The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

Episode: Western Hemisphere Shake-Up: Maduro Captured, Oil Secured, Cuba on Notice

Date: January 7, 2026
Host: Ben Ferguson (Premiere Networks)

Main Theme / Purpose

Ben Ferguson discusses a seismic political and economic shift in the Western Hemisphere following the U.S. capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. He explores the implications of the Trump administration's deal to secure Venezuelan oil, increased pressure on Cuba’s regime, and how these events are sparking unrest as far away as Iran. This episode delivers unfiltered commentary on the administration’s foreign policy moves, with a focus on American benefits and prospects for liberty across the region.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S. Secures Venezuelan Oil Reserves

• Trump Administration Announcement

  • President Donald Trump revealed that interim Venezuelan authorities will hand over 30–50 million barrels of high-quality oil to the U.S. at market prices.
  • Trump stated the proceeds will be controlled directly by him to ensure both Venezuelans and U.S. taxpayers benefit.
  • Quote:

    "The money will be controlled by me as President of the United States of America to ensure it is used to benefit not only the people of Venezuela, but which means you and I as taxpayers do not have to worry about paying for Venezuela like we did in Afghanistan and Iraq." — Ben Ferguson [03:18]

  • Trump appointed Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute the logistics, bringing the oil directly to U.S. ports.

• Economic and Geopolitical Significance

  • Venezuela holds approximately $17.3 trillion in oil reserves, surpassing the GDP of most of the world combined (excluding the U.S. and China). [03:50]
  • The capture and removal of Maduro and his wife by U.S. military forces mark the beginning of U.S.-directed management of Venezuelan oil resources.
  • Quote:

    "After Venezuela's socialist dictator Maduro and his wife Flores were captured by US Military forces, Trump stated that the US will run everything regarding Venezuela's oil reserves." — Ben Ferguson [04:22]

2. Cuba Faces New Pressure

• Domino Effect and Speculations

  • The Trump administration and top lawmakers suggest Cuba's communist regime could be destabilized next, as it heavily relies on Venezuelan oil and has lost its critical support.
  • House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford (R-AR) calls Maduro’s capture “the beginning of the end” for Cuba’s regime.
  • Quote:

    "Cuba needs Venezuelan oil. They no longer have the resources that will be provided by Venezuela. And that means there are major consequences." — Rep. Rick Crawford (via Ben Ferguson) [07:50]

  • The interconnectedness of Cuban American families in Florida is highlighted as a potential catalyst for political change through grassroots support and remittances.

• Political Commentary

  • Guest voices emphasize Cuba's crumbling structure and predict that regime change is imminent.
  • Quote:

    "Cuba is going to be something we'll end up talking about because Cuba is a failing nation right now, very badly failing nation. And we want to help the people." — Conservative Commentator [06:20]
    "We're going to see freedom and liberty in Cuba... When Trump finishes this term, I think all across Latin America, we're going to see freedom and liberty." — Rick Scott [06:45]

• Historical Context

  • Ferguson recounts the longstanding U.S. embargo on Cuba, in place since 1962, and underlines the potential for U.S. influence to encourage a popular uprising.

3. Wider Regional and Global Implications

• Inspiration in Iran
  • Unrest in Venezuela and Cuba has reportedly inspired Iranian protestors to shift their slogans from “Death to America” to “Death to the dictator.”
  • The scale and persistence of protests across Iran are described as surpassing even previous major uprisings.
  • The Iranian regime is reportedly hesitant to apply deadly force, fearing loss of perceived legitimacy and the scale of current protests.
  • Quote:

    "The protests against the Iranian regime has now spread to most of Iran's 31 provinces as of Tuesday, including cities that have long been seen as firmly loyal to the Ayatollah." — Ben Ferguson [09:20]

  • The Trump administration signals support for Iranian protesters and warns of consequences if the regime cracks down.
  • Ferguson posits that U.S. resolve is emboldening movements for freedom worldwide.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On U.S. Oil Gain:

  “As a taxpayer, you should be very excited about what I'm about to tell you.” — Ben Ferguson [03:18]

• On Venezuela’s Downfall:

  “To put it in perspective, this obviously is a major step forward for the President and also to getting Venezuela back on its feet and the people there that have been oppressed by the communist regime for far too long.” — Ben Ferguson [04:00]

• On Cuba’s Outlook:

  “If I lived in Havana and I was in the government, I’d be concerned.” — Political Analyst [06:32]
  “Cuba has been the root of evil. So if you look at this is an unbelievable opportunity.” — Rick Scott [06:45]

• On U.S. Influence for Change:

  "We can play an outsized role there in influencing those folks and helping them to organize, to rise up and help overcome the oppressive... regime." — Rep. Rick Crawford (via Ben Ferguson) [08:00]

• On Global Ripple Effects:

  "This could certainly move us in the right direction and inspire others to stand up to the regimes, whether it's Colombia or Cuba." — Ben Ferguson [08:44]

• On Iran's Protests:

  “Now the protests are calling for, quote, ‘death to the dictator, not to America.’” — Ben Ferguson [09:25]
  “The regime seems reluctant to indulge in the kind of bloody crackdown that snuffed out the Women, Life and Freedom movement.” — Ben Ferguson [10:20]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [03:18] – Trump’s announcement of 30–50M barrels of Venezuelan oil to U.S.
• [04:22] – U.S. capture of Maduro and transition of oil resources under U.S. control
• [06:20] – Commentary on Cuba’s regime vulnerability and likely domino effect
• [06:45] – Rick Scott predicts freedom and liberty across Latin America
• [07:35] – House Intelligence Committee Chair on consequences for Cuba
• [08:00] – U.S. role in encouraging popular uprisings in Cuba
• [09:20] – Reports of new protest slogans and spreading unrest across Iran

Tonal and Stylistic Notes

The tone is urgent, assertive, and decidedly pro-administration. Ferguson and his guests use vivid, plainspoken language, emphasizing "real action" over "words," American sovereignty, and a sense of historical turning point for freedom in the Western Hemisphere and beyond.

Conclusion

This episode of The 47 Morning Update presents a narrative of U.S. resurgence and influence in Latin America, portraying the Trump administration as a catalyst for regime change and economic benefit. The domino effect in the region, echoes in Iran, and the possibility of new American-led interventions set the stage for significant geopolitical shifts—all with the message that U.S. taxpayers and freedom fighters worldwide have reason to be hopeful.