Verdict with Ted Cruz: Bonus Pod - POTUS to the Dept of Ed "You're FIRED" plus the 'Trump' Card

Release Date: March 20, 2025

In this bonus episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz," co-host Ben Ferguson delves into three pivotal stories shaping the American socio-political landscape. Hosted by Senator Ted Cruz and presented by Premiere Networks, the episode offers an incisive analysis of recent presidential actions, economic developments, and immigration policy changes under the Trump administration.

1. President Trump's Initiative to Dissolve the Department of Education

Timestamp: 02:53

Ben Ferguson opens the discussion by addressing President Donald Trump's landmark decision to close the Department of Education. Citing poor performance metrics, Ferguson elaborates on the administration's rationale:

"If you take a look at our education process and if you look at the charts, they're at number 37, 38, 39 and 40... We're number one in cost per pupil. So it's pretty bad." [02:53]

Ferguson explains that the Trump administration aims to return educational governance to the states, arguing that local control will enhance efficiency and outcomes. He highlights comparisons with successful education systems in countries like Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and China, emphasizing that decentralized control can lead to improved educational standards.

Additionally, the administration is championing school choice, advocating for parents to have the autonomy to select the best educational institutions for their children. The directive to Education Secretary Linda McMahon includes:

"Take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure of the Department of Education and return education authority to the states..." [05:08]

Ferguson underscores the potential transformation this policy could have, urging supporters of school choice to engage with their state officials to advocate for similar measures.

2. Decline in Gasoline and Egg Prices: A Win for Consumers

Timestamp: 06:32

Transitioning to economic news, Ferguson discusses the significant reduction in both gasoline and egg prices, attributing these declines to strategic measures undertaken by the government. Notably, the average wholesale price of eggs plummeted to $3.10 per dozen, marking a 47% decrease from $6.55 earlier in the year. This drop is linked to the containment efforts against avian influenza, which saw the culling of over 23 million birds in January alone.

Ferguson references the Agricultural Secretary's statements:

"Combating the avian bird flu is not something that we can do overnight... the price of eggs seems to be coming down..." [08:10]

On the energy front, gasoline prices have decreased by 42 cents per gallon over four consecutive weeks, now averaging below $3.00 per gallon in more than two-thirds of gas stations. The administration credits this downturn to enhanced domestic production and a steadfast commitment to energy independence:

"Drill baby, drill... America has more than enough resources to take care of itself and to lower prices for all Americans." [08:47]

Ferguson positions these price drops as tangible benefits of the Trump administration's economic policies, reinforcing the narrative of fulfilling campaign promises to alleviate financial burdens on American families.

3. Introduction of "Golden Visas" to Address National Debt

Timestamp: 10:34

In the final segment, Ferguson explores President Trump's proposal of Golden Visas—a program requiring a $5 million investment from foreign nationals seeking residency in the United States. Intended as a strategic move to infuse capital into the national economy and reduce federal debt, this initiative has sparked debate.

During a conversation with Fox News' Laura Ingraham, President Trump elaborates on the potential impact:

"At $5 million, you're getting a lot of things, but you're getting $5 million. Let's say we sell a million of them, that's $5 trillion." [11:42]

Ingraham raises concerns about the ethical implications and the vetting process for applicants:

"Why should our citizenship be purchased for any amount of money?... Why should any American kid become a computer?" [12:39]

Trump responds by assuring strict vetting procedures and the capability to revoke visas if necessary:

"They're going to be properly vetted. But you know, when you're talking about a lot of people, I think it's going to be very successful... We give them their money back and we send them out." [13:03]

Ferguson highlights that this policy aims to position foreign investors as contributors to job creation and economic growth, portraying them as "customers" rather than burdens on taxpayers. He also addresses media skepticism, emphasizing the administration's commitment to safeguarding national interests while pursuing innovative financial solutions.

Conclusion

This episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz" presents a comprehensive examination of President Trump's recent policies aimed at overhauling the Department of Education, reducing consumer costs through strategic economic measures, and introducing Golden Visas to mitigate national debt. Ben Ferguson provides detailed insights and contextual analysis, supported by authoritative quotes and data, making the episode a valuable resource for listeners seeking to understand the implications of these significant governmental actions.

For those interested in the intersection of politics and policy, this bonus pod offers a nuanced perspective on the Trump administration's initiatives and their potential impact on the future of American education, economy, and immigration.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Ferguson on Department of Education:
  "Nobody shows up to work. This is why the President's saying it is time to overhaul the system and save Americans a ton of money and give it back to the states." [05:08]

• Donald Trump on Golden Visas:
  "At $5 million, you're getting a lot of things, but you're getting $5 million... That's $5 trillion. We are now a unbelievably successful country, paying down tremendous amounts of debt." [11:42]

• Laura Ingraham's Concern:
  "Why should our citizenship be purchased for any amount of money?... Why should any American kid become a computer?" [12:39]

This summary is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the episode's key discussions and insights, ensuring that both regular listeners and newcomers can grasp the essential points without accessing the full transcript.