Podcast Summary: Verdict with Ted Cruz

Episode: Shutdown Finally Over, Protecting Nigerian Christians & ANTIFA Violence Targets Turning Point
Date: November 14, 2025
Hosts: Senator Ted Cruz & Ben Ferguson

Overview

In this packed episode, Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson discuss the end of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria, and the recent violent Antifa attacks targeting Turning Point USA at UC Berkeley. The conversation blends passionate political commentary, personal anecdotes, and pointed criticism of political opponents, all set against a backdrop of current events that, as the hosts argue, are shaping the nation.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The End of the Government Shutdown

Timestamps: 03:09–13:19; 17:04–24:36

• Ted Cruz’s Reaction: Expresses relief and exasperation at the 43-day shutdown, blaming Democrats for what he calls “the Schumer shutdown.” He frames the shutdown as a political power play meant to hurt Trump and, by extension, Americans.
  • “After 43 days... The purpose was not to actually get a concession. The purpose was simply to inflict a whole lot of pain on the American people, to demonstrate that... Schumer and the Democrats hate Donald Trump.” (Senator Cruz, 03:32)
• Impact on Americans: Parks, museums, government services, and flights were disrupted. Federal employees went unpaid, putting financial stress on millions.
• Legislative Resolution: Trump signs a bill to reopen the government, with Cruz highlighting Republican unity and Democratic opposition to the resolution.
• Data & Voting Breakdown:
  • In the Senate, only 8 Democrats voted to reopen the government.
  • In the House, only 6 Democrats joined Republicans.
  • “Virtually every Democrat still voted against reopening the government.” (Cruz, 09:01)
• Political Futures: Ferguson speculates on the “excommunication” of establishment Democrats (Schumer, Pelosi), predicting generational and ideological shifts toward the far left.
• Obamacare in the Crosshairs:
  • The shutdown shone a spotlight on the “financial disaster” of the Affordable Care Act.
  • Cruz and Ferguson argue premiums are skyrocketing and the Democratic solution is “corporate welfare” for insurance companies.
  • “Their stock prices have increased in some instances more than 1,000% since Obamacare was signed into law.” (Cruz, 20:25)
  • Cruz lays out potential Republican strategies for healthcare reform: bipartisan legislative compromise (unlikely) or the budget reconciliation process for a GOP-driven overhaul.
• Memorable Quote:
  • “We're not gonna give this money for the Obamacare scam to health insurance companies. Instead, the money ought to flow to individuals, to real people in health savings accounts...” (Cruz, paraphrasing Trump, 21:27)

2. The Persecution of Christians in Nigeria

Timestamps: 24:36–37:05

• Cruz’s Advocacy: For over a decade, Cruz has advocated for persecuted Christians globally. He highlights alarming statistics:
  • “Since 2009, more than 50,000 Christians have been murdered in the country of Nigeria.” (Cruz, 27:43)
  • Over 20,000 churches and schools destroyed by Boko Haram.
• US Policy Shift: Cruz proposed legislation for sanctions against Nigerian officials complicit in the persecution. Trump responded by designating Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” drawing attention to mass killings.
  • “[President Trump’s tweet:] ‘Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a country of particular concern.’” (Cruz quoting Trump, 30:13)
• Critique of Tucker Carlson:
  • Cruz takes aim at Tucker Carlson for downplaying or dismissing Christian persecution in Nigeria, connecting this attitude to a broader “dark path” of defending anti-Israel and anti-American actors.
  • “Tucker has unfortunately gone down a very, very dark path. A path where he brings on Hitler-praising nut jobs... but it also results [in] attacks on Israel, and now, disputing Christians are being persecuted.” (Cruz, 32:40)
• Personal Testimony: Cruz recounts the story of Miriam Ibrahim, a Christian woman saved from execution in Sudan due to international advocacy, symbolizing his long-standing commitment to oppressed Christians.
  • “I asked her... you've been sentenced to die for your faith. How did you not give up hope?... She just said, 'Jesus was with me.' And, I mean, it was powerful.” (Cruz, 34:54)
• Broader Point: The episode draws connections between antisemitism, anti-Christian persecution, and the necessity for a robust U.S. response using both voice and sanctions.

