Verdict with Ted Cruz: Episode Summary
Episode Title: Zelenskyy Runs Begging to Europe, Democrats STOOD for NOTHING & Terror-Linked Illegals Released into US
Release Date: March 8, 2025
Host: Senator Ted Cruz
Co-Host: Ben Ferguson
Produced by: Premiere Networks

1. Zelenskyy’s Failed White House Visit and Europe’s Emerging Role

The episode opens with Senator Ted Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson dissecting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's unsuccessful attempt to secure additional support from the White House. Zelenskyy left the U.S. empty-handed, prompting him to seek aid from European nations. Cruz criticizes Zelenskyy's approach, suggesting he failed to engage diplomatically and instead alienated American leadership.

Notable Discussion:

• Cruz (00:01): "He [Zelenskyy] did so much harm to Ukraine."
• Ferguson (02:19) highlights the European shift, emphasizing that "the United Kingdom unveils steps towards a Ukraine peace deal, still relying heavily on US backing."

The co-host underscores the disparity in financial support, noting the UK’s pledge of approximately $2.84 billion contrasts sharply with the U.S.'s $175 billion expenditure on Ukraine.

Key Quote:

• Cruz (04:30): "Except for the fact that the United States has spent about $175 billion on Ukraine. That's part of the fundamental imbalance there."

They critique the U.S. reliance on European funds, pointing out President Trump’s earlier assertion that Europe should contribute significantly by releasing seized Russian assets to support Ukraine.

2. Democratic Party’s Lack of Support and Inaction

Transitioning to domestic politics, the discussion shifts to the Democratic Party's perceived inaction during crucial moments. Cruz and Ferguson express frustration over Democrats' failure to applaud Senator Peyton McNabb, who suffered severe injuries, and their unanimous Senate vote against protecting girls in sports from boys.

Notable Discussion:

• Ferguson (11:48): "Not a single Democrat applauded Peyton McNabb... And every single Democrat in the Senate voted against protecting girls from boys in sports."
• Cruz (13:47) praises bipartisan efforts, mentioning the unanimous passage of the Take It Down Act.

Key Quote:

• Ferguson (15:30): "Today’s Democrat Party… they become the party of hate and rage and they're in denial. They don't know how to respond to this election other than to fume and glare."

The hosts argue that Democrats are out of touch with American values, emphasizing their inability to support actions that most Americans would back, such as protecting victims of crimes or supporting national security measures.

3. Release of Terror-Linked Migrants into the United States

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the alarming release of nearly 100 individuals linked to terrorist activities into the U.S. in 2024. Citing statements from Tulsi Gabbard, now Director of National Intelligence, Cruz and Ferguson condemn the Biden administration's handling of this security breach.

Notable Discussion:

• Gabbard (19:13): "Over 21 million people have come across our borders illegally under Joe Biden's administration. There are hundreds that were either known terrorists or associated with known terrorists... Only eight were either deported or remained in custody."
• Cruz (24:19) questions the administration’s motives: "Did they just not want to admit that the open border would allow for so many bad actors to come across?"

Key Quotes:

• Ferguson (25:04): "They are releasing terrorists into America is a really bad idea. And it turns out it's a really unpopular idea."
• Cruz (27:00): "Poll numbers... 76% approved of Trump's address to Congress... 77% said they were in favor of Donald Trump's plan on immigration at the border."

The hosts argue that the deliberate release of known or suspected terrorists poses a direct threat to national security and criticize the lack of accountability within the Democratic leadership.

4. Bipartisan Legislation: The Take It Down Act

Highlighting legislative achievements, Cruz and Ferguson discuss the unanimous Senate passage of the Take It Down Act, aimed at combating non-consensual intimate image sharing. They commend bipartisan support and the involvement of First Lady Melania Trump, who advocated for the legislation.

Notable Discussion:

• Ferguson (13:54): "I've passed over 101 different pieces of legislation into law. A number of them were unanimous."
• Cruz (14:47) celebrates the administration’s collaborative efforts: "President Trump… called on the House to pass the Take It Down Act."

Key Quote:

• Ferguson (14:30): "President Trump tonight called on the House to pass the Take It Down Act. So I was really glad."

This segment underscores the potential for bipartisan cooperation when addressing issues that resonate with the American public, contrasting sharply with the earlier criticism of Democratic inaction.

5. President Trump’s Address and Rising Approval Ratings

Concluding the episode, Cruz and Ferguson analyze President Trump’s recent speech to Congress, citing impressive approval ratings and public support. They attribute the positive reception to Trump’s clear stance on key issues such as border security, economic policies, and energy production.

Notable Discussion:

• Cruz (27:00) cites poll numbers showing "76% approved of Trump's address to Congress," highlighting broad public approval across various metrics, including inflation and immigration.
• Ferguson (28:35) asserts that Trump's rational policies contrast with the "insane" actions of the Democratic Party, further driving public support.

Key Quote:

• Cruz (17:12): "Poll numbers... 76% approved of Trump's address to Congress... 91% said Trump spent time on issues they cared about."

The co-host emphasizes that Trump's policies are delivering tangible benefits to Americans, such as reduced illegal immigration, increased energy production, and significant investments in domestic industries, which bolster his political capital and public approval.

Conclusion

In this episode of "Verdict with Ted Cruz," the hosts critically examine Ukraine’s diplomatic struggles, condemn the Democratic Party’s lack of support and inaction on critical issues, highlight national security threats from released terror-linked migrants, celebrate bipartisan legislative successes, and praise President Trump’s effective leadership and rising approval ratings. Through detailed discussions and compelling quotes, Cruz and Ferguson present a cohesive narrative advocating for strong conservative policies and leadership.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Ted Cruz (00:01): "He did so much harm to Ukraine."
• Ben Ferguson (02:19): "They have a big meeting over in Europe... That's part of the most interesting part of President Trump's meeting with Zelinsky."
• Ted Cruz (04:30): "Except for the fact that the United States has spent about $175 billion on Ukraine. That's part of the fundamental imbalance there."
• Scott Jennings (07:30): "He needed Zelensky to recognize the position that he's in."
• Ben Ferguson (11:48): "Not a single Democrat applauded Peyton McNabb..."
• Tulsi Gabbard (19:13): "Over 21 million people have come across our borders illegally under Joe Biden's administration..."
• Ben Ferguson (25:04): "They are releasing terrorists into America is a really bad idea."
• Ted Cruz (27:00): "Poll numbers... 76% approved of Trump's address to Congress."

These quotes encapsulate the episode's critical stance on international diplomacy, domestic political failures, national security concerns, and support for bipartisan initiatives and presidential leadership.