Podcast Summary: Verdict with Ted Cruz

Episode: BONUS POD: FBI Director Kash Patel Fires Agents Involved in GOP Phone Tracking Skeem & Letitia Gets Indicted
Date: October 10, 2025
Hosts: Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson

Overview

In this episode of “Verdict with Ted Cruz,” co-host Ben Ferguson (with contributions by Senator Ted Cruz) delivers a “47 Morning Update” focused on two major, controversial stories dominating conservative political circles:

1. FBI Director Kash Patel’s firing of agents over secret surveillance of GOP lawmakers linked to the Jack Smith investigation.
2. The federal indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James for alleged mortgage fraud—an especially notable development given her history of targeting Donald Trump.

The hosts argue that these events expose “deep state” tactics, governmental overreach, and the consequences of weaponized investigations against political opponents. They also critique media coverage, emphasizing conservative calls for accountability.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. FBI Director Kash Patel Fires Agents Over GOP Phone Surveillance

[08:36 – 16:40]

• Secret Subpoena of Lawmakers’ Phone Records:

  • FBI agents obtained phone records of eight Republican senators and one congressman via subpoenas in 2023, as part of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into Donald Trump.
  • Lawmakers surveilled included Lindsey Graham, Marsha Blackburn, Ron Johnson, Josh Hawley, Cynthia Lummis, Bill Hagerty, Dan Sullivan, Tommy Tuberville, and Rep. Mike Kelly.
  • The phone records were handed over in secret and stored in a hidden, restricted cyber-vault.

• Kash Patel’s Response as FBI Director:

  • Upon discovering the secret files—hidden using “prohibited access” protocols requiring FBI director and attorney general authorization—Patel fired the responsible agents and “blew up” the public corruption squad (CR15).
  • Patel asserts this is part of a broader effort to bring “transparency and accountability” to the FBI, referencing his experience with Russiagate.

• Fight Against Deep State Tactics:

  • Ben Ferguson paraphrases Patel:

    “When I got in as the FBI director, from my experience as Russiagate, I knew where to look and what doors to knock down. And that’s what we did.” (12:40)

  • The hosts stress the deliberate cover-up and compare the abuse to historical scandals.

• Reaction from Sen. Josh Hawley:

  • Hawley calls the actions “an abuse of power beyond Watergate” and demands a special counsel investigation, stating:

    "Anyone and everyone who violated the law must be prosecuted. The way to save the country is to restore the rule of law.” (15:20)

• Ongoing OSC Investigation:

  • The Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is reportedly already investigating Jack Smith’s actions in targeting Trump.

2. New York Attorney General Letitia James Indicted for Mortgage Fraud

[16:40 – 28:10]

• Letitia James’ Political Background:

  • James built her political career promising to investigate and “take down” Donald Trump—using her efforts as intentional campaign messaging and fundraising.

• Details of the Indictment:

  • A federal grand jury in Virginia indicted James on bank fraud charges related to alleged mortgage fraud, specifically for falsifying property records and loan applications.
  • Allegations include listing a property as her primary residence when it was not, misrepresenting building unit numbers, and claiming to be her father’s spouse on mortgage documents.
  • The current U.S. Attorney on the case, Lindsey Halligan (a Trump appointee), replaced Eric Siebert, who was reportedly unwilling to pursue cases against James and ex-FBI Director James Comey.

• Letitia James’ Public Response:

  • James decried the indictment as politically motivated, stating:

    “This is nothing more than a continuation of the president’s desperate weaponization of our justice system. He is forcing federal law enforcement agencies to do his bidding all because I did my job as a New York state attorney general. These charges are baseless…” (22:08)

• Media Coverage & Critique:

  • Ferguson calls out the perceived double standard in mainstream media coverage, noting how outlets like CNN treat the indictment as political retribution rather than serious criminal allegations.
  • Paraphrasing Adam Kinzinger’s commentary on CNN, Ferguson notes:

    “‘Letitia James never should have said that in the campaign. And also they are going after her for one reason—because it’s her.’” (26:30)

  • The hosts criticize “leftist logic” that seemingly justifies her conduct on political grounds while minimizing the fraud allegations.

• Conservative Narrative of “Accountability”:

  • Ferguson insists Trump is fulfilling his promise to “hold those accountable who abused their positions of power to go after their political enemies,” suggesting that former “deep state” actors are facing consequences for their actions.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Kash Patel (on firing agents):

  "You're darn right I fired those agents. You're darn right I blew up CR15, the public corruption squad that led the weaponization at the W. Washington Field office. We’re just warming up."
  — [03:38]

• Ben Ferguson (emphasizing the importance):

  “I hope you will take and share it on social media wherever you can. Because it is a story that’s important and the media is deliberately looking the other way...”
  — [09:30]

• Kash Patel (on locking away information):

  “You put it in there and when you want to hide it from the world... that takes the authorization of the attorney general and the director of the FBI.”
  — [12:23]

• Sen. Josh Hawley (on the gravity of secret subpoenas):

  “An abuse of power beyond Watergate, beyond J. Edgar Hoover, one that directly strikes at the constitution, the separations of power and the first amendment… The way to save the country is to restore the rule of law.”
  — [15:10]

• Letitia James (on the indictment):

  “This is nothing more than a continuation of the president’s desperate weaponization of our justice system… These charges are baseless, and the president’s own public statements make clear that his only goal is political retribution at any cost.”
  — [22:08]

• Adam Kinzinger (on CNN, via Ferguson):

  “Letitia James never should have made those comments… And also they are going after her for one reason, because it’s her.”
  — [26:30]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 03:38 — Kash Patel declares firing of FBI agents and “blowing up” the public corruption squad
• 08:36 — Start of Segment 1: FBI/GOP phone surveillance scandal
• 12:23 — Patel explains “prohibited access” and secret record-keeping
• 15:10 — Josh Hawley's reaction and calls for special counsel
• 16:40 — Start of Segment 2: Letitia James indicted
• 22:08 — Letitia James’ public statement on “politicized prosecution”
• 26:30 — Adam Kinzinger’s analysis on CNN

Tone & Style

• Language: Direct, urgent, and combative, mirroring right-leaning talk radio.
• Mood: Outraged over perceived government abuse; triumphant regarding accountability and retribution for political opponents.
• Message: The “deep state” and powerful government actors (including DOJ and FBI officials) are finally being held to account—a predicted outcome of Trump’s efforts to “drain the swamp.”

This episode serves as both a recap and commentary on two high-impact political stories, aiming to rally conservative listeners around allegations of deep state misconduct and the importance of fighting back against politicized law enforcement.