Congress Grills Jack Smith Over Subpoenas, Power, and the Legal Process

1. Democrats Are in a “Civil War” Over Abolishing ICE There is an internal Democratic debate on whether to openly support abolishing ICE or downplay it. Democratic officials are hostile toward ICE agents, including statements telling ICE to “get out” of cities. 2. ICE Arrests Highlighted Lists several individuals allegedly arrested in Minnesota, described as: Illegal immigrants Convicted or accused of violent crimes, including sexual offenses and domestic assault These individuals were freely moving in public before being detained by ICE. 3. Assertion That Democrats Are Protecting Criminal Illegal Immigrants Senator Schumer and other Democrats are accused of defending criminals by opposing ICE operations. Local Minnesota authorities have refused cooperation with ICE, releasing individuals instead of transferring them to federal custody. 4. Portrayal of ICE Critics as Misrepresenting Agents Democrats and progressive activists are deliberately “demonizing” ICE, calling agents “Gestapo” or oppressors. Activists are actually protecting dangerous criminals. 5. Incidents Involving Protests in Churches Protesters have entered churches targeting individuals believed to have ICE ties. Some Minnesota officials are portrayed as defending protesters and blaming ICE for tensions. 6. Media Criticism Mainstream media (CNN, CBS, etc.) distort ICE arrest statistics and narrative. Example included: disputed ICE statistic of “70% violent offenders” challenged by a news anchor and defended by DHS Secretary. 7. Allegations of Massive Fraud in Minnesota DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is cited claiming: Over 10,000 criminal illegal aliens arrested in Minneapolis. A $19 billion fraud probe is underway in the state (no details provided). Fraud is linked to cases like Feeding Our Future, involving federal child‑nutrition programs. 8. DOJ Investigating Minnesota Governor and Minneapolis Mayor DOJ is probing whether Minnesota officials obstructed federal immigration enforcement. Officials describe the investigation as intimidation; commentary rejects that and calls it necessary oversight. 9. Depiction of Democrats as Opposing Law Enforcement Defunding law enforcement Protecting criminal offenders Undermining federal authorities Trump administration leadership is restoring law and order. 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/benfergusonshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Oil Prices & National Security Lower global oil prices weaken hostile regimes like Iran, Russia, and Venezuela by reducing their revenue. The Trump administration aims for a “sweet spot” oil price ($60–$70/barrel): Low enough to hurt adversaries. High enough to avoid bankrupting U.S. independent oil producers. If prices drop into the $40s, it could collapse small oil producers in Texas and the Permian Basin. 2. Venezuela’s Oil Infrastructure Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves, but decades of mismanagement have destroyed its infrastructure. Estimates from oil executives: Increasing production from 1 million to 3 million barrels/day could take 10 years and require $100B+ in investment. Even going from 1 million to 2 million/day would take 5–7 years. Gulf Coast refineries can process Venezuela’s heavy sour crude, but expanded imports would mostly affect Canada and Mexico, not U.S. light-sweet crude producers. 3. Cuba’s Economic Crisis Cuba historically survived on financial support from: The Soviet Union (until its collapse). Venezuela under Chávez/Maduro (oil and money). With Venezuela no longer able to support Cuba, the island is in economic freefall. Mexico is currently providing oil that helps sustain the Cuban regime. The Trump administration may pressure Mexico to cut this supply, potentially pushing Cuba toward political collapse. 4. Jack Smith & January 6th Investigation Smith is accused of leading a politically motivated prosecution against Donald Trump. He allegedly relied on questionable or disproven testimony, notably from Cassidy Hutchinson. Hutchinson’s dramatic claims (e.g., Trump lunging for a steering wheel) were not confirmed by eyewitnesses. Jim Jordan challenged Smith in hearings, accusing him of: Using unreliable witnesses. Conducting a partisan, anti-Trump investigation. Targeting large numbers of Republicans with subpoenas. 5. Crime Statistics & Trump Administration Policies Nationwide murder rates reportedly declined ~20% from 2024 to 2025. Approx. 1,400 fewer murders. Major cities showing decreases: Chicago: 30% NYC: 20% Baltimore: 31% Oakland: 33% Washington, D.C.: 31% (after National Guard deployment) Other violent crimes also declined: Motor vehicle theft: ↓25% Robbery: ↓18% Aggravated assault: ↓8% Law enforcement stats cited: Violent crime arrests: ↑100% Gangs disrupted: ↑210% Fentanyl seized: ↑31% Missing/abducted children located: ↑22% Human traffickers arrested: ↑15% Significant increase in arrests of espionage suspects and fugitives. 