BONUS POD: Trump talks Iran, Immigration & Smaller Government in One-on-One w NBC News

Summary

Verdict with Ted Cruz: BONUS POD — Trump Talks Iran, Immigration & Smaller Government in One-on-One w/ NBC News

Podcast: Verdict with Ted Cruz
Host: Ben Ferguson
Episode Date: February 5, 2026

---

Episode Overview

This special bonus podcast features Senator Ted Cruz’s co-host Ben Ferguson breaking down Donald Trump’s recent interview with NBC News. The episode focuses on Trump’s positions regarding the economy, government reform, immigration policy, foreign affairs (specifically with Iran), and his legacy. Ferguson highlights Trump’s directness in the interview, comments on his ongoing tension with the media, and underscores key takeaways for conservative listeners.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Economic Outlook and the Federal Reserve

• Trump expresses strong confidence that the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates soon, noting that both he and his Fed Chair nominee prioritize this outcome.
• He criticizes the artificial inflation of employment numbers by expanding the federal workforce, contrasting his approach of federal downsizing and championing free enterprise.
• He underscores the importance of growth over austerity alone to address the national debt.

Memorable Moment

“We have debt, but we also have growth. And the growth will soon make the debt look very small. Because the greatest way—you have two ways, you can cut, cut, cut. And we do that anyway.”
— Donald Trump [05:49]

• Trump asserts his commitment to “making America great again” through fiscal discipline and reduced bureaucracy.
• He highlights a significant reduction in federal workers during his administration, emphasizing the private sector’s ability to absorb those jobs.

Federal Reserve Leadership & Spending

• Trump is critical of excessive Fed spending, specifically referencing a costly Federal Reserve building renovation.
• He distances himself from criminal investigations into current Fed Chair Jerome Powell, insisting the DOJ is handling those matters independently.

“He's renovating buildings for three to four billion dollars. And you know, this Fed chair that I have is, I think, going to be great. He might not have a home because this guy has spent so much money.”
— Donald Trump [10:54]

---

2. Immigration Policy Shifts

• Trump outlines a "softer touch" in certain aspects of immigration enforcement while maintaining toughness where needed, showing adaptability and responsiveness from previous lessons learned.
• He frames this approach as listening to criticism and points out that such flexibility is a point of anxiety for Democrats.

Notable Perspective

“Yes, that is the president's words in certain immigration enforcement situations, while still emphasizing toughness where needed.”
— Ben Ferguson [04:36]

---

3. Election Integrity and Voter ID

• Trump continues his longstanding accusation that Democrats resist voter ID laws in order to facilitate election fraud, maintaining this as a priority for American democracy.

“If they don't want voter ID, that means they want to cheat. We can't allow cheating in elections.”
— Donald Trump [02:38]

---

4. Foreign Policy: U.S.–Iran Relations

• Trump warns Iran’s supreme leader to be “very worried,” boasting about the successful obliteration of Iran’s nuclear program sites by U.S. military action.
• Suggests U.S. action was crucial for peace in the Middle East, stating that Arab nations only made agreements because they were “not afraid of Iran anymore.”
• Asserts readiness to strike again if intelligence suggests Iran is restarting nuclear efforts.

Key Quote

“Those beautiful B2 bombers went in and they hit their target, every single bomb and obliterated it … they were going to have a nuclear weapon within one month. That was a big threat. They're not going to have it anymore.”
— Donald Trump [07:47]

“If they do [restart], we're going to send them right back and do their job again.”
— Donald Trump [08:40]

---

5. Media Relations and Third Term Question

• Trump responds wryly to questions about seeking a third term, teasing the media and refusing to provide a straight answer, instead focusing on his mission to "make America great again.”

“It would be interesting, but wouldn't it be terrible if I agreed with you … it would make life so much less exciting … I only do this for one reason, make America great again. And that's what we're doing.”
— Donald Trump [09:35]

---

6. Government Waste and Overspending

• Trump voices frustration with government waste, focusing on excessive costs such as the Federal Reserve building and pledging to hold officials accountable.

---

7. Trump’s Legacy

• Asked about being ranked alongside historical presidents like Washington and Lincoln, Trump is characteristically self-aware and humorous about people calling him “the GOAT” (Greatest Of All Time), connecting his legacy to American well-being.

