The Ben Ferguson Podcast

11h ago

1. ACA Marketplace Fraud GAO (miswritten as “GOA”) found “significant fraud vulnerabilities” where fictitious applicants with “fake or invalid Social Security numbers” were still approved for subsidies. It says “ nearly all of the fake applicants were accepted.” D uplicate subsidy payments , repeated payments tied to the same SSN, and “ tens of thousands ” of subsidies connected to deceased individuals . B rokers switched plans and enrolled people without sufficient verification, driven by commissions . Quantifies “billions” in improper payments annually , citing a figure of $27 billion , but admits “exact figures are hard to find.” 2 . GOP Leaders & Policy Sen. John Thune describes the marketplace as “ rife with waste, fraud, and abuse ,” mention auto‑enrollment by insurers, and claim a “95% failure rate” (19 of 20 fictitious GAO applications approved). Speaker Mike Johnson is quoted arguing the COVID‑era premium tax credit affects “ 7% of Americans ” and—if extended without reforms—would cut premiums for that group by “5.7%.” He promotes the “Lower Premiums for All Americans Act,” said to reduce premiums “ by at least 11% ” and save “ tens of billions .” 3 . Gender‑Affirming Care for Minors RFK Jr. and the Trump administration have “ six decisive actions ” to restrict gender‑affirming procedures for minors; claims CMS will propose barring hospitals from performing such procedures as a condition of Medicare/Medicaid participation . A “peer‑reviewed report” by HHS claims doctors violate the Hippocratic oath . Singles out Vanderbilt University’s TransBuddy program, implying monetary motives. 4. Economy & Inflation A “ tumble ” in inflation to 2.7% , is attributed to Trump’s energy expansion, tariffs, deregulation, renewed market confidence, and fiscal restraint. Democratic critics were wrong about inflation risks. 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.

11h ago

Inflation Drop as a Surprise Inflation fell sharply to 2.7% , described as a “tumble” rather than a gradual decline. This is a direct contradiction to warnings from economists and political opponents who predicted Trump’s policies would cause inflation to spike. Energy Dominance Major factor behind falling inflation. Trump administration rolled back federal barriers, accelerated drilling approvals, and signaled a return to energy independence. Lower energy costs reduced transportation, manufacturing, and distribution expenses, creating economy-wide benefits. Tariffs and Trade Policy Critics claimed tariffs would raise consumer prices and cause supply chain chaos. Document asserts the opposite happened: Foreign producers absorbed costs. No empty shelves or shortages. American manufacturing expanded, reducing reliance on foreign inputs. Tariffs framed as “targeted leverage” restoring fairness without harming consumers. Deregulation Reduced compliance costs and bureaucratic delays. Businesses saved money, accelerated product delivery, hired more workers, and kept prices lower. Introduces concept of “invisible inflation” —costs from regulation that Trump eliminated. Confidence & Market Psychology Inflation partly psychological; Trump restored confidence. Businesses invested, consumers stopped panic buying, markets stabilized. Fiscal discipline signals (cutting wasteful spending, controlling federal programs) reassured investors. Overall Impact Inflation decline attributed to: Energy independence. Smart tariffs. Deregulation. Confidence restoration. Fiscal restraint. It's a “gigantic win” for lower and middle-class families . 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.

12h ago

Border Security Illegal immigration reportedly dropped by 99%. $100 billion invested in border security infrastructure (wall, technology, personnel). Claimed economic benefits: reduced housing costs and rents due to deportations. Working Families Tax Cut (formerly “One Big Beautiful Bill”) Permanent extension and expansion of Trump-era tax cuts. Specific provisions: No taxes on tips, overtime, or Social Security benefits (effective 2026). Framed as the most conservative legislative victory in U.S. history. Military & National Security $150 billion invested in rebuilding the military. $24.5 billion allocated to the Coast Guard (over 200% of its annual budget). Emphasis on Arctic ice cutters to counter China and Russia. Technology & Infrastructure Auctioning 800 MHz of federal spectrum to private sector (expected $100 billion revenue). Air traffic control modernization ($12.5 billion investment). Rotor Act: mandates ADS-B technology for all aircraft to prevent collisions. Education & Social Policy School Choice Expansion : Tax credits for donations to scholarship organizations. Trump Accounts : Investment accounts for every child in America, seeded with $1,000 and allowing $5,000 annual contributions, invested in S&P 500. Space Exploration $10 billion investment in NASA and commercial space programs. Goal: U.S. to return to the Moon by 2028, ahead of China. Regulatory Rollbacks Elimination of CAFE standards (fuel economy rules), framed as lowering car costs and improving safety. Online Safety Take It Down Act : Criminalizes non-consensual intimate imagery and deepfake pornography; mandates immediate removal by platforms. 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.com/benfergusonshow See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1d ago

