BONUS POD: Trump Hits Foreign Cars, ICE Cleans House & Hegseth fights the Media Mob

Summary

Verdict with Ted Cruz: BONUS POD - Trump Hits Foreign Cars, ICE Cleans House & Hegseth Fights the Media Mob

Release Date: March 27, 2025

In this bonus episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz," hosted by Ben Ferguson, listeners are treated to an in-depth analysis of three pivotal news stories shaping the political and social landscape of America. The episode delves into the media controversy surrounding the "Signal Gate" incident, the intensified efforts of ICE in combating illegal immigration, and President Donald Trump's imposing new tariffs on foreign automobiles. Below is a comprehensive summary capturing the essence of each discussion, enriched with notable quotes and key insights.

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1. Media Firestorm Over Signal Gate: Pete Hegseth Responds

Timestamp: 02:46 – 06:08

The episode opens with Ben Ferguson addressing the contentious "Signal Gate" situation, where a journalist was inadvertently included in a text message group with members of the Trump administration. This incident ignited a media frenzy, with liberal outlets amplifying claims of misconduct. Pete Hegseth, a prominent figure within the administration, emerges as a central voice defending the integrity of the Trump team.

Key Discussions:

• Defense Secretary's Clarification: The Defense Secretary vehemently denies sharing any classified war plans through the Signal group, emphasizing transparency and operational security. He stated, “[...] there are no units, no locations, no routes, no flight paths, no sources, no methods, no classified information” (03:52).

• Media Misrepresentation: Hegseth criticizes media outlets, particularly Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic, for sensationalizing the incident. He underscores that the exchanged messages were routine updates and not indicative of any wrongdoing.

• Reestablishing Deterrence: The conversation highlights the administration's efforts to revive military strength and deterrence, contrasting it with the previous administration's perceived weaknesses. Hegseth asserts, “Peace through strength is back” (03:52).

Notable Quote:

“Nobody's texting war plans. [...] There are no units, no locations, [...] nobody's texting war plans.” — Defense Secretary (03:52)

Insights:

• The administration seeks to control the narrative by clarifying the nature of the communications.
• There is a clear divide between the administration’s portrayal of robust military strategy and the media’s portrayal of potential mismanagement.
• Emphasis is placed on restoring confidence in military operations and leadership.

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2. ICE Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Immigrants in Houston

Timestamp: 06:08 – 11:26

Ben Ferguson transitions to the second major story, highlighting the stark contrast between cities cooperating with ICE and those embracing sanctuary policies. The focus centers on Houston, Texas, where ICE agents have successfully detained over 600 criminal aliens in a single week, showcasing the administration's commitment to enforcing immigration laws.

Key Discussions:

• Houston's Operation: ICE executed 71 criminal arrest warrants, leading to the detention of 646 non-citizens, including 543 with criminal charges. Of these, 140 were involved in violent offenses, and 34 were charged with sex crimes involving minors.

• Collaboration with Local Agencies: The operation was a coordinated effort involving multiple federal and state agencies, underscoring a unified approach to law enforcement.

• Testimony from Tom Homan: Appearing on Fox News, Homan elaborates on the challenges faced when local authorities release convicted criminals back into the community. He emphasizes the public safety risks, stating, “What your agents were asking, keep these guys behind bars and we'll go pick them up” (07:44).

Notable Quote:

“We will have peace through strength, and we'll keep putting our troops first.” — Defense Secretary (03:52)

Insights:

• The administration is intensifying efforts to dismantle illegal networks and remove dangerous criminals from communities.
• There is significant tension between federal immigration enforcement and local sanctuary policies, posing questions about federal oversight and public safety.
• The success in Houston serves as a model for other cities to either collaborate with ICE or face potential federal repercussions.

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3. President Trump Imposes 25% Tariff on Foreign Automobiles

Timestamp: 11:26 – 14:05

The final segment addresses President Donald Trump's bold economic move to impose a 25% tariff on all automobiles not manufactured in the United States. This policy aims to bolster domestic car production, protect American jobs, and reduce the trade deficit.

Key Discussions:

• Economic Independence: Trump frames the tariff as a step towards "economic independence and national strength," emphasizing the need to revive the American automotive industry.

• Industry Response: Automakers are already showing interest in expanding U.S.-based operations to circumvent the new tariffs. Economists predict positive impacts on related sectors such as steel, glass, and electronics.

• President Trump's Statement: In his words, “This is the beginning of liberation day in America. [...] We're going to charge countries for doing business in our country and taking our jobs” (12:25).

Notable Quote:

“Oh, this is the beginning of liberation day in America. [...] We're going to charge countries for doing business in our country and taking our jobs.” — President Donald Trump (12:25)

Insights:

• The tariff signifies a protectionist approach aimed at rectifying perceived imbalances in international trade.
• There is optimism among manufacturing hubs that this policy will rejuvenate the American auto sector and create jobs.
• The move may strain relationships with trading partners but is lauded by supporters as a “America first” initiative.

