Podcast Summary: Verdict with Ted Cruz

Episode: Accountability NOW: Prosecute the Minnesota Fraudsters, their Funders & Organizers, and the Politicians Who Were Complicit

Release Date: December 31, 2025
Hosts: Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode focuses on the explosive Minnesota daycare and Medicaid fraud scandal, which has grown to over $9 billion in misappropriated funds. Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson examine the scope of the fraud, implications for political accountability, the complicity of both government officials and media, and the broader political and electoral consequences. The hosts call for genuine legal action against not only the perpetrators, but also the enablers and political beneficiaries of the scheme.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction & Context: Reflecting on 2025

• Senator Cruz and Ben Ferguson begin by recognizing achievements of the past year, specifically conservative victories under the Trump administration.
• The conversation quickly pivots to the Minnesota scandal, describing it as the year's most shocking and consequential story.
  [03:01–05:48]

2. The Minnesota Fraud: Unpacking the Scandal

• The Medicaid budget of Minnesota is cited as $18 billion, with reports suggesting over half (over $9 billion) lost to fraud.
• The fraud involved a network primarily of Somali immigrants using shell daycare and autism centers to siphon taxpayer funds.
• Viral video exposés by YouTuber Nick Shirley are discussed:
  • He visited addresses registered as daycares, finding locked doors, blacked-out windows, and devoid of children.
  • His videos became "exhibit A" for public outrage, amassing over 100 million views.
• Allegations extend to the fraudulent funds being funneled to Al Shabaab, a terrorist organization in Somalia.
  [05:48–09:07]

Notable Quote:

"Early on people were saying it's a billion dollar fraud that has now exploded. A nine plus billion... The FBI director, Cash Patel, has said they believe this is the tip of a very large iceberg."
— Sen. Ted Cruz [05:48]

Media & Political Response

• The mainstream and corporate media are heavily criticized by both hosts for allegedly ignoring the story due to the political identities of those involved.
• The “racism” defense is examined: Democratic and media figures are accused of shutting down criticism by calling it racist to scrutinize the Somali community implicated in the fraud.
• MSNBC and New York Times editorial board member Mara Gay is played responding to the coverage:
  • She calls accusations against the Somali community scapegoating that "certainly serves the far right."
    [09:07–10:48]

Notable Quote:

"How dare you demonize a Somali community that is racist... You cannot ask these questions of a community like this because it's clearly racist in its tone."
— Ted Cruz [09:07]

3. Scope & Accountability: How Did This Happen?

• The fraud’s escalation is attributed to a lack of consequences and a system of kickbacks involving others in the Somali community.
• 98 individuals have been charged (85 of Somali descent, 60 found guilty), with more prosecutions expected.
• Coverage expands to suggest the fraud and similar schemes are emerging in other states such as Washington, New York, and California.
• There’s a demand for prosecutions not just of the “foot soldiers” but also organizers and complicit government officials.
• The political motivation is discussed: hosts suggest politicians ignored the fraud because it secured votes and campaign donations within the Somali immigrant community.
  [11:50–18:54]

Notable Quote:

"The accountability... needs to include the masterminders and the funders, but it also needs to include the government officials in the Minnesota state government or the federal government that acquiesce to this, that look the other way, that covered it up. It is so blazingly obvious..."
— Ted Cruz [15:46]

4. Political Dynamics, Voting Blocs, and Media Allegiances

• The mayor of Minneapolis is shown in a video dancing and waving a Somali flag. Hosts use this as a symbol of political pandering and evidence of complicity.
• They mockingly note how politicians seeking Somali votes would never fully investigate or crackdown on the fraud.
• The hosts allege that the fraud was essentially “pay-to-play politics,” securing a reliable voting bloc for Democrats.
• The Prime Minister of Somalia is quoted as saying, "the interests of Ilhan [Omar] are those of the Somalian people," suggesting that local Somali-American politicians are more loyal to Somalia than America.
  [18:54–27:36]

Notable Quote:

"Do you think someone who is desperately trying to get the votes of the hundred thousand Somalis... has any interest in investigating and finding out the billions of dollars they’re stealing from the taxpayers?... Hell no."
— Ted Cruz / Ben Ferguson [18:52]

