Verdict with Ted Cruz: Episode Summary

Episode Title: Why We Should Designate the Muslim Brotherhood as a Terrorist Organization, plus IRS Concludes Churches Can Endorse Candidates & NYT Reports Biden Unaware of Many Autopen Pardons
Release Date: July 16, 2025
Host: Senator Ted Cruz
Co-Host: Ben Ferguson
Produced by: Premiere Networks

Introduction

In this pivotal episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson delve into three major developments impacting national security, religious freedom, and presidential authority. The discussion provides listeners with an in-depth analysis of why designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization is crucial, the significance of the IRS's recent clarification on churches endorsing political candidates, and the implications of the New York Times report on President Joe Biden's use of autopen pardons.

1. Designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a Terrorist Organization

Background and Importance

Senator Cruz spearheads the conversation by addressing the urgent need to classify the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist entity. He emphasizes that this initiative has been a decade-long effort, underscoring the organization's global threat.

Key Points Discussed:

• Historical Context:
  “The Muslim Brotherhood is a global Islamist violent organization. It was founded in 1928 in Egypt... they explicitly intend to use violent jihad to overthrow non-Islamist governments” (06:02)

• Global Impact:
  Cruz highlights the widespread presence of the Muslim Brotherhood across various regions, noting that several branches are already recognized as terrorist organizations by multiple countries.

• Legislative Efforts:
  “We're in the 119th Congress right now. I introduced versions of this bill in the 114th Congress in 2015... and in the 117th Congress in 2021” (08:38)

• Bipartisan Support and Modernization of the Bill:
  “This new bill instead uses a bottoms up approach... we start by identifying all the branches that the Muslim Brotherhood supports that are terrorist groups” (13:08)

Notable Quotes:

• “I think the Muslim Brotherhood clearly is a terrorist organization. It is profoundly dangerous...” (01:54)

• “The Obama administration leaned in aggressively supporting the Brotherhood... Biden administration basically restored the old Obama policies of embracing the Muslim Brotherhood.” (10:53)

Implications:

Designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization would enable the U.S. to impose stringent sanctions, disrupt their financial networks, and enhance law enforcement capabilities to counteract their activities. Cruz stresses the importance of bipartisan collaboration to achieve this critical legislative milestone.

2. IRS Clarifies Churches Can Endorse Political Candidates

Overview of the Johnson Amendment

The Johnson Amendment, part of the United States Code (26 USC Section 501C3), has historically been interpreted to prevent nonprofits, including churches, from participating in political campaigns to maintain their tax-exempt status.

Recent Development:

On July 7, the IRS reached a consent agreement clarifying that churches and pastors can now openly endorse political candidates without risking their tax-exempt status.

Key Points Discussed:

• Legal Ruling and Its Basis:
  “Churches endorsing political candidates resembles a family discussion concerning candidates...” (21:21)

• Impact on Religious Liberty:
  Cruz shares a personal anecdote about organizing a rally with pastors in Houston to defend religious liberties, highlighting the newfound freedom churches now possess to engage in political discourse.

• Broader Implications:
  This ruling levels the playing field, allowing religious leaders to express their political views akin to their counterparts on the left who have long engaged in political endorsements.

Notable Quotes:

• “This is one of the advantages of winning elections. When you win elections, you control the executive branch...” (24:13)

• “When churches address political matters through the lens of religious faith, it neither participates nor intervenes in a political campaign.” (22:00)

Implications:

The IRS's clarification empowers pastors and churches to play a more active role in political endorsements, potentially influencing local and national elections. This development is seen as a victory for religious freedom and a step towards equitable political engagement across the political spectrum.

3. New York Times Report on Biden's Autopen Pardons

Summary of the Report:

The New York Times revealed that President Joe Biden may have unknowingly approved numerous pardons through the use of an autopen, raising questions about their legality.

Key Points Discussed:

• Autopen Usage:
  “Biden signed off on the standards... ran the final version through the auto pen, which they saw as a routine procedure.” (32:23)

• Legal Implications:
  According to the Department of Justice’s Office of Legal Counsel (OLC), for a pardon to be valid, the President must make the individual determination to grant it. Without Biden’s direct approval for each pardon, these could be deemed null and void.

• Examples and Consequences:
  The pardon of Hunter Biden is cited as a legitimate case where President Biden personally approved the pardon, contrasting with others that may not meet the necessary legal standards.

Notable Quotes:

• “Under the Department of Justice guidance, those pardons aren't valid. If he didn't know, that would not be sufficient.” (36:31)

• “It's stunning because under the Department of Justice guidance, those pardons aren't valid.” (35:59)

Implications:

If the pardons deemed unauthorized by President Biden are invalidated, it could lead to significant legal challenges and calls for accountability within the White House. Cruz suggests that the Department of Justice should pursue legal actions to nullify these pardons, reinforcing the necessity for presidential signatures to be personally authenticated.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Throughout the episode, Senator Cruz emphasizes the critical need for active citizen involvement. He urges listeners to:

• Engage with Legislators:
  “Speak out. Call your senator, call your House member, Tell them to support my legislation designating the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization.” (18:14)

• Utilize Social Media:
  “Use your voice. And by the way, share this podcast.” (18:14)

• Stay Informed and Share Information:
  Encouraging the dissemination of accurate information to build momentum for legislative and executive actions.

Notable Quotes:

• “This podcast lays out all the facts. And so if you want people to know about this, share this podcast with others so that they can know the facts and build momentum.” (18:14)

Final Thoughts

In this episode, Verdict with Ted Cruz adeptly navigates complex and pressing issues, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of significant legislative and legal developments. By addressing national security threats, safeguarding religious liberties, and ensuring the integrity of presidential authority, Cruz and Ferguson offer actionable insights and encourage active participation in shaping the nation's future.

Timestamps Referenced:

• 01:54 – Introduction to Key Topics
• 06:02 – Background on the Muslim Brotherhood
• 08:38 – Legislative History and Democratic Opposition
• 10:53 – Obama Administration's Stance
• 13:08 – Modernization of the Terrorist Designation Bill
• 18:14 – Call to Action for Listeners
• 21:21 – IRS Consent Agreement Details
• 22:00 – Interpretation of IRS Ruling
• 24:13 – Impact on Religious Liberty
• 28:16 – Personal Anecdote on Defending Religious Rights
• 32:23 – NYT Report on Biden’s Pardons
• 35:59 – Legal Validity of Pardons
• 36:12 – Implications for Presidential Authority

This summary is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the discussed topics for those who have not listened to the episode. For full details and context, listening to the original podcast is recommended.