BONUS POD: Iran's Nuclear Ambitions w 'Death to America' plus DEA Nominee Exposes MS-13 Gang Ties

Summary

Verdict with Ted Cruz - Bonus Episode Summary: "Iran's Nuclear Ambitions w 'Death to America' plus DEA Nominee Exposes MS-13 Gang Ties"

Release Date: May 1, 2025
Host: Ben Ferguson
Co-Host: Clay
Produced by: Premiere Networks

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Introduction

In this bonus episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz," host Ben Ferguson dives deep into pressing national security issues, scrutinizing Iran's nuclear ambitions and the integrity of the DEA's leadership. The episode also critically examines recent political maneuverings within the Senate regarding tariffs and foreign policy. Below is a detailed breakdown of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn during the episode.

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1. Iran's Nuclear Ambitions and "Death to America" Policy

Timestamp: [02:01]

The episode opens with a focus on Iran's escalating nuclear ambitions. Ben Ferguson highlights a chilling statement from Iran's supreme leader:

Iran Supreme Leader: "Death to America is not just a slogan, it's a policy." ([02:32])

This declaration underscores Iran's hostile stance towards the United States and raises alarms about their intent to pursue nuclear capabilities aggressively.

President Trump's Stance:

Ben presents President Donald Trump's unequivocal position on Iran's nuclear program:

President Trump: "Iran can't have a nuclear weapon. [...] All we're saying is you can't have a nuclear weapon. [...] I wouldn't have accepted [the Obama deal]. That's why I terminated the deal." ([04:40])

Trump criticizes the Obama-era nuclear deal for being short-term and inadequate, asserting that it provided Iran with a pathway to develop nuclear weapons.

Senate Republicans' Support:

Echoing the President's sentiments, Senate Republicans issued a statement aligning with Trump's stance:

Senate Republicans: "Iran has no reason to enrich uranium and must never have a nuclear weapon. We are grateful that the President is holding Iran accountable and working to ensure they can't obtain a nuclear weapon." ([05:44])

Implications and Future Outlook:

Ben emphasizes the gravity of the situation, noting that Iran's vows of "Death to America" coupled with their nuclear pursuits pose a significant threat. He questions Iran's next moves, pondering whether they might seek a diplomatic resolution or escalate their militaristic ambitions.

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2. DEA Nominee Exposes MS-13 Gang Ties Amid Media Fabrications

Timestamp: [07:26]

Shifting focus, the episode delves into the controversy surrounding the DEA nominee, Terry Cole, and his connections to the MS-13 gang. Ben Ferguson criticizes the media and Democratic Party for allegedly misrepresenting the nominee's background.

Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing Highlights:

During a hearing, Senator Lindsey Graham interrogates Terry Cole about his familiarity with MS-13:

Senator Graham: "Are you familiar with MS-13?" ([08:14])

Terry Cole: "They're a terrorist organization. [...] They're involved in drugs, Fentanyl, extortion, kidnapping." ([08:17] - [08:33])

Tattoo Evidence:

Graham presents a photograph of Kilmar Obrego Garcia, asserting his ties to MS-13 based on his tattoos:

Terry Cole: "Well, they suggest that he's an MS-13 member. [...] Those are his markings. That's his brand." ([09:21] - [09:32])

Cole confirms that the tattoos unmistakably identify Garcia as an MS-13 affiliate, directly contradicting media narratives that portrayed him merely as a 'father from Maryland.'

Media and Democratic Party Critique:

Ben Ferguson lambasts ABC News and Democratic officials for attempting to downplay Garcia's gang affiliations. He states:

"Not only is it real, but now we know from the man who will be in charge of the DEA that yes, this individual is an MS-13 gang member, not some father from Maryland." ([10:08])

Ferguson accuses the media and Democrats of perpetuating "hoaxes" to downplay the severity of gang-related issues, emphasizing the importance of accurate reporting and accountability.

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3. Chuck Schumer's Senate Speech on Tariffs: A Clash with Pro-America Manufacturing

Timestamp: [11:15]

The final major topic addresses a controversial speech delivered by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer concerning President Trump's tariff policies.

Schumer's Critique of Tariffs:

In his speech, Schumer vehemently criticizes Trump's tariffs, claiming they have:

"Instead of isolating China, Donald Trump's tariffs are isolating us. [...] Trump's tariffs are raising costs and driving us into recession." ([11:46])

He further alleges that the tariffs lack strategic direction, causing economic instability.

