Verdict with Ted Cruz: Episode Summary Episode Title: MS-13 & Harvard-Democrats Defend More Illegal Aliens, More Gang Members, More Anti-Semites & More Anti-American Radicals
Release Date: April 16, 2025

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson delve into pressing political issues surrounding the Democratic Party's recent policy advocacies. The discussion centers on Democrats' stance regarding illegal immigration, specifically concerning individuals associated with terrorist organizations like MS-13, and their ongoing defense of institutions like Harvard University amidst accusations of fostering anti-American sentiments.

2. Democrats' Stance on Illegal Aliens and MS-13

[02:37] Senator Ted Cruz:
Senator Cruz opens the discussion by expressing frustration over what he perceives as the Democratic Party's contradictory policies. He emphasizes that Democrats are advocating for the admission of individuals linked to terrorist organizations and supporting those previously deemed gang members, which he argues undermines national security.

"Democrats are so hell bent on being the opposite of Donald Trump and conservatives that they're now advocating for people that are members of terrorist gang organizations and demanding that we bring illegals back into America."
— [02:37] Senator Ted Cruz

[04:46] Senator Ted Cruz:
Cruz shifts focus to the specific case of an individual named Abrego Garcia. He outlines the legal proceedings that identified Garcia as a member of the MS-13 gang and details the Trump administration's efforts to deport him, which he claims Democrats are now trying to overturn.

"Democrats have decided to land. We're gonna lay out the facts behind both of those."
— [02:37] Senator Ted Cruz

3. The Case of Abrego Garcia

[06:51] Travis Holloway:
Co-host Travis Holloway provides an in-depth analysis of Abrego Garcia's case. Garcia, an illegal immigrant from El Salvador, was deported after being adjudicated twice as a member of the MS-13 gang, which the Trump administration had designated as a terrorist organization.

Key Points:

• Illegal Entry: Garcia entered the U.S. illegally in 2011.
• Criminal Activity: Arrested for soliciting employment under false pretenses and later linked to MS-13.
• Deportation Proceedings: Despite asylum claims citing danger from local gangs, courts denied his plea, affirming his removal.
• Democratic Response: Democrats, including Senator Chris Van Hollen and Senator Chris Murphy, are advocating for Garcia's return, arguing against his deportation.

"Democrats want more illegal immigrants? More gang members? That. You know what? This ain't your grandfather's Democrat Party."
— [06:51] Travis Holloway

[10:22] Senator Ted Cruz:
Cruz questions the legitimacy and financial implications of Democrats traveling to El Salvador to advocate for Garcia's return.

"Are the American taxpayers going to pay for this photo op?"
— [10:22] Senator Ted Cruz

[16:18] Rodney Williams & Travis Holloway Exchange:
An exchange between Williams and Holloway further clarifies the legal standings of Garcia's deportation, emphasizing judicial rulings that support the Trump administration's actions. They argue that Democrats are prioritizing propaganda over factual accuracy by pushing for the return of an individual legally deemed a terrorist.

"The Supreme Court ruled... neither Secretary of State nor the president could be compelled by anybody to forcibly retrieve a citizen of El Salvador from El Salvador, who again is a member of MS-13."
— [19:11] Senator Ted Cruz

4. Media's Coverage on the Issue

[13:29] Senator Ted Cruz:
Cruz criticizes mainstream media outlets like MSNBC and CNN for their portrayal of Garcia, accusing them of sidelining critical facts about his criminal background.

"I was watching msnbc, for example... how the media have no answer for that. They're like, no, no, no, we want that."
— [13:29] Senator Ted Cruz

[22:49] Senator Ted Cruz:
Highlighting media bias, Cruz contrasts the Democratic portrayal of Garcia as a "Maryland father" with his actual background, asserting that media outlets are misleading the public.

"Nobody's obsessed with this in the State of the Union... They cannot bring themselves to stand with Americans whose children have been murdered by violent illegal immigrants whom they've released."
— [22:49] Senator Ted Cruz

5. Democrats' Stance on Harvard University

[25:28] Travis Holloway:
The conversation transitions to Harvard University, where Senator Cruz accuses Democrats of allowing the institution to foster anti-Semitism and radical leftist ideologies. He references the Trump administration’s decision to freeze over $2.2 billion in funding to Harvard for not complying with federal civil rights laws.

Key Points:

• Funding Cuts: The Trump administration is withholding federal funds from Harvard until the university addresses issues related to racial discrimination and ideological bias.
• Harvard's Resistance: Despite federal demands, Harvard has refused to alter its admission and hiring policies, leading to significant financial repercussions.
• Impact on Federal Funding: Harvard receives approximately $9 billion in federal taxpayer dollars, with $2.2 billion specifically targeted for freezing due to non-compliance.

[30:12] Senator Ted Cruz:
Cruz underscores the severity of the situation by detailing the Trump administration’s demands for Harvard to implement merit-based hiring and admissions, combating racial and ideological biases.

"Harvard's radical leftism... you cannot comply with that."
— [30:12] Senator Ted Cruz

6. Academic Freedom and Federal Oversight

[35:04] Travis Holloway:
Holloway elaborates on the Trump administration's expectations for Harvard to adhere strictly to federal laws that prohibit racial discrimination. He criticizes Harvard for prioritizing ideological conformity over academic excellence and integrity.

"Harvard thinks they want this fight... They refuse to comply with federal law."
— [35:04] Travis Holloway

[41:21] Senator Ted Cruz:
Cruz concludes the segment by reaffirming the administration's stance and encouraging listeners to stay informed about the ongoing battles against what he describes as institutional radicalism.

"Harvard is digging in and they're claiming... they're anathema to our values."
— [41:21] Senator Ted Cruz

7. Conclusion and Final Remarks

Senator Cruz wraps up the episode by reiterating the two primary issues: the Democratic push for re-admitting individuals associated with terrorist organizations and their defense of institutions that, according to Cruz, promote anti-American and radical ideologies. He calls on listeners to recognize and oppose these policies to safeguard national security and uphold American values.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Senator Ted Cruz at [02:37]:
  "Democrats are so hell bent on being the opposite of Donald Trump and conservatives that they're now advocating for people that are members of terrorist gang organizations and demanding that we bring illegals back into America."

• Travis Holloway at [06:51]:
  "This defines who today's Democrat Party is. More illegal immigrants? More gang members? That."

• Senator Ted Cruz at [13:29]:
  "The media have no answer for that. They're like, no, no, no, we want that."

• Senator Ted Cruz at [25:28]:
  "Trump has said we are freezing the funding going to Harvard... They have been doing a great job of doing that for the last several decades."

• Travis Holloway at [35:04]:
  "Harvard is digging in and they're claiming... they cannot comply with federal law."

Final Thoughts

This episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz presents a critical examination of the Democratic Party's recent policy directions concerning illegal immigration and academic institutions like Harvard. By highlighting specific cases and administrative actions, Senator Cruz argues that these policies threaten national security and undermine American values.

Listeners are encouraged to consider the implications of these policies and the potential impact on the nation's future, emphasizing the importance of maintaining stringent standards for immigration and resisting ideological overreach in higher education.