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.