Detailed Summary of "Horrific Murder in DC, No Tax on Tips Passes the Senate, Take It Down Act Signed into Law & The Last Rodeo Preview" – Verdict with Ted Cruz

Release Date: May 23, 2025
Hosts: Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson
Publisher: Premiere Networks

In this compelling episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz," Senator Ted Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson navigate through a series of pressing issues affecting America today. The episode is structured around four main segments: a heartbreaking antisemitic murder in Washington D.C., the successful passage of the "No Tax on Tips" bill in the Senate, the enactment of the "Take It Down Act," and an exclusive preview of the upcoming family-friendly film "The Last Rodeo."

1. Tragic Antisemitic Murder in Washington D.C.

Timestamp: 03:02 – 11:00

The episode opens with a somber discussion about the recent tragic murder of Sarah Milgram and Yaron Leshinsky near the Israeli embassy in Washington D.C. Senator Cruz emphasizes the brutality and hate behind the act, attributing it to deep-seated antisemitism rather than geopolitical tensions.

• Detailed Account:
  “...he murdered them screaming, free, free Palestine… He executed her in cold blood.” [04:14]

Senator Cruz highlights the nature of the perpetrator, Elias Rodriguez, a left-wing radical from Chicago, underscoring that his actions were fueled by racist ideologies rather than direct conflict from regions like Gaza.

• Personal Connection:
  “The last time I spoke with Yaron, he told me that it was thanks to Ted Cruz that he met Sarah.” [06:51]

This personal anecdote adds a poignant layer to the discussion, illustrating the deep loss felt by the community and Cruz’s personal connection to the victims.

• Media Critique:
  “This is what's wrong with CNN… They want to defend the anti Semitic protesters on campus.” [09:18]

Cruz criticizes mainstream media for their portrayal of such events, accusing them of being apologists for antisemitic sentiments proliferating on college campuses.

2. Passage of "No Tax on Tips" Legislation

Timestamp: 11:32 – 18:54

The conversation shifts to a significant legislative triumph: the unanimous passage of the "No Tax on Tips" bill in the United States Senate.

• Origin of the Bill:
  “I decided to announce it at the rally… When I'm reelected, we will have no Taxes on tips.” [11:55]

Senator Cruz recounts how former President Donald Trump introduced the idea during a Las Vegas rally, inspired by a waitress’s frustration over increasing taxes on her tips.

• Bipartisan Support:
  “My bill is the one the House put in, one big, beautiful bill.” [17:00]

He highlights the unexpected bipartisan support for the bill, including from Democrats like Jackie Rosen of Nevada, who recognized the bill's benefits for the state's large population of tipped workers.

• Impact on Workers:
  “This is a policy that is going to benefit waiters and waitresses… It is a great policy for American workers.” [17:45]

Cruz emphasizes how the legislation will positively affect a wide range of service industry workers, reinforcing the Republican Party’s commitment to supporting blue-collar workers.

3. Signing of the "Take It Down Act"

Timestamp: 23:44 – 33:55

Senator Cruz introduces the "Take It Down Act," a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at combating the distribution of non-consensual explicit imagery, including deepfakes.

• Legislation Details:
  “…every victim has a statutory right to insist that it be taken down as a matter of law, automatically.” [27:12]

He explains how the Act makes it a federal felony to post non-consensual intimate images and mandates that tech platforms remove such content promptly upon notification by the victim.

• Personal Stories:
  “I never would have thought that this could ever be my reality… So having the opportunity to speak about this and to bring awareness really just means so much.” [32:04]

Cruz shares the harrowing story of Elliston Berry, a 14-year-old from Texas, whose ordeal with deepfake imagery inspired the creation of the Act. Berry’s testimony underscores the urgency and necessity of the legislation.

• Bipartisan Effort:
  “We passed it through the Senate. We passed it unanimously.” [28:10]

Highlighting the collaborative effort between Republicans and Democrats, Cruz celebrates the unanimous support the Act received, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding individuals against digital exploitation.

• Presidential Support:
  “President Trump signed the Take It Down Act into law at a big ceremony in the Rose Garden.” [24:07]

The involvement of the First Lady and the presidential endorsement further solidify the Act’s significance and bipartisan backing.

4. Preview of "The Last Rodeo"

Timestamp: 33:55 – 42:52

The episode concludes with an exciting preview of "The Last Rodeo," a new family-friendly film starring Neil McDonough and featuring a special role played by Senator Cruz himself.

• Film Synopsis:
  “...a story about families and broken families and how you mend a fractured family. And for me, you do it through faith.” [35:15]

Cruz describes the film as an inspiring narrative about a veteran bull rider who returns to the arena to save his grandson, emphasizing its themes of family unity and faith.

• Personal Involvement:
  “I finally have gotten to where I've always aspired and prayed to be.” [35:15]

He shares his personal journey in writing and starring in the film, highlighting the emotional and spiritual motivations behind the project.

• Production Insights:
  “...Angel Studios came on board. And here we are almost two years later.” [37:02]

Cruz praises Angel Studios for their role in financing and supporting the film, noting the challenges and successes in bringing this heartfelt story to the big screen.

• Behind-the-Scenes Anecdotes:
  “I got busted up a lot… I popped back in. I had like tears in my eyes and John's like, you okay? I'm like, yep.” [41:08]

Adding a touch of humor and personal flair, Cruz recounts minor injuries sustained during filming, illustrating his dedication to authenticity in his role.

• Call to Action:
  “Join the Guild and you'll get tickets to every angel theater release.” [35:36]

Listeners are encouraged to support the film by purchasing tickets through Angel Studios, with an opportunity to win free tickets highlighted as a special giveaway.

Conclusion:

This episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz" masterfully balances serious political discourse with engaging personal stories and entertainment. Senator Cruz and Ben Ferguson address critical issues like rising antisemitism and the protection of digital privacy, while also promoting meaningful family entertainment. The inclusion of personal anecdotes, direct quotes, and actionable insights ensures that listeners are both informed and emotionally connected to the topics discussed.