Ben Ferguson's Rebuttal:

Challenging Schumer's assertions, Ferguson provides evidence of the positive impact of tariffs on American manufacturers:

• Whirlpool: "The new trade policies helped level the playing field by reducing foreign competitors' cost advantages and bolstering domestic production." ([12:32])

• Nucor: "We have strong demand and increased order backlogs, attributing this to reduced reliance on imported steel." ([12:32])

• Apple: "Expected to exceed earnings projections partly due to increased consumer demand ahead of potential tariffs." ([12:32])

Ferguson argues that tariffs have incentivized companies to reshore production, enhancing national economic security and creating well-paying manufacturing jobs.

White House Statement:

He underscores the administration's rationale for tariffs:

"Tariffs are aiming to rebuild the economy, restore national and economic security, and make sure that American workers have great paying manufacturing jobs." ([12:32])

Accusation of Propaganda:

Ferguson concludes by suggesting that Schumer's speech mirrors Chinese Communist Party (CCP) propaganda, insinuating undue influence and malintent towards American economic interests.

"You got to look at maybe just how close the Democratic Party really is to the Chinese Communist Party in Beijing." ([14:24])

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Concluding Remarks

Throughout the episode, Ben Ferguson and co-host Clay exhibit a strong conservative viewpoint, critically analyzing and often challenging mainstream media narratives and Democratic Party positions. They emphasize national security, integrity in governmental appointments, and the efficacy of protectionist economic policies.

Listeners are encouraged to remain informed and critically assess the information presented by various media outlets and political figures. The episode serves as a call to action for supporting conservative causes and ensuring that America's interests remain safeguarded against both foreign and domestic threats.

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Key Takeaways

• Iran's Nuclear Threat: Iran remains a formidable threat with clear intentions to acquire nuclear weapons, posing significant risks to global and American security.

• DEA Leadership Integrity: The scrutiny of the DEA nominee reveals potential flaws in media reporting and Democratic oversight, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability.

• Economic Policies: Tariffs, contrary to critics' claims, are benefiting American manufacturers by reducing foreign competition and promoting domestic job growth.

• Media and Political Accountability: The episode underscores the importance of scrutinizing media narratives and political speeches to discern truth from propaganda.

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Recommendations for Listeners

For a more in-depth analysis of these topics, listeners are advised to:

• Subscribe to "Verdict with Ted Cruz" on the iHeartRadio app or their preferred podcast platform.
• Follow the Hosts: Stay updated by following Ben Ferguson and Clay on social media and other media channels.
• Engage in Critical Thinking: Reflect on the discussions and seek multiple sources to form a well-rounded understanding of the issues.

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This summary encapsulates the main discussions and viewpoints presented in the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened to the full podcast.

Transcript

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[Clay]

Hey, Clay, if there was a summer camp for critical thinking, we'd be the chief counselors.

[Ben Ferguson]

Those jelly heads in June would be intellectual warriors by August.

[Clay]

Be a lot of fun, too. Some Bill and Ted's excellent adventure references.

[Ben Ferguson]

Thrown in this podcast. Like a daily dose of that. Minus the campfires, archery and pranking the girls.

[Clay]

The bonafide boot camp for critical thinking. You can get in on it for free at the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcast. Just search our names. Clay and Balk. Listen and subscribe.

[Unnamed Speaker]

In the fall of 1986, Ronald Reagan found himself at the center of a massive scandal that looked like it might bring down his presidency. It became known as the Iran Contra affair.

[Ben Ferguson]

The things that happened were so bizarre.

[Unnamed Speaker]

And insane, I can't begin to tell you.

Please do.

To hear the whole story, listen to Iran Contra on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Iran can't have a nuclear weapon. It's, you know, pretty simple. It's really simple. We're not looking to take their industry. We're not looking to take their land. We're not. All we're saying is you can't have a nuclear weapon. I'd like to see Iran thrive. And they can do that, I think, very easily, or they can do it the other way. The other way is not going to be good for them. It's going to be really bad for them.

You're listening to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson.

[Ben Ferguson]

Good Thursday morning, Ben Ferguson, Ferguson with you. It's so nice to have you on the 47 Morning Update. And here are the three big stories we're talking about today. First up, Iran's supreme leader on obtaining nuclear weapons says, quote, death to America is not just a slogan, it's a policy. And the White House responds. Up next, Lindsey Graham has some questions for the man that's going to be leading the DEA and what he had to say about Kamar Obrega Garcia. Well, it will shock the media with their big lie and the Democratic Party and we have the audio for you here in just a moment. And finally, a shocking speech from the floor of the Senate by Chuck Schumer which basically could have been written by the Chinese Communist Party on tariffs. I'll have that for you in just a second. It's the 47 morning update and it starts right now. As we move past the 100 day mark in the Trump administration, there is still a lot that is happening, including on the issue of Iran and their nuclear weapon capabilities. Iran's supreme leader setting the stage for exactly what they want when it comes to their future. Saying this about obtaining nuclear weapons, quote, death to America is not just a slogan, it is a policy. Translation, if we get a nuclear weapon, we plan on using it. These are genocidal maniacs and it's a terrorist regiment no matter what the liberal media tries to sell you on. Now, the president of the United States of America was asked about where are we when it comes to Iran nuclear deal and what will we do moving forward? Here's the president in his own words.