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Conclusion

This bonus episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz" provides listeners with a thorough examination of critical issues affecting national security, immigration enforcement, and economic policy. Ben Ferguson, alongside insights from key figures like Pete Hegseth and President Trump, presents a narrative focused on restoring American strength and prioritizing the safety and prosperity of its citizens. The discussions underscore a commitment to confronting media misrepresentations, enforcing immigration laws strictly, and revitalizing domestic industries through strategic economic measures.

For those seeking a deeper understanding of these topics and their implications for the future of America, this episode serves as a valuable resource, articulating the administration's stance and the broader impact on society.

Transcript

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[Ben Ferguson]

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

Good Thursday morning, Ben Ferguson with you. It's so nice to have you on the 47 Morning Update and are the big three stories that you need to know about. First up, Pete Hed Seth is responding to the liberal media attacks to their face over what they've designated as signal gate and you do not want to miss what he has to say. Also, ICE agents detained 600 plus criminal illegals in a single week in Houston Texas. Yet liberal cities are still defying the law. And Donald Trump. We'll have the latest on that. And finally, Donald Trump says I'm not messing around yet again. Announcing 25 tariff on cars not made in the U. S. This the beginning, he says, of Liberation Day in America. It's the 47 Morning Update and it starts right now.

Story number one.

It is a media firestorm as the organizing of the Democratic Party and state sponsored media are coming together for what is now being dubbed as Signal Gate. Yes, there was in fact a journalist who was inadvertently put on a text message group with many members of the Trump team. But what saying about what was said on those texts is still a big lie. And that is exactly why Pete Edseth came out and made it very clear to the media, to their faces, that no units, no locations were shared on the signal chat. The Defense Secretary insisting that he did not share classified plans through a signal group and the Trump administration officials did nothing wrong. Yes, there was the Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg, who was inadvertently added to that chat. And he has done nothing more than release details and go on TV and say there's a big scandal. But the reality is they were not, in fact war plans. Here is Pete in his own words, talking directly to these reporters and the American people.

[Defense Secretary]

Talking to the troops and actually in real time, re establishing deterrence. You see, that's what President Trump has charged the Defense Department with doing. Reviving the warrior ethos, rebuilding the military, which we're doing in real time, and re establishing deterrence. And that's why we're heading out into the Indo Pacific to talk to our allies and partners and meet with the troops. You see, under the Biden administration, we let our troops and our ships and both warships and commercial ships get shot at to no consequence. What does that look like? That looks like weakness. And what President Trump has said is peace through strength is back. We will reestablish deterrence. That's not acceptable. And our ongoing campaign against the Houthis has been devastatingly effective. Now, as I said said to this group a couple of times on this trip, now, as we move to the Indo Pacific to do our job, which is what we're here to do, nobody's texting war plans. Well, I noticed this morning, out came something that doesn't look like war plans. And as a matter of fact, they even changed the title to attack plans because they know it's not war plans. There's no units, no locations, no routes, no flight paths, no sources, no methods, no classified information. You Know who sees war plans? I see them every single day. I looked at them this morning. I looked at attack plans this morning. You know who does attack plans and war plans? Men like that admiral right there, Paparo for the Indo Pacific, or Eric Kurilla, our general in centcom. They do attack plans and war plans, and thank God we have those leaders who do it and do it well and our enemies know it. My job, as it said atop of that, everybody said seen it now, Team Update is to provide updates in real time, General updates in real time, keep everybody informed. That's what I did. That's my job. The war fighters will take the fight to the enemy, and I love what they do. And with President Trump's leadership, our enemies are on notice. We will have peace through strength, and we'll keep putting our troops first.

[Ben Ferguson]

Now, if you listen to what he actually said and you look at what he's telling you in his words, As a matter of fact, they even changed the title to quote, attack plans. There's no units, there's no locations, there's no routes, there's no flight paths, there's no sources, there's no methods, there's no classified information. And what the Defense Secretary was making it clear is that, yes, they took text messages and then they made them bigger than they actually are, as he described it. Yeah, I see war plans every single day. But he is not the person who devises them either. Yet again, showing that the media is lying to the American people. And let's not forget why they were having to actually do this attack. It is actually because of the inaction of the Biden administration, who refused to protect American ships and the shipping channel. And that is exactly why the Trump administration was forced to act in the first place. Now, to be clear, Democrats are going to try to turn this into the biggest story they can because it's their job with the Democratic Party, obviously, to try to lie to the American people and deceive them instead of giving them the actual facts, just like you heard there from the Defense Secretary. Next story number two, there are two Americas right now. And depending on where you're listening to me right now, you know that you're either in a city that is cooperating with ICE, or you're in a sanctuary city that is refusing to hand over hardened criminals. They're a threat to society to ICE agents, by the way, also in violation of the law. Tom Homan went on Fox News Channel to explain exactly how bad it is in many of the Democratic cities.

