Verdict with Ted Cruz

1. New Year’s Resolutions The first part of the discussion is lighthearted and personal. Both hosts share their resolutions for 2026: Ted Cruz’s resolutions: Lose 30 pounds (from 236 lbs to 206 lbs) through diet and exercise. Complete a “Dry January” (no alcohol for the month). Read the Bible daily throughout the year. Ben Ferguson’s resolutions: Focus on building muscle after significant weight loss (from 298 lbs to 209 lbs). Commit to reading the Bible daily alongside Cruz. They also reflect on family life, parenting, and the emotional challenges of children growing up and leaving home. 2. Minnesota Shooting, Riots & Fraud The second part shifts to a serious political discussion: Incident in Minnesota: A woman allegedly tried to run over an ICE agent with her SUV and was fatally shot. The hosts argue that the Left is politicizing the event, portraying the woman as a victim, and using the situation to attack law enforcement. Rhetoric and Violence: They criticize Democratic leaders for inflammatory language, claiming it encourages violence against ICE and law enforcement. Examples include: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey telling ICE to “get out” of the city. Governor Tim Walz suggesting Minnesota is “at war” with the federal government. Fraud Scandal: They discuss a massive Somali-related fraud in Minnesota, allegedly involving $9 billion in taxpayer funds across multiple sectors (childcare, transportation, etc.). The conversation frames this as deliberate Democratic corruption tied to immigration policies and vote-buying. Law Enforcement Advice: Practical tips for interacting safely with police during traffic stops are shared, emphasizing respect and de-escalation. 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. Poor Choices and Chaos the fatal ICE-involved shooting in Minneapolis that has sparked nationwide controversy. Clay and Buck dissect the incident where a 37-year-old woman allegedly used her vehicle to obstruct federal immigration enforcement, resulting in her death. They emphasize video evidence showing the ICE officer acted in self-defense, countering claims from Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz, who labeled the shooting as excessive force and called for protests. The hosts argue this tragedy reflects a deeper problem within the Democratic Party’s anti-law enforcement rhetoric, which encourages dangerous confrontations with federal officers. VP Vance Calls Out the Left Live White House briefing featuring Vice President JD Vance and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who deliver a fiery defense of ICE and condemn the media for spreading “lies” about the incident. Vance asserts that the woman killed was part of a broader left-wing network aimed at obstructing immigration enforcement through doxxing, harassment, and even domestic terrorism tactics. He vows tougher federal action, including a new Assistant Attorney General role to prosecute those inciting violence against law enforcement. The briefing underscores the administration’s stance: enforcing immigration law is non-negotiable, and Democrats must stop rallying mobs against federal officers. Good News for MAHA Moms Guest Katie Zacharia joins to weigh in on the political fallout and broader implications. She highlights how sanctuary city policies and anti-ICE activism have fueled violence and fraud, citing California’s staggering $72 billion fraud scandal under Gavin Newsom and systemic failures in oversight. Katie calls for federal action, including suspending aid to jurisdictions violating the Supremacy Clause. The conversation shifts to California’s ongoing crises: wildfire recovery delays in Malibu and Pacific Palisades, where red tape and environmental regulations have stalled rebuilding efforts, leaving homeowners with plummeting property values. Katie also breaks down the proposed 5% billionaire wealth tax, warning it will accelerate the exodus of tech moguls and entrepreneurs from California while funding Medi-Cal programs strained by free healthcare for illegal immigrants. The hour also touches on RFK Jr.’s food pyramid overhaul and vaccine schedule changes, which have energized “Maha Moms” and even some liberal parents seeking reform in children’s health standards. Katie praises Trump for empowering RFK Jr. to challenge Big Pharma and promote healthier policies. Audience Talkbacks! Clay and Buck then pivot to lighter—but fiery—cultural debates, including regional cuisine hot takes and the “most overrated foods” in America. From Philly cheesesteaks and mint juleps to Puerto Rican Mofongo, the hosts don’t hold back, sparking laughs and listener engagement. They also revisit the nostalgia (and regret) of Jägermeister shots and Jägerbombs, contrasting them with underrated drinks like espresso martinis and sangria. The segment closes with talkbacks from listeners proposing which states or territories to “sell off,” adding humor to an otherwise intense news cycle. 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/@clayandbuckYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Incident Overview ICE agents were conducting operations in Minneapolis when a woman blocked their vehicles and refused repeated commands to exit her car. She allegedly accelerated toward an ICE agent, prompting the officer to fire through the windshield, resulting in her death. The shooting is described as defensive and necessary to prevent harm to law enforcement officers. Context and Escalation The woman had been stalking and obstructing ICE agents throughout the day. It portrays her actions as part of a broader pattern of “political vigilanteism” and domestic terrorism, citing an increase in vehicle ramming attacks against ICE agents. Political Commentary Left-wing activists and Democratic officials are encouraging lawlessness and violence against federal officers. Quotes from officials like Secretary of Homeland Security and political figures are included, reinforcing support for ICE and condemning anti-ICE rhetoric. Statistics and Broader Trends A reported 1,300% increase in assaults and an 8,000% increase in death threats against ICE agents. Similar vehicle attacks have occurred nationwide, the incident is part of a growing threat. 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.

