BONUS POD: America Backs Trump as 70% Support No Nukes for Iran

Summary

Verdict with Ted Cruz - Bonus Episode Summary: "America Backs Trump as 70% Support No Nukes for Iran"

Release Date: June 19, 2025

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1. Overview

In this compelling bonus episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz," host Ted Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson delve into the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, focusing on President Donald Trump's unwavering stance against Iran obtaining nuclear weapons. The discussion highlights recent developments, bipartisan support for Trump's policies, and overwhelming public opinion backing decisive action to prevent Iran's nuclear ambitions.

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2. Trump's Stance on Iran and Nuclear Weapons

Ben Ferguson opens the discussion by emphasizing President Trump's clear and consistent position:

"Very simply, Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. Can't say that, right? You don't seriously think I'm going to answer that question?"
(03:16)

Trump reiterates his commitment to ensuring Iran does not develop nuclear capabilities, dismissing any notion of a prolonged conflict:

"We’re not looking for a ceasefire. We're looking for a total complete victory."
(03:28)

Key Points:

• Historical Consistency: Trump’s opposition to Iran's nuclear program dates back to at least 2011, evidenced by his tweet:

  "Iran's quest for nuclear weapons is a major threat to our nation's national security interests. We cannot allow Iran to go nuclear."
  (Ben Ferguson references this at 05:05)

• Decisive Action: Trump has set a firm deadline for Iran to cease its nuclear activities, backed by military actions from allies like Israel.

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3. Recent Developments and Military Actions

The episode details the latest military maneuvers and strategic planning aimed at neutralizing Iran's nuclear capabilities:

• Military Operations: Israel has commenced strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, targeting underground bunkers and military installations.

  "Donald Trump has, in fact, approved attack plans against Iran."
  (Ben Ferguson, 08:29)

• Strategic Assets: The U.S. is deploying advanced military assets, including the USS Gerald Ford supercarrier, to the region, signaling readiness for potential escalation.

  "The Pentagon's sending in their new state-of-the-art supercarrier, the USS Gerald Ford."
  (08:35)

• Technological Advancements: Introduction of bunker-busting bombs, notably the newly tested, yet unproven, bunker buster bombs.

  "They include U.S. airstrikes. Unsure if that includes bunker bust..."
  (09:00)

Notable Quote:

"I believe that unless Iran surrenders in the next 48 hours, the United States, in conjunction with Israel, will engage in military action."
(Richard Karn, 10:49)

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4. Bipartisan Support and Democratic Endorsement

Contrary to popular belief about deep political divides, the episode highlights significant support from within the Democratic Party for Trump's Iran policies:

• Senator John Fetterman's Endorsement:

  "I think they should have targeted him, absolutely taken him out."
  ("John Fetterman," 12:58)
  "I call on Israel to eliminate the supreme leader without mercy."
  (Ben Ferguson summarizing Fetterman, 13:30)

Implications:

• Unified Front: Demonstrates a rare bipartisan consensus on national security issues, particularly concerning Iran's nuclear ambitions.
• Collaborative Approach: Emphasizes the importance of working alongside allies like Israel to achieve strategic objectives.

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5. Public Opinion and Polling Data

The episode presents striking polling data underscoring widespread American support for Trump's hardline stance against Iran:

• General Consensus:

  "Nearly 70% of Americans say U.S. airstrikes to stop Iran's nuclear ambitions are appropriate."
  (Ben Ferguson, 14:58)

• Cross-Party Agreement:

  "79% of adults agree on that. They agree with Donald Trump."
  (Political Analyst, 15:26)
  "83% of Republicans, 79% of independents, 79% of Democrats."
  (Political Analyst, 16:13)

Key Insights:

• Overwhelming Support: A vast majority across all political affiliations back measures to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
• Misconceptions Debunked: Counteracts claims of significant divides within the conservative movement, reinforcing cohesive support for Trump's policies.

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6. Conclusion and Implications

Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson conclude by highlighting the unified support among American citizens and political leaders for decisive action against Iran's nuclear program. The episode underscores the strategic imperative to prevent nuclear proliferation in the Middle East, positioning Trump's policies as both necessary and broadly supported.

Final Notable Quote:

"There is more support for Donald Trump's positions than is comically acknowledged... the American public is with Donald Trump."
(Political Analyst, 16:46)

Takeaway: The episode paints a picture of national solidarity in addressing the Iran nuclear threat, suggesting that the path forward involves coordinated military and diplomatic efforts backed by a united populace.

