BONUS POD: Trump Hits Harvard, Deportations Surge & Americans Expose Tesla Terrorists

Summary

Verdict with Ted Cruz - Episode Summary: “BONUS POD: Trump Hits Harvard, Deportations Surge & Americans Expose Tesla Terrorists”

Release Date: April 1, 2025

In this bonus episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, hosted by Ben Ferguson and co-hosted by Senator Ted Cruz, the discussion centers around three pivotal news stories impacting the United States: President Donald Trump's aggressive deportation policies, the rise of anti-Tesla vandalism dubbed "Tesla Terrorism," and the Trump administration's probe into Harvard University over alleged anti-Semitism. This detailed summary captures the essence of each segment, highlighting key points, notable quotes, and the overall narrative flow of the episode.

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1. Surge in Deportation Efforts Under President Trump

Overview: The episode opens with an analysis of President Donald Trump's intensified deportation efforts targeting illegal immigrants, particularly those who have committed crimes within the United States. Ben Ferguson emphasizes the administration's commitment to enforcing immigration laws and the significant public support for these measures.

Key Points:

• Public Support: Recent polls indicate a strong majority of Americans back Trump's deportation policies. Specifically, a poll conducted between March 27th and 28th revealed that 58% approve of the Trump administration's program to deport illegal immigrants, while 42% disapprove (00:35).

• Democratic Opposition: Despite the public backing, Democrats continue to oppose these measures, framing them as morally questionable and likening them to authoritarian actions such as sending immigrants to Guantanamo Bay (01:22).

• Media Criticism: Mainstream media outlets, notably MSNBC, criticize Democrats for their stance, accusing them of failing to defend immigrants' rights and labeling them as cowards for not opposing Trump's policies more forcefully (03:20).

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Ferguson (00:26): "Most Americans are now backing Donald Trump's deportation efforts of criminals who not only have broken into this country, but also have committed crimes."

• Stephen Miller (03:22): "It's a perfect demonstration of the way that the administration flips this against any critics to say that you are inherently pro illegal immigrant."

• Ben Ferguson (05:01): "It's exactly what he ran on for president. No one should be surprised that this is his agenda item."

Insights: The discussion underscores a significant shift in public opinion favoring stringent immigration enforcement, a central tenet of Trump's campaign. It highlights the disconnect between the administration's policies and the opposition's rhetoric, suggesting that Democratic efforts to halt deportations are increasingly out of step with constituent desires. The comparison to Hungary's immigration controls serves to frame the U.S. actions within a global context of rising nationalism and strict border policies.

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2. Americans Combatting “Tesla Terrorism”

Overview: The second segment delves into the alarming increase in attacks on Tesla vehicles and properties, referred to as "Tesla Terrorism." The episode explores the motivations behind these acts, the response from Tesla and law enforcement, and the active role citizens are playing in identifying and confronting vandals.

Key Points:

• Nature of Attacks: Tesla properties, including vehicles, dealerships, and charging stations, have been targets of various attacks ranging from vandalism to arson and bombings. Significant incidents have occurred in locations such as Las Vegas, Colorado, and Brooklyn, NY (05:35).

• Organized Radicalism: The attacks are attributed to the radical left, with activist groups like Tesla Takedown orchestrating protests and destructive actions against Elon Musk's enterprises (05:45).

• Law Enforcement Response: The FBI has established a task force in collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to address these incidents, now classifying them as domestic terrorism (06:40).

• Citizen Vigilance: Tesla's advanced camera systems have empowered vehicle owners to capture perpetrators, who are then publicly identified and exposed online, deterring future attacks (06:59). An illustrative confrontation features a Tesla owner confronting a vandal, highlighting the direct accountability enforced by the community (07:54).

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Ferguson (05:35): "It is very obvious that much of this is organized and being pushed by the radical left."

• Tesla Owner (07:54): "Free service. How about you pay for the repairs? Write a check. You just bought a Tesla."

• Vandal (08:54): "Obviously, I have something against Elon Musk, but that's not so."

Insights: This segment illustrates a tangible backlash against perceived corporate and political figures, with Tesla and Elon Musk symbolizing broader conflicts. The proactive measures taken by both law enforcement and citizens reflect a community-driven approach to combating vandalism and domestic terrorism. The episode portrays these actions as a defense of free enterprise and individual property rights against politically motivated destruction.