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/benfergusonshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Crime Statistics Under the Trump Administration (as claimed in the text) Murder rates dropped ~20% nationwide from 2024 to 2025. Cities cited with major decreases: Chicago: –30% New York City: –20% Birmingham: –49% Albuquerque: –32% Baltimore: –31% Atlanta: –26% Oakland: –33% Washington, D.C.: –31% (after National Guard deployment) Other crimes that have decreased in 2025: Motor vehicle theft: –25% Robbery: –18% Aggravated assaults: –8% FBI Director’s reported statistics included: Violent crime arrests up 100% Gang disruptions up 210% Major increases in fentanyl seizures, child victim rescues, predator arrests, and espionage arrests. 2. Drug Overdose Deaths A 21% drop in overdose deaths from 2024 to 2025: 2024: ~91,694 deaths 2025: ~72,836 deaths Approx. 19,000 fewer overdose deaths attributed to: 99% reduction in illegal border crossings Increased drug‑trafficker interdiction Border and cartel enforcement operations 3. Media Coverage Criticism Mainstream media downplays or avoids covering these crime and overdose statistics because they’re positive for Trump. They argue media outlets attempt to disconnect improvements from administration policies. 4. Accusations Against Democrats Democrats misreported or reclassified crime statistics to make numbers appear better before elections. Democratic-led cities or governments artificially adjusted categories of crime. 5. Jack Smith & Abuse-of-Power Allegations Conducting politically motivated prosecutions of Donald Trump. Subpoenaing toll/phone records of: Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy Nine U.S. Senators Additional House members Allegedly violating the Constitution’s Speech or Debate Clause. Allegedly obtaining non-disclosure orders to hide his subpoenas from targets and the public. Testifying poorly under questioning by Rep. Jim Jordan and Rep. Brandon Gill. Accused of: Using unreliable witnesses (e.g., Cassidy Hutchinson) Making false statements to obtain judicial approvals Targeting political opponents in ways compared to abuses greater than Watergate. 6. January 6 Committee & Cassidy Hutchinson Hutchinson is an unreliable witness whose testimony was: Second- or third-hand Contradicted by Secret Service witnesses Still heavily relied on (185 times in the Jan. 6 report) She fabricated stories, including one involving Senator Ted Cruz. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson 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/benfergusonshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Context of the Hearing Jack Smith, Special Counsel, testifies publicly before the House Judiciary Committee. Republican members accuse him of political motivation in prosecutions involving Donald Trump. 2. GOP Allegations of Political Bias Republicans argue Smith targeted Trump to keep him from returning to the White House. They also assert that Smith’s investigations involved improper or excessive subpoenas. 3. Dispute Over Cassidy Hutchinson’s Testimony Jim Jordan challenges Smith about whether Hutchinson’s January 6th testimony was reliable. Jordan points out that Secret Service agents allegedly contradicted Hutchinson’s account. Smith notes her testimony was secondhand and says his team interviewed witnesses. Republicans claim Smith still considered using her as a witness despite credibility questions. 4. Subpoenas of Lawmakers’ Phone Records Representative Chip Roy and others criticize Smith for subpoenaing: Phone records of GOP lawmakers Phone/log data of private conservative organizations GOP members argue it was an abuse of power, unconstitutional, and overly broad. 5. Subpoena of Speaker Kevin McCarthy Smith confirms his office subpoenaed the toll records of Speaker McCarthy. Republicans say the secrecy order falsely identified McCarthy as a “flight risk.” Smith says the risk language relates to investigative concerns, not the individual. 6. Subpoenas for U.S. Senators Smith confirms his team also subpoenaed phone records for nine U.S. senators. Non-disclosure (gag) orders accompanied the subpoenas. Internal DOJ emails cited by GOP members acknowledge potential constitutional risk. 7. Concerns About Violating the Speech or Debate Clause GOP members argue that obtaining lawmakers’ call records infringes on the constitutional protection for legislative activities. They highlight DOJ memos suggesting possible litigation risk. 8. Involvement of Telecom Companies Verizon complied with subpoenas for congressional phone records. AT&T initially denied turning over McCarthy’s records but later was described as having complied. 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/benfergusonshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Crime Statistics Under the Trump Administration (as claimed in the text) Murder rates dropped ~20% nationwide from 2024 to 2025. Cities cited with major decreases: Chicago: –30% New York City: –20% Birmingham: –49% Albuquerque: –32% Baltimore: –31% Atlanta: –26% Oakland: –33% Washington, D.C.: –31% (after National Guard deployment) Other crimes that have decreased in 2025: Motor vehicle theft: –25% Robbery: –18% Aggravated assaults: –8% FBI Director’s reported statistics included: Violent crime arrests up 100% Gang disruptions up 210% Major increases in fentanyl seizures, child victim rescues, predator arrests, and espionage arrests. 2. Drug Overdose Deaths A 21% drop in overdose deaths from 2024 to 2025: 2024: ~91,694 deaths 2025: ~72,836 deaths Approx. 