5. Entitlement Fraud, Buying Votes, and National Implications

• The segment includes a replay of a previous interview with Elon Musk discussing entitlement fraud and its role in cementing Democratic political power nationwide.
• Musk claims illegal entitlements and welfare spending are used “to buy voters,” estimating over $100–200 billion are affected, and warns this strategy will create a permanent one-party state.
  [27:36–30:39]

Notable Quote:

“By using entitlements fraud, the Democrats have been able to attract and retain vast numbers of illegal immigrants and buy voters... If the Dems can bring in 200,000 illegals and over time get them legalized... America will be permanent deep blue socialist state."
— Elon Musk [28:52–29:35]

6. Systemic Criticisms & Policy Changes

• The hosts reference a tweet by Bill Ackman questioning why so much taxpayer money is spent on daycare for Somali families when welfare statistics indicate little need for childcare.
• The Trump administration’s federal action is explained: funds are paused, new oversight processes are activated (requiring justification and receipts for payments), and a 360-review of centers is underway in Minnesota.
• Government encourages whistleblower tips, with a reporting hotline and email.
• Pushback from Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz is discussed; he accuses the Trump administration of politicizing the issue to defund social programs, claiming his administration cracked down on fraud for years.

Notable Quote:

“Let me be crystal clear. ACF expects every state to uphold the highest standards of oversight, monitoring, and accountability for federal dollars... Minnesota is no exception. We're committed to holding bad actors accountable, regardless the rank or office."
— Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill, HHS (as paraphrased/presented by the hosts) [38:28]

7. Will Politicians Be Prosecuted?

• Ben Ferguson stresses that legal prosecution lies with the DOJ and the executive branch, not the legislature.
• They promise to continue shining a light (“this podcast reaches millions of people by shining a light and calling for accountability, that builds the momentum for the executive...”).
• The episode wraps with optimism for prosecutions, the importance of upcoming congressional hearings, and a satirical ad targeting Governor Tim Walz for failing to stop the fraud.

Notable Quotes:

“Tim Walz doesn't seek out fraud. Fraud seeks out Tim Walz... Under his watch, fraud is Minnesota's fastest growing small business. His biggest export: taxpayer money delivered to foreign terrorists..."
— Satirical Ad, played by hosts [35:48]

Memorable Segments and Timestamps

• [05:48] – Unveiling the scope of the fraud, FBI warnings, and media silence
• [06:24–09:07] – Breaking down the viral YouTuber video and the demographic involved
• [09:41] – Media clip (Mara Gay/NYT) defending Somali community, racialization of the story
• [12:51] – DOJ charging statistics: 98 indicted, 85 Somali descent, 60 convicted
• [16:20–17:55] – Criticism of Minnesota’s governor and AG, pay-to-play claims, mayor's video
• [23:33–26:16] – Minneapolis mayor's video appeal to Somali community, Somali PM supporting Ilhan Omar
• [27:36–30:39] – Elon Musk segment on welfare fraud and electoral strategy
• [33:10–35:48] – Calls for political accountability, congressional role, satirical ad on Gov. Walz
• [37:38–39:44] – HHS response, tightening federal oversight, and state-federal political conflict

Tone & Language

The tone throughout the podcast is confrontational, urgent, and highly critical of Democratic politicians and mainstream/corporate media. Both hosts use sarcasm, direct language, and conservative talking points. There is frequent use of hyperbole and rhetorical questions aimed at highlighting frustration and incredulity at the lack of immediate accountability.

Conclusion

Verdict with Ted Cruz leverages the Minnesota Medicaid scandal as a case study in systemic failure, alleging not only large-scale fraud but also deep-seated political corruption, media complicity, and policy consequences that reach far beyond one state.
The hosts pledge to continue exposing such cases, pushing for not only prosecution of the direct perpetrators but also the ouster and prosecution of complicit political figures.

For listeners who haven’t tuned in:

• This episode provides a step-by-step argument detailing the origins, implementation, and wider implications of a massive welfare fraud case in Minnesota, blending investigative commentary and partisan critique, and calls for far-reaching legal and political accountability.