Verdict with Ted Cruz: In the Oval Office, BIGGEST Stock Market Surge in History, plus Mexico Stealing our Water & Trump Fights Back
Release Date: April 11, 2025

Overview

In this engaging episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz," hosted by Senator Ted Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson, the duo delves into significant political and economic developments impacting the United States. The primary focus areas include the unprecedented surge in the U.S. stock market, recent changes in tariffs, the Senate's procedural battles over military appointments, and a critical issue of Mexico violating a longstanding water treaty with Texas. Throughout the discussion, Cruz and Ferguson provide in-depth analysis, personal anecdotes, and strategic insights into these pressing matters.

The Record-Breaking Stock Market Surge

Timestamp: [02:34]

The episode kicks off with Ben Ferguson sharing riveting news about the stock market's biggest single-day surge in U.S. history. This surge was triggered by President Trump's strategic decision to pause previously announced tariffs while simultaneously increasing tariffs on China.

• Ben Ferguson: “Yesterday, President Trump paused the tariffs that he announced last week on April 2, and at the same time, he jacked up the tariffs on China. The combination of those activities produced the greatest single day increase in the stock market in the history of the United States of America.” [03:00]

This monumental move not only bolstered investor confidence but also showcased Trump's adeptness in leveraging economic policies to yield immediate positive market reactions.

Tariff Adjustments and Economic Implications

Timestamp: [16:04]

Ferguson elaborates on the rationale behind the tariff adjustments and their broader economic implications. He emphasizes the dual approach of reducing reciprocal tariffs to open international markets for American businesses while maintaining stringent tariffs on China to address geopolitical threats.

• Ben Ferguson: “I advised President Trump to cut a deal now. Pick one or two countries and slash tariffs massively on both sides. I believe that will calm the market down enormously.” [16:05]

Despite initial resistance from within the administration, Trump's decisive actions led to immediate market relief, underscoring the effectiveness of assertive economic strategies.

Senate Procedural Challenges on Military Appointments

Timestamp: [03:48]

The conversation shifts to the Senate's ongoing struggle to confirm the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Democrats, notably antagonistic towards Trump, have been blocking the nomination, leading to late-night Senate sessions.

• Ben Ferguson: “Democrats are so angry, they hate Trump so much that they are blocking the nomination... We're saying, all right, screw you... we'll do it.” [03:52]

Cruz and Ferguson express frustration over the Senate's inefficiency, highlighting the impact on both the legislative process and the morale of elderly senators compelled to stay awake for early morning votes.

Mexico's Violation of the 1944 Water Treaty

Timestamp: [37:59]

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to addressing Mexico's blatant violation of the 1944 Water Treaty. Ferguson details how Mexico has diverted water owed to South Texas farmers, exacerbating drought conditions and threatening the agricultural sector.

• Ben Ferguson: “Mexico has been openly and brazenly violating the treaty. They've not been providing the water. They are diverting that water that should go to South Texas farmers to Mexican farmers.” [38:00]

In response, Ferguson recounts his persistent efforts to rally support and legislative action against the Biden administration's inaction on this critical issue.

• Ben Ferguson: “I leaned in aggressively. I forced a vote on the Senate floor... But Joe Biden didn't give a damn about this.” [40:11]

Cruz underscores the importance of this issue, emphasizing its national security and economic implications.

• Ted Cruz: “This is a great example... Mexico is literally stealing our water.” [40:06]

President Trump's Strategic Response

Timestamp: [44:28]

Ferguson narrates a pivotal moment when President Trump took personal action by sending a Truth Social post addressing the water treaty violation. This move signaled a strong commitment to protecting American farmers and enforcing international agreements.

• Ben Ferguson: “Here's what President Trump sent this evening... 'Mexico owes Texas 1.3 million acre feet of water under the 1944 Water Treaty...'" [46:37]

The immediate response from the Mexican government, signaling negotiations to rectify the situation, highlights the effectiveness of Trump's leadership and Trump's willingness to confront international challenges directly.

• Ben Ferguson: “That tweet got sent out tonight. Within an hour, the President of Mexico responded saying, 'we're going to fix this.'” [46:37]

Cruz praises Trump’s approach, noting the rare moment of bipartisan recognition of the China threat and the unified stance of various factions supporting Trump's policies.

• Ted Cruz: “Secretary of State Marco Rubio... said, 'one of the most important things you'll achieve in your presidency is reordering the world in a proper way.'” [31:58]

Strategic Outlook for the Next 90 Days

Timestamp: [33:16]

Looking ahead, Ferguson is optimistic about the potential for significant tariff negotiations within the 90-day pause period instituted by Trump. He anticipates multiple deals that will reduce tariffs, thereby fostering an environment conducive to American exports and economic growth.

• Ben Ferguson: “I have a high level of confidence that in the next 90 days we will see a bunch of them.” [33:16]

Cruz concurs, emphasizing the necessity of momentum in these negotiations to sustain market confidence and promote long-term economic stability.

• Ted Cruz: “When do you think we'll start to see deals and momentum?... It's all about momentum.” [32:39]

Conclusion

In this comprehensive episode, Verdict with Ted Cruz effectively captures the dynamic interplay between economic policies, legislative challenges, and international diplomacy. Through insightful discussions and strategic analysis, Cruz and Ferguson illuminate the critical actions taken by President Trump to stabilize the stock market, address unfair trade practices by China, and combat Mexico's violation of water treaties. Their dialogue underscores a steadfast commitment to advocating for American interests, fostering economic growth, and ensuring national security.

Notable quotes throughout the episode provide a deeper understanding of the hosts' perspectives and the gravity of the issues at hand. This episode serves as a valuable resource for listeners seeking to comprehend the complexities of current political and economic landscapes shaping the United States.

Notable Quotes:

• Ben Ferguson: “Yesterday, President Trump paused the tariffs... produced the greatest single day increase in the stock market in the history of the United States of America.” [03:00]

• Ted Cruz: “This is a great example... Mexico is literally stealing our water.” [40:06]

• Ben Ferguson: “Mexico has been openly and brazenly violating the treaty... diverting that water that should go to South Texas farmers to Mexican farmers.” [38:00]

• Ben Ferguson: “President Trump... just sent out a tweet... we will keep escalating consequences, including tariffs and maybe even sanctions, until Mexico honors the treaty and gives Texas the water they are owed.” [46:37]

This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of the key discussions and their implications for American politics and economy.