19,000 fewer overdose deaths attributed to: 99% reduction in illegal border crossings Increased drug‑trafficker interdiction Border and cartel enforcement operations 3. Media Coverage Criticism Mainstream media downplays or avoids covering these crime and overdose statistics because they’re positive for Trump. They argue media outlets attempt to disconnect improvements from administration policies. 4. Accusations Against Democrats Democrats misreported or reclassified crime statistics to make numbers appear better before elections. Democratic-led cities or governments artificially adjusted categories of crime. 5. Jack Smith & Abuse-of-Power Allegations Conducting politically motivated prosecutions of Donald Trump. Subpoenaing toll/phone records of: Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy Nine U.S. Senators Additional House members Allegedly violating the Constitution’s Speech or Debate Clause. Allegedly obtaining non-disclosure orders to hide his subpoenas from targets and the public. Testifying poorly under questioning by Rep. Jim Jordan and Rep. Brandon Gill. Accused of: Using unreliable witnesses (e.g., Cassidy Hutchinson) Making false statements to obtain judicial approvals Targeting political opponents in ways compared to abuses greater than Watergate. 6. January 6 Committee & Cassidy Hutchinson Hutchinson is an unreliable witness whose testimony was: Second- or third-hand Contradicted by Secret Service witnesses Still heavily relied on (185 times in the Jan. 6 report) She fabricated stories, including one involving Senator Ted Cruz 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/benfergusonshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Citizen Journalism and Fraud Exposure Nick Shirley, an independent journalist who is testifying before Congress after publishing a viral investigative video. His reporting exposed widespread fraud in government-funded childcare and social service programs, particularly in Minnesota but also in other states. Key claims include: Childcare centers receiving millions in federal funds despite showing no evidence of operation (no children, blacked‑out windows, non-functioning facilities). State and federal governments being slow or complicit in identifying and stopping fraud. As a result of the reporting, HHS froze over $180 million pending proof of legitimacy, with no businesses reportedly able to verify compliance. 2. Broader Government Accountability Narrative There are many fraud concerns beyond Minnesota to California, Ohio, Maine, and other states, citing: Billions lost to unemployment fraud. Large homelessness and infrastructure spending with little measurable outcome. This is evidence of systemic waste, fraud, and abuse enabled by NGOs and government agencies. We strongly criticize: Democratic leadership. State-level governance. Traditional media for minimizing or ignoring these issues. 3. Trump Administration and the Greenland/Arctic Deal A framework agreement with NATO allies concerning Greenland and Arctic security has been reached. The deal emphasizes long-term strategic cooperation, particularly to counter Russian and Chinese Arctic influence. Military force was explicitly ruled out, contradicting media allegations of invasion or coercion. Tariff threats against European allies were used as leverage, then withdrawn once negotiations progressed. 4. Media and Political Criticism Repeated accusations that: The media spread “false narratives” about invasion, war, and tariffs. The political left exaggerates or misrepresents Trump’s policies. 5. United Nations Critique and “Board of Peace” Proposal The United Nations is: Ineffective. Paralyzed by veto power. Complicit or inactive during historic humanitarian crises (Rwanda, Syria, China, Iran, Sudan). Trump proposes forming a “Board of Peace”: Positioned as a replacement or corrective to UN failures. Meant to be influential, action‑oriented, and selective. This is a necessary evolution in global governance. 6. Iran and Global Protest Movement The Iranian regime violently repressing civilians. Protesters welcoming Trump’s stronger rhetoric and stance. U.S. condemnation of Iran at the UN framed as meaningful support for democratic movements. Iranian activists argue that: Prior U.S. administrations failed them. Strong action from the U.S. could be decisive. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson 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/benfergusonshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Claimed Greenland/Arctic Framework Deal President Trump announced a framework for a future agreement involving Greenland and the broader Arctic region, reached through discussions with NATO leadership and U.S. allies. This is not a military action or invasion, but a diplomatic and security-oriented arrangement still under development. The deal is framed as long‑term (“forever”), contrasting it with past time‑limited international agreements. 2. Focus on Arctic Security and Strategic Competition The core justification presented is national and allied security, particularly limiting Russian and Chinese influence in the Arctic. China’s has a stated interest in Arctic dominance and the deal is preemptive containment. Greenland is described as strategically important due to geography, security positioning, and mineral resources. 3. Denial of Military Intent A central theme is the explicit rejection of military force as a means of acquiring Greenland. Claims of potential invasion were misinformation spread by media and political opponents. Trump is quoted as saying military action would not be necessary. 