“But all I know, I'm walking down and everyone's screaming goat, goat. I said, what are they talking about? I hope they're right. Not for me, but for the country. Because if I do a great job, that means the country is doing well.”
— Donald Trump [12:19]

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Voter ID & Election Integrity: [02:38]
• Trump on Economy, Interest Rates & Fed Policy: [05:39]–[06:50]
• Foreign Policy/Iran Remarks: [07:32]–[08:49]
• Media Question on Third Term: [09:28]–[10:00]
• Discussion of Fed Building Overspending & Investigations: [10:37]–[11:58]
• Trump on Presidential Legacy: [12:12]–[12:33]

---

Notable Quotes

• “If they don't want voter ID, that means they want to cheat. We can't allow cheating in elections.”
  — Donald Trump [02:38]

• “We have debt, but we also have growth. And the growth will soon make the debt look very small.”
  — Donald Trump [05:49]

• “Those beautiful B2 bombers went in and they hit their target, every single bomb and obliterated it … they were going to have a nuclear weapon within one month. That was a big threat. They're not going to have it anymore.”
  — Donald Trump [07:47]

• “Because if I do a great job, that means the country is doing well.”
  — Donald Trump [12:19]

---

Tone & Style

The episode maintains a pointed, pro-Trump, and populist tone, with Ben Ferguson providing enthusiastic commentary and positioning Trump’s statements as victories for common-sense conservatism. Trump is portrayed as confident, brash, and willing to “have fun” with the media while doubling down on staples of his political branding: tough stances on immigration and foreign policy, fiscal hawkishness, and an ongoing campaign for personal and national greatness.

---

This summary provides a comprehensive view of Trump’s policy priorities, rhetorical strategies, and key exchange moments with NBC News, as filtered through the lens of the Verdict with Ted Cruz team.

Transcript

[Ben Ferguson]

This is an iHeart podcast guaranteed Human Friday kick off the Winter Olympics in style with the opening ceremony from Italy featuring a special performance by Mariah Carey. Celebrate the greatest athletes from around the globe as they come together to go for gold. Lipsy for sensational the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics. Ilia Malady redefining the Sport Friday at 8 Eastern, 7pm Central on NBC and Peacock this Sunday iHeartRadio brings you live to Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara for the Super Bowl 60 tailgate concert presented by NetApp. It's the ultimate pre game party featuring an exclusive performance from Teddy Swims. Your front row experience will be on iHeartradio stations across the country and the free iHeartradio app this Sunday at 3:30 Eastern, 12:30 Pacific. Then after the concert, tune in to the Super Bowl 60 pregame show on N.B.

[Donald Trump]

See.

[Ben Ferguson]

Support for the show comes from Public the investing platform for those who take it seriously. On Public you can build a multi asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto and now generated assets which allow you to turn any idea into an investable index with AI. It all starts with your prompt. From renewable energy companies with high free cash flow to semiconductor suppliers growing revenue over 20% year over year, you can literally type any prompt and put the AI to work. It screens thousands of stocks, builds a one of a kind index and lets you back test it against the S and P. Then you can invest in a few clicks. Generated assets are like ETFs with infinite possibilities, completely customizable and based on your thesis, not someone else's. Go to public.com podcast and earn an uncapped 1% bonus when you transfer your portfolio. That's public.com podcast paid for by Public Investing Brokerage Services by Open to the Public Investing Inc. Member FINRA and SIPC Advisory services by Public Advisors llc. SEC Registered Advisor. Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool. Output is for informational purposes only and is not an investment recommendation or advice. Complete disclosures [e-mail] disclosures not everybody can be good at fantasy football and at Better. We understand that. That's why we're giving away a free $10 just for signing up. Download the Better app, pick more or less on player stats, watch the games and win some cash. It's that simple. Better Picks is available in 33 states including Texas, California and Georgia. Download the Better app today. That's Better B, E T R and get a free $10. No deposit necessary. Must be 21 or older in a jurisdiction where Better Picks operates two terms and conditions apply. Better picks. Sports just got better.

[Donald Trump]

I say that we cannot have corrupt elections if we have to. If they don't straighten it out. As an example, voter id. Why don't the Democrats want voter id? You know who does want voter id? Democrat voters want it, but Democrat politicians don't. Why don't they want it? Because they want to cheat on elections. If they don't want voter id, that means they want to cheat. We can't allow cheating in elections.

[Ben Ferguson]

You're listening to the 47 Morning Update.

[Narrator/Host]

