1. Strait of Hormuz and Iran Conflict

Key points discussed include:

• Claims that military confrontations between the U.S. and Iran are ongoing.
• Concerns about threats to commercial shipping and global energy supplies.
• Discussion of a proposed U.S. transit fee for ships using the Strait of Hormuz, which the speaker says was later replaced with trade and investment agreements involving Gulf states.
• Assertions that the U.S. is maintaining a blockade on Iranian shipping while protecting international maritime traffic.
• Discussion of rising oil prices, shipping disruptions, and broader economic implications.

U.S. actions are necessary to maintain freedom of navigation and prevent Iran from disrupting world trade and energy markets.

2. Inflation and the U.S. Economy

• Inflation has fallen significantly.
• Economic analysts and media outlets underestimated the improvement in inflation figures.
• Lower energy prices contributed heavily to the reported decline in inflation.
• The economic results support President Trump's policies and leadership.

This is evidence that media organizations and economists have been overly pessimistic about the economy.

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening

X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Government Fraud and Congressional Hearing

A Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing focused on alleged fraud involving taxpayer funds. Democratic members did not attend the hearing and claims that government oversight failures have resulted in hundreds of billions of dollars in fraudulent payments. The discussion references:

• Minnesota childcare fraud allegations.
• The "Feeding Our Future" fraud case.
• Senator Joni Ernst's proposals for stronger anti-fraud measures.
• Claims that Democrats are unwilling to address fraud.

Fraud is a systemic government problem and Democratic lawmakers are indifferent or complicit.

2. Trump Interview on Iran

An exclusive Fox News interview with President Donald Trump regarding military action against Iran. In the interview:

• Trump discusses ongoing U.S. strikes against Iran.
• He states that military pressure is intended to stop Iranian nuclear ambitions.
• He suggests strikes could expand to include additional infrastructure targets if negotiations fail.
• He emphasizes a policy of "strength" in dealing with Iran.

3. Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)

A newly released platform from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). The platform is advocating:

• Major constitutional reforms.
• Replacing or restructuring existing government institutions.
• Eliminating the Electoral College.
• Limiting the Supreme Court's power.
• Expanding social welfare programs and economic redistribution.

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening

X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and its policy platform:

• Socialist, communist, and Marxist in nature.
• A proposal to replace elements of the existing American constitutional system.
• An attempt to eliminate or weaken traditional checks and balances in government.

2. Government Restructuring

DSA supports changes such as:

• Eliminating the Electoral College.
• Expanding the House of Representatives.
• Ending the Senate filibuster.
• Reducing the Supreme Court's power of judicial review.
• Moving toward a governmental structure centered on a single federal legislature.
• Abolishing the U.S. Senate.
• Implementing ranked-choice voting.

3. Economic and Social Vision

• Reduced work obligations.
• Universal access to housing.
• Elimination of debt.
• No need for private health insurance.
• Publicly funded retirement.
• Freedom from mortgages and landlords.

4. Immigration and Border Policies

• Ending immigration detention and deportation practices.
• Granting amnesty to undocumented immigrants.
• Reducing border enforcement measures.

5. Influence on the Democratic Party

• The DSA has become increasingly influential within Democratic politics.
• Establishment Democrats enabled the rise of socialist candidates.
• More Democratic candidates are receiving support from socialist organizations and winning elections.

The DSA IS pushing the Democratic Party further left.

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening

X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Ukraine's Drone Campaign Against Russia

• Russian oil refineries
• Fuel depots
• Transportation and logistics infrastructure
• Energy facilities supporting the Russian war effort

These attacks are causing:

• Fuel shortages inside Russia
• Long lines at gas stations
• Economic pressure on the Kremlin
• Growing dissatisfaction among Russian citizens and oligarchs

Ukraine is attempting to weaken Russia economically and politically rather than solely through battlefield victories.