[Unnamed Speaker]

Iran can't have a nuclear weapon. It's, you know, pretty simple. It's really simple. We're not looking to take their industry. We're not looking to take their land. We're not. All we're saying is you can't have a nuclear weapon. The deal that was made, the deal that was made with Obama, that deal would have expired already. It was a terrible deal. It was, it was, it would have expired and that gave them a clear path to a nuclear weapon. I wouldn't have accepted. That's why I terminated the deal. Number one, it was way too short. You know, when countries are involved, you don't make short term deals. These are countries with long lives. And I terminated that. And it was a great termination because it didn't allow us to do anything once it terminated. You know what the deal was? It was a terrible deal, really. One of many terrible deals made by the U.S. but no, I want, I'd like to see Iran thrive. And they can do that, I think, very easily, or they can do it the other way. And the other way is not going to be good for them. Going to be really bad for them.

[Ben Ferguson]

Very clear stance from the President of the United States of America. Either do a deal or we will stop you. The Senate Republicans coming out with a statement as well, agreeing with President Trump, saying, quote, Iran has no reason to enrich uranium and must never have a nuclear weapon, saying, quote, we are grateful that the President is holding Iran accountable and working to ensure they can't obtain a nuclear weapon. Now the message to Iran is also very clear. We know that you are a state sponsor of terrorism. We know that you support the Houthis, we know that you support Hamas and Hezbollah, and we know that you are funneling money to any of these proxies to go after people that you don't like, including Israel. We know that you chant Death to America and Death to Israel. And at the end of the day, it will be impossible for us to allow you to gain nuclear weapons. Now, if you look at what is happening right now, there does seem to be movement where Iran is coming to terms with the reality that President Donald Trump is not flinching on this issue. And the ability for them to have a nuclear weapon is a non starter. And yes, military power will be used to stop them if we must. But if you notice there what the President also said, he wants the people of Iran to flourish, but they cannot flourish if they are threatening the rest of the world or trying to get that nuclear weapon. Now the big question is what will Iran do next? As they are saying death to America. Are they actually willing to get a deal done? We'll have to watch in the days ahead. But it's clear the President has said to them and the rest of the world, if you don't get in line, we will stop you no matter what.

[Unnamed Speaker]

Next story number two, another media lie.

[Ben Ferguson]

Has exploded in the face of Democrats and those in the media that were telling the story. President Donald Trump's pick to lead the Drug Enforcement Agency known as the DEA has blown up the denials from liberal media outlets that purported that the MS.13 gang member Kilmar Obrego Garcia is not sporting tattoos for the gang. The DEA administrator, Terry Cole, made it very clear to the members of the Senate Judiciary Committee that the media and Democrats were lying about the tattoos of a man they described as just a father from Maryland. He was asked about the tattoos during the hearing from Lindsey Graham, and here is what he said.

[Unnamed Speaker]

Are you familiar with ms.13?

Yes, sir.

Briefly. What are they?

They're a terrorist organization.

Yeah, they've been designated a foreign terrorist organization.

Yes, sir.

They're involved in drugs, Fentanyl extortion, kidnapping.

Drugs intimidation, money laundering.

In your time in the dea, do they have, like, membership cards?

Not necessarily the membership cards, but they are well recognized based on tattoos and different.

Do you have a photo I think our office provided to you?

We spoke. Yeah, we spoke about it earlier. Yes, sir.

Can you give this to. This is a photo of tattoos of Mr. Ebrillo Garcia. Much attention has been paid to his case. Think he's in Venezuela. Can you see the photo here?

Yes, sir. I can have a copy of it.

Okay. Based on your time and experience and expertise in the dea, what does that photo or those markings suggest to you?

Well, they suggest that he's an Ms. 13 member. That. Those are his markings. That's his brand. Not only my time at the dea, but currently I participate.

Start with a leaf. What's that a sign of?

Marijuana.

Okay, the next one is your smiley face. Okay. And the next one is.

