.

Notable Quote:

"We received no more than 75 billion," — Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Ferguson's Analysis: Ben critiques the lack of oversight and accountability in the distribution of U.S. aid to Ukraine. He questions whether the funds have remained within the United States or have been siphoned off by corrupt officials in Ukraine. Ferguson calls for a thorough investigation by figures like Elon Musk to trace the missing billions and ensure that U.S. taxpayer money is utilized effectively.

Conclusion

In this episode, Ben Ferguson provides a comprehensive overview of significant political developments, emphasizing the need for accountability and transparency in both domestic and international arenas. From Trump's crackdown on USAID and the Texas National Guard's expanded role in immigration enforcement to Zelenskyy's alarming claims about U.S. aid to Ukraine, Ferguson highlights critical issues that demand public attention and governmental scrutiny.

Notable Quotes Recap:

• Donald Trump: "I love the concept, but they turn out to be radical left lunatics." [03:29]
• Ben Ferguson: "This is going to add at least 3,000 Texas Army National Guard soldiers to the number of ATF, FBI, and United States Deputy Marshals assisting the Department of Homeland Security." [10:16]
• Volodymyr Zelenskyy: "We received no more than 75 billion." [10:18]

Stay Informed For more insightful analysis and updates on the stories shaping America and the world, subscribe to The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson on the iHeartRadio app or your preferred podcast platform.