Economic Recovery & Affordability Trump has reversed inflation and lowered prices on essentials (gas, groceries, energy). Promises largest tax cuts in U.S. history , including: No tax on tips, overtime, and Social Security. Families projected to save $11,000–$20,000 annually. Anticipated largest tax refund season ever next spring. Secured $18 trillion in investment , tied to tariffs and reshoring of manufacturing. Military Support Announcement of a $1,776 “Warrior Dividend” for 1.45 million service members as a patriotic gesture. Highlights record enlistment and rebuilding of U.S. military strength. Healthcare Reform Affordable Care Act (“Unaffordable Care Act”). Promises massive drug price reductions (up to 400–600%) via Trump RX Program. Plans to redirect funds from insurance companies to individuals for cheaper, better coverage. Immigration & Border Security Prior administration was responsible for a “border invasion” of 25 million migrants. Zero illegal entries in past seven months and record deportations. Links immigration to housing costs and crime, pledging aggressive reforms. Energy Policy Declares a national energy emergency. Gas prices reportedly under $2.50 per gallon; electricity costs projected to fall. Plans to open 1,600 new power plants within 12 months. Housing & Interest Rates Announces upcoming housing reform plans to improve affordability. Promises appointment of a Federal Reserve chair focused on lowering interest rates. Foreign Policy & Diplomacy Settled eight wars in ten months, ended the Iran nuclear threat, and brought peace to the Middle East. Positions America as respected again globally. Future Outlook 2026 will be a historic year with economic boom, major tax relief, and celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Preview of initiatives: lower drug costs, expanded energy production, housing affordability, rent relief. 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.

1d ago

Economic Agenda Promises of major tax relief starting in 2026: No tax on tips, overtime, and Social Security for most Americans. Projected savings: $11,000–$20,000 per family annually. Anticipated largest tax refund season ever next spring. Emphasis on record investment inflows , job creation, and tariff leverage. Goal: “Greatest economy in history.” Military Support Announcement of a $1,776 “Warrior Dividend” for 1.45 million service members as a symbolic tribute to 1776. Healthcare Reform Affordable Care Act (“Unaffordable Care Act”). Promise to redirect funds from insurance companies to individuals for better, cheaper coverage. Future reductions in drug prices via the Trump RX Program . Immigration and Border Security Trump condemned prior administration’s immigration policies. there WAS a border invasion with criminal elements. A vow to maintain strict enforcement and prevent recurrence. Housing and Cost of Living Plans for aggressive housing reforms to improve affordability. Links high housing costs to illegal immigration and promises relief. Foreign Policy Highlighted diplomatic progress and reduced global tensions. Positioned the U.S. as regaining international leadership. Future Outlook Preview of 2026 initiatives: Expanded energy production. Lower interest rates via new Federal Reserve leadership. Continued focus on affordability and economic growth. 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.

