Verdict with Ted Cruz - podcast cover

Verdict with Ted Cruz

Premiere Networkswww.iheart.com

Join Senator Ted Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson as they break down the most important news stories of the day and reveal what they mean for you. On "Verdict with Ted Cruz,” you will go behind the scenes of the political debates that define our country. "Verdict with Ted Cruz" is being brought to you by Jobs, Freedom, and Security PAC, a political action committee dedicated to supporting conservative causes, organizations, and candidates across the country. In 2022, Jobs, Freedom, and Security PAC plans to donate to conservative candidates running for Congress and help the Republican Party across the nation.

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Episodes

Jill Biden’s ‘Stroke Scare’ sent Joe to Waffle House, U.S. Shipyards Roar Back to Life & Is NIL Killing College Athletics Week In Review

1. Jill Biden and President Joe Biden Jill Biden’s remarks about President Biden’s debate performance. She feared he may have been having a stroke, arguing that: Her actions afterward (campaign event, public praise, restaurant visit) contradict that concern. This suggests either exaggeration or dishonesty. Claims that President Biden experienced cognitive decline. Allegations that political leaders and media knowingly concealed this. Media organizations and Democratic officials were aware of Bid...

Jun 06, 202634 minEp. 144

Surging Support to Save College Sports, plus Mollie Hemingway on the Great Justice Sam Alito

1. 🏈 College Sports Crisis & Proposed Legislation Core Argument The NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) system An unregulated transfer portal Escalating player compensation costs Financial losses across athletic programs Key Problems Identified Athletes transferring multiple times with little restriction Older players (mid-to-late 20s) still competing Universities losing millions or tens of millions of dollars Non-revenue sports (e.g., tennis, Olympic sports) being cut Risk of college sports shrink...

Jun 05, 202636 minEp. 703

Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Jun 4 2026

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. We're Paying for Fraud Clay Travis and Buck Sexton talk about the massive government fraud and systemic inefficiencies, particularly within healthcar...

Jun 04, 20261 hr 7 min

BONUS POD: Crackdown on Iran Ties Meets Immigration Overhaul

🧩 1: Criminal Case – Sanctions Violations : A 63-year-old dual U.S.-Iran citizen (Jamshid Ghomi) was arrested in Newport Beach, California . He is accused of: Illegally exporting U.S. computer hardware to Iran Violating U.S. sanctions laws (International Emergency Economic Powers Act) Supplying equipment allegedly used in Iranian military and nuclear programs The scheme allegedly: Lasted over a decade Generated millions of dollars annually Used front companies (UAE), intermediaries (Dubai), and...

Jun 04, 202612 minEp. 423

Major Tax Cuts for virtually EVERY American Taxpayer, plus Bringing Ship-Building & Manufacturing Jobs Back to America

1. Tax Cuts 97% of tax filers received a tax cut Total relief: $82 billion Average savings: $100k–$200k earners → ~$1,250 $50k–$100k earners → ~$815 Policy features emphasized: No tax on tips No tax on overtime No tax on Social Security Expanded standard deduction 2. Media and Political Criticism The media is ignoring or hiding the benefits of the tax cuts Democrats are accused of: Misrepresenting the bill as benefiting only the wealthy Opposing policies that help workers Increase GDP: +1.2% to ...

Jun 03, 202632 minEp. 702

Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Jun 2 2026

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. Hedonic Adaptation Clay Travis and Buck Sexton discuss the growing relevance of political prediction markets, which Clay argues are more accurate tha...

Jun 02, 202658 min

BONUS POD: There's Some 14 things About Platner

1. Graham Platner at a glance: Extremist symbolism (Nazi SS tattoo) Offensive online behavior (racist, sexist, homophobic remarks) Sexual misconduct or inappropriate online activity Disrespect toward religion, military members, and others Criminal behavior (e.g., DUI) Liberals LOVE HIM! 2. the Democratic Party The Democratic Party protects problematic figures if politically useful. Standards are applied unevenly based on party affiliation . Media bias is asserted—the “corporate media” shields De...

