Verdict with Ted Cruz

1. Support for Regime Change Without “Boots on the Ground” Regime change can be morally and strategically justified when it leads to the fall of tyrannical or hostile regimes (e.g., Soviet Union, Iran). Strongly distinguishes between: Non-military or indirect regime change (diplomatic pressure, moral support, rhetoric, economic pressure) Full-scale military invasions, which the speaker opposes based on lessons from Iraq and Libya. Frames “regime change” as a concept unfairly discredited due to past U.S. military failures. 2. Historical Analogy: Reagan and the Cold War Ronald Reagan is a model: “Peace through strength,” rebuilding the military without large-scale invasions. Moral clarity and public rhetoric (e.g., “evil empire,” “tear down this wall”) are catalysts for systemic collapse. The power of words and leadership signaling can inspire dissidents inside authoritarian regimes. 3. Iran as an Active Enemy of the United States Iran is fundamentally different from prior dictatorships: Actively funds terrorism targeting Americans Governed by a theocratic regime portrayed as irredeemable Open U.S. rhetorical and moral support for Iranian protesters and dissidents. Acknowledges uncertainty and risks following a revolution but argues the status quo is worse. 4. Venezuela: Engagement With María Corina Machado A bipartisan Senate meeting with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado following her meeting with President Trump. Highlights her strategic emphasis on: U.S. unity Avoiding partisan attacks on Trump She is an effective, pragmatic opposition leader acting in Venezuela’s national interest. Strong ties between U.S. senators and Venezuelan communities, especially in Florida and Texas. 5. Trump’s Role in Global Opposition Movements Donald Trump’s leadership and rhetoric is a motivating force behind opposition movements in: Iran Venezuela Cuba These three countries are simultaneously nearing potential regime collapse or elections. Claims this could represent the most significant geopolitical shift since the fall of the Berlin Wall, while acknowledging high risks. 6. Military Operation Against Maduro (U.S. Arrest) A recent military raid targeting Nicolás Maduro: Maduro described as being protected by Cuban military forces Operation allegedly resulted in: No American fatalities Multiple enemy combatant deaths The Senator visited three wounded U.S. soldiers recovering in San Antonio. Emphasizing: Their bravery Their role in “changing the Western Hemisphere” Symbolic gestures (retrieving bullets/shrapnel as mementos) 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/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Visit with U.S. Soldiers Wounded in the Maduro Raid Senator Ted Cruz visits three U.S. soldiers wounded during a raid intended to arrest Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. All soldiers are recovering in stable condition and none suffered life‑threatening injuries. One soldier helped plan and lead the raid and continued fighting after being shot. Two soldiers requested keepsakes from their injuries (a bullet and shrapnel), which Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth approved as a morale gesture. Emphasis on: Heroism and discipline of U.S. forces No American fatalities despite being outnumbered Significant Cuban forces defending Maduro were reportedly killed 2. Symbolism and Morale Soldiers and their families (wives present) showed strong morale and faith. Soldiers expressed eagerness to return to duty. A former commanding officer expressed regret at missing the mission, reinforcing camaraderie and pride. 3. Meeting with Venezuelan Opposition Leader Maria Corina Machado Cruz met with Maria Corina Machado, Venezuelan opposition leader now living in exile in the United States. Machado: Previously awarded the Nobel Peace Prize Met with President Donald Trump at the White House Symbolically presented Trump with her Nobel Peace Prize as gratitude for U.S. support 4. Political Situation in Venezuela Widespread celebration in Venezuela following Maduro’s removal. Some political prisoners released, though still monitored. Current acting leadership (Delcy Rodríguez) is described as illegitimate and a continuation of the Maduro regime. Machado strongly advocates for: Free and fair elections A swift election timeline (Cruz suggests within six months) 5. Bipartisan Senate Meeting Machado met with about a dozen U.S. senators, including Republicans and Democrats. Cruz praises her decision to pursue bipartisan unity instead of partisan attacks. Unity from the U.S. is portrayed as critical for Venezuela’s democratic transition. 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/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Meet my friends, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton! If you love Verdict, the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show might also be in your audio wheelhouse. Politics, news analysis, and some pop culture and comedy thrown in too. Here’s a sample episode recapping four takeaways. Give the guys a listen and then follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You're Fired! Clay and Buck open with breaking news of another ICE-involved shooting after agents were attacked during an arrest operation. The suspects—identified as Venezuelan illegal immigrants with final deportation orders—reportedly assaulted an officer, prompting him to fire in self-defense. This follows a string of violent confrontations and protests targeting federal agents, with ICE vehicles vandalized and weapons stolen from government vehicles. The hosts warn that Minneapolis has become the epicenter of Resistance 2.0, echoing the chaos of the 2020 BLM riots, and argue that President Trump must act decisively to prevent nationwide unrest. The conversation intensifies as Clay and Buck analyze Trump’s Truth Social post threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act if Minnesota officials fail to stop organized attacks on federal law enforcement. They frame this as a defining moment for Trump’s second term, contrasting his current posture with what they call the missed opportunity to crush BLM riots in 2020. Buck emphasizes that Democrats are weaponizing immigration enforcement as a political wedge, portraying ICE as “Gestapo” and encouraging obstruction—language that, they argue, incites violence against officers. Clay underscores the stakes: Trump cannot afford to break faith with voters on border security, making Minneapolis a “crucible decision” for his presidency. The Left Wants to Abolish ICE Clay and Buck open with sharp analysis of Rep. Shri Thanedar’s renewed call to abolish ICE, reviving a radical slogan first championed by AOC during Trump’s first term. They argue that Democrats’ strategy is clear: dismantle enforcement while keeping immigration