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Key Takeaways

• Firm Presidential Stance: Trump's unwavering declaration that Iran cannot possess nuclear weapons drives current U.S. policy.
• Strategic Military Actions: Collaborative efforts with allies, particularly Israel, are central to the strategy against Iran's nuclear ambitions.
• Bipartisan and Public Support: Broad consensus across political parties and among the American public fortifies the administration's approach.
• Potential for Decisive Action: With significant support, the likelihood of major military interventions increases to ensure Iran's nuclear disarmament.

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This episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz" offers an in-depth examination of the geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear program, emphasizing leadership, strategic alliances, and the critical importance of unified national support in shaping U.S. foreign policy.

Transcript

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[Ben Ferguson]

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[Host]

And I've been saying that for 20 years. Very simply, Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. Can't say that, right? You don't seriously think I'm going to answer that question? That means I've had it.

[Richard Karn]

Okay?

[Host]

I've had it. I give up. No more. We're not looking for a ceasefire. We're looking for a total complete victory.

[Political Analyst]

79% of adults agree on that. They agree with Donald Trump. Iran cannot get a nuclear weapon. You're listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson.

[Ben Ferguson]

Good Thursday morning. So nice to have you with us on the 47 Morning Update. And we have a lot to talk about this morning, including the latest rhetoric from the President, United States of America, about a real possibility that the US May get involved in airstrikes on Iran nuclear facilities. We'll have Donald Trump's words for you on that in a moment. We're also going to talk about Democrats who are now siding with the president as well and what they are saying. And finally, there's a big myth that there's a big divide within the conservative movement over what to do with Iran. New polling numbers also show that is a lie. In fact, the majority of conservatives stand overwhelmingly with Donald Trump. It's the 47 Morning Update and it starts right now. We're getting new breaking news and this is moving very quickly with what's happening between Iran, Israel and now the United States of America with a new statement that has just come out from Donald Trump saying, quote, we don't want a long term war with Iran. President Donald Trump making it clear that the administration is not looking for long term war. In a second statement, Trump addressing concerns among members of the Make America Great Again base that the United States would be pulled into a, quote, long term war while Fielding a question from the media. Take a listen to his own words outside of the White House.

[John Fetterman]

Some of the people in the base.

[Richard Karn]

Don'T want a long term war.

[Host]

They're afraid that we're going to get.

[Richard Karn]

Into a long term.

[Host]

What you're looking for a long term? Yeah, we're looking. It's only, I only want one thing. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. I'm not looking long term, short term. And I've been saying that for 20 years. I've been saying it as a civilian who got a lot of publicity. People would cover it very simply, Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. It's not a question of anything else. And if you did, you wouldn't have much of a country because they would use it on us and they'd use it on other people and they'd be a terror all over the world.

[Ben Ferguson]

We're not looking for long term war. I only want one thing. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. That is it very simply, he said in another interview, iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. It's not a question of anything else. And if you did, you wouldn't have much of a country because they would use it on us and use it on other people and they'd be a terror all over the world. Trump not only tweeted back in 2011, before he even entered the political world that quote, iran cannot have a nuclear weapon and has been firm in his stance throughout his political career and his presidential campaign in 2024. If you go back to the doctrine of Donald Trump, look at November 4, 2011, his exact tweet. Iran's quest for nuclear weapons is a major threat to our nation's national security interests. We cannot allow Iran to go nuclear. That was before he was running for any office. In fact, that's actually when he was a Democrat. Trump notably gave Iran a 60 day deadline that expired on Thursday, June 12 to make a field to end its nuclear program. And then on Friday, Israel began striking Iranian nuclear sites, military leaders and refineries. Trump declared Tuesday, quote, we have complete and total control of the skies over Iran and revealed his team knew the exact location of the leader of Iran. When asked Wednesday if the U. S was moving closer to striking Iranian nuclear sites. Here is what Trump said about that, about whether you are moving closer. You believe the US Is moving closer to striking Iranian nuclear facilities. Where's your mindset on that?

