Verdict with Ted Cruz

Verdict with Ted Cruz

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.

BONUS POD—FREEDOM VS. MANDATES: The Fight Over Faith, Jobs and Vaccines

BONUS POD: Billions Stolen, War Paused & a Communist Mayoral Candidate goes for DC

1. Healthcare Fraud Crackdown

  • There has been a YUGE U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) healthcare fraud bust.
  • Claims include:
    • 455 individuals charged across 45 states
    • $6.5 billion in fraud schemes
  • Fraud isn’t just financial—it costs lives.
  • A tragic example is presented:
    • An 18-year-old athlete died after allegedly receiving a faulty heart screening.
    • A doctor reportedly cleared him in 11 seconds without proper review.

2. U.S.–Iran Conflict and Diplomatic Pause

  • The text shifts to international news, describing:
    • A temporary halt in military activity between the U.S. and Iran
    • Plans for renewed diplomatic talks in Doha, Qatar
  • The pause is fragile and not a peace agreement.
  • Focus areas of negotiation:
    • Shipping safety (especially the Strait of Hormuz)
    • Sanctions
    • Regional security
    • Nuclear tensions

Economic Importance:

  • The Strait of Hormuz carries ~20% of the world’s oil supply, so stability affects:
    • Gas prices
    • Inflation
    • Global markets

3. Trump and DC's mayoral candidate

  • DC socialist mayoral candidate is as radical as they come:

    • Supporting defunding police
    • Promoting sanctuary policies
    • Expanding bail reform

            George Soros and his political influence is fueling these candidates

Key Claims:

  • Over $100 million spent on midterm elections so far
  • Funds routed through PACs and nonprofits

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Activist DA in Philly Releases Criminals 'wit' LUV, Biden-Judge 'Sparkles' helping Illegals Vote & 2 YUGE Victories in SCOTUS Week In Review

1. “Activist” District Attorney in Philadelphia

  • Focuses on Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner

    • He improperly seeks to overturn murder convictions
    • He “confesses error” in court to release prisoners
  • A court ruling is cited criticizing the DA’s conduct, including:

    • Lack of candor
    • Misrepresentation of facts
    • Inadequate investigation
  • Broader narrative:

    • Connects Krasner’s actions to George Soros, portrayed as funding progressive prosecutors
    • Argues these policies lead to increased crime and societal instability

2. Federal Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan Blocks Voter Verification Tool

  • The judge blocked use of a database (SAVE system) intended to:

    • Check immigration status in relation to eligibility (such as voting or benefits)
  • The ruling’s justification (as described):

    • Concerns about privacy violations
    • Risk of wrongful removal of eligible voters
  • Commentary strongly criticizes the ruling:

    • Calls it “activist” and legally incorrect
    • Argues the law allows the government to verify data internally

3. Supreme Court Immigration Decisions

Two Supreme Court rulings (described as 6–3 decisions):

Case 1: Migrants outside U.S.

  • Court ruled that migrants outside U.S. territory are not entitled to full legal protections
  • Supports policies like “Remain in Mexico”

Case 2: Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

  • Court ruled that:

    • The executive branch (Trump administration) can revoke TPS protections
  • Means certain groups (e.g., Haitian, Syrian migrants) could lose legal status

  • The podcast presents these as:

    • “Major victories” for border enforcement
    • Restoration of presidential authority on immigration

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Fiery Trump Lunch with Senate GOP plus Three Blockbuster Supreme Court WINS on Second Amendment & Immigration

1. 🔥 Behind-the-Scenes Senate GOP Lunch with Donald Trump

  • Key points:
    • The meeting was “contentious,” “spirited,” and tense.
    • Trump is angry at Republican senators who supported a War Powers resolution limiting military action against Iran.
    • A heated argument occurred between Trump and Senator Bill Cassidy.
    • The confrontation reportedly influenced subsequent Senate votes.
  • Trump’s frustration is tied to concerns that Congress undermined his negotiating leverage with Iran.
  • Discussion includes:
    • Criticism of limiting presidential military authority
    • Debate over potential deals with Iran, including concerns about financial concession

