Verdict with Ted Cruz - Episode Summary Release Date: March 14, 2025
Overview
In this compelling episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz," hosted by Senator Ted Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson, the duo delves into two pressing issues: the alarming release of nearly 100 terrorist-linked illegal immigrants into the United States during 2024 and the pivotal Take It Down Act aimed at protecting American children from online threats such as revenge porn and deep fakes. The episode features insightful discussions, expert testimonies, and notable endorsements, including support from First Lady Melania Trump.
1. Terrorist-Linked Illegal Aliens Released into the U.S.
Timestamp: 00:55 – 13:13
Senator Cruz and Ben Ferguson open the episode by addressing a startling revelation shared by Tulsi Gabbard at Eagle Pass, Texas. Gabbard disclosed that the Biden administration released all but eight of the approximately 100 individuals linked to terrorist organizations who were arrested in 2024. This intentional release poses a significant threat to national security.
Key Points:
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Tulsi Gabbard’s Disclosure: Gabbard highlighted that over 4,000 individuals entered the U.S. via an ISIS-affiliated network from Central Asia. Of these, hundreds were identified as known or associated terrorists. Despite this, the Biden administration released nearly 92% of those apprehended (05:27).
"There were hundreds of them who were either known terrorists or associated with known terrorists... Only 8. The rest of them were released back into our country." — Tulsi Gabbard (05:27)
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Senator Cruz’s Analysis: Cruz suggests that the release was a deliberate act, questioning the administration’s decision not to prosecute or deport these individuals, thereby risking America's safety.
"This was done on purpose... they knew that if they admitted they caught these people and then they didn't release them, there's a lot of options here that was going to shine a huge light on the problem." — Ted Cruz (10:32)
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Ben Ferguson’s Commentary: Ferguson criticizes the administration’s handling of border security, emphasizing the lack of accountability and the potential motivations behind such releases.
"They are so committed to their open borders because they want millions and millions of illegal immigrants. Cuz they, they view them as future Democrat voters." — Ben Ferguson (11:17)
2. The Take It Down Act: Protecting Children Online
Timestamp: 14:48 – 43:42
The conversation shifts to the Take It Down Act, a bipartisan legislation spearheaded by Ben Ferguson to combat the proliferation of non-consensual intimate images and deep fakes that harm individuals, especially minors. The episode highlights the Act’s progress, testimonies from victims, and the significant support it has garnered, including from First Lady Melania Trump.
Key Points:
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Legislation Overview: The Take It Down Act criminalizes the publication of non-consensual intimate images and mandates Big Tech platforms to remove such content within 45 to 48 hours upon notification by victims.
"We make it a felony to post non consensual intimate images, including fake, lifelike pornographic images of real people." — Ben Ferguson (30:31)
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Support from Melania Trump: The First Lady actively participated in a roundtable discussion, advocating for the Act and emphasizing the need for bipartisan support to ensure the safety of children online.
"Surely as adults we can prioritize America's children ahead of parties and policies." — Melania Trump (24:46)
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Victim Testimonies: The episode features poignant stories from victims like Ellison Berry and Francesca Manni, teenage girls who endured the trauma of deep fake images being circulated without their consent.
"I woke up, just in tears, because all of my classmates, I mean, look... there was nothing I could do about it." — Ellison Berry (33:14)
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Brandon Guffey’s Heartbreaking Story: South Carolina State Representative Brandon Guffey shares the tragic loss of his son, Gavin, who succumbed to suicide after being extorted with non-consensual images. This personal account underscores the urgent need for legislative action.
"Since my son took his life, there's been 40 other teens that are public about this." — Brandon Guffey (38:56)
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Senator Cruz’s Endorsement: Cruz lauds the legislation and the collaborative efforts between Republicans and Democrats, highlighting the unanimous Senate approval and the anticipated House passage.
"It is really powerful... We're gonna get it done." — Ben Ferguson (35:37)
3. Legislative Progress and Future Outlook
Timestamp: 32:49 – 43:42
Ben Ferguson discusses the strategic relationships and bipartisan efforts essential for passing the Take It Down Act. He emphasizes the importance of personal relationships in Congress and the role of key figures like Speaker Johnson and Leader Scalise in moving the legislation forward.
Key Points:
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Bipartisan Collaboration: Ferguson highlights the importance of relationships and collaboration between Senate and House members to ensure the Act's passage.
"When the first lady said she was coming, I reached out and invited both of them and invited Brett Guthrie... It's the equivalent of the Senate Commerce Committee that I'm the chairman of." — Ben Ferguson (33:14)
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Presidential Support: President Trump’s endorsement during the State of the Union address is pivotal in rallying support for the legislation.
"President Trump explicitly called on Congress to pass the Take It Down Act." — Ben Ferguson (34:38)
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Final Push for Passage: With the House leadership committed and the First Lady’s involvement, Ferguson is optimistic about the swift passage of the Act.
"The House will take it up and they will pass it. And I think they're gonna do so quickly." — Ben Ferguson (35:37)
Conclusion
The episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz" effectively addresses critical national security concerns and the imperative need to protect Americans, especially youth, from online predation and abuse. Through detailed discussions, victim testimonies, and strong bipartisan support, Senator Cruz and Ben Ferguson underscore their commitment to fostering a safer and more secure society.
Notable Quotes:
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Tulsi Gabbard on Illegal Releases:
"Only 8. The rest of them were released back into our country." — Tulsi Gabbard (05:27)
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Ben Ferguson on Border Security:
"They are so committed to their open borders because they want millions and millions of illegal immigrants. Cuz they, they view them as future Democrat voters." — Ben Ferguson (11:17)
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Melania Trump on Bipartisan Efforts:
"Surely as adults we can prioritize America's children ahead of parties and policies." — Melania Trump (24:46)
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Brandon Guffey on Personal Loss:
"Since my son took his life, there's been 40 other teens that are public about this." — Brandon Guffey (38:56)
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Ben Ferguson on Legislative Progress:
"We're gonna get it done." — Ben Ferguson (35:37)
Final Thoughts
For listeners seeking an in-depth understanding of these critical issues, this episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz" offers a transparent and informative perspective. By addressing both national security threats and the digital vulnerabilities of youth, Cruz and Ferguson advocate for meaningful legislative changes to safeguard the nation's future.