Verdict with Ted Cruz: Detailed Episode Summary

Title: California in Chaos & Democrats Side with the Rioters plus "Maryland Man" Indicted for Human Trafficking & Biden's Autopen Investigation
Release Date: June 9, 2025
Host: Senator Ted Cruz
Co-Host: Ben Ferguson
Produced by: Premiere Networks

1. California in Chaos and Democratic Support for Rioters

The episode kicks off with co-host Ben Ferguson highlighting the escalating turmoil in California. He paints a vivid picture of riots, vehicles set ablaze, and protesters brandishing foreign flags, notably Mexican ones, while clashing with law enforcement. Ferguson emphasizes the startling alignment of Democratic politicians who appear to side with the rioters, undermining law enforcement efforts.

Ben Ferguson [00:12]: "We're seeing riots, we're seeing cars lit on fire. We're seeing protesters waving Mexican flags... the Democrats, we're with the rioters. That's the side we're on."

Ferguson further criticizes Democrats for their stance on illegal immigration, illustrating his point with the case of an illegal alien brought to America to face human trafficking charges. He argues this situation epitomizes the current Democratic Party's priorities and sympathies.

Ben Ferguson [00:12]: "This is, this is an amazing illustration of exactly where today's Democrat Party stands."

2. Media Coverage: Fox News vs. CNN

The discussion transitions to media portrayal of the riots. Ferguson contrasts Fox News' direct coverage of the unrest with CNN's seemingly downplayed narrative. He accuses CNN of portraying the situation as peaceful despite evident signs of chaos, such as fires and destruction.

Ben Ferguson [07:49]: "I want to contrast that with CNN... their message is nothing to see here. This is peaceful. This is fine."

The hosts critique CNN's attempt to minimize the severity of the riots, likening it to previous instances where violent protests were labeled as "fiery but peaceful."

Ben Ferguson [08:10]: "They have a message... fiery but peaceful protest."

3. Democratic Leadership and Response

Ferguson and Cruz delve into the lack of substantial condemnation from Democratic leaders regarding the riots. They cite figures such as Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, California Governor Gavin Newsom, and Congressman Adam Schiff, accusing them of either insufficiently addressing the unrest or actively undermining law enforcement efforts.

Ben Ferguson [05:55]: "California Governor Adam Schiff... Eric Swalwell... Nancy Pelosi... where are you?"

Lydia, a guest, underscores the Democrats' failure to decry the destruction, instead focusing criticism on ICE officials.

Lydia [05:52]: "Their outrage is the opposite. It's over the ICE officials who are out there."

The hosts argue that Democratic officials are either encouraging the resistance or failing to protect communities, further exacerbating the chaos.

Ben Ferguson [06:22]: "I fully expect the evidence that comes out in this trial to be nothing short of horrifying."

4. The Maryland Man Indicted for Human Trafficking

Shifting focus, Ferguson presents a case study of a Maryland man indicted for human trafficking. He details the indictment, explaining that Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia, associated with the MS-13 gang, was involved in smuggling thousands of undocumented immigrants into the United States over nine years.

Ben Ferguson [21:45]: "He has been indicted for human trafficking... from Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Ecuador... passing through Mexico before crossing into Texas."

Cruz expresses skepticism about media portrayal, questioning how such a case was previously downplayed.

Ted Cruz [25:00]: "You think the media's gonna apologize for any of their stories... he's a Maryland dad."

Ferguson criticizes Democratic responses, highlighting hypocrisy in their previous demands to bring the man back, only for him to be prosecuted for serious crimes upon return.

Ben Ferguson [26:13]: "Democrats actually are putting this man in jail."

5. Biden's Autopen Investigation

The final major topic of discussion revolves around President Joe Biden's use of an auto pen (autopen) to sign significant documents such as legislation and pardons without his direct intervention. Ferguson explicates the constitutional debates surrounding this practice, emphasizing the potential legal ramifications and the questions it raises about Biden's awareness and authorization.

Ben Ferguson [33:29]: "Now, let's talk about pardons first... all of the rest were auto penned."

Cruz and Ferguson reference former President Donald Trump's criticisms of the autopen, arguing that it undermines the legitimacy of presidential actions.

Donald Trump [29:20]: "It's a very bad thing. Very dangerous... It's very disrespectful to people when they get an auto pen signature outside."

Ferguson breaks down the constitutional aspects, noting that while the Constitution doesn't specify the form a pardon must take, the validity hinges on whether the President directed its issuance.

Ben Ferguson [35:16]: "The President may sign a bill... by directing a subordinate to affix the President's signature to it, for example, by auto pen."

The hosts express concerns over potential abuses, suggesting that without Biden's personal approval, autopen-signed documents might be legally challenged and declared void.

Ben Ferguson [36:33]: "They would have to bring evidence he didn't know about it."

6. Conclusion

In wrapping up the episode, Cruz reiterates the gravity of the discussed issues, urging listeners to stay informed and engaged. He emphasizes the importance of holding leaders accountable, especially concerning the use of autopen and the protection of law enforcement.

Ted Cruz [44:32]: "This is an iHeart podcast."

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Ferguson [00:12]: "California has descended into chaos... Democrats are with the rioters."
• Lydia [05:52]: "Their outrage is the opposite. It's over the ICE officials who are out there."
• Donald Trump [29:20]: "It's a very bad thing. Very dangerous... It's very disrespectful to people when they get an auto pen signature outside."
• Ben Ferguson [35:16]: "The President may sign a bill... by directing a subordinate to affix the President's signature to it, for example, by auto pen."

This episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz provides a critical examination of current political dynamics, highlighting perceived Democratic failings in handling civil unrest, their stance on immigration and law enforcement, as well as raising pivotal questions about presidential authority and integrity in the signing of official documents. The hosts advocate for accountability and transparency, urging listeners to recognize and respond to these pressing issues.