3. Antifa Violence at Turning Point USA (UC Berkeley)

Timestamps: 37:05–47:36

• Description of the Attack:
  • Violent protests erupted at a Turning Point USA event featuring Dr. Frank Turek and Rob Schneider. Attendees were assaulted, with some suffering visible injuries.
  • “Most of them had masks... they beat the hell out of him and his face is bleeding profusely.” (Cruz, 41:45)
  • Protesters allegedly chanted approvingly about the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk at a campus event.
• Critique of UC Berkeley Administration: Cruz and Ferguson accuse the university’s administration and police of standing by and failing to protect conservative students and speakers.
• Funding & Organization:
  • Cruz points to evidence of large-scale funding, specifically from the group "By Any Means Necessary" (BAMN), alleging an organized, well-financed set of far-left agitators behind the violence.
  • “There is, I've been saying for a long time, follow the money... There is an entire ecosystem with money flowing to promote violence.” (Cruz, 44:32)
• Legal Action: DOJ and AG Pam Bondi launching terrorism investigations and demanding UC Berkeley preserve records related to the protests.
• Wider Pattern: Both hosts see connections between government officials "looking the other way"—whether in Nigeria or U.S. universities—when it comes to violence against conservatives or Christians.
  • “In Berkeley’s case, I suspect the evidence will indicate the school administrators look the other way… because they're rooting for the antifa rioters.” (Cruz, 47:11)

Notable Quotes

• “The purpose was simply to inflict a whole lot of pain on the American people, to demonstrate that... Schumer and the Democrats hate Donald Trump.”
  — Sen. Ted Cruz (03:32)
• “Even liberals are saying, well, we know that premiums have gone up 100, 200, 300% with Obamacare. So that's why we need the subsidies. That is the definition, Senator, of a disaster.”
  — Ben Ferguson (20:06)
• “Since 2009, more than 50,000 Christians have been murdered in the country of Nigeria.”
  — Sen. Ted Cruz (27:43)
• “It's not like either of these speakers were particularly controversial in any normal or sane place. But UC Berkeley is not necessarily a normal or sane place.”
  — Sen. Ted Cruz (40:15)
• “Follow the money. I've been urging the Department of Justice and the FBI to follow the money... there is an entire ecosystem with money flowing to promote violence.”
  — Sen. Ted Cruz (44:32)

Important Segments & Timestamps

• Shutdown discussion and resolution:
  03:09–13:19, continued at 17:04–24:36
• Obamacare and Healthcare Policy Debate:
  18:05–24:36
• Persecution of Nigerian Christians & U.S. Policy:
  27:43–37:05
• Critique of Tucker Carlson & Story of Miriam Ibrahim:
  32:40–36:14
• Antifa Violence at Turning Point USA (UC Berkeley):
  37:05–47:36

Tone & Language

The tone throughout the episode is impassioned, combative, and unapologetically partisan. Cruz delivers legal, historical, and policy arguments while also weaving in personal recollections and moral appeals. Ferguson poses questions, amplifies outrage, and adds personal travel anecdotes (including a recent trip to Israel) that underscore the global stakes of the issues at hand. The language mixes direct accusation, dramatic storytelling, and calls for vigilance and activism.

Episode Takeaways

• Shutdown’s End: Framed as a political defeat for Democrats but with lasting pain for ordinary Americans.
• Obamacare: Asserts the next big legislative and political fight centers on health care and insurance subsidies.
• Religious Persecution: Nigeria emerges as a focal point for international religious rights advocacy, with Cruz positioned as a key player.
• Campus Violence: Highlights growing political violence against conservatives, the alleged complicity of university administrators, and rising efforts to investigate and prosecute those responsible.
• Overarching Message: The episode underscores the need for conservative vigilance, legislative action, and public engagement, portraying current events as pivotal battles in the broader culture war.