Podcast Summary: Verdict with Ted Cruz

Episode: BONUS POD: Governor Waltz Doubles Down ‘Bring More In!’ Amid Somali Scandal
Date: December 30, 2025
Hosts: Senator Ted Cruz, Ben Ferguson
Podcast Network: Premiere Networks

Episode Overview

This episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz delves into two major stories:

1. The controversy surrounding Minnesota Governor Tim Waltz’s response to a massive alleged fraud scheme tied to members of the Somali community and state programs.
2. President Donald Trump’s high-profile meetings at Mar-a-Lago with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, including Trump’s perspectives on Iran’s threats and ongoing efforts toward peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.

The hosts analyze the unfolding scandal in Minnesota, the political implications for Governor Waltz, and the strong federal law enforcement response. The episode also recaps key takeaways from Trump’s diplomatic engagements.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Minnesota Somali Fraud Scandal and Governor Waltz’s Response

(Segment begins at 06:24)

• Background:
  Viral videos and investigative reporting have prompted scrutiny of widespread fraud within Minnesota’s social programs, allegedly involving daycare centers linked to Somali immigrants siphoning federal aid worth “hundreds of millions if not billions of dollars.”

  • “Instead of cutting programs filled with billions of dollars of fraud, we’re going to enhance those programs.” — Ben Ferguson [07:46]

• Governor Tim Waltz’s Public Stance:
  Despite evidence and whistleblower accounts, Governor Waltz, at a public event, refuses to apologize or directly address the scandal. Instead, he doubles down on expanding support for the Somali community:

  “Instead of demonizing our Somali community, we’re going to be bringing more of them in. Welcoming more of them in.”
  — Paraphrased by Ben Ferguson [07:46]

  Ferguson characterizes this as prioritizing political survival and bloc voting over fiscal responsibility:

  • “Governor Waltz knows that he could not be reelected without the Somali community...he is basically saying, I’m willing to sell out Minnesota’s taxpayers and federal taxpayers to save the Somali community.” — Ben Ferguson [08:00]

• Federal Response:

  • Homeland Security: Under Secretary Noem, federal agents are conducting a “major fraud investigation.”

    • Raids and door-to-door inquiries in Minneapolis are underway targeting daycares and other sites.

  • FBI: Director Cash Patel confirms resources are being ramped up for what is described as potentially only “the tip of a very large iceberg,” referencing earlier schemes like “Feeding Our Future.”

  • ICE: Immigration checks are underway in parallel with the fraud investigation, with rumors of enforcement at relevant sites.

    • “Specific numbers and targets are in flux, but we will keep you updated when we get the hard numbers.” — Ben Ferguson [09:41]

  • Political Fallout:
    Conservative leaders including Ted Cruz and Vice President Vance have praised whistleblower efforts and viral videos for forcing federal action.

• Whistleblower Repercussions:
  Whistleblowers allege retaliation under Waltz’s administration.

  • “Officials in Minnesota are even angry as well, bringing up broader claims…whistleblowers were punished by the governor.” — Ben Ferguson [11:54]

• Tone and Analysis:
  The hosts frame Waltz’s stance as “out of touch with reality” and suggest coming “law and order” efforts could implicate the governor himself.

2. Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Diplomacy: Netanyahu, Zelensky, and Putin

(Segment begins at 13:02)

• Trump-Netanyahu Meeting:

  • Public display of unity and strong US-Israel ties is emphasized, countering “fake media” narratives of dispute.

  • Peace plan discussions focus on the Middle East, Gaza, and Iran’s military ambitions.

  • On Iran’s Biological and Chemical Threats:

    “I’m not gonna talk about overthrow of a regime...They have tremendous inflation. Their economy is bust...Every time they have a riot...they start shooting people...there’s tremendous discontent...they’re vicious, vicious people.” — Donald Trump [14:24]

  • On US Support for Israeli Action:

    “If they will continue with missiles, yes, the nuclear fast. One will be, yes, absolutely. The other was, we’ll do it immediately.” — Donald Trump [15:16]

• Trump-Zelensky Meeting and Putin Call:

  • Trump’s discussions with Zelensky focused on concrete steps toward peace in Ukraine, including “evolving peace plan proposals.”

    • “Progress towards a peaceful framework was the bottom line for President Trump.” — Ben Ferguson [16:00]

  • A 15-year security guarantee for Ukraine from the US is pitched by Trump:

    • “Zelensky described [this] as an important step forward, even if he prefers longer commitments.” — Ben Ferguson [16:20]

  • Trump also held a “positive call” with Russian President Vladimir Putin, keeping diplomatic channels open as a further sign of constructive engagement.

• Diplomatic Takeaway:
  Ferguson notes the significance of Trump’s back-to-back meetings:

  • “It was an important day for Trump to host two major world leaders back to back. And underscores the active U.S. role in high level diplomacy...the President desperately wants... the wars to end.” — Ben Ferguson [17:20]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Governor Waltz’s Position:

  • “Why would a governor, after billions of dollars of fraud is exposed, say something this out of touch with reality? Well, it’s very simple. Governor Waltz knows that he could not be reelected without the Somali community.” — Ben Ferguson [08:00]

• On Iran:

  • “They’re vicious, vicious people.” — Donald Trump [14:55]
  • “If they will continue with missiles, yes, the nuclear fast...we’ll do it immediately.” — Donald Trump [15:16]

• On Law Enforcement Response:

  • “Law and order will be restored even if the governor says we want to bring in more Somalis for more fraud.” — Ben Ferguson [12:37]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Minnesota Fraud Scandal & Waltz’s Comments: 06:24 – 13:02
• Federal Law Enforcement Response Overview: 09:30 – 12:45
• Trump-Netanyahu Meeting & Iran Discussion: 13:02 – 15:31
• Trump-Zelensky Meeting & Putin Follow-up: 15:31 – 17:20

Episode Tone and Takeaways

• The hosts deliver the episode in an urgent, combative tone reflecting conservative outrage, with regular jabs at “mainstream media” and political opponents.
• Law enforcement is presented as the solution, with potential political fallout for Governor Waltz imminent.
• Trump is portrayed as a diplomatic leader actively pursuing resolution of major international crises.

Summary useful for:
Listeners seeking an in-depth, politically-charged breakdown of Minnesota’s Somali fraud investigation, high-level U.S. diplomatic activity, and the hosts’ conservative interpretations of both.