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3. Trump Administration’s Probe into Harvard Over Anti-Semitism

Overview: The final story addresses the Trump administration's investigation into Harvard University concerning allegations of anti-Semitism. The probe questions the allocation of substantial federal funds to the institution amidst claims that Harvard has fostered a hostile environment for Jewish students.

Key Points:

• Federal Funding Scrutiny: The administration is reviewing over $255 million in contracts and $8.7 billion in multi-year grants to Harvard and its affiliates to determine compliance with federal regulations, particularly regarding civil rights (09:56).

• Harvard’s Endowment: Harvard's endowment was valued at $53.2 billion in June 2024, marking a $2.5 billion increase from the previous fiscal year, raising questions about the justification of federal support (10:04).

• Campus Climate: Reports indicate that Harvard has become increasingly hostile to Jewish students, exacerbated by student groups blaming Israel for recent Hamas terror attacks, leading to inadequate responses from university leadership (10:29).

• Administrative Failures: Former Harvard President Claudine Gay resigned after failing to commit to actions against anti-Semitic rhetoric on campus, highlighting institutional shortcomings (11:20).

• Comparative Administration Responses: The Trump administration is positioned as taking decisive action against anti-Semitism on campuses, in contrast to the Biden administration’s perceived reluctance to address similar issues (13:10).

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Ferguson (10:01): "There are two basic questions that American taxpayers should be asking when it comes to universities like Harvard."

• Commentator (12:24): "Harvard's failure to protect students on campus from anti Semitic discrimination, all while promoting divisive ideologies over free inquiry, has put its reputation in serious jeopardy."

• Ben Ferguson (13:32): "Donald Trump clearly has no problem confronting anti Semitism on college campuses."

Insights: The investigation into Harvard underscores a broader national concern regarding anti-Semitism and the responsibility of educational institutions to uphold safe and inclusive environments. By targeting Harvard, the Trump administration signals a commitment to scrutinizing and potentially reallocating federal funds to ensure that universities adhere to civil rights standards. This move also serves as a critique of perceived leniency under previous administrations, positioning Trump's policies as a corrective measure against institutional complacency toward hate and discrimination.

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Conclusion

In this bonus episode, Verdict with Ted Cruz provides a comprehensive examination of critical issues affecting America today. From the robust support for Trump's deportation policies reflecting a public desire for stringent immigration control, to the grassroots efforts combating anti-Tesla vandalism illustrating community resilience, and finally, the administration's unwavering stance against anti-Semitism in elite educational institutions, the episode underscores themes of national security, corporate defense, and civil rights. Through incisive commentary and notable quotes, Ferguson and Cruz present a narrative that champions conservative values and highlights the administration's proactive measures in addressing contentious societal challenges.

For listeners seeking to understand the current political climate and its implications, this episode offers valuable insights and a clear perspective aligned with conservative viewpoints.

Transcript

[Donald Trump]

I want to do a fantastic job. We have four years, just about almost close to four years. We're getting a lot of credit for having done a great job in the first almost 100 days. And we have some big things we're going to be announcing over the next two days. And you know very well, Peter, and I think it's going to be something that's going to bring a lot of wealth back to our country, tremendous wealth back to our country, actually.

[Ben Ferguson]

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

Good Tuesday morning, Ben Ferguson with you. It's nice to have you on the 47 Morning Update. And here are the three big stories that you need to know about that are happening right now. First up, the polls don't lie. Most Americans are now backing Donald Trump's deportation efforts of criminals who not only have broken into this country, but also have committed crimes.

[Commentator]

So why is the left still fighting against this?

[Ben Ferguson]

We'll break those numbers down for you. Also, citizens in America are uniting to.

[Commentator]

Find the Tesla terrorists, you know, those.

[Ben Ferguson]

That are keying swastikas in the sides of cyber trucks. Well, America seems to be fighting back and tracking them down. And finally, the Trump administration announcing a probe into Harvard's anti Semitism and it could cost the university billions of dollars in federal funds. It's the 47 Morning Update and it starts right now.

Story number one, Donald Trump promised that.

He was going to go after the.

[Commentator]

Bad hombres that have come across our border illegally.

