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 judgmental. Links these ideas to broader critiques of patriarchy, colonialism, and Christianity , portraying them as part of a “woke” agenda. 2. Child Rescue O...
Dec 25, 2025•13 min•Ep. 288
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 discuss cultural practices (e.g., Cuban Christmas Eve celebrations with roasted pig vs. vegetarian meal...
Dec 24, 2025•35 min•Ep. 634
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 supremacy, and economic benefits . Press Conference Highlights Trump positions himself as “the most transparent president in m...
Dec 23, 2025•12 min•Ep. 286
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! Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to all of you! 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 ...
Dec 22, 2025•34 min•Ep. 633
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% vs. 2022 peak). Tax Policy Changes (2026) Highlights upcoming measures: No tax on tips No tax on overtime No tax on Social Security fo...
Dec 20, 2025•30 min•Ep. 120
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....
Dec 19, 2025•36 min•Ep. 632
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 IS Fixing the Economy Inflation has dropped to 2.7%—the lowest level since spring 2021. Core inflation sits at 2.6%, nearing the Federal Reserv...
Dec 18, 2025•1 hr 2 min
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 Affo...
Dec 18, 2025•13 min•Ep. 282
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 nitr...
Dec 17, 2025•34 min•Ep. 631
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. I'm Getting a Bad Vibe Updates on the Brown University shooting, where speculation grows about whether the attack was a politically motivated assassi...
Dec 16, 2025•1 hr 2 min
Crime Data Manipulation in Washington, D.C. Investigations by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the House Oversight Committee revealed that crime statistics were deliberately misclassified by the Metropolitan Police Department. The outgoing police chief, Pamela Smith, allegedly pressured commanders to report lower crime figures, downgrade serious offenses, and even retaliated against those who tried to report accurate data. These actions created a “culture of fear” within the department, underminin...
Dec 16, 2025•16 min•Ep. 280
Tragic events highlighted Rob Reiner & spouse killed in Los Angeles, allegedly by their son, who reportedly struggled with addiction and mental illness; attribution is said to be from “People magazine,” with police not yet confirming details. Brown University shooting : 2 dead, 9 injured in an economics exam-prep class; a suspect was later found at a hotel south of Providence; motive and affiliation are described as unknown at the time of recording. Australia shooting (Bondi Beach) : 16 dead...
Dec 15, 2025•34 min•Ep. 630
Muslim Brotherhood Terrorist Designation Debate Senator Ted Cruz discusses his decade-long effort to have the Muslim Brotherhood designated as a terrorist organization. Explains legislative strategy shift from a “top-down” global designation to a “bottom-up” affiliate-first approach. Mentions bipartisan support, Trump administration’s executive order, and resistance from State Department officials. AI Regulation and U.S.–China Tech Race AI is the “single most important economic battle” of the 21...
Dec 13, 2025•34 min•Ep. 119
1. National Security Concerns We open with alarming claims that 18,000 known or suspected terrorists have entered the U.S. during the Biden administration, allegedly due to lax border security. The source cited is testimony from Joe Kent, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center , during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing. Specific examples include Afghan nationals linked to terrorist organizations who entered under the Operation Allies Welcome program. The conversation emphasiz...
Dec 12, 2025•36 min•Ep. 629
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. Buck Flying Solo The discussion opens with the economic outlook under President Donald Trump’s second term, emphasizing persistent affordability issu...
Dec 11, 2025•1 hr 5 min
U.S. authorities , including the Coast Guard, FBI, Homeland Security, and Navy, seized the tanker in a coordinated operation. Video footage of the boarding was released publicly. Official Justification: The seizure was based on violations of U.S. sanctions and links to illicit oil networks supporting sanctioned entities, including Iran. Venezuelan Reaction: The Maduro government condemned the action as “international piracy” and a violation of sovereignty, vowing to raise the issue in internatio...
Dec 11, 2025•14 min•Ep. 276
1. European Union vs. Elon Musk and Free Speech The EU fined Elon Musk’s platform X (formerly Twitter) $140 million under the Digital Services Act (DSA) for failing to comply with transparency and moderation requirements. Ben and the Senator argue this is an attack on free speech, claiming the EU wants to impose censorship globally, including on American platforms. They highlight a letter from the EU in August 2024 urging Musk to censor content related to Donald Trump’s interview, framing it as ...
Dec 10, 2025•34 min•Ep. 628
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. Clay: I'd be a Better SCOTUS Judge Clay and Buck break down the case that could redefine the separation of powers by determining whether presidents c...
Dec 09, 2025•1 hr 5 min
Sanctuary State Policies Illinois is releasing over 1,800 illegal immigrants charged with crimes such as murder, assault, burglary, robbery, sex crimes, and drug offenses. Illinois ignored more than 1,700 ICE detainers and released individuals back into communities. Specific Cases Individuals like Victor Manuel Menendez Garcia (kidnapping), Juan Morales Martinez (fatal crash), and others accused of sexual assault and violent crimes. Also a tragic case from California involving a drunk-driving cr...
