Bonus POD: Trump Speaks to the Nation as Patel's FBI Nabs 10 of the Most Wanted

Summary

Verdict with Ted Cruz: Bonus POD Episode Summary Premiere Networks – Released on March 4, 2025

Episode Title: Trump Speaks to the Nation as Patel's FBI Nabs 10 of the Most Wanted

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In this bonus episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz," Senator Ted Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson delve into three pivotal news stories shaping the political landscape: former President Donald Trump's upcoming address to Congress, the FBI's significant arrests of cartel members under Director Cash Patel, and Trump's controversial decision to halt military aid to Ukraine. This detailed summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn during the episode.

1. Donald Trump's Joint Session Address to Congress

Overview: Senator Cruz and Ferguson kick off the episode by examining Donald Trump's impending address to a joint session of Congress. Scheduled for the evening of March 4, 2025, this speech marks Trump's first congressional address in his second presidency.

Key Points:

• Momentum and Public Support: The hosts highlight that Trump currently enjoys substantial support from the American populace and the Republican-led Congress, which is pivotal as they work on major budget legislation aligned with Trump's agenda.

• Agenda Highlights: Trump's speech is expected to cover:

  • Extension of 2016 Tax Cuts: A continuation of the tax policies favored by the Republican base.
  • Border Security: Emphasis on securing the US-Mexico border and curbing the flow of fentanyl.
  • Trade Tariffs: Introduction of new tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada, and China, aimed at pressuring other nations to negotiate better trade deals with the US.

• Differences from 2016 Presidency: There is a noticeable shift in Trump's demeanor, described as more "excited" and "enjoyable" by the American people compared to his 2016 tenure.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Ferguson [02:00]: "Donald Trump said he vows to tell it like it is when talking to you, the American people."
• Trump’s Statement [Transcript Reference]: "the only president who gave none of Ukraine's land to Putin's Russia is President Donald J. Trump."

2. FBI Director Cash Patel's Major Cartel Arrests

Overview: The episode transitions to a significant law enforcement achievement under the leadership of the newly appointed FBI Director, Cash Patel. The FBI has apprehended eight Mexican nationals, including two top 10 most wanted fugitives, for murder and major drug trafficking.

Key Points:

• Targets Apprehended:

  • Rafael Caro Quintero: A notorious figure responsible for the 1985 kidnapping and murder of DEA Special Agent Salazar. Quintero is a key leader of the Guadalajara cartel, known for supplying heroin, cocaine, and marijuana across the US-Mexico border.
  • Jose Hernandez (Elgato): Charged with stalking and orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot in Texas. Hernandez held a high-ranking position in the BLO drug cartel and was instrumental in large-scale cocaine importation into the US.

• Impact of Arrests:

  • Leadership in Cartels: These arrests signify a direct challenge to cartel leadership, aiming to dismantle their operations and reduce their influence.
  • Enhanced Security: Emphasizes the administration's commitment to national security and combating terrorism and drug trafficking.

• Critique of Previous Administration: The hosts criticize the Biden-Harris administration for failing to take decisive action against such threats, resulting in "thousands of soldiers" being lost weekly.

Notable Quotes:

• Cash Patel [05:17]: "The FBI and our partners will scour the ends of the earth to bring terrorists and cartel members to justice."
• FBI Statement: "The error of harming Americans and walking free is over."

3. Trump's Decision to Halt Military Aid to Ukraine

Overview: The final segment addresses President Trump's controversial move to cease all weapon sales to Ukraine, significantly impacting the nation's defense capabilities amidst ongoing tensions with Russia.

Key Points:

• Details of the Halt:

  • Weapon Sales Suspended: All new arms deals through the U.S. foreign military financing system have been stopped.
  • Potential Freezing of Stockpiles: Consideration to freeze all military shipments from US stockpiles, further limiting Ukraine's defense options.

• Consequences:

  • Impact on Ukraine: Reduced military aid could impair Ukraine's ability to resist Russian aggression, leading to increased vulnerability on the ground.
  • European Stability: European allies express concern over the shift in US foreign policy, with leaders like French President Macron advocating for a temporary truce to facilitate peace negotiations.

• Domestic Reactions:

  • Ukrainian Leadership: President Zelensky faces criticism from Ukrainian lawmakers for publicly arguing with Trump, undermining the US-Ukraine alliance.
  • Public Opinion: The move may sour Ukrainian public sentiment towards Zelensky, who has not faced elections since the war's onset and is perceived by some as a dictator.

• Strategic Implications:

  • US Foreign Policy Shift: Marks a significant pivot in US involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing negotiation over direct military support.
  • Trump's Stance: Maintains that Ukraine must agree to a US-defined ceasefire to continue receiving military aid, placing Trump at odds with both Ukrainian and European leaders.

Notable Quotes:

• Unidentified Political Commentator [08:39]: "Donald Trump is considering freezing weapons shipments from the U.S. stockpiles."
• Ukrainian Lawmaker: "It's absolute idiocy to start arguing all caps with the President of the United States in front of the cameras."

Concluding Insights

Throughout the episode, Senator Cruz and Ben Ferguson underscore a narrative of strong leadership and decisive action under the Trump administration, contrasting it with perceived shortcomings of the previous administration. The discussions emphasize themes of national security, effective governance, and the importance of strategic foreign policy decisions. The arrests of cartel members highlight a crackdown on domestic and international threats, while the halted military aid to Ukraine reflects a shift towards prioritizing American interests and redefining international alliances.

Listeners are encouraged to reflect on the implications of these developments for the future of US politics, national security, and international relations. The episode paints a picture of a leadership style focused on assertiveness and directness, aiming to resonate with an audience seeking clarity and strength in governance.

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This summary provides an overview of the key discussions from the "Verdict with Ted Cruz" bonus podcast episode. For a comprehensive understanding and nuanced perspectives, listening to the full episode is recommended.

Transcript

[Ryan Seacrest]

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[Unnamed Political Commentator]

Well, I just think you should be more appreciative because this country has stuck with them through thick and thin. They were a lot smarter than Joe Biden because Joe Biden didn't have a clue. He just gave money hand over fist. And they're losing thousands of soldiers a week. And I want to see it stop.

[Ben Ferguson]

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

Good Tuesday morning, Ben Ferguson with you. And these are the big stories we're talking about on the 47 Morning Upd.

[Unnamed Political Commentator]

First up, Donald Trump is set to.

[Ben Ferguson]

Address a joint session of Congress tonight. So what is the president going to say to you? I have those details exclusively for you in just a moment. Also, cartel members are being arrested by the FBI. Why wasn't this happening for the last four years under Biden and Harris? I have that as well. And finally, Donald Trump decides to stop military funding for Ukraine. And Democrats react with rage and anger. It's the 47 Morning Update and starts right now.

[Unnamed Political Commentator]

Story number one, Donald Trump will be.

[Ben Ferguson]

Addressing a joint session of Congress tonight. And more important than that, he'll be addressing the American people. Now, in politics, momentum is everything. And right now, the American people are behind Donald Trump. So what can you expect this evening from the president? Well, Donald Trump said he vows to tell it like it is when talking to you, the American people. This will be Donald Trump's first congressional address of his second presidency. And he understands it is an important one. Now this also is a speech that he will give just four days after he said Zelensky, well get the hell out of the White House. After that exchange with the president and the vice president, J.D. vance and Marco Rubio, the Secretary of State Donald Trump and Vance, as you know, called Zelensky disrespectful during their White House meeting Friday over bringing an end to the Russian Ukraine war. Now, before the fallout, the Ukrainian president had been expected to sign a major mineral deal with the United States of America. They would also clearly give protection to Ukraine. Minutes before his big post on True Social, Trump wrote, the only president who gave none of Ukraine's land to Putin's Russia is President Donald J. Trump. Remember that when the weak and ineffective Democrats criticize and the fake news gladly puts out anything they say. Reports on Monday said Trump was expected to meet with top aids to also bring suspension of U.S. military aid to Ukraine. I'll have more on that for you in a moment. But what we do know is this. The Republican led House and Senate, they are listening to the president for leadership as they're trying to hammer out a major budget legislation package that supports Donald Trump's agenda, including the extension of his 2016 Trump tax cuts as well as securing the US Mexico border and stopping the flow of fentanyl during his speech to Congress will be themes I've been told by several at the White House. Now, during Trump's first month in office, illegal border crossings dropped to their lowest levels in more than two decades. That according to government statistics now with his Department of Government Efficiency headed by Elon Musk creating much fanfare due to the staff cuts and the findings of massive waste, fraud and abuse, there is assurances that Donald Trump will also address exactly what Doge has done for the American people. Now finally, you can also expect the president to talk about his tariffs on goods from Mexico and Canada and an additional tariff on China. Trump has said the tariffs will go into effect Tuesday if there is no movement from other countries to get better deals with the United States. And it is something that he will proudly talk about as he addresses Congress. Now one final point that you should also make note of watching when the president speaks tonight is honestly just how excited he is and how much fun he's having doing what the American people have told him to do. There does seem to be a very different Donald Trump this time than what we saw in 2016, and that is something that many Americans are saying they're enjoying watching.

Next story number Two.

One of the most important campaign promises from Donald Trump was that if he was elected, he was going to go after the cartel members and declare that they're terrorist organization. He promised to do more to keep Americans safe from these terrorist organizations and well, they're paying off right away. The new FBI Director, Cash Patel announced the apprehension of eight Mexicans wanted for murder and major drug trafficking. The Federal Bureau of Investigations announcing that the agency took into United States custody the eight men from Mexico wanted by the FBI for murder and drug trafficking charges this week. In fact, two were FBI top 10 most wanted fugitives. Quote, the FBI and our partners will scour the ends of the earth to bring terrorists and cartel members to justice. Cash Patel said in a statement. The error of harming Americans and walking free is over. The eight men included Rafael Caro Quintero, a former FBI top 10 most wanted fugitive wanted for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping and the murder of Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Salazar back in 1985. The FBI said that Quintero is widely regarded as one of the Mexican godfathers of drug trafficking and helped to form the Guadalajara cartel in the late 1970s. Allegedly he had become one of the primary suppliers of heroin, cocaine and marijuana the U. S and oversaw the cartel in Costa Rica and at the U. S. Mexico border. Another major arrest was a man by the name of Jose Hernandez, also known as Elgato. He is another former FBI top 10 most wanted fugitive who has also been apprehended. He is allegedly responsible for stalking and orchestrating the murder for hire of a 43 year old male victim in May of 2013 in South Lake, Texas. According to the FBI, Hernandez previously held a high level position in the BLO drug cartel and is believed to have overseen the importation of large quantities of cocaine into the US as well as committing violent acts within the Republic of Mexico and within the US to maintain his organization's power and status. He was arrested January 7th of 2023 in Mexico. Now the case was investigated by the FBI and now they have him in custody, also charging him for interstate stalking and conspiracy to commit murder for hire. Now these are just two of the ten major arrests and the question that every American should be asking right now is this. Why is it that so many of these people were allowed to walk free among us and around the world and to terrorize Americ under the previous administration? Yes, it really does come down to leadership because when the President changed and he started making changes at the FBI, now it is clear that these cartel terrorists are on notice that we're coming for you.

And finally, story number three.

[Unnamed Political Commentator]

In a major move, President Trump has halted, we've now being told, all weapon sales to Ukraine. We also are being told that Donald Trump is considering freezing weapons ship shipments from the U. S. Stockpiles. This coming from a Wall Street Journal exclusive. Let me give you some more of the background. The Trump administration, they have confirmed, has halted new weapon sales to Ukraine and they are contemplating freezing all shipments from U. S. Stockpiles, actions that could significantly impair Ukraine's defense against Russian forces. This decision follows a contentious Oval Office meeting between Trump and Zelensky, during which Trump criticized Zelensky's assertion that the war's end might be distant and suggested the US Military aid could be suspended if Ukraine does not actively pursue peace negotiations with the U.S. now, the suspension includes halting new deals through the U.S. foreign military financing System, which is vital for maintaining Ukraine's military capabilities. Analysts are warning that without US Support, Ukraine's ability to resist Russian aggression could be severely compromised. European allies and Ukraine's defense industry may partially be able to compensate. We're also hearing at this hour. But the loss of advanced US Weaponry presents a significant challenge. European leaders have expressed concern over the shift in U.S. foreign policy. The French President Macron has proposed a temporary truce to facilitate the negotiations with Europe, showing willingness to support peacekeeping efforts, although Trump remains resistant to any US Government involvement. European officials are advocating for a truce and calling for U. S. European unity, while Trump has signaled that Zelensky must agree to a ceasefire on U. S Terms or face potential consequences. Now, the Trump administration in these recent actions indicate a significant shift in the U. S. Foreign policy regarding the Russia Ukraine conflict, especially after the way that Zelensky acted in the Oval Office, making it very clear he is profiting off war and has no intentions of stopping this war or negotiating for peace. Now, this move also puts Zelensky in a awkward situation with the Ukrainian citizens. There has not been an election there since the war broke out. Many believe that he is a dictator, a de facto leader of the country because no one really knows who supports him. And if you're a citizen Ukraine and you see that the number one thing that is keeping you somewhat safe, which is US Military armory, and you're going to lose that, then the people in Ukraine may turn against Zelensky. This is the first time we've seen major leaders in Ukraine standing up to Zelensky. The question now will be what will happen in the days and weeks ahead? As the man who says he's In Charge of Ukraine Returns Zelensky has been blasted by Ukrainian lawmakers for the first time publicly for arguing with President Trump because even they understand just how important the relationship is. A prominent Ukrainian lawmaker declared it was absolute idiocy for President Zelensky to openly argue with the US President Trump in front of the world during their Oval Office meeting on Friday. The member of the Parliament in Kyiv lamented that Ukrainians relationship with President Trump came to an end on Friday after a heated White House meeting, and he accused Zelensky of not understanding what leadership actually looks like. He went on to write on Facebook, absolute idiocy to start arguing all caps with the President of the United States in front of the cameras, adding that it can be done and probably should be done, but not in front of the cameras. This is the first time we've seen major leaders in Ukraine standing up to Zelensky. The question now will be what will happen in the days and weeks ahead as the man who says he's in charge of Ukraine returns.

[Ben Ferguson]

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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