With Ben Ferguson Thursday morning. Nice to have you with us on the 47 Morning Update. And we've got one major story for you. Donald Trump sits down with NBC News in a wide ranging interview talking about exactly what he's doing for Americans, what his plans are moving forward, and even trolling the media a little bit as well. Why is it that the media hates Trump so much, especially when he's willing to do these types of interviews, answer virtually any questions. We're going to play some of it for you and you'll hear directly from President Donald Trump. It's the 47 Morning Update and it starts right now. Story number one, Donald Trump sitting down with NBC News having a very blunt and honest conversation focusing on all of the substantive changes that we've had during the Trump administration. He talked about American confidence, number one, saying that he has strong confidence on interest rates which are going to help all Americans. Trump said there is not much doubt that the US Interest rates will be lowered by the Federal Reserve, signaling much more favorable borrowing costs ahead for consumers. That is something that the markets and many business owners, he said are welcoming. He also emphasized that his nominee for the Fed chair understands his priority. The president also said that it is important that we allow the DOJ to handle business deals. This just hours after that antitrust hearing on Netflix. In contrast to his earlier comments, Trump stated he would not intervene in the high profile corporate competition between Netflix and Paramount over the potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, instead letting the Department of Justice review it independently. This shift was framed as respecting the process and reducing political influence on business decisions. The president also said that we're making great strides when it comes to immigration, Trump saying his administration learned it might be wise to take a little bit of a softer touch. Yes, that is the president's words in certain immigration enforcement situations while still emphasizing toughness where needed. This was presented as a sign of responsiveness and learning from experience, something Democrats are, well, very concerned. The president also talked about money and the American people, his administration and the national debt saying this, let's get to the Fed.

[Ben Ferguson]

Is there any doubt in your mind that interest rates are going to be lowered?

[Donald Trump]

Not much.

[Ben Ferguson]

Why? How can you say that?

[Donald Trump]

I just think they're going to be lower. To me, they should.

[Ben Ferguson]

Is your new Fed pick on board with that?

[Donald Trump]

We're way high, okay? We're way high in interest. We have now with me and with all the money. I've always been good at money. And with all the money coming into our country, we're a rich country again, we have debt, but we also have growth. And the growth will soon make the debt look very small. Because the greatest way you have two ways you can cut, cut, cut. And we do that anyway. We did that, you know, we got rid of hundreds of thousands of federal workers, and those workers went out and got themselves jobs in the free enterprise system. And you know what? That's called making America great again. We had 10 workers in the federal government for every single job. When the Democrats go in, they hire. I could right now give you the best employment numbers in history. You know what I do? Go out and hire 2 million people, put them in the federal government.

[Ben Ferguson]

Does your new Fed pick.

[Donald Trump]

I do the opposite.

[Ben Ferguson]

Does your new Fed pick understand that you want him to lower interest rates?

[Donald Trump]

Well, I think he does, but I think he wants to anyway. I mean, if he came in and said, I want to raise him, if.

[Ben Ferguson]

He said that, he wouldn't have gotten the job.

[Donald Trump]

He would not have gotten the job.

[Narrator/Host]

No, you listen to the president there two points he's obviously making. Number one, I'm not going to fake the numbers of the federal government on employment. I'm not going to go hire 2 million government workers, which is what the Democrats did to artificially inflate the employment numbers. He said, I can give you the best employment numbers in history, but guess what? You, as a taxpayer, are going to be paying for it. And he's also talking about how it's important to have a Fed chairman that understands that Americans need someone on their side to help them survive. That being a big part of the conversation now. Donald Trump also moved on to foreign policy issues, talking about what's happening in Iran. The president saying this to NBC News.

[Ben Ferguson]

Should the supreme leader in Iran be worried right now?

[Donald Trump]

I would say he should be very worried. Yeah, he should be. As you know, they're negotiating with us.

[Ben Ferguson]

I know they are, but the protesters have said, you know, where are the Americans? You promised them we would have their back. Do we still have their back?

[Donald Trump]

We've had Their back. Back. And look, that country's a mess right now because of us. We went in, we wiped out their nuclear. We wiped out peace in the Middle east if I didn't take out their nuclear. Think of it. If we didn't take out that nuclear, we wouldn't have peace in the Middle east because the Arab countries could have never done that. They were very, very afraid of Iran. They're not afraid of Iran anymore. We wiped out those beautiful B2 bombers. One's right over there. That was beautiful little model. Those beautiful B2 bombers went in and they hit their target, every single bomb and obliterated it. And because of that, they were going to have a nuclear weapon within one month. Within one month, they were going to have a nuclear weapon. That was a big threat. They're not going to have it anymore.

[Ben Ferguson]

But now, if we obliterate it, what's the deal about. I mean, if there's no more. Are they trying to restart the nuclear program?

[Donald Trump]

Well, I heard that they are. And if they do, and I let them know if they do, we're going to send them right back and do their job again.

[Ben Ferguson]

So your understanding they tried to restart it and that's why you're threatening force.

[Donald Trump]

They tried to go back to the site. They weren't even able to get near it. There was total obliteration. But they were thinking about starting a new site in a different part of the country. We found out about it. I said, you do that, we're going to do very bad things to you.

[Narrator/Host]

We're going to do very bad things to you. The president not backing down on any of his promises there. The President Trump also asked the, of course, obsession question by the media, and that is that somehow he's going to stay in office for like a third term. NBC News actually taking the time to ask the President this question, and he had a little fun with it.