Cilia Flores’ Role: Far from being a symbolic first lady, Flores is a mastermind behind corruption and drug trafficking. She was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury and linked to major criminal activities, including her nephews’ cocaine smuggling. Western Hemisphere Strategy: The discussion emphasizes the Monroe Doctrine and its modern interpretation under Trump (“Donroe Doctrine”), asserting U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere to counter Russian, Chinese, and Iranian influence. Military Operation: The arrest of Maduro was a highly precise Delta Force mission, compared to past U.S. interventions like Noriega’s capture in Panama. The podcast praises Trump’s decisiveness and military success without U.S. casualties. Regional Impact: Cuba: Faces severe pressure due to loss of Venezuelan oil and the death of Cuban guards during the raid. Other Leftist Regimes: Leaders in Nicaragua, Colombia, and Brazil are considered weakened. Mexico: While not a failed state, concerns about narco-terrorism and water treaty disputes are highlighted. Future of Venezuela: Interim President Delcy Rodríguez is described as another Marxist figure, raising concerns about continuity of corruption. Advocates for free and fair elections to restore stability and attract foreign investment, especially in oil and gold sectors. Venezuela’s vast natural resources make it a prime candidate for rapid economic recovery if governance shifts toward pro-market policies. 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. Twist of Irony Clay and Buck dive into the fallout from the historic Delta Force raid in Venezuela, which captured Nicolás Maduro and killed 32 Cuban bodyguards. They explore the strategic implications of Operation Absolute Resolve, framing it as a modern reaffirmation of the Monroe Doctrine and a bold move by President Trump to reassert U.S. dominance in the Western Hemisphere. The hosts discuss how this operation signals a shift in global power dynamics, undermining Chinese and Russian influence and exposing the weakness of authoritarian regimes like Venezuela, Cuba, and Iran. Republicans Stay at Hotels, Too Hilton Hotels cut ties with a franchisee after reports surfaced that ICE agents’ reservations were canceled. Clay and Buck frame this as a major shift in corporate behavior, contrasting today’s swift response with the era of performative activism during 2020. They credit the Bud Light backlash as a turning point, warning brands against alienating half the country and highlighting Michael Jordan’s timeless advice: “Republicans buy sneakers too.” From corporate culture, the discussion pivots to economic policy and tariffs, as Buck cites new research showing Trump’s tariff strategy did not fuel inflation, contrary to predictions by mainstream economists. Clay and Buck argue that tariffs, combined with strong GDP growth, could help balance the federal budget by 2026–2027 if upheld by the Supreme Court. They blast the failures of modern monetary theory and Biden-era spending, emphasizing common-sense economics and Trump’s vindication on trade policy. What Happens in NY, Won't Stay in NY Clay and Buck discussing the decline of New York City under Mayor Zohran Mamdani, warning that his radical socialist agenda—framed as replacing “rugged individualism with the warmth of collectivism”—could devastate property rights and public safety. They highlight viral clips of Mamdani’s allies advocating for housing as a “collective good,” signaling a push toward shared equity models that undermine private ownership. The hosts argue this reflects the broader influence of unmarried progressive women on Democratic policy, calling them the driving force behind destructive cultural and political trends. The conversation shifts to economic migration and the future of financial hubs, citing predictions that Miami and South Florida could replace New York as America’s financial capital, while tech billionaires flock to Texas. Clay and Buck attribute this to post-COVID remote work flexibility and tax advantages in states like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee, contrasting these environments with high-tax states such as New York and California. They warn that as wealthy residents flee, blue states will raise taxes further, accelerating the exodus. TX Rep. Chip Roy An in-depth interview with Congressman Chip Roy, who praises President Trump’s bold leadership in Operation Absolute Resolve, the mission that captured Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro. Roy explains the strategic importance of stabilizing Venezuela, restoring its oil production, and preventing resources from flowing to adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran. He emphasizes that this is not “nation-building” but a critical move to secure the Western Hemisphere under the Trump Doctrine, strengthen U.S. energy independence, and protect national security. Roy also warns of challenges ahead, including corruption within Venezuela’s regime, and stresses the need for strong rule of law and economic recovery. The discussion then pivots to the Somali daycare fraud scandal in Minnesota, which has rocked Governor Tim Walz’s political career. Clay and Buck play audio from Walz’s defiant press conference, where he vows not to resign despite mounting evidence of billions in fraudulent welfare payments. Roy underscores how grassroots investigations—like the viral exposé by a 23-year-old YouTuber—are filling the void left by legacy media, signaling a new era of citizen journalism and accountability. He calls for aggressive federal prosecutions, noting that fraud tied to federal funds warrants U.S. attorney involvement, and predicts that heads will roll as investigations expand nationwide. 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.