Podcast Summary: The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson
Episode: WINNING: Polls Surge for Trump as Illegal Border Crossings PLUMET & More Government Waste Exposed
Release Date: February 17, 2025

Hosted by Ben Ferguson, "The 47 Morning Update" delves into the latest political developments, focusing on President Trump's administration, its policies, and the prevailing political climate. In this episode, Ferguson is joined by Senator Ted Cruz to discuss a surge in polling numbers favoring Trump, significant reductions in illegal border crossings, and the exposé of government waste.

1. Introduction and Health Update

Ben Ferguson opens the episode with a personal update about his recent battle with the flu, expressing gratitude to listeners for their understanding during his absence.

• Ben Ferguson [01:10]: “It was four days in a row of 103 fever from the flu... I rarely miss a show and power through, but this time there was no way I could do the show.”

Senator Ted Cruz humorously references the situation, highlighting their adaptability by airing a rerun during Ferguson’s illness.

• Senator Ted Cruz [00:47]: “Friday's podcast, for the first time ever, we had to cancel the podcast because you were sick... glad to have you back.”

2. Polling Surge for Trump and Conservative Agenda

The conversation shifts to the remarkable polling numbers indicating strong public support for President Trump's conservative agenda, surpassing expectations even among conservatives.

Senator Ted Cruz emphasizes the unprecedented nature of these numbers and the apparent disconnect between the American people and the corporate media.

• Senator Ted Cruz [02:09]: “We are one month into the Trump presidency... Polling numbers... American people are embracing a common sense conservative agenda.”

Ben Ferguson reinforces the significance of these numbers, comparing them to historical polling data from the Bush administration.

• Ben Ferguson [08:14]: “If you had a poll on something we wanted that was above 53%, that was like a home run. If you were at 55 or above, it was like a mandate... I have not seen 60% polls like these in decades.”

3. Illegal Border Crossings Plummet

A key highlight is the dramatic reduction in illegal immigration, a central promise of the Trump administration. Both hosts present alarming statistics showcasing the effectiveness of border security measures.

Senator Ted Cruz cites data indicating a more than 90% decrease in daily illegal crossings compared to the previous year, projecting monthly figures that have not been seen in over six decades.

• Senator Ted Cruz [12:49]: “In February, about 359 illegal migrants per day have been caught... down more than 90% from February 2024... on track to have the lowest monthly border crossings in at least 25 years.”

Ben Ferguson echoes the momentum, noting the growing support among Americans and the positive reception on Capitol Hill.

• Ben Ferguson [14:22]: “It's a momentum thing now... the American people are behind us and we're recruiting a bigger audience that's cheering this on each and every day.”

4. Government Waste Exposed by DOGE

The discussion transitions to the exposure of significant government waste, with detailed examples underscoring mismanagement and inefficiency within various federal departments.

Senator Ted Cruz presents alarming figures uncovered by DOGE, highlighting misplaced funds and questionable expenditures.

• Senator Ted Cruz [24:03]: “$1.9 billion in HUD money that was, quote, misplaced by the Biden administration... $36,126 from USCIS for, quote, diversity, Equity and Inclusion and accessibility training... $2.86 million for, quote, a public relations firm contract... $35,338.58 for, quote, Sri Lankan Climate Change Mitigation.”

Ben Ferguson questions the scale of the waste, pointing out the extensive time DOGE anticipates it will take to uncover all discrepancies.

• Ben Ferguson [25:29]: “They're now saying they don't think they're gonna be able to find all the waste. It could take a year or a year and a half just to get through the waste. Is that a number that shocks you?”

Senator Ted Cruz confirms the widespread nature of the waste and criticizes Democrats for defending these expenditures.

• Senator Ted Cruz [25:45]: “They just simply lost it. And you look at the EPA... $20 billion in clean energy grants awarded by Biden... $36,126 from USCIS... $2.86 million for public relations firm...”

5. Democratic Party Criticism

The hosts critique the Democratic Party’s stance on various issues, arguing that the party is out of touch with mainstream American values and the will of the people.

Senator Ted Cruz references a poll featuring Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, who struggled to respond to questions about Trump’s supportive polling numbers.

• Senator Ted Cruz [05:59]: “Hakeem Jeffries has no answer whatsoever... That's ABC News talking about where the American people are right now.”

He further cites a scathing assessment from James Carville, a long-time Democrat, condemning the party's shift towards extremism.

• Senator Ted Cruz [12:25]: “James Carville is really upset about it... 'Everything's gone to S.'... 'We don't have the audio, but we have the words.'... 'We don't have the audio, but we have the words.'”

Ben Ferguson concurs, stating that Carville's assessment aligns with the current reality of the Democratic Party's disconnect from the electorate.

• Ben Ferguson [12:02]: “He’s not far off... they're so far away from the American people. That's a blessing in disguise for us.”

6. Media Coverage and Bias

The episode examines perceived media bias, particularly focusing on how mainstream outlets have shifted their narratives to counter Trump's presidency, often overlooking significant policy successes.

Senator Ted Cruz criticizes major news networks like CNN and MSNBC for disproportionately focusing on minor issues such as egg prices since Trump's inauguration.

• Senator Ted Cruz [28:25]: “In the 25 days since Trump's inauguration, how many times mentioned eggs? 45 [CNN], 80 [MSNBC]... before inauguration, zero [CNN].”

He contrasts this with the minimal coverage these networks provided before Trump took office, suggesting a deliberate shift to undermine the administration.

• Senator Ted Cruz [29:53]: “As if they had never noticed [egg prices] until Donald Trump took the oath of office.”

Ben Ferguson adds that declining trust in media outlets is benefiting the Trump administration and posing challenges for Democrats.

• Ben Ferguson [29:53]: “The American people just don't trust the media anymore. It's gonna be interesting to see how long that lasts... Democrats and the media are in serious trouble.”

7. Conclusion

Senator Ted Cruz wraps up the discussion by reiterating the Trump administration's achievements in border security and government efficiency, while criticizing the Democratic Party and mainstream media for their opposition and mishandling of key issues.

• Senator Ted Cruz [23:35]: “We're securing the border, we're cutting down massive government waste, we're getting wins, wins, wins...”

Ben Ferguson encourages listeners to stay informed and supportive by subscribing, reviewing, and sharing the podcast, emphasizing the importance of independent media in countering mainstream narratives.

• Ben Ferguson [29:11]: “Share this podcast wherever you can on social media and also grab my podcast, the Ben Ferguson Podcast...”

This episode of "The 47 Morning Update" provides a comprehensive look at the Trump administration's early successes, the challenges faced by the Democratic Party, and the evolving relationship between the American public and mainstream media. Through detailed analysis and compelling statistics, Ferguson and Cruz present a narrative of triumph and resilience in the face of opposition.