Jun 02, 202618 minEp. 421

Nazi Oyster Farmer gets Worse-Will Dems Dump Him? UNRWA Infested with Hamas & Jill Biden covers for Joe's Dementia

1. Maine Senate Candidate Scandal Focuses on a Democratic Senate candidate (referred to as “Graham Plattner”). Presents allegations including: Infidelity and sexually explicit messages Use of a controversial messaging platform allegedly linked to criminal activity Past extreme ideological positions (described with strong labels like “Nazi” and “communist”) The candidate is morally unfit and scandal-ridden. There may be an internal Democratic effort to remove him for political reasons. 2. Democra...

Jun 01, 202636 minEp. 701

Democrat Party says Adios to the Middle, Texas BBQ vs. Vegan Politics & NIL Bill Takes Aim at College Sports Chaos Week In Review

1. 🗳️ Political Commentary on Democrats “extreme,” “radical,” or “out of touch” holding controversial or fringe views Democrats Use of Rhetoric & Persuasion Loaded language (“radical,” “crazy,” “dangerous”) Mockery and sarcasm Slippery-slope arguments (e.g., policies leading to extreme consequences) Generalizations about entire political groups 2. 👤 Who is James Talarico? vegan advocacy tied to climate policy progressive views on gender and religion criticism of American symbols immigratio...

May 30, 202632 minEp. 143

Saving College Sports—Landmark New Legislation that’s a Massive Win for Athletes, Colleges & Fans

1. Athlete Compensation Protection Ensures athletes can: Earn money from legitimate NIL deals Participate in revenue sharing Prohibits: “Pay-for-play” disguised as NIL (e.g., booster cash handouts) 2. Transfer Rules Reform Allows: 1 unrestricted transfer Additional transfers allowed only under specific conditions: Coach leaves Program shuts down Athlete experiences serious issues (e.g., harassment) Otherwise: Athlete must sit out a year (“redshirt”) 3. Eligibility Limits Maximum: 5 years of elig...

May 29, 202636 minEp. 700

BONUS POD: From Texas to Tehran—Cabinet Meeting Signals Full-Throttle America First Agenda

1. 🇮🇷 Iran & National Security Iran is described as economically weak , with claims of: High inflation Declining oil exports Internal instability Trump’s strategy is portrayed as maximum pressure diplomacy : No sanctions relief until demands are met Willingness to escalate if negotiations fail Strong rhetoric suggests the U.S. has military and negotiating advantage 2. 🌍 Strait of Hormuz & Energy Security Highlights the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz (a key global oil rou...

May 28, 202613 minEp. 417

Election Night: Paxton Defeats Cornyn—What Happened, Why & What’s Next

1. Election Results & Significance Ken Paxton wins decisively with roughly 64% vs 36% (a ~28-point margin). This is described as: A major upset for an incumbent A “sea change” in Republican politics Cornyn had: 24 years in the Senate Significant institutional power and funding Despite heavy financial backing (over $100M+ spent, mostly for Cornyn), Paxton wins overwhelmingly. 2. Why Paxton Won Several factors are highlighted: ✅ Anti-establishment sentiment The race was a: “Conservative grassr...

May 27, 202640 minEp. 699

BONUS POD: Trump Drops Uranium Ultimatum “Hand IT Over — Or It’s Gone!"

1. Iranian Uranium Stockpile Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile is the central sticking point in negotiations. The U.S. position is: Iran must surrender, transfer, or destroy its uranium entirely No compromise on retaining enriched material is acceptable This is a more aggressive stance than past U.S. policies (e.g., Obama-era agreements focused on limits, not elimination). 2. Diplomacy to Pressure Strategy Diplomatic negotiations Active military pressure Mentions: “self-defense strikes” naval de...

May 26, 202613 minEp. 415

Iran Deal! Separating Fact from Fiction, What's Next plus Maine's Nazi Communist Oyster Farmer

🇮🇷 1. Iran Conflict & Potential Nuclear Deal Core Themes: The U.S. military campaign against Iran , has been highly successful. Iran’s military infrastructure (missiles, drones, navy) has been largely destroyed. Key Iranian leadership figures have been eliminated. A “good deal” must: Completely prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Eliminate or control uranium enrichment. Ensure open access to the Strait of Hormuz (critical for global oil shipping). There must be NO: Giving Iran fin...