[Ben Ferguson]

On January 21, 2029, do you see any scenario where you are still president?

[Donald Trump]

I don't know. It would be interesting, but wouldn't it be terrible if I agreed with, you know, if I gave you the answer that you're looking for? It would make life so much less exciting, right? It would be so much less exciting. But I only do this for one reason, make America great again. And that's what we're doing. We're making America great again. Greater than ever before. Our country is greater than ever before.

[Narrator/Host]

The president obviously having a little fun there with NBC News not answering the question the way they wanted to, smiling from ear to Ear knowing that that was going to trigger them. Now back to the serious issues at hand. One of the things the President talked about was getting rid of excess government waste, fraud and abuse. And one of the examples of that is what he's been talking about with the Federal Reserve Building. He is furious over the costs and then the cost overruns. The President asked about it and this is what he said. The American people are sick and tired of government abuse of your tax dollars.

[Ben Ferguson]

There's been bipartisan suggestions that the criminal investigation to the current Fed Chair, Jerome Powell is payback. Right. For not lowering interest rates, but also for when he was in that sort of news conference with you with the hard hats and he was shaking his head and showing you the papers and disagreeing with you in public. Is that why he's under criminal investigation?

[Donald Trump]

He was very respectful to me. He wasn't. He was explaining to me, I'm asking him, why are you spending almost $4 billion on a very small little complex of buildings? It's the highest price per square foot. He's renovating buildings for three to four billion dollars. And you know, this Fed chair that I have is, I think is going to be great. He might not have a home because this guy has spent so much money. And I looked, it's a see through. There's nothing inside they haven't done. They are spending money. He's in charge of the project. He's. This is the Federal Reserve building I'm talking about. It's a very small little. It's actually a couple of little bit. They're spending more money than any building ever built in history per square foot.

[Ben Ferguson]

Some Republican senators say they're not going to approve him unless you drop that investigation.

[Donald Trump]

A lot of people say a lot of things.

[Ben Ferguson]

You don't think that's true. You think, is it worth it to drop the investigation to get your Fed Chair through?

[Donald Trump]

I think the investigation is. The investigation is being handled by Pam and Janine and the people. They'll make their own decision. Yeah.

[Narrator/Host]

Now, the President was also asked one other fun question at the very end. It's a little bit about his legacy, how he'll be remembered and what he's done so far. And here's what the President had to say about all of that.

[Ben Ferguson]

You think at one point people will talk about you when they talk about presidents like Washington and Lincoln, is that something you think is going to happen?

[Donald Trump]

It's such an honor. But all I know, I'm walking down and everyone's screaming goat, goat. I said, what are they talking about? I hope they're right. Not for me, but for the country. Because if I do a great job, that means the country is doing well.

[Narrator/Host]

That sums up President Donald Trump perfectly in his second term. If I do a great job, that means the country is doing well. And that's why there's so many Americans that are loving exactly what he's doing each and every day.

[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. This Sunday, iHeartRadio brings you live to Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara for The Super Bowl 60 tailgate concert. Presented by NetApp. It's the ultimate pre game party featuring an exclusive performance from Teddi Swimsuit. Your front row experience will be on iHeartradio stations across the country and the free iHeartradio app is Sunday at 3:30 Eastern, 12:30 Pacific. Then after the concert, tune in to the Super Bowl 60 pregame show on NBC. Yo, you know Ball, we'll come through with a free $10 from Better Picks.

[Narrator/Host]

Download the Better app, pick more or.

[Ben Ferguson]

Less on your favorite player stats, watch the games and win some cash. It's that simple. Must be 21 or older in a jurisdiction where Better Picks operates, terms and conditions apply. Better Picks Sports just got better. Well, the holidays have come and gone once again. But if you've forgotten to get that special someone in your life a gift, well, Mint Mobile is extending their holiday offer of half off unlimited wireless. So here's the idea. You get it now. You call it an early present for next year.

[Narrator/Host]

What do you have to lose?

[Ben Ferguson]

Give it a [e-mail] Switch limited time, 50% off regular price for new customers. Upfront payment required $45 for three months, $90 for six months or $180 for 12 month plan taxes and fees. Extra speeds may slow after 50 gigabytes per month when network is busy. See Terms how do you make chicken nuggets like 7,000% better? Short answer you let Taco Bell make them. Long answer Start with all white meat chicken nuggets, bread them in crunchy tortilla chips and serve them with Hidden Valley Diablo Ranch. Yep, that's Hidden Valley Ranch mixed with Taco Bell Diablo sauce. It's exactly what it sounds like and somehow even better. Simple math Spicy results. Crispy chicken nuggets from Taco Bell, a brand new classic at participating US Taco Bell locations for a limited time only while supplies last. This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.