[Host]

Can't say that, right? You don't seriously think I'm going to answer that question? Will you strike the Iranian nuclear component and what time Exactly. Sir, sir, would you strike it? Would you please inform us so we can be there and watch? I mean, you don't know that I'm going to even do it. You don't know. I may do it, I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do. I can tell you this, that Iran's got a lot of trouble and they want to negotiate. And I said, why didn't you negotiate with me before all this death and destruction? Why didn't you negotiate? I said to the people, why didn't you negotiate with me two weeks ago? You could have done fine. You would have had a country. It's very sad to watch this. I mean, I've never seen anything like it. It's so, you know, everyone thought it was going to be the reverse. I didn't. I didn't think so. And I was telling them, you got to. You got to do something, you got to negotiate. And at the end, last minute, they said, no, we're not going to do that. And they got hit. Remember 60 days and then came the 60. 61's going to become a very famous number. That was one hell of a hit, that first hit. That was one hell of a hit. Not sustainable, to be honest. That's where it ended. It ended on the first night, yes. Is it too late, though?

[Ben Ferguson]

Do think it's too late to. Now, really?

[Host]

Nothing's too late.

[Ben Ferguson]

President Trump making it clear this is something that is on the table. Which brings us to the latest breaking news and what is being reported just a moment ago on Fox News Channel, that Donald Trump has, in fact, approved attack plans against Iran.

[News Anchor]

Fox News alert. The Ayatollah has gone into hiding. He's believed to be holed up inside an underground bunker northeast of the capital. This is a different kind of Iranian hostage crisis. Khomeini can hide, but he can't run. For the past 24 hours, Israel's been attacking the area around his underground lair. But Khamenei, still talking tough, says Iran will not surrender to anyone and is warning that if America joins the fight and strikes, it'll result in irreparable damage to the United States. Is he bluffing? We don't know. Iranian proxies, which have been severely degraded, are threatening to commit acts of terror against American troops and American ships in the region. And American businesses are now bracing for cyber attacks. Trump says, good luck with that. We won't be bullied.

[Host]

I was the hunted and now I'm the Hun. It's a big difference. That means I've had it, okay? I've had it. I give up. No more. Then we go blow up all the, you know, all the nuclear stuff that's all over the place now. They had bad intentions, you know, the. For 40 years, they've been saying death to America, death to Israel, death to anybody else that they didn't like. They were bullies, they were schoolyard bullies, and now they're not bullies anymore.

[News Anchor]

Trump's been meeting in the Situation Room with his National Security team. Head of Central Command AR Eric Kurilla, they call him the guerrilla has been instrumental in the war planning. The Pentagon's sending in their new state of the art supercarrier, the USS Gerald Ford, and amassing a tremendous amount of assets in the area. Today, Trump had lunch with Pakistan's army chief. Pakistan borders Iran. Seems like something's about to happen and this is just breaking. The Wall Street Journal is reporting Trump privately approved attack plans against Iran. Now, we don't know what these plans entail, but we're told they include U.S. airstrikes. Unsure if that includes bunker bus. Remember, the latest version of the bunker buster has never been used on the battlefield. It's only been tested. Axios reports that Trump has been quizzing his generals. Are they sure if he uses them, they'll be 100% effective? The generals say yes, but Trump's not completely convinced. Caroline Levitt says all options remain on the table. Trump's been waiting on giving the final order, seeing if the Iranians give up and surrender their nuke program peacefully. Sources in D.C. say Trump's out of patience and Iran's up against the clock.

[Richard Karn]

I believe that unless Iran surrenders In the next 48 hours, the United States, in conjunction with Israel, will engage in military action.

[News Anchor]

Trump says the Iranians want to fly all the way to the White House to negotiate an end to this, but he says it's too late. He doesn't appear to be open to long, drawn out negotiations where he gets strung along like last time.

[Host]

We're not looking for a ceasefire. We're looking for a total, complete victory. Again, you know what the victory is? No nuclear weapon.

[News Anchor]

Trump's made a decision. Iran's nuclear program is gone. The person who ultimately decides that is the Ayatollah. He can either let us do it peacefully or we'll do it violently. But either way, the outcome of this war is this. The Iranians will never be able to acquire a nuclear weapon.

[Ben Ferguson]

Now, the second part of this story is this. Will the Supreme Leader of Iran come to the negotiating table and actually stop the nuclear program. They may be wanting to send people to the White House, but here's what the actual Ayatollah says. He has a stark warning directed both at the US And Israel. In fact, he declared today the battle begins, stating there would be, quote, no mercy for the terrorist Zionist regime of Israel. He also criticized the U.S. president Trump calls for Iran's unconditional surrender, asserting that Iran will never quote, unquote surrender and that any US Military action would cause irreparable damage. Iran's UN Ambassador echoed that any direct US Involvement alongside Israel would trigger their own firm response. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman went further warning the US Intervention could spark an all out war a across the entire region. Now let me say one other thing that's very interesting about all this is what's happening within the Democratic Party. Many Democrats are staying silent on this, but some are willing to stand up and stand on the issue, actually backing Donald Trump and saying we need to go even further. Insert Democratic Senator John Fetterman. Here's what he had to say on Fox News Channel with Bill Hemmer. Say show no mercy and if you have to take the supreme leader out, do it. Explain your position now, sir.