2d ago

1. Affordable Care Act (ACA) Fraud and Waste Government Accountability Office (GAO) Report: a preliminary GAO watchdog report reveals systemic fraud in ACA insurance exchanges. Findings: Federal auditors submitted 24 fake applications; 23 were approved for subsidies. Fake enrollees received thousands of dollars monthly in taxpayer-funded subsidies. $94 million paid to insurers for deceased individuals. 68,000 Social Security numbers used by multiple people in 2024. Implications: Suggests billions lost to fraud, with insurance companies benefiting and allegedly donating heavily to Democrats. 2. Rising Healthcare Costs Premium Trends: ACA premiums have risen nearly twice as fast as employer coverage and three times faster than inflation since 2014. Republican Response: House Republicans propose legislation to lower premiums, contrasting their “common-sense solutions” with Democrats’ approach of further subsidies. Criticism: Democrats misled Americans about affordability and created incentives for insurers to exploit taxpayer funds. 3. Housing Affordability Crisis Cause: Attributes skyrocketing housing costs to mass illegal immigration during the Biden administration. Statistics: Rents fell 1.1% year-over-year and 5.2% compared to 2022, crediting Trump’s mass deportation policies. Supporting Evidence: a Wharton School study linked population increases to rent hikes. Political Messaging: Positions Trump administration policies as restoring affordability for working-class Americans. 4. Inflation and Economic Stress Biden Inflation: Described as the worst in 50 years, disproportionately impacting working Americans. Energy Prices: Trump policies are reducing energy costs, which will lower grocery and housing expenses. Federal Reserve Criticism: Suggests the Fed played politics with interest rate decisions, harming housing affordability. 6. Mar-a-Lago Raid Controversy New Revelations: Internal FBI emails show doubts about probable cause for the August 2022 raid. Key Points: FBI Washington Field Office expressed skepticism about evidence. DOJ pushed forward despite warnings; Merrick Garland personally approved the warrant. Prosecutor Jack Smith admitted mishandling classified documents and breaking chain of custody. Allegations: Evidence was staged, DOJ acted politically to prevent Trump’s return to the White House. 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.

2d ago

Lack of Probable Cause Internal FBI emails reportedly show that agents, particularly from the Washington Field Office, did not believe they had sufficient evidence to justify a search warrant. Agents suggested alternative approaches, such as negotiating with Trump’s attorneys, rather than conducting a raid. DOJ Pressure and Decision Despite internal resistance, DOJ leadership pushed forward. Attorney General Merrick Garland is quoted as saying he personally approved the decision to seek a warrant. DOJ officials allegedly dismissed concerns about optics and insisted on moving ahead. Evidence Handling and Alleged Misconduct Classified documents shown in widely circulated photos were staged by the FBI. Prosecutor Jack Smith allegedly admitted in court that evidence was mishandled and misrepresented, breaking the chain of custody. Political Motivation The raid aimed to prevent Trump from returning to the White House. It draws parallels to the “Crossfire Hurricane” investigation during the Obama administration, suggesting a pattern of politically driven actions. Internal Communications Multiple email excerpts highlight: Concerns about insufficient corroborated evidence. Frustration over repeated drafts of affidavits without new facts. Warnings that a raid would be “counterproductive” and harm optics. DOJ officials allegedly stating they “don’t give a damn” about optics. Accountability Questions A call for accountability is needed, the DOJ and FBI actions were improper and politically motivated. 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.

2d ago

1. Foiled Terror Attack in Los Angeles Incident: FBI arrested five suspects allegedly planning coordinated New Year’s Eve bombings in Los Angeles. Group: Identified as the Turtle Island Liberation Front , described as a radical pro-Palestinian, anti-American extremist group. Details: Planned attacks using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at five locations. Four suspects arrested in Lucerne Valley while testing bomb components; a fifth arrested in New Orleans. Materials included potassium nitrate, PVC pipes, sulfur powder, and charcoal. Ideology: Anti-U.S., pro-Palestinian, anti-law enforcement; Instagram posts included “Death to America” and “Free Palestine.” 2. DOJ and FBI Emails on Mar-a-Lago Raid Revelation: Internal FBI emails show agents doubted probable cause for the August 2022 raid on Trump’s residence. Concerns: Evidence was “single source, uncorroborated, and possibly outdated.” FBI suggested less intrusive alternatives, like negotiating with Trump’s attorneys. DOJ officials allegedly dismissed optics concerns, saying they “didn’t give a damn.” Implications: The raid was politically motivated, intended to damage Trump’s chances of reelection. 3. Housing, Immigration, and Economic Policy Housing Crisis: Attributes skyrocketing rents and home prices to Biden-era immigration policies, citing a HUD report linking immigration to housing demand. Trump’s Deportation Policy: Claims mass deportations have lowered rents by 1.1% year-over-year and 5.2% since 2022. Economic Measures: Highlights upcoming tax reforms for 2026: No tax on tips. No tax on overtime. No tax on Social Security for seniors. 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.com/benfergusonshow See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.