Podcast Summary:

Verdict with Ted Cruz
Episode: BONUS POD: Trump Triumphs in Court as Grassley Blows Lid Off Deep State
Date: October 28, 2025
Host(s): Ben Ferguson (Ted Cruz not present in this segment)

Episode Overview

This special bonus episode focuses on two major political developments:

1. A recent 9th Circuit Court decision permitting President Trump to deploy the National Guard in Portland—framing it as a win for law and order and executive authority.
2. Senator Chuck Grassley's exposé on “Arctic Frost,” an alleged DOJ/FBI investigation targeting Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers, described as a demonstration of “Deep State” overreach under the previous Biden administration.

The episode uses urgent, combative language, positing these events as both vindication for Trump and a warning about expansive government power targeting conservatives.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. 9th Circuit Court Decision: Trump’s Authority Affirmed

[04:48 - 08:04]

• Court Ruling Recap:
  The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals stayed a lower court’s order, effectively permitting President Trump to deploy the National Guard to Portland in response to ongoing unrest.

• Legal Justification:
  The court cited 10 USC §12406 (Title 10), giving the President power to federalize the National Guard “when unable with the regular forces to execute the laws of the United States.”

• Host Commentary:
  Ben Ferguson points out the significance of this win for “law and order,” framing it as a necessary response to violent crime in Portland and other cities. He criticizes progressive media coverage, noting that “MSNBC having a total meltdown” demonstrates liberal opposition to the ruling.

• Notable Quote ([06:24]):
  “It is very clear the left realizes now they’re running out of ways to stop President Trump from doing his job, a job that he was elected by the American people to do. And they’re going to do everything they can to continue to try to stop him.” — Ben Ferguson

• MSNBC Analyst Clip ([06:24 - 08:04]):
  Reads from the court decision:
  “The evidence the President relied on reflects, quote, a colorable assessment of the facts and law within a range of honest judgment. We thus conclude that defendants are likely to succeed on the merits of their appeal.” — MSNBC legal analyst

2. Grassley Blows Lid Off “Deep State” Investigation: Arctic Frost

[08:05 - 16:50]

• Background:
  “Arctic Frost” was an FBI/DOJ operation launched in April 2022, officially targeting alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election.

• New Revelations (per Sen. Grassley):

  • Grassley claims to have obtained documents proving personal approval of the investigation by:
    • Attorney General Merrick Garland
    • Deputy AG Lisa Monaco
    • FBI Director Christopher Wray
  • The operation surveilled at least eight Republican senators and one House member, including Sen. Ted Cruz.
  • 92 GOP-aligned organizations and individuals—e.g., Turning Point USA—were reportedly targets.

• Allegations of Political Weaponization:
  The investigation was presented by Grassley and the host as an overbroad, partisan fishing expedition designed to intimidate and silence conservative dissent, and as a precursor to Jack Smith’s failed D.C. case against Trump.

• Host Take:
  Ferguson repeats the view that this is “worse than Watergate” and a clear demonstration of the “weaponization” of federal law enforcement.

• Notable Quotes:

  • “Grassley called this worse than Watergate.” ([12:13])
  • “It was the vehicle by which partisan GOP agents and DOJ prosecutors could achieve their partisan ends and improperly investigate the entire Republican political apparatus, Grassley added.” ([13:30])
  • “Thank goodness President Trump is now in the Oval Office and the people around him are making sure that this never happens again.” — Ben Ferguson ([16:40])

• Reported Consequences:
  Ferguson cites Kash Patel, former Trump official and now FBI Director, promising accountability and transparency after Grassley’s exposé. The CR15 squad (public corruption unit) at the FBI was disbanded, and implicated employees were terminated.

Memorable Moments & Notable Quotes

• On Trump’s legal victory:
  “You're witnessing a president that is doing exactly what he promised he was going to do, keep all Americans safe, no matter where you live.”
  — Ben Ferguson ([08:04])

• On “Deep State” overreach:
  “This investigation leaked unchecked government power at the highest levels. My oversight will continue.”
  — Chuck Grassley (quoted by Ferguson, [11:44])

• Final Rebuke & Call to Action:
  “The Biden administration did everything they could not only to go after Donald Trump, but to go after anyone that supported Donald Trump politically. And any up and coming conservative that they found a threat was then put on their list to be investigated.”
  — Ben Ferguson ([16:25])

Timeline of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Topic | |------------|--------------------------------------------------------| | 04:48–08:04| 9th Circuit Decision: Trump and the National Guard | | 08:05–16:50| Grassley’s Arctic Frost Revelations & Analysis | | 12:13 | Grassley calls Arctic Frost “worse than Watergate” | | 13:30 | Arctic Frost as “vehicle” for partisan ends | | 16:40 | Ferguson thanks Trump presidency, vows for oversight |

Tone & Style Notes

• The tone is urgent, forceful, and combative—aimed at rallying conservative listeners and framing recent events as both vindications and warnings.
• Ferguson frequently emphasizes gratitude for Trump’s leadership and the dangers of unchecked federal power, particularly under Democratic administrations.
• The language is partisan with recurring rallying calls about freedom, rights, and vigilance.

Conclusion

This bonus episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz (hosted by Ben Ferguson) interprets two late-breaking political and legal developments—the court’s affirmation of Trump’s authority and Grassley’s new “Deep State” revelations—as triumphs for conservative governance and cautionary tales about government overreach. The episode is presented as both a celebration and a wake-up call, urging continued oversight and engagement in defense of constitutional rights.