Dec 09, 2025•15 min•Ep. 274
1) Media vs. Military: Narco‑Boat Strikes Central assertion: Media outlets (especially The Washington Post ) allegedly “slandered” the military with false reporting about a U.S. strike on a Venezuelan drug boat; Senator Tom Cotton is quoted saying everyone on the boat was a “valid target” based on intelligence. Details cited: References to NBC’s question about orders by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to target all individuals on the boat; Cotton responds that the operation aimed to destroy drug ...
Dec 08, 2025•16 min•Ep. 273
Recent attacks & immigration/vetting Ben and Senator Cruz link a shooting of National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C. to failures in vetting Afghan nationals admitted under “Operation Allies Welcome,” asserting a broader pattern of violence from inadequately vetted immigrants. They cite a TikTok bomb-threat arrest in Texas and connect these incidents to Biden administration policies. Border security and terrorism risk They argue that an “open” southern border has allowed individuals on te...
Dec 06, 2025•29 min•Ep. 117
Pipe Bomber Arrest (Main News Story) After nearly five years, the FBI arrested Brian J. Cole Jr. , accused of planting pipe bombs near the DNC and RNC headquarters on January 5, 2021. The discussion criticizes the Biden administration for delaying the investigation despite having evidence early on. Quotes from Pam Bondi and Dan Bongino emphasize that the arrest was achieved through renewed focus under the Trump administration, not new tips. Raises questions about accountability for prior DOJ and...
Dec 05, 2025•36 min•Ep. 626
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. Vindication Capitol Hill hearings on U.S. military strikes against Venezuelan narco boats. Clay and Buck analyze testimony from an admiral confirming...
Dec 04, 2025•57 min
Affordability and Economic Policy Trump says his administration is taking “historic action” to lower costs for American consumers. Key measures include: Rolling back fuel economy standards (terminating Biden-era CAFE standards). Criticism of electric vehicle mandates and environmental regulations, calling them part of the “Green New Scam.” Emphasis on keeping gasoline-powered cars widely available. Trump says these changes will make cars more affordable and protect American auto jobs. Mentions b...
Dec 04, 2025•15 min•Ep. 270
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. The Cost of Things Clay points out the economy is going to be a central issue heading into the midterms and beyond. He also highlights President Trum...
Dec 03, 2025•1 hr 4 min
Scott Jennings latest book: A Revolution of Common Sense: How Donald Trump Stormed Washington and Fought for Western Civilization Book Overview : Jennings explains the book’s premise, which chronicles Donald Trump’s second term, his governing style, and major policy initiatives. Behind-the-Scenes Insights : Jennings shares personal anecdotes about meeting Trump, interviewing cabinet members, and observing Oval Office dynamics. Key Themes : Trump’s aggressive use of executive orders and rapid pol...
Dec 03, 2025•47 min•Ep. 625
Whistleblower Allegations Over 400 employees from the Minnesota Department of Health and Human Services claim they warned Governor Walz about the fraud early but faced retaliation instead of cooperation. Allegations include monitoring, threats, and discrediting of fraud reports. Nature of the Fraud Fraud reportedly involved members of the Somali diaspora misappropriating millions from Medicaid autism programs. Funds allegedly sent overseas to terrorist organizations like Al-Shabaab. Nearly 100 a...
Dec 02, 2025•12 min•Ep. 268
Attack Incident We begin with the recent violent attack of two National Guard members that were shot by an Afghan national who allegedly entered the U.S. through Biden’s resettlement program. One guard member died, and the other was critically injured. Criticism of Biden Administration The administration prioritized political optics over security during the Afghanistan withdrawal. Accusations of incompetence and ideological blindness to radical Islamic terrorism. Suggests that the administration...
Dec 01, 2025•33 min•Ep. 624
Massive Welfare Fraud in Minnesota Funding Terrorism Allegations that Minnesota taxpayers indirectly funded the terrorist group Al-Shabab through fraudulent welfare programs. Fraud reportedly involved members of the Somali community, with billions of dollars stolen and millions sent to Somalia, some ending up with Al-Shabaab. The program cited is Minnesota’s Medicaid Housing Stabilization Services (HHS) , which ballooned from an estimated $2.6 million to over $104 million annually before being s...
Nov 29, 2025•35 min•Ep. 117
Affordability Narrative Democrats were previously dismissing inflation and now emphasizing affordability. Democrats are trying to portray the economy as a disaster and blame Trump. Gas Prices & Energy Positive news: Thanksgiving gas prices at their lowest since the pandemic . National average forecast: $3.02 per gallon . Nearly 30 states have prices under $3; Oklahoma leads at $2.50. Liberal states like California have much higher prices ($4.63), attributed to regulation and taxation. Trend ...
Nov 28, 2025•13 min•Ep. 265