May 25, 202634 minEp. 698

Statehood for DC & Puerto Rico? Full-Blown Political Brawl on Gerrymandering & U.S. Takes Aim at Cuban Strongman Week In Review

1. D.C. and Puerto Rico Statehood The U.S. Constitution intentionally established Washington, D.C. as a non-state federal district to avoid favoritism. Calls for D.C. statehood are framed as a partisan power grab to gain Democratic seats in Congress. Puerto Rico is described as: A more complex case , with internal disagreement among residents (statehood, independence, or commonwealth status). Assumed—by Democrats, according to the speaker—to lean Democratic politically. Democrats prioritize gain...

May 23, 202630 minEp. 142

Chaos in DC on Reconciliation & DOJ Judgment Fund plus Raul Castro Indicted

1. Breakdown of Senate Disruption Over Reconciliation Why a planned Senate vote (a “vote-a-rama” tied to reconciliation) collapsed unexpectedly . Key points: Reconciliation is described as a process used to bypass the Senate filibuster and pass major legislation (in this case, funding border security and agencies like ICE and CBP). The vote was canceled due to division among Republican senators , not just opposition from Democrats. Several GOP senators are described as politically frustrated or ...

May 22, 202635 minEp. 697

BONUS: Daily Review With Clay and Buck - May 21 2026

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. Branding vs. Education Clay Travis and Buck Sexton give an in‑depth critique of the American higher education system, with specific attention to grad...

May 21, 20261 hr 1 min

BONUS POD: Untouchable No More—U.S. Slaps Murder Charges on Former Cuban Leader Castro

1. Historic Indictment Raúl Castro has been indicted by the U.S. for murder, conspiracy, and destruction of aircraft . Charges relate to the February 24, 1996 incident where Cuban military jets shot down two civilian planes. Four people (including three U.S. citizens) were killed. 2. Allegation of Direct Responsibility Prosecutors claim: The attack was intentional , not accidental. Castro, then Cuba’s Defense Minister , authorized and helped direct the operation . Evidence cited includes: Milita...

May 21, 202619 minEp. 411

Trump Endorses in Indiana, Louisiana, Kentucky & Texas, Castro about to be Indicted, and Dems’ Disgraceful History on Race

Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson analyze Donald Trump's significant influence in Republican primaries, citing examples like Indiana, Louisiana, Kentucky, and Texas, and discuss the consequences for party loyalty and future Senate dynamics. They also delve into the potential DOJ indictment of Raúl Castro, examining Cuba's severe economic crisis and the vision for a free-market Cuba. The episode concludes with a fiery debate on racial gerrymandering in the Senate Judiciary Committee, where Cruz challenges Democratic claims about race and historical voting practices.

May 20, 202637 minEp. 696

Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - May 19 2026

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. Trump Endorses Paxton Clay Travis and Buck Sexton highlight the key Republican primary battles, most notably the Texas Senate race between John Corny...

May 19, 202653 min

BONUS POD: CUBA + IRAN + RUSSIA=Potential Drone Warfare Just 90 Miles From Florida

1. Renewed Strategic Threat from Cuba Despite the Cold War being considered over, Cuba is again being viewed as a potential military staging ground for U.S. adversaries. The concern is not nuclear missiles like in 1962 , but modern drone systems . 2. Drone Warfare Changes Everything Drones are: Cheap, mobile, and hard to detect Capable of low-altitude flight (avoiding radar) Effective in large swarm attacks Examples cited: Russia using Iranian drones in Ukraine Drones attacking infrastructure li...

May 19, 202614 minEp. 409

Dems Gone Wild—Kamala, Newsom & Spanberger in Full Panic about Losing Power

1. A “Power-Focused” Agenda Democratic proposals are primarily about gaining and preserving political control , not policy issues like the economy, crime, or border security. Examples include: Electoral College reform Supreme Court expansion Redistricting changes Statehood for D.C. and Puerto Rico 2. Election System Changes Key proposals discussed: Ending or reforming the Electoral College → reducing influence of smaller states. Multi-member districts → benefiting dense urban (Democratic) areas....