[Tom Homan]

So, Tom, just to get into some of the specifics here. So you got these folks that had already been charged with this. What your agents were asking, keep these guys behind bars and we'll go pick them up. But many of these criminals got charged and they were released back on the street, right? You're absolutely right. In one case I looked at Lawrence, one case, it was a child rape. He was released two years ago without honoring our detainer. It took us two years to find this person. So how many children did he attack the last two years? All we're asking for is let our agents in the jail. Will you lock somebody up and let us arrest them there when you're done with them, rather than release them back in the public and making a public safety issue out of it.

[Ben Ferguson]

Listen to Tom Holman there. All we're asking for is to let our ice agents into the jail and arrest these criminals when they're done with them. Referring to local authorities, many liberal cities and states are still refusing to comply with the federal laws and refusing to work with ICE agents. So what is happening in cities right now where the city is choosing to work with the federal government? And just how many illegal immigrant criminals are they getting off the streets that are violent? Let me give you an example of Houston, Texas. ICE agents have release that they detained more than 600 criminal illegals in a single week. Yes, the agents recently detained the more than 300 criminal legals in Greater Houston in a seven day period. ICE arrested 646 non citizens during an operation from February 23rd to March 2nd, including 543 aliens with criminal charges and seven alleged to be gang members. The 543 detainees all entered the U. S illegally and quote code have been charged or convicted of a criminal offense while they are illegally present in the country. Those taken into custody included 140 charged or convicted for an aggravated felony or other violent offenses such as homicide, aggravated assault or domestic violence. In addition, 34 of those detained are criminal aliens charged or convicted of a sex offense or child sex offense such as aggravated sexual assault of a minor, possession of child pornography or rape. The director of ICE enforcement and removal operations field office in houston said the agency executed 71 criminal arrest warrants. As part of the seven day long targeted operation. ICE coordinated with other federal and state agencies to pull off the 646 detentions. Among those involved were u. S. Customs and border protection, the bureau of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and explosives, the FBI and the drug enforcement administration. In a press release, they said after illegally entering the country, many of these criminal aliens have gone on to commit violent crime and reign terror on law abiding residents in the Houston area. Fueled by our unwavering commitment to protect the public from harm and united in our determination to restore integrity to our nation's systems of laws, ICE and our law enforcement partners in Southeast Texas have band together to remove these dangerous criminal aliens from our local communities and put an end to the lawlessness that they spread. So there are in fact two different, different Americas right now. There are cities like Houston that are using every avenue of government and law enforcement to work together to get rid of these violent criminals and rapists. And then there are liberal cities that are refusing to hand over these violent criminals to the federal government. Now the big question becomes what is the president going to do to go after these cities that are obviously putting Americans in harm's way?

And lastly, story number three.

President Donald Trump has made good on a promise as he announced a 25% tariff on all automobiles not manufactured in the United States, a move aimed to revitalize domestic car production and protect American jobs. He is framing the decision as a key step towards economic independence and national strength. Trump emphasizing the importance of bringing automotive manufacturing back to American soil. Supporters of the tariff are making it clear this could lead to major resurgences in U.S. auto jobs, spur investment in American factories and level the playing field with foreign competitors who have long benefited from low production costs and trade advantages. Industry insiders are already reporting interest from automakers and expanding U. S based operations to avoid the new levy quote. This is about putting America first, Trump said. Here is more of the president in his own words.

[Donald Trump]

Oh, this is the beginning of liberation day in America. We're going to take back just some of the money that has been taken from us by people sitting behind this desk or another desk that's not quite as nice, but they have their choice of seven, as you know. And we're going to charge countries for doing business in our country and taking our jobs, taking our wealth, wealth, taking a lot of things that they've been taking over the years. They've taken so much out of our country, friend and foe. And frankly, friend has been oftentimes much worse than foe. And this is very modest. And what we're going to be doing is a 25% tariff on all cars that are not made in the United States. If they're made in the United States, there's absolutely no tariff. We started off with a 2.5% base, which is what we were at, and we go to 25%. And basically, as you know, and as you've been seeing, not reporting as accurately as it should be reported because it's a massive story, business is coming back to the United States so that they don't have to pay tariffs.

[Ben Ferguson]

Now economists are very excited about the President's new policy, suggesting, by the way, that tariffs could reduce the trade deficit and bolster related sectors such as steel, glass and electronics. For many in manufacturing hubs, they also say, like Michigan and Ohio, the move represents hope for the return to prosperity and industrial pride. Now, the clear point the president is sending is that we are open for business and he is putting American workers ahead of foreign cheap labor. And that's good for all Americans in this country.

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.

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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 bona fide 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 Bach. Listen and subscribe.