2. ⚖️ Supreme Court Decisions 🔫 Second Amendment Case (Hawaii Gun Law)

  • Supreme Court struck down a Hawaii law restricting concealed carry in public-access private property.
  • Majority ruling (6–3):
    • Law violated the right to bear arms
  • Discussion includes:
    • Historical arguments (post–Civil War gun restrictions)
    • Strong criticism of dissenting justices

3. 🌎 Immigration Rulings (Two Cases)

  • Supreme Court decisions favor Trump-era immigration positions:

    1. Migrants outside U.S. borders are not entitled to asylum protections
    2. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) can be revoked by the executive branch
  • Outcomes:

    • Reinforces border enforcement authority
    • Supports policies like “Remain in Mexico”

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Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Jun 25 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.

Buck Sexton focuses heavily on Supreme Court decisions, especially a key case involving immigration and executive authority. Buck highlights a 6–3 ruling in Mullen v. Doe, emphasizing that the Court sided with the executive branch and reinforced presidential authority over immigration programs such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The discussion frames TPS as a humanitarian policy originally intended for individuals fleeing war or natural disasters, but now often extended far beyond its “temporary” purpose, sometimes lasting decades. 

Buck examines the aftermath of the New York City primary, questioning whether the relatively small turnout contests still signal a growing trend of far-left political momentum in urban Democratic districts. He frames the election results as part of a larger ideological shift within the Democratic Party, suggesting that even smaller races may offer insight into future national elections and Republican strategy heading into the midterms.


A central theme throughout the hour is Buck’s contrast between conservative political philosophy—rooted in constitutionalism, optimism, and Trump-era governance—and progressive ideology, which he characterizes as driven by resentment, grievance, and opposition to success. He argues that conservative politics aim to improve America through stability, growth, and public safety, while criticizing progressive policies as being more focused on punishing perceived inequality than delivering effective outcomes.

guest Ryan Girdusky, focusing on the rise of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), New York City politics, voter turnout trends, and the broader ideological direction of the Democratic Party under President Donald Trump’s current administration. The hour centers on the aftermath of recent New York primary elections, spotlighting controversial progressive candidates such as Zohran Mamdani and Darializa Chevalier, while examining how socialist-aligned movements are reshaping Democratic coalitions at the local and national levels.


A major theme of Hour 3 is the growing influence of the DSA in New York City politics, described as the “crown jewel” of the organization’s national network. Buck and Girdusky analyze how DSA candidates and aligned figures are leveraging the Democratic Party as a “ballot access vehicle,” pushing a more openly socialist agenda from within while viewing the traditional Democratic establishment as an obstacle. This strategy is portrayed as increasingly effective, particularly in affluent, college-educated, and heavily progressive neighborhoods referred to as the “comedy corridor”—a stretch of waterfront districts from Astoria in Queens down through Brooklyn, which has become a hub of far-left political activism and extremely high voter turnout.

Buck speaks with guest Dan Mason, former CBS Radio CEO, who reflects on the evolution of radio, the enduring power of one-to-one audience connection, and the changing media landscape in the digital age. Mason emphasizes radio’s unique ability to build personal relationships with listeners, contrasting it with less intimate platforms like television, and highlights ongoing debates over public broadcasting, including NPR funding and perceived political bias.


The hour concludes with a broader optimistic outlook on America under President Donald Trump, with Buck pushing back against pessimism from a caller and encouraging listeners to embrace patriotism, stability, and historical perspective heading into major national celebrations like Independence Day. He underscores that, despite political tensions and global concerns, the United States is not facing crises on the scale of war, economic collapse, or pandemic lockdowns, and remains in a strong position. 

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:

BONUS POD: Operation Riptide RIPS through Fraud plus No Media Attention to Gavin Newsom

1. FBI Operation Riptide & Law Enforcement Activity

  • Crackdowns on cybercrime (credit card theft, ransomware, fraud schemes)
  • Arrests and convictions for:
    • Business email fraud ($25M)
    • Large-scale bank and investment fraud
    • COVID-19 relief fraud
  • Seizures of:
    • Firearms
    • Drugs (including fentanyl)
  • Prosecution of child exploitation cases

This is evidence of effective law enforcement under current leadership and this reflects fulfillment of anti-corruption promises.

