Podcast Summary: Verdict with Ted Cruz

Episode: BONUS POD: Trump declares Antifa a Terrorist Organization plus Feds Drop Rates & How it Effects You
Hosts: Senator Ted Cruz, Ben Ferguson
Date: September 18, 2025

Overview

This bonus episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz," hosted by Ben Ferguson, dives into two breaking news stories: President Donald Trump's official declaration of Antifa as a major terrorist organization—along with a promise to investigate those funding it—and the Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates by a quarter percentage point. The episode explores the implications of these events on law, policy, everyday Americans, and the broader political landscape.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Trump Declares Antifa a Terrorist Organization

[06:19 – 12:46]

• Official Designation:
  President Trump has formally labeled Antifa a "major terrorist organization" and vowed to pursue legal action against those funding it. This follows the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which the hosts tie directly to what they describe as "left-wing extremism."

• Nature & Structure of Antifa:
  The show explains that Antifa is not a single, structured group but a "loosely affiliated ideology" without formal hierarchy or membership lists, making typical legal approaches challenging.

  “It’s not a single group or a, with a hierarchy structure. In fact, it’s a loosely affiliated ideology…”
  —Narrator/Host [06:57]

• Legal & Investigative Focus:
  The hosts stress the President’s plan to "follow the money," emphasizing the difficulty in tracking support for a decentralized group and suggesting expanded investigations into financial backers.

• Trump’s Statement & RICO Talk:
  Trump describes potential use of RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) statutes for criminal prosecution of those funding or organizing violent agitators. He also recounts personal anecdotes about confrontations with protesters and why he believes strong law enforcement responses are needed:

  "These aren’t protests, these are crimes... I’ve asked Pam to look into that in terms of bringing RICO cases against a criminal. RICO, because they should be put in jail. What they’re doing to this country is really subversive."
  —Donald Trump [09:04–10:18]

• Expected Fallout:

  • Increased investigations and possible sanctions for those materially supporting Antifa.
  • Anticipation of legal challenges from civil liberties groups (ACLU, SPLC), who view the designation as a threat to constitutional rights.
  • Escalating political polarization, with Democrats decrying the announcement as dangerous for free speech and assembly.

• Memorable Meme Line:

  “I’m pleased to inform our many USA Patriots that I’m designating Antifa a sick, dangerous, radical left organization as a major terrorist organization. I’ll also be strongly recommending those funding Antifa be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices.”
  —Donald Trump (via social media, paraphrased by host) [11:10]

2. Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rates

[12:47 – 17:56]

• Context and Trump’s Influence:
  Trump’s sustained criticism of the Fed for keeping rates "far too high" is highlighted as a driving factor behind recent monetary policy shifts. He previously called for more aggressive and earlier rate cuts, even demanding Chairman Jerome Powell’s resignation.

• Recent Fed Action:

  • The Fed cut rates by 0.25%, the first under Trump’s second term, signaling concern for the weakening job market over stubborn inflation.

  “The Fed just delivered an interest rate cut...this is a big deal because it is the first interest rate cut of the second Trump administration.”
  —Ben Ferguson [13:32]

  • The cut passed nearly unanimously (11-1), with Trump-aligned economist Stephen Myron advocating for a larger cut.

• More Cuts on the Horizon:
  The Fed now projects three rate cuts for the year, up from two previously. The hosts stress the significance for everyday Americans, especially those with variable rate debt, but warn this alone won’t “fix the economy.”

• Powell’s Explanation (Clip & Paraphrase):

  • Powell justifies the incremental approach, noting the delicate challenge of balancing employment and inflation.

  “You tend to do those [large rate changes] at a time when…policy is out of place and needs to move quickly…I feel like our policy has been doing the right thing so far this year…I think we were right to wait and see how tariffs and inflation and the labor market evolved.”
  —Jerome Powell [17:01]

• Host Perspective:
  The hosts characterize the move as a vindication of Trump’s economic arguments and a “big victory” for Americans, predicting more cuts and continued pressure on Powell.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Antifa’s Decentralization:

  “Because without formal membership lists or…centralized leadership, you gotta find out who is funding Antifa and who on the left is writing the checks…”
  —Narrator/Host [07:03]

• On Aggressive Law Enforcement:

  “And I say when they spit, you hit. Do whatever you want.”
  —Donald Trump [03:07]

• On Political Divisions:

  “Democrats already coming out and saying that this is a threat to free speech.”
  —Narrator/Host [11:43]

• On Rate Cuts:

  “So even Jerome Powell having to admit he’s probably gotten it wrong for a while now and he’s having to be honest that Donald Trump was right.”
  —Ben Ferguson [17:50]

Timestamps for Key Sections

| Time | Segment | |-----------|------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:23 | Intro to big stories: Trump/Antifa & Fed rate cuts | | 06:19 | In-depth: Trump’s Antifa designation | | 08:08 | Trump’s extended remarks on Antifa, law, and RICO | | 10:18 | Legal/political ramifications of the Antifa designation | | 12:47 | Fed rate cut announcement and context | | 13:32 | CNN breakdown of Fed decision | | 14:07 | Text of the Fed’s statement and Powell’s explanation | | 16:55 | Jerome Powell press conference clip |

Conclusion

This episode delivers a pointed, conservative analysis of two flashpoint stories in American politics. The hosts argue both developments represent victories for Trump and his base, signaling a tougher stance on left-wing activism and a market-boosting shift in central banking policy. Throughout, they frame these actions as reversals of prior administration policies, and as responses to demands from both the White House and many conservative voters.