laws on the books to avoid openly admitting their open borders agenda. This, they contend, is part of a long-term plan to reshape America’s demographics and political landscape. The hosts highlight Trump’s historic success in reversing decades of migration trends, noting that net migration turned negative in 2025 for the first time since the 1920s. Approximately 2.6 million illegal immigrants left the country through deportations and self-removal, a stark contrast to Biden’s border surge that saw monthly inflows soar to 200,000. Clay and Buck frame this as proof that Trump’s enforcement policies are working, even as Democrats and media allies attempt to undermine ICE operations by portraying agents as brutal and lawless. They warn that rhetoric from figures like Hakeem Jeffries—accusing ICE of “brutalizing American families”—is fueling hostility and setting the stage for violence against federal officers, echoing the chaos of 2020’s BLM riots. Gov't Makes Things Expensive The conversation then pivots to Trump’s new “Great Healthcare Plan,” unveiled by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, which emphasizes affordability and transparency. The plan aims to permanently lower prescription drug prices, redirect subsidies from insurers to consumers, mandate public price disclosures to eliminate surprise bills, and hold insurance companies accountable with clear rate comparisons. Clay and Buck stress that Trump learned from Republicans’ 2018 midterm losses over healthcare and is now positioning affordability—alongside housing and credit card interest reform—as a cornerstone of his economic message. They argue that Trump’s proactive approach on healthcare and cost-of-living issues could resonate deeply with voters, contrasting his market-driven solutions with Democrats’ push for government control. Should We Buy Greenland? Updates on President Trump’s Greenland acquisition push, following high-level meetings between U.S., Danish, and Greenlandic officials at the White House. Clay and Buck explain Trump’s rationale for pursuing Greenland as a long-term national security asset, citing its strategic Arctic location, potential mineral wealth, and historical parallels to Seward’s purchase of Alaska and the Louisiana Purchase. They argue that Greenland could be critical for monitoring nuclear submarine activity and countering Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic, framing Trump’s vision as a century-long play for American dominance rather than a short-term real estate flip. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8 For the latest updates from Clay and Buck: https://www.clayandbuck.com/ Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton on Social Media: X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuck YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Situation in Iran Mass Killings & Crackdown: Thousands have reportedly been killed or abducted by the Iranian regime during protests. U.S. Response: President Trump and the White House are applying maximum pressure on Iran. Actions include canceling meetings with Iranian officials, imposing a 25% tariff on countries doing business with Iran, and signaling possible military intervention. Military options remain on the table; U.S. security teams are reviewing potential responses, including airstrikes. Global Reaction: European nations summoned Iranian ambassadors. Bipartisan U.S. lawmakers advocate restoring internet access in Iran to help protesters organize. Iranian Threats: Iranian state TV issued threats against President Trump, referencing past assassination attempts. 2. U.S. Domestic Issues Supreme Court Debate: A major discussion occurred about men in women’s sports and defining what constitutes a woman. The ACLU reportedly struggled to define “woman” during arguments. Senate Hearing on Abortion Pills: Focused on safety and regulation of abortion medication (e.g., Mifepristone). Republicans pushed for stricter oversight; Democrats emphasized access to care. Controversial Exchange: Senator Josh Hawley questioned Dr. Nisha Verma (OB-GYN) on whether men can get pregnant. Dr. Verma avoided a direct yes/no answer, citing complexity and patient identities. Hawley insisted on biological clarity, arguing that biological men cannot get pregnant and criticizing refusal to acknowledge this as undermining science and constitutional protections for women. 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/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Bruce Pearl’s Career & Background Former Auburn basketball coach; won a Division II national championship and reached the Final Four twice. Unique fact: Pearl never played organized basketball (not even JV) before becoming a Division I coach. Started as a manager at Boston College, later became an assistant coach at Stanford under Tom Davis. Emphasizes making yourself valuable and being authentic as keys to success. 2. Coaching Philosophy Core principles: “Coach them as hard as you love them” – building deep relationships with players. Empower players and trust them; avoid micromanaging. Great coaches excel at creating offense and getting players good looks. Importance of roles and dimensions in a team: maximize strengths, hide weaknesses. Advice for young athletes: develop a unique skill or dimension that makes you stand out. 3. NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) & College Sports Pearl criticizes the NCAA for failing to adapt, calling it “arrogant” and responsible for chaos. NIL has transformed college sports: Top rosters now cost $35–$40 million annually. Smaller schools and Olympic sports are at risk of being cut. Advocates for urgent reform: Limited antitrust protection and congressional action to create fair rules. Warns that without changes, college sports will shrink to 30–50 elite programs. 4. Transfer Portal & Player Relationships Challenges in building trust and love when players stay only 6 months. Compares transfer portal dynamics to personal relationships—loyalty matters. 5. Broader Issues in Sports Concerns about betting and commercialization. Advice for high school athletes: play multiple sports early, specialize later, focus on nutrition and toughness. 6. Views on Israel & Anti-Semitism Strong advocate for Israel; sees American Jews as “the country’s greatest patriots.” Personal connection: family escaped Europe in 1929; others perished in the Holocaust. Believes silence equals complicity; stresses unity between Jews and Christians. Addresses rising anti-Semitism but emphasizes America still offers opportunity. 7. Cultural & Historical Insights Discusses theology, covenant, and shared values between Jews and Christians. Critiques “replacement theology” and urges solidarity against bigotry. 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/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.