May 18, 202636 minEp. 695

AOC causes Founding Father Grave Roll Overs, 'WE didnt get our Way' so BYE VA SCOTUS & Trump takes China Week In Review

1. Founding of the U.S. and AOC The Declaration of Independence (1776) and Constitution (~1787–1789) created the foundation of American democracy. These founding principles (e.g., “all men are created equal”) are portrayed as morally correct ideals , even though the country initially practiced slavery. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and the left: They misinterpret U.S. history (e.g., framing the Revolution as anti-billionaire rather than anti-monarchy). They promote “ignorance” and misinformatio...

May 16, 202632 minEp. 141

Defending Police Heroes, Passing Trey’s Law & Fighting for Imprisoned Christians in China, plus Israel Sues the NYT

1. Support for Law Enforcement during Police Week Highlights bipartisan legislation to improve benefits for officers and their families . A specific bill aims to: Speed up death/disability benefit decisions (within 270 days). Expand eligibility to partially disabled officers. Core message: Police deserve greater respect, faster support, and fulfilled government commitments. 2. Fixing Bureaucratic Delays The current system for officer benefits is described as slow and inefficient , with cases del...

May 15, 202635 minEp. 694

Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - May 14 2026

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. Nation States with Yates An extended interview with national security expert Steve Yates, who has a new podcast "Nation States with Yates" that just ...

May 14, 20261 hr 4 min

BONUS POD: CA Fraud Explosion 'Shooting Fish w Dynamite' plus 'Fauci Shaped COVID Narrative' Whistleblower Claims

1. Government Fraud Crackdown (Trump/Vance Initiative) The administration is prioritizing eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse in federal programs . A federal fraud task force claims: 186,000+ deceased individuals are still receiving SNAP (food stamp) benefits via identity fraud. 400,000+ people are allegedly receiving duplicate benefits (“double dipping”). Its a taxpayer protection effort with stronger enforcement expected. 2. Policy Actions and Consequences Threats to withhold Medicaid funding ...

May 14, 202617 minEp. 405

Chinese Communist Spies in the Democrat party, plus Virginia Redistricting Decision Causes Dem Meltdown

1. Allegations of Chinese Influence and Espionage The Chinese government is actively attempting to influence U.S. politics. A specific case is: An Arcadia, California city official allegedly pleaded guilty to acting as an agent of China. This reflects a broader pattern, citing: Prior cases involving political staffers or associates linked to Chinese intelligence. This is a systemic national security concern. 2. The Democratic Party Role: They are more vulnerable or receptive to foreign influence...

May 13, 202634 minEp. 693

Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - May 12 2026

Iran's Bloodred Lines Clay Travis and Buck Sexton focus on inflation, energy prices, and cost-of-living concerns, which they identify as the dominant political issue heading into the midterm elections. Rising gas prices are tied directly to broader economic anxiety among voters, with the hosts arguing that energy costs are driving inflation trends even as other economic indicators—such as wage growth, unemployment levels, and stock market performance—remain relatively strong. They emphasize that...

May 12, 20261 hr

BONUS POD: Beijing in America's Backyard: a SoCal Mayor & an Operative Targeting a U.S. Lawmaker’s Aide

1. Local Government Infiltration Case A former Arcadia, California mayor (Wang) allegedly: Admitted to acting as an undisclosed agent for the Chinese government . Faces a felony charge with potential prison time. Prosecutors claim she: Worked with Chinese officials for years before and during her time in office . Helped spread pro‑Beijing propaganda . 2. Use of Media for Influence Wang allegedly operated a Chinese-language website ( “US News Center” ) that: Posed as independent news. Was actuall...

May 12, 202612 minEp. 403

Ignorance & Ideology: AOC's Twisted Commie History of America

This episode thoroughly critiques AOC's understanding of American history and economics. Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson challenge her claims that the American Revolution was against billionaires, arguing it was a fight for freedom from government overreach. They also dissect her assertion that wealth cannot be earned, providing historical examples of innovators like Rockefeller, Ford, and Musk. Furthermore, the hosts refute AOC's statements on Black Americans solely creating democracy and her fear-mongering regarding immigration enforcement, linking such rhetoric to historical leftist authoritarianism and exposing the underlying ideological ignorance.

May 11, 202634 minEp. 692
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