4. Use of Economic Leverage (Tariffs) Trump used tariff threats against European allies as negotiating leverage. The subsequent removal of tariff threats is evidence that diplomacy succeeded. This approach is intentional pressure rather than economic aggression. 5. Rejection of Media and Democratic Narratives Predicting war or invasion Mischaracterizing Trump’s intentions Ignoring diplomatic outcomes 6. Introduction of a “Board of Peace” Concept Separate from Greenland, the document introduces Trump’s idea to create a “Board of Peace”. This proposed body is an alternative or supplement to the United Nations, which is ineffective. 7. Critique of the United Nations The UN has had historical failures in: Rwanda Syria China’s treatment of Uyghurs Iran’s protest crackdowns Myanmar Sudan Veto power and authoritarian influence render the UN ineffective. We need a new peace mechanism under U.S. leadership. 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/benfergusonshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Trump’s First Year: Economic improvements: End of “stagflation” Dramatic reduction in inflation High GDP growth (claims up to 5%+) Strong stock market and retirement account growth Large tax cuts and spending cuts Regulatory rollbacks: 129 regulations cut per new rule $211 billion in claimed savings National security and governance: Eight wars ended Major reduction in VA backlog Significant reduction in drug overdoses 2. Immigration and Border Enforcement Narrative A major theme is “reverse migration”, described as mass removal of undocumented immigrants. ICE and DHS are portrayed as: Targeting only violent criminal undocumented immigrants Arresting rapists, child sex offenders, murderers, and drug traffickers Other victories include: 10,000+ criminal arrests in Minnesota 70% detained have violent criminal charges Zero releases at the border for 8 months Essential for public safety Actively opposed by Democratic leaders 3. Conflict with Minnesota Democratic Leadership Minnesota officials (Governor, Mayor, City Council members) are accused of: Resisting ICE Encouraging civil unrest Protecting criminals The DOJ investigation into state and city leaders is presented as: Justified Focused on obstruction of federal law and fraud Democrats are accused of: Demonizing ICE Encouraging protests, including disruptive actions at churches Comparing ICE to authoritarian regimes 4. Media Criticism Media are accused of: Lying about ICE arrest data Downplaying crimes by undocumented immigrants Acting as “state‑sponsored media” Interviews are selectively quoted to show journalists being “corrected” or “exposed.” 5. Fraud and Corruption Allegations Massive financial fraud in Minnesota, totaling: At least $19 billion Linked to nonprofit programs and misuse of federal funds Referencing the “Feeding Our Future” investigation as evidence of systemic corruption Federal investigations are framed as restoring accountability, not intimidation Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson 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/benfergusonshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Portrayal of ICE Operations ICE arrests in Minnesota (Minneapolis/St. Paul) are presented as targeting violent criminal offenders, including: Registered sex offenders Individuals accused of rape Individuals with histories of domestic violence, DUI, and sexual assault These individuals were previously free due to local non‑cooperation with ICE. ICE is described as fulfilling its intended mission of removing dangerous criminals from communities. 2. Criticism of Democratic Leadership Minnesota Democratic officials (mayors, city council members, state leaders) National Democratic figures (Chuck Schumer, Chris Van Hollen, Tina Smith, Stacey Abrams, Jon Ossoff) Key accusations include: Shielding criminal undocumented immigrants Encouraging or excusing obstruction of ICE operations Falsely portraying ICE as abusive or authoritarian Refusing to condemn protests that allegedly crossed legal or ethical lines (e.g., disrupting church services) 3. Depiction of Internal Democratic Conflict There is a “civil war” within the Democratic Party: One faction allegedly wants to abolish ICE outright Another faction purportedly wants to soften rhetoric while effectively achieving the same outcome Democrats are accused of strategically “humanizing criminals” and “dehumanizing ICE agents” to influence public perception. 4. Framing of Protests and Activism Protesters opposing ICE are described as: “Far‑left,” “radical,” or “deranged” Protecting criminals rather than communities Protests at or inside churches are portrayed as violations of social and religious norms. Democratic officials are criticized for characterizing these protests as mostly peaceful and justified. 5. Media and Narrative Control Mainstream and local media underreport crimes committed by arrested undocumented immigrants Media figures fail to challenge false or extreme claims made about ICE ICE agents are framed as unfairly maligned while operating under hostile political conditions. 6. Broader Ideological Framing The Democratic Party is portrayed as influenced by: Marxism, socialism, and communism Anti‑police and anti‑law‑enforcement ideology References to Hitler, Hugo Chávez, and authoritarianism are used to argue that left