[Ben Ferguson]

And those that have committed crimes in the US Were going to be the.

[Commentator]

First to be deported. Democrats have done everything they can to try to stop him from doing that.

[Ben Ferguson]

And they're even moral outrage over the idea of sending the worst criminals to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

[Commentator]

They thought that was going to change Americans minds. Then they tried something new over the.

[Ben Ferguson]

Last few weeks saying that it those that are being deported haven't been given, quote, due process.

[Commentator]

And this is what a dictator or tyrant would do.

[Ben Ferguson]

Again, protecting these individuals that have come across the border illegally.

[Commentator]

Yes. Breaking our law and also breaking other.

[Ben Ferguson]

Significant law laws on top of that, that is who the Democratic Party is defending. Well, the American people are having none.

[Commentator]

Of the liberals propaganda against Donald Trump.

[Ben Ferguson]

In fact, in new polling numbers we've seen now most Americans approve of President Donald Trump's program to deport illegal immigrants, period.

[Commentator]

That means if you came into America illegally, that is enough for the American people to say you should be deported, not just committing other crimes on top of that. Yes. This is an incredible new number that we're seeing.

[Ben Ferguson]

The poll was taken between March 27th and the 28th.

[Commentator]

And 58 say they approve of the.

[Ben Ferguson]

Trump administration's program to deport illegal immigrants in the U. S compared to 42% who say they disapprove.

[Commentator]

Translation an overwhelming majority of Americans stand with Donald Trump. Now, what's even more interesting about what.

[Ben Ferguson]

We'Re witnessing right now is the fact that the media is angry at Democrats on Capitol Hill for not going out.

[Commentator]

And going to war with Donald Trump over deportations.

[Ben Ferguson]

Many of them, they believe, apparently now are just cowards.

[Commentator]

And they're angry and shocked that the majority of Americans are supporting Trump. MSNBC is a perfect example where they.

[Ben Ferguson]

Say they cannot believe what they're witnessing.

[Commentator]

With their own eyes.

[Stephen Miller]

You heard Stephen Miller say in an interview on the lawn of the White House, look at you. To a CBS reporter, are you seriously defending people who are here from Venezuela who are gang members, even though there had been no due process to know whether they were gang members? But it was, it was a kind of perfect demonstration of the way that the administration flips this against any critics to say that you are inherently pro illegal immigrant, you are inherently pro people who are here illegally or have done bad things. And it's a difficult. It makes it hard for the Democrats to defend the rights of these people, which is why you're not hearing much outcry. I mean, it was interesting talking to Ann Applebaum just a minute ago off camera, and she was saying, we've gone further than Hungary in the United States already, just in the space of three months. Orban took 10 years to do this. We've done it in the space of three months. And it's even more chilling here what is happening. But you're hearing so little opposition to it from Democrats.

[Ben Ferguson]

You're hearing so little opposition to it from Democrats. Hell may be freezing over because MSNBC.

[Commentator]

Is now attacking Democrats, they say, for.

[Ben Ferguson]

Not being radical enough at standing up.

[Commentator]

To what the American people are saying they want, overwhelmingly. You also heard in there the fear.

[Ben Ferguson]

Mongering, saying that Hungary, which they've attacked.

[Commentator]

Viktor Orban, the leader of that country, relentlessly since Donald Trump said his name.

[Ben Ferguson]

And said he's doing a great job.

[Commentator]

On the issue of immigration.

[Ben Ferguson]

They are now saying that what it.

[Commentator]

Took him years or decades to accomplish.

[Ben Ferguson]

In Hungary has only taken Donald Trump three months.

[Commentator]

Like that's a bad thing. It's very clear the American people are.

[Ben Ferguson]

Loving what Donald Trump is doing and.

[Commentator]

It'S exactly what he ran on for president. No one should be surprised that this is is his agenda item. In fact, you could argue this is.

[Ben Ferguson]

Exactly why the American people voted him.

[Commentator]

Back into the White House. So the good news is, no matter.

[Ben Ferguson]

What the Democrats have said so far in the first three months of his presidency, none of it seems to be working. And the American people seem to be united behind Donald Trump to get rid.

[Commentator]

Of illegal immigrants who entered the country illegally.

[Ben Ferguson]

Next, story number two.

The story that you're about to hear is one that's very important. And I hope every one of you.

[Commentator]

Will share this podcast wherever you can on social media.

[Ben Ferguson]

Because the American people are standing up and finding these Tesla terrorists.

[Commentator]

In recent weeks, there have been a significant increase in attacks targeting Tesla vehicles, dealerships, charging stations, both in the United.

[Ben Ferguson]

States of America and internationally.

[Commentator]

The incidents have ranged from basic vandalism to full on arson, to bombs even.

[Ben Ferguson]

Being planted at dealerships around the country.

[Commentator]

Whether it's Las Vegas or Colorado, Brooklyn, New York.

[Ben Ferguson]

Nationwide wide, we have seen a massive uptick.

[Commentator]

And then on Saturday, you had the international protest of Elon Musk and the.

[Ben Ferguson]

Activist group Tesla Takedown organized over 200.

[Commentator]

Protests, they claim, at Tesla dealerships across the country. In response, Tesla sent a video message to its sales staff urging them to stay vigilant.

[Ben Ferguson]

It is very obvious that much of.

[Commentator]

This is organized and being pushed by the radical left. The FBI has formed a task force to address the rising number of attacks.

[Ben Ferguson]

On Tesla properties, collaborating with the Bureau.

[Commentator]

Of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and investigating all of these incidents with local law enforcement. They're also now treating this as domestic terrorism.

[Ben Ferguson]

Well, here's the best part.

[Commentator]

Americans are getting involved as well. Many of the attacks on Tesla vehicles.

[Ben Ferguson]

Are being caught by the Tesla camera.

[Commentator]

Systems and then the owners are putting them on the Internet.

[Ben Ferguson]

Well, guess what's happening?

[Commentator]

Americans are identifying the attackers and turning them into police. In fact, one man whose car was.

[Ben Ferguson]

Vandalized with a swastika keyed into the side found because the Internet, the man.

[Commentator]

Who did it, and he confronted him.

[Ben Ferguson]

And it was all caught on video.

[Commentator]

I'll say it again, you're not going to see or hear this anywhere else. So make sure you share this with all of your family and friends on social media. Now, the man that's being confronted realizes that he is being taped and that the whole world is going to see.

[Ben Ferguson]

Who he is putting his entire livelihood in, his life, his businesses and his quote, good name in a bad light.

[Commentator]

So what did he say when he was confronted by the man who tracked.

[Ben Ferguson]

Him down, whose car he put these swastika in?

[Commentator]

Well, take a listen to his own words.

[Tesla Owner]

Free service. How about you pay for the repairs? Write a check. You just bought a Tesla.

[Vandal]

I can wipe it off. No, no, it's not.

[Tesla Owner]

No. It is a heat crime, sir. It is a heat crime. A suit. Did you write a swastika on there?

[Vandal]

I'm sorry you're upset.

[Tesla Owner]

Did you write a swastika?

[Vandal]

It didn't even work, apparently.

[Tesla Owner]

Did you write a swastika on the. It's a key, sir. We see it on the video. Did you. Is it a swastika? Is it a swastika?

[Vandal]

Have you looked at your phone?

[Tesla Owner]

Yes. Is it a swastika? It's at the police right now. It's being fingerprinted.

[Vandal]

What do you mean it's being fingerprinted?

[Tesla Owner]

Because they. They're trying to track you down. Thankfully, Facebook tracked you down, so your business, your freaking livelihood, everything now because you chose to write a. So to tell Facebook that you're sorry for writing a swastika on a Tesla.

[Vandal]

Listen, I said I'm sorry. For what? I have nothing against car and I have nothing against you.

[Tesla Owner]

So why would you write a swastika?

[Vandal]

Obviously, I have something against Elon Musk, but that's not so.

[Tesla Owner]

Elon Musk owns that car because it was. It was. So it was bought and paid for a long time.

[Vandal]

That's why it's misguided, and obviously I did not intend to do this.

[Commentator]

This should serve as a warning to.

[Ben Ferguson]

Anyone thinking about going after Tesla vehicles, that if you're caught on camera, there.

[Commentator]

Are a lot of good Americans that are out there willing to find you and expose you for actually who you are.

[Ben Ferguson]

We also are finding out that there.

[Commentator]

Are consequences for those who've already done this.

[Ben Ferguson]

A man suspected of setting fire to Tesla vehicles in Las Vegas, we were told today, will remain jailed until trial.

[Commentator]

Tesla terror is also spreading in Europe as dealerships gone up in flames and.

[Ben Ferguson]

Vandals hit another in attacks on Trump and Elon Musk.

[Commentator]

It's obvious that the left is realizing.

[Ben Ferguson]

Now that when they can't control Donald Trump, well, they're going to at least try to burn down everything that's important.

[Commentator]

To him and Elon Musk.

[Ben Ferguson]

And here is story number three.

[Commentator]

There are two basic questions that American taxpayers should be asking when it comes.

[Ben Ferguson]

To universities like Harvard.

[Commentator]

Number one, why are your federal tax dollars going there? Especially when Harvard University's endowment, at the end of June of 2024, their fiscal.

[Ben Ferguson]

Year was valued at 53.2 billion dollars.

[Commentator]

By the way, that represented a 2.5.

[Ben Ferguson]

Billion dollar increase from the previous fiscal year. The second question is why is the.

[Commentator]

Government giving 9 billion in federal funds.

[Ben Ferguson]

To a university that also has anti Semitic tendencies?

[Commentator]

Well, both of those questions are now being answered by the Trump administration as they are probing Harvard for exactly that.

[Ben Ferguson]

Anti Semitism and looking at the real.

[Commentator]

Possibility of pulling the 9 billion in federal funds.

[Ben Ferguson]

The Trump administration announcing on Monday that.

[Commentator]

They are looking into Harvard over its.

[Ben Ferguson]

Chronic problem with anti Semitism, placing the.

[Commentator]

9 billion in federal grants at risk.

[Ben Ferguson]

At the nation's most elite academic institution.

[Commentator]

Harvard's campus has become increasingly hostile to Jews in recent years as radical anti.

[Ben Ferguson]

Israel activists have become, well, one to.

[Commentator]

One basically with a university and their mindset. Especially since the Hamas terror attacks of October 7, which dozens of student groups.

[Ben Ferguson]

Blamed on Israel on campus, the university.

[Commentator]

Has struggled to respond. In fact, the former Harvard president Claudine.

[Ben Ferguson]

Gay could not even commit to Congress.

[Commentator]

That the university would take action if there were calls for genocide of Jews on campus. She resigned weeks later in disgrace. Three separate federal departments announced a joint investigation on Monday of Harvard in a press statement saying this. Today, the Department of Education, Health and Human Services and the U.S. general Services.

[Ben Ferguson]

Administration announced a comprehensive review of federal contracts and grants at Harvard University and its affiliates.

[Commentator]

This review is part of the ongoing efforts of the Joint Task Force to Combat Antisemitism. The task force will review More than $255 million in contracts between Harvard University, its affiliates and the federal government. The review also includes more than $8.7 billion in multi year grant commitments to.

[Ben Ferguson]

Harvard University and its affiliates to ensure.

[Commentator]

The university is in compliance with federal regulations, including its civil rights responsibilities. Harvard has served as a symbol of the American dream for generations, the pinnacle aspiration for students all over the world to work hard and earn admission to the storied institution. Harvard's failure to protect students on campus from anti Semitic discrimination, all while promoting divisive ideologies over free inquiry, has put its reputation in serious jeopardy. Harvard can right these wrongs and restore.

[Ben Ferguson]

Itself to a campus dedicated to academic.

[Commentator]

Excellence and truth seeking, where all students.

[Ben Ferguson]

Feel safe on its campus.

[Commentator]

The Trump administration took a similar approach.

[Ben Ferguson]

In addressing anti Semitism on the campus.

[Commentator]

Of Columbia University, which quickly agreed to.

[Ben Ferguson]

Make major policy changes, though it later seemed to backtrack privately after the inaction.

[Commentator]

Of the Biden administration, which was reluctant to confront its own radical base about anti Jewish bigotry. Donald Trump clearly has no problem confronting.

[Ben Ferguson]

Anti Semitism on college campuses, clearly making sure that every Jewish student feels safe no matter what campus they are on in America. As for Harvard, if they keep up their anti semitic ways, it's going to cost them billions of dollars.

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.