The Ben Ferguson Podcast

1. Affordable Care Act (ACA) Subsidies and Alleged Fraud Democrats intentionally designed ACA subsidies to expire, framing it as a political strategy to secure votes during elections. The ACA was never truly affordable and alleges systemic fraud, waste, and abuse within the program, including: Insurance companies benefiting from guaranteed government payments. Fraudulent enrollments and improper s...

Legal and Constitutional Battles involving President Donald Trump A recent Supreme Court decision denying the Trump administration's request to federalize Illinois National Guard troops to assist ICE agents in Chicago. The ruling emphasized that the administration failed to identify statutory authority for deploying military forces to enforce laws in Illinois. Details of the majority opinion, conc...

1. Welfare System Fraud and Structural Issues Based on an op-ed by Phil Gramm and John Early in The Wall Street Journal titled “The Biggest Fraud in Welfare” . Key points: U.S. welfare spending has skyrocketed 765% since the mid-1970s, now totaling $1.4 trillion annually . If distributed evenly among the 19.8 million families classified as poor, each would receive $71,000 per year . Th...

1. Self-Deportation Program Policy Details : Department of Homeland Security offers $3,000 holiday stipend for illegal immigrants who voluntarily leave the U.S. by December 31. Includes free travel arrangements and waivers of certain fines. Program branded as Project Homecoming , accessible via the CBP Home app. Rationale : Claimed to be cheaper than forced deportation , saving resources and legal...

Policy Overview Undocumented immigrants can receive a $3,000 “exit bonus” if they leave the U.S. voluntarily by December 31. The program includes free travel arrangements and potential waivers of civil fines. Registration is required via a Department of Homeland Security app. Rationale It is cheaper than formal deportation, which involves legal processes, detention, and transportation...

Hollywood and Media Bias : Cruz argues that the NYT list prioritizes political messaging over storytelling and entertainment. He claims the list reflects elitist, left-leaning Hollywood values and ignores popular, inspirational, or patriotic films. Alternative Film List : Cruz presents his own list of 30 films from the past 25 years that he believes are more representative of quality cinema. His s...

Economic Growth & Tariffs Reports a 4.3% GDP growth in Q3, exceeding expectations. Success is do to Trump’s  tariff policies , tax reforms, and “America First” approach. Highlights record consumer spending during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Inflation & Monetary Policy Notes inflation is a pressure point but it is  lower than under Biden . Federal Reserve&rsqu...

1. Cultural Debate on Santa Claus UK museum’s guidance to “decolonize” Father Christmas. Santa is criticized for being “too white” and “too male.” Suggests changes like: Santa working alongside elves to show equality. Mrs. (Mother) Christmas taking a more prominent role. Removing the “naughty or nice” list, which is framed as colonial and judgm...

1. Netanyahu’s Push for an Inquiry into October 7 Attacks Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proposes an investigation into the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks , comparing it to the U.S. 9/11 Commission . He advocates for a bipartisan committee (half coalition, half opposition) rather than a Supreme Court-appointed state commission. Opposition parties refuse to participate, calling...

Massive Interest Payments on National Debt $1.2 trillion spent on interest payments in 2025 alone, making it the third-largest government expense after Social Security and Medicare. Highlights the unsustainable nature of U.S. borrowing and debt ($38.4 trillion total). Animal Experimentation $13.8 million for beagle experiments involving tick-borne illnesses. $5.2 million for dosing beagles with co...

1. Christmas and Its Religious Significance The discussion begins with warm holiday greetings and reflections on the meaning of Christmas. Emphasis is placed on celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, highlighting its spiritual importance over commercial aspects like gifts and Santa Claus. Ben and the Senator share personal traditions, such as reading Luke Chapter 2 during Christmas dinner, and dis...

Poll Analysis & Approval Ratings We dispute claims that Trump’s presidency is a “disaster,” citing an Insider Advantage poll showing Trump at 50% approval and +9 net rating . Breakdowns by demographics: Men: 59% approve, 34% disapprove. Women: Majority disapprove. Age groups: 18–39: 44% approve, 44% disapprove. 40–64: 54% approve. Party affiliation: 84% approval a...

Golden Fleet Announcement Trump unveils plans for the construction of two massive battleships , described as: The largest ever built. “100 times more powerful” than previous Iowa-class ships. Part of a new Golden Fleet to revitalize U.S. naval power. Long-term vision: expand to 20–25 ships , boosting American shipbuilding and jobs. Emphasis on national security, military supremac...

1. Affordable Care Act (ACA) Subsidies and Alleged Fraud Democrats intentionally designed ACA subsidies to expire, framing it as a political strategy to secure votes during elections. The ACA was never truly affordable and alleges systemic fraud, waste, and abuse within the program, including: Insurance companies benefiting from guaranteed government payments. Fraudulent enrollments and improper s...

Epstein File Release The files include photos of former President Bill Clinton in compromising contexts: On Epstein’s private plane with unidentified individuals. In a pool with Ghislaine Maxwell and other women (faces redacted). In a hot tub with a redacted woman. The commentary argues that if these were photos of Donald Trump, media coverage would be relentless, but Clinton’s involve...

To our listeners a GREAT THANK YOU! Without you this would not be possible. We thank EACH and every one of you for making Verdict what it is today and supporting this show. Much more to blow you away in 2026 so keep listening, and keep sharing!                          &nbsp...

1. Fentanyl Classified as Weapon of Mass Destruction Action: President Trump signed an executive order classifying fentanyl as a WMD, equating its impact to nuclear or chemical weapons. Rationale: Trump cited overdose deaths (200k–300k annually) and national security threats from narco-terrorists. Military Measures: U.S. strikes on drug-smuggling boats since September, killing ~90 people. De...

1. Crime Statistics Manipulation Allegations: U.S. Attorney and House Oversight Committee report claim D.C. authorities and outgoing Police Chief Pamela Smith manipulated crime data to make the city appear safer. Misclassification of crimes, pressure on commanders to report lower stats, and retaliation against those reporting accurately. Impact: Trump’s crime reduction efforts were more sign...

Operation Hawkeye A large-scale U.S. military strike targeting ISIS fighters, infrastructure, and weapons sites across more than 70 locations in Syria. Ordered by President Trump in response to an ambush that killed two U.S. service members and a civilian interpreter. Objective: Deliver a “declaration of vengeance,” not a declaration of war. Military Details Use of precision munitions...

1. Immigration and Housing Mass immigration under President Biden increased rental demand and housing prices. Trump’s deportations and border enforcement are lowering rents and home prices. Median age of first-time homebuyers is rising above 40 (highest since WWI). Wharton study: “Every 1% population increase → rents up 1%.” Recent rent declines (−1.1% YoY, −5.2%...

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...

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...

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, o...

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...

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...