Verdict with Ted Cruz Episode Summary: BONUS POD: The Left’s Chaotic Political Playbook using LA as Ground Zero Release Date: June 10, 2025

Introduction

In this bonus episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz", hosted by Ben Ferguson, the discussion centers around the escalating political tensions in Los Angeles (LA), California. The episode delves into Governor Gavin Newsom's legal actions against former President Donald Trump, the deployment of the National Guard, and the broader implications of what the hosts describe as the "Left’s Chaotic Political Playbook." Through a detailed analysis of recent events and statements from key political figures, Ferguson and co-host Peter Doocy explore whether the unrest in LA is an organic movement or a strategically orchestrated campaign by the radical left to destabilize conservative governance.

1. Governor Gavin Newsom Sues President Trump over National Guard Deployment

Key Points:

• Gavin Newsom's Legal Action: Governor Newsom has initiated a lawsuit against former President Trump, alleging a "legal takeover" of the California National Guard.
• Political Motivation: The lawsuit is perceived as a politically motivated move to undermine Trump's actions and secure Newsom’s political standing.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Ferguson [00:29]: “Gavin Newsom says it's not an insurrection in California, but he is wanting to sue the President of the United States of America, suing Trump for what he says is a legal takeover of the California National Guard.”

• Ben Ferguson [00:29]: “Legal experts say Gavin Newsom's gonna lose this battle, but it doesn't matter because he's decided to put politics over public safety.”

2. Anarchy and Chaos in Los Angeles: A Modern "Summer of Rage"

Key Points:

• Comparison to Black Lives Matter (BLM): Ferguson and Doocy draw parallels between the current unrest in LA and the previous BLM protests, suggesting a pattern of orchestrated chaos.
• Focus of Protests: Unlike past protests targeting systemic issues, current demonstrations aim to attack Trump’s actions and leadership.
• Democratic Narrative: Democratic leaders label the protests as peaceful, a characterization challenged by the hosts.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Ferguson [00:29]: “It's almost like we've seen this before in the summer of rage with Black Lives Matter protests that popped up all over the country.”

• Ben Ferguson [00:29]: “The same Democrats were saying over the weekend... Gavin Newsom said that the anarchy you're seeing right now on TV is, quote, under control.”

• Ben Ferguson [03:12]: “Instead, they're doing what Democrats do well. They're suing Donald Trump.”

3. President Trump's Defense of National Guard Deployment

Key Points:

• Justification for Deployment: Trump argues that the National Guard was necessary to restore law and order amidst growing chaos.
• Critique of Gov. Newsom: He criticizes Newsom's handling of the state's crises, attributing it to the governor's incompetence.
• Population Concerns: Trump highlights issues related to illegal immigration and its impact on California's infrastructure and public safety.

Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump [03:25]: “He's an incompetent governor. Look at the job he's doing in California. He's destroying one of our great states.”

• Donald Trump [06:07]: “We could have put Lincoln in charge with no experience. He would have done a good job, I guarantee you.”

• Donald Trump [07:24]: “We did the right thing. We've been given credit for by people that I would least suspect.”

4. Allegations of Manufactured Chaos and Future Implications

Key Points:

• Manufacturing Crisis: Trump accuses his opponents of trying to create chaos to undermine his authority and political standing.
• Potential Spread of Unrest: Ferguson warns that the disorder in LA is a test case, with plans to replicate similar unrest in other cities across the nation.
• Law and Order vs. Radical Left: The episode emphasizes the clash between conservative emphasis on law and order and what is portrayed as the radical left's preference for chaos.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Ferguson [06:19]: “If you look at what's happened between the fires... so, no, I don't think it's going to help him. I think it's I think it's actually very bad for him.”

• Ben Ferguson [13:14]: “Expect a lot more of this to happen in the days and the weeks ahead. Democrats believe that law and order should not take place in their sanctuary cities.”

5. Kristi Noem's Statements on ICE Operations in LA

Key Points:

• Targeting Criminal Elements: ICE, under the direction of Secretary Kristi Noem, is actively pursuing gang members and criminals in LA, citing Governor Newsom's inaction.
• Critique of Local Leadership: Noem attributes the rise in crime and chaos to the policies and leadership failures of Mayor Bass and Governor Newsom.
• Commitment to Law Enforcement: Emphasis on strengthening law enforcement responses to ensure community safety.

Notable Quotes:

• Kristi Noem [10:35]: “Today we had over 400 to 500 targets we were going after. That are known members of gangs in LA that have been victimizing people for years...”

• Kristi Noem [10:35]: “We are going to use the authority that he has as President of the United States to conduct these operations...”

• Kristi Noem [10:35]: “They have acted with dignity, they've acted with grace under stressful situations. And when they've been disrespected, they've responded appropriately under the law.”

Conclusion

This episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz" provides a critical examination of the current political turmoil in Los Angeles, framing it as part of a broader strategy by the radical left to destabilize conservative governance through orchestrated chaos. By analyzing Governor Newsom's legal actions, President Trump's defense of his decisions, and ICE's intensified operations under Kristi Noem, Ferguson and Doocy argue that these events are indicative of a deliberate political playbook aimed at undermining law and order. The hosts caution that LA may serve as a precedent for similar unrest in other major cities, urging listeners to stay vigilant against what they perceive as manufactured crises.

For more insights and in-depth discussions, subscribe to "Verdict with Ted Cruz" and the Ben Ferguson Podcast on your preferred podcast platform.