2. Pressure on Vladimir Putin and Russian Oligarchs

• Putin's image of stability is being threatened.
• Economic disruptions may reduce support among Russian elites and oligarchs.
• Internal dissatisfaction could eventually force Putin toward negotiations.

3. Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and the Democratic Party

• Marxist and communist ideologies have become influential within DSA leadership.
• DSA is increasingly shaping Democratic Party candidates and policy.
• The Democratic Party has failed to resist these ideological influences.

The DSA Party portrays:

• Socialism
• Marxism
• Communism

as threats to American democracy and economic freedom.

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening

X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. U.S. Inflation Report and Economic Performance

• A recent U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) report showing a significant decline in inflation.
• Economists surveyed by Bloomberg incorrectly predicted the inflation outcome.
• Inflation fell by 0.4% month-over-month, which the speaker describes as the largest monthly decline in several years.
• Lower gasoline and energy prices are presented as the primary factors behind the improvement.
• Financial markets reacted positively, with:
  • Stocks rising.
  • Treasury yields falling.
  • Increased expectations that the Federal Reserve may avoid additional interest rate hikes.
• Mainstream media and economists are biased against Trump and intentionally emphasize negative economic news while ignoring positive developments.

Tone: Highly partisan and supportive of Trump. The discussion blends economic data with political interpretation and criticism of media organizations and economists.

2. Iran and the Strait of Hormuz

• Roughly 20% of global oil supply passes through the strait.
• Escalating tensions between the United States and Iran.
• Alleged U.S. military strikes on Iranian military infrastructure.
• Iranian missile and drone activities threatening shipping and regional facilities.
• Concerns about:
  • Disruptions to maritime trade.
  • Rising oil prices.
  • Broader regional conflict.
• Discussion of a proposed U.S. transit fee for ships using the Strait of Hormuz that the speaker says President Trump later replaced with trade and investment agreements with Gulf nations.
• References to:
  • A blockade on Iranian shipping.
  • Additional military operations.
  • Trump's threats to target Iranian power plants and bridges unless Iran negotiates.

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening

X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Tribute to Lindsey Graham

• U.S. Senator 23 years in the Senate
• A veteran with 33 years of Air Force service
• An influential figure in Republican politics
• A close friend and ally of Ted Cruz

2. Trump's First Impeachment Trial

• Debate over whether additional witnesses, particularly former National Security Adviser John Bolton, should be called.
• Efforts by Republican senators to prevent the trial from expanding into a lengthy investigation.
• Arguments that the House impeachment process was rushed and lacked due process.
• Discussion of a Senate vote that ultimately rejected calling additional witnesses.

3. Senate Strategy and Politics

Ted Cruz and Lindsey Graham explain behind-the-scenes efforts to persuade key Republican senators, especially:

• Lisa Murkowski (Alaska)
• Lamar Alexander (Tennessee)

4. Constitutional Issues

• Executive privilege
• Separation of powers
• The Supreme Court and Chief Justice John Roberts

5. Criticism of Democrats

• House impeachment managers such as Adam Schiff and Jerry Nadler
• Senator Elizabeth Warren
• The Democratic Party's impeachment strategy

6. Hunter Biden and Ukraine

• Hunter Biden's work with Burisma, a Ukrainian energy company
• Questions about conflicts of interest involving the Biden family
• Calls for further investigation into those matters

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz

X: https://x.com/tedcruz

X: https://x.

1. Trump's Planned Primetime Address

• Newly declassified intelligence regarding alleged foreign interference in the 2020 U.S. election.
• Election security and voting system vulnerabilities.
• Election integrity reforms.
• Possible appearances by senior intelligence and national security officials.
• Potential discussion of national security issues involving Iran.

The speech is highly significant and suggests it could reignite debates over the legitimacy of the 2020 election.

2. Election Integrity Narrative

• Americans want stronger voter verification measures.
• Confidence in elections has declined.
• The Trump administration seeks to present evidence supporting claims of foreign election interference.
• Election security should be treated as a national security issue.

3. Iran and the Strait of Hormuz

• Escalating tensions between the United States and Iran.
• A U.S. blockade on Iranian shipping.
• Trump allegedly declaring the United States the "Guardian of the Strait of Hormuz."
• Proposed security fees on cargo moving through the strait.
• Planned military strikes against Iran.
• Statements attributed to Trump concerning failed agreements with Iran.
• Trump notified Congress about military operations involving Iran.
• The United States is entering a "new phase" of conflict.
• Iran violated an agreement or memorandum of understanding.

4. South Carolina Senate Appointment

• South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appointed Lindsey Graham's sister to fill the seat temporarily.
• Donald Trump supported the appointment.
• Darline Graham Nordone would be the first woman to represent South Carolina in the Senate.
• A special election would later determine a permanent replacement.

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening

X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. U.S.–Iran Conflict Escalation

• President Donald Trump announces a renewed blockade targeting Iranian shipping.
• The U.S. is described as assuming a guardian role over the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important global shipping route.
• Trump is quoted as proposing a 20% security fee on cargo passing through the strait.
• There were planned military strikes against Iran and the U.S. military has significantly degraded Iranian capabilities.

2. Appointment of Darline Graham Nordone

• Senator Lindsey Graham passed away.
• South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appoints Graham's sister, Darline Graham Nordone, as an interim senator.
• The appointment is both a tribute to Graham's legacy and a historically significant event because Darline Graham Nordone would become the first woman to represent South Carolina in the U.S. Senate.
• We discuss Graham's relationship with his sister and her role in preserving Republican representation in the Senate until a special election is held.

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening

X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lindsey Graham

Lindsey Olin Graham (July 9, 1955 – July 11, 2026) was an American politician, attorney, and Air Force officer who represented South Carolina in the U.S. Senate from 2003 until his death in 2026. He was one of the most influential Republican senators of his era, particularly on national security, judicial nominations, and foreign policy.

Early Life

Graham was born in Central, South Carolina, where his parents owned a restaurant, pool hall, and liquor store. He became the first member of his family to attend college, earning both a bachelor's degree and a law degree from the University of South Carolina. While in school, he suffered the loss of both parents within about 15 months and took responsibility for helping raise his younger sister.

Military Service

After law school, Graham joined the U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps, serving as a military lawyer. He served on active duty from 1982 to 1989, including assignments in Germany, and later continued in the South Carolina Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve. During his military career he reached the rank of Colonel and retired in 2015 after 33 years of service.

Entry into Politics

Graham began his political career in the South Carolina House of Representatives, serving from 1993 to 1995. In 1994, he won election to the U.S. House of Representatives from South Carolina's 3rd Congressional District, becoming the first Republican elected from that district since Reconstruction.

During his time in the House, he gained national attention as one of the House managers who prosecuted the impeachment case against President Bill Clinton in 1999.

U.S. Senate Career

Graham was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002 and took office in January 2003. He won reelection in 2008, 2014, and 2020. Throughout his Senate career he served on several powerful committees, including Judiciary, Appropriations, Budget, and Environment and Public Works. He also chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee and later the Senate Budget Committee.

Key Political Positions

Graham became known for:

• Strong support for a robust U.S. military and interventionist foreign policy.
• Advocacy for American support of allies such as Ukraine and Israel.
• Leadership on judicial confirmations, including helping advance the confirmations of Supreme Court Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett.

Relationship with Donald Trump

One of the most notable aspects of Graham's career was his evolving relationship with Donald Trump. During the 2016 Republican presidential primary, Graham strongly criticized Trump, but after Trump's election, however, Graham became one of his closest allies in Congress and frequently advised him on foreign-policy and judicial matters. 

Legacy

His supporters remember him as a skilled legislator, military veteran, and influential voice on national security. Critics often challenged his changing political alliances and hawkish foreign-policy positions. Nevertheless, he remained one of the most recognizable and consequential Republican senators of the early 21st century

Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening

X: https://x.com/benfergusonshow

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.