[John Fetterman]

Yeah, 100%, yeah. I think they should have targeted him, absolutely taken him out. I think the way Israel operates, they just take out the leadership just like they did with Hezbollah and they've already done that with the Iranian leadership, just took them out, even laying in their beds and they didn't take down the whole building. They actually targeted where they lay in bed. And now they eliminated the military ones and the nuclear ones. That's magnificent. And the precision which they've done that. And I don't know why they would have left the leader.

[Ben Ferguson]

After that if that reality were to take place. Senator.

[John Fetterman]

Well, I think the reality is that you have a nation that just is in a position where they have to be held accountable for what they've done. They are the ones that built and created the proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah and put our whole region in this kinds of chaos. And now they clearly have nuclear ambitions. And now I think it's entirely, I'm not sure if I might have been the only one constantly calling them to just take this facility out and to use the B2 and those gigantic bomb bunker buster ones and partner up with Israel. What they've done.

[Ben Ferguson]

Fetterman saying I call on Israel to eliminate the supreme leader without mercy. So that brings us to the latest point where we are now, is there A very good chance that Donald Trump could in fact order that we attack Iran's nuclear sites with those bunker busting bombs. The answer is yes. Would there be bipartisan support? Clearly, John Fetterman says he will join others in the Republican Party advocating for this. Which brings me to my final point. What do the American people think about the President's stance? Well, apparently in new polling, America stands overwhelmingly with Donald Trump and Israel by staggeringly large numbers. Nearly 70% of Americans say U.S. airstrikes to stop Iran's nuclear ambitions are appropriate. And the best part about it is who had to report it? Cnn. Listen carefully.

[Political Analyst]

And overall, I feel like there's more support for Donald Trump's positions than is comically acknowledged. Oppose Iran getting a nuclear weapon. I mean, look this, 79% of adults agree on that. They agree with Donald Trump. Iran cannot get a nuclear weapon. 83% of Republicans, 79% of independents, 79% of Democrats. When you get 79% of Democrats and 83% of Republicans agreeing on anything, you know that that position is the very clear majority in this country. And so the American public is with Donald Trump. They definitely oppose Iran getting nuclear weapons.

[Military Expert]

So this is a nuance here, but you know, Trump and Netanyahu both arguing that Iran is close to being capable of making a nuclear weapon. If that is the case, what is the feeling of Americans as to whether United States should get involved in this conflict?

[Political Analyst]

Right. If you buy Donald Trump's theory of the case, and I think that's important to note, this is polling from, from April, for instance, trying to make a nuclear weapon. Look at this. Overall you get the slight plurality. I mean, it's within the margin of error, but the slight plurality of Americans actually favor U.S. airstrikes compared to 47% opposing it. Now, here's the other nugget I'll note right. There's been a lot of talk online and on social media and in podcasts of a divide within the Republican radio ranks. But here on this question, if Iran's trying to make a nuclear weapon, look at that, 69% of Republicans, the clear vast majority of Republicans favor US airstrikes on Iran, on their nuclear facilities.

[Ben Ferguson]

No doubt President Trump has the support of the American people in overwhelming and staggering numbers. And for anyone out there that's trying to tell you there's some massive divide within MAGA country, they're just wrong. Basically, 70% of the GOP favor U.S. airstrikes. This is a major number on such a, quote, controversial seal issue. So there may actually be just propagandists out there just like Tucker Carlson, who are trying to act like there's some big divide when clearly the Republican Party is standing with Donald Trump.

[Political Analyst]

Thank you for listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson. Please make sure you hit subscribe wherever you're listening to this podcast right now. And for more in depth news, also subscribe to the Ben Ferguson Podcast and we will see you back here tomorrow.

[Military Expert]

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration in the United States. Recipients have done the improbable, the unexpected, showing immense bravery and sacrifice in the name of something much bigger than themselves.

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This medal is for the men who went down that day.

[Military Expert]

On Medal of Honor Stories of Courage, you'll hear about these heroes and what their stories tell us about the nature of of bravery. Listen to Medal of Honor on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcast.

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