Political Framing of Law Enforcement

    • Earlier administrations misused the FBI for censorship or political purposes
    • Current efforts are focused on “real crime”

2. Allegations Involving California Governor Gavin Newsom

  • The DOJ, IRS, and FBI are investigating financial ties
  • Investigations stem from whistleblower complaints
  • A former chief of staff pleaded guilty to fraud and lying to the FBI
  • Potential issues involving:
    • Nonprofit funding
    • Donations from companies lobbying the governor
    • Failure to properly report millions in contributions
  • This is a serious case being underreported by the media
  • Newsom’s defense that it’s a 'political attack' is false & misleading

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Election Night: Socialists win in NYC, Conservatives win in SC & GA plus Radical Judge Bars Trump from Preventing Illegals from Voting

1. 🗳️ Election Results and Political Trends

  • New York City:

    • Victories by socialist or far-left candidates in Democratic primaries
    • Evidence that the Democratic Party is becoming more progressive or radical
    • Specific races and candidates are discussed as examples of this trend
  • South Carolina and Georgia:

    • Highlighted as having strong conservative (Republican) victories
    • Ted Cruz discusses his own endorsements and involvement in these races
    • These results are a counterbalance to the shifts in New York

2. 🔮 Political Predictions

  • Predictions about future Democratic presidential candidates
  • Claims that progressive figures may dominate future primaries
  • Speculation about upcoming Senate races and political shifts

3. ⚖️ Federal Court Ruling on Election Database

  • The judge blocked use of a federal system (“SAVE database”)
  • The system was intended to verify eligibility and prevent non-citizens from voting
  • The ruling argued that the system could:
    • Misuse sensitive personal data
    • Potentially harm eligible voters or violate privacy protections

The Ted and Ben strongly criticize the ruling, describing it as:

  • Judicial overreach
  • Politically motivated
  • Likely to be overturned on appeal

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BONUS POD: Closed? Not Even Close—Oil Keeps Moving, but So Do Red Flags

1. Strait of Hormuz Situation

  • Iran claimed multiple times that it has closed the Strait of Hormuz.
  • However, actual shipping traffic continued, including oil and LNG tankers.
  • U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated:
    • Iran does not control the strait
    • Passage remains open and monitored
  • Data cited:
    • ~55 merchant ships transit per day
    • ~17 million barrels of oil moving through

2. Maritime Risk & Behavior

  • Ships are:
    • Turning off AIS tracking systems for safety
    • Operating cautiously due to military tensions
  • Traffic has:
    • Fluctuated (e.g., 26 ships one day → 5 the next)
    • Not returned to “normal pre-conflict levels”

3. U.S.–Iran Negotiations (MoU)

  • A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed:
    • Covers nuclear issues, sanctions, and broader conflict
  • Includes:
    • Potential release of frozen Iranian funds
    • Conditional progress requirements

Key issue:

  • Concern over how Iran will use funds
  • Oversight mechanism proposed via Qatar
  • Funds may be used for:
    • Food purchases (e.g., American soybeans)

4. Nuclear Program Concerns

  • Iran has:
    • Agreed (in principle) to allow inspectors
  • But:
    • U.S. officials express skepticism
    • Historical distrust is repeatedly emphasized

5. Economic Implications

  • Oil prices:
    • Declining (~$74/barrel) due to optimism
  • Markets:
    • Near record highs
  • Strait stability is linked directly to:
    • Global energy supply
    • Economic stability

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China Communists Funding Anti-AI Propaganda, plus Soros DAs Releasing Murderers

AI is a transformational technology impacting education, business, law, and productivity. The U.S. and China are in a high-stakes race to dominate AI development with the U.S. slightly ahead (estimated months, not years).

1. The Strategic Importance

    • An economic prize worth trillions of dollars
    • A geopolitical contest influencing global values and norms
  • Arguments suggest:

    • If China wins, AI could reflect values like surveillance and state control
    • If the U.S. wins, AI would reflect free-market and democratic values

     Infrastructure Discussion

    • Chips (semiconductors)
    • Data centers
    • Compute power and machine learning systems
  • There is an emphasis on the following:

    • Data centers are essential but controversial (power and water usage concerns)
    • Claims that modern data centers:
      • Can generate power or offset usage
      • Use closed-loop water cooling, minimizing consumption

🌐 Influence Campaigns and Propaganda:

    • A China-linked billionaire (Neville Roy Singham) funds U.S. nonprofits
    • These groups promote anti-AI sentiment to slow American progress
    • Increase public fear of AI
    • Reduce U.S. AI development
    • Give China a competitive advantage

⚖️ 2. Activist District Attorney Larry Krasner and his Crime Policy

    • Being lenient on crime
    • Releasing criminals (including violent offenders)
    • Undermining public safety

Legal Example

  • A court ruling is cited accusing a DA’s office of:
    • Misrepresenting facts
    • Improperly conceding cases (including murder convictions)
    • Failing in legal duties
  • Billionaire George Soros:

    • Funding district attorney campaigns
    • Promoting policies like:
      • Bail reform
      • Prison reform
      • Reduced policing
  • These policies:

    • Increased crime
    • Social instability

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Musk becomes Liberal's Public Enemy #1, Georgia Election Turning Heads & College Sports Bill a Reality Week In Review

1. Elon Musk, Capitalism, and Wealth Debate

  • Capitalism vs. criticism:
    • Free enterprise rewards value creation—people voluntarily buy products or invest.
    • Critics are hostile to Musk and supportive of wealth redistribution.
  • Comparison to other billionaires:
    • George Soros is contrasted with Musk as someone whose wealth is seen as aligned with political causes favored by the left
      • Musk could face government targeting if political power shifts.
    • There is much hypocrisy among political figures (e.g., wealthy critics of capitalism).
    • Criticism of media figures and narratives portraying Musk negatively.
  • There is a broader ideological conflict:
    • Free-market capitalism vs. government control
    • Individual innovation vs. redistribution

2. Georgia Election and Political Strategy

    • Focus on candidate Rick Jackson, a businessman with a “self-made” background.
    • He is endorsed as:
      • Conservative
      • Electable
      • Philanthropic (especially in foster care and education)
  • Campaign dynamics:
    • Competition against a Trump-endorsed opponent
    • Strategic late endorsement to influence outcome
  • Election outcome:
    • Jackson wins primary (~52.6% vs 47.4%)
  • Broader implications:
    • Importance of Georgia as a politically competitive (“purple”) state
    • Connection to future Senate control and national politics

3. College Sports Crisis and NIL Reform

Problems identified:

  • NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) system chaos
  • Unregulated transfer portal
  • Legal challenges removing rules
  • Rising costs causing:
    • Program cuts (especially non-revenue sports)
    • Financial instability
  • Disparities:
    • Older players competing with younger athletes
  • Risk of collapse:
    • Projection that only 30–50 major football programs would survive

Broader impact:

  • Threat to:
    • Non-revenue sports (track, tennis, etc.)
    • Women’s sports
    • Olympic development pipeline
  • Loss of opportunity for:
    • ~500,000 college athletes
    • Students relying on sports scholarships

Proposed Legislative Solution

  • A bipartisan Senate bill is introduced:
    • Passed committee (19–9 vote)
    • Expected to pass full Senate and House
  • Goals:
    • Stabilize college sports system
    • Prevent formation of a “super league” dominated by top conferences (SEC, Big Ten)
    • Preserve broad access to college athletics

Support:

  • Strong backing from:
    • NCAA-related organizations
    • Professional leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB)
    • Coaches and universities
    • U.S. Olympic Committee

Social Value of College Athletics

  • Emphasis on sports is:
    • A pathway to education and upward mobility
    • Especially important for:
      • Low-income students
      • First-generation college attendees
  • Benefits highlighted:
    • Discipline, teamwork, leadership skills
    • Long-term economic and social impact

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