I believe that's a one. I can't. It's a little blurred out for me, sir. And then the last one's a three backwards.

Okay, so based on your time as a DEA agent in the field, particularly in Mexico, these TAS twos are consistent with Ms. 13 associations.

Yes, sir, that's correct.

Do you know of any other set of combinations that would suggest some other organization this represents with this particular one?

No, sir.

[Ben Ferguson]

Yet again, it's very clear the DEA nominee is the Democrats and the media's worst nightmare. Quote, based on your time as a DEA agent in the field, particularly in Mexico, these tattoos are consistent with Ms. 13 associations. The DEA chief nominee. Yes. So why did the media lie to you? Why did they say that the picture wasn't even real, that the President was, you know, bamboozled? Well, ABC News, even in the 100 day interview, tried to Imply that the picture wasn't real. Not only is it real, but now we know from the man who will be in charge of the DEA that yes, this individual is an Ms. 13 gang member, not some father from Maryland. And just think about it this way. This is the man that Democrats flew down to hang out with, hold his hand and desperately want to bring back into the United States of America a man that two different courts have declared a member of a terrorist organization. So if you think Democrats and the media are looking out for you, just look at this new hoax that they've already been busted on.

[Unnamed Speaker]

And here is story number three.

[Ben Ferguson]

It was a speech from the floor of the Senate by the Senate leadership of the Democratic party, Chuck Schumer. And it was a speech that very well could have been written by the Chinese communist party. If you want to know just how much they hate American workers and they hate the idea of America standing firm or standing up to China, well, just listen to Chuck Schumer's own words. And I'm not kidding when I say this. You got to wonder, did the speech come directly from the ccp?

[Chuck Schumer]

One thing is clear. Donald Trump's tariffs have been a total failure. Instead of isolating China, Donald Trump's tariffs are isolating us. Instead of spurring a manufacturer, American manufacturing, Trump's tariffs are raising costs and driving us into recession. There's no strategy with Trump's tariffs, only chaos. One day Donald Trump says yes to tariffs, the next day, no to tariffs. One day tariffs on this country, the next day tariffs on that country. Even Donald Trump's own policy advisers are struggling to explain his flip flopping. The only thing Donald Trump's tariffs have succeeded in is raising the odds of recession and sending markets into its tailspin.

[Ben Ferguson]

If you want to file that speech under Chinese propaganda, it'd be a perfect place to put it. And there was also many things that were just flat out lies. For example, he said it was destroying manufacturing. These tariffs in America. Well, that's actually not true. Many U. S. Manufacturers are now reporting major benefits from the tariffs. Whirlpool, for instance, has indicated that the new trade policies helped level the playing field by reducing foreign competitors cost advantages and bolstering domestic production. Nucor, a leading steel producer, also saying now they have strong demand and increase order backlogs, attributing this to reduced reliance on imported steel. The tariffs have prompted companies to consider reshoring production, including apple, for example, is expected to exceed earnings projections partly due to increased consumer demand ahead of potential tariffs. And its effort to ship production from China to India and other countries. Yes, the President is making progress on tariff negotiations. As the administration says, be patient. Many countries have lined up to talk with the White House and are currently in negotiations. Why? The White House statement said it very clearly. Tariffs are aiming to rebuild the economy, restore national and economic security, and make sure that American workers have great paying manufacturing jobs. Yes, all of this indicates that there are major outcomes that could come in the days and weeks ahead that will be good for America. So why did the man in charge of the Democratic Party put a propaganda speech out there from the four of the Senate? Well, you got to look at maybe just how close the Democratic Party really is to the Chinese Communist Party in Beijing.

[Unnamed Speaker]

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.

[Clay]

Hey Clay, if there was a summer camp for critical thinking, we'd be the chief counselors.

[Ben Ferguson]

Those jelly heads in June would be intellectual warriors by August.

[Clay]

Be a lot of fun too. Some Bill and Ted's excellent adventure references.

[Ben Ferguson]

Thrown in this podcast like a daily dose of that. Minus the campfires, archery and pranking. The girls.

[Clay]

The bonafide boot camp for critical thinking. You can get in on it for free at the iHeartRadio app or wherever you get your podcast. Just search our names. Clay and Buck.

[Unnamed Speaker]

Listen and subscribe in the fall of 1986, Ronald Reagan found himself at the center of a massive scandal that looked like it might bring down his presidency. It became known as the Iran Contra Affair.

[Ben Ferguson]

The things that happened were so bizarre.

[Unnamed Speaker]

And insane I can't begin to tell you.

Please do.

To hear the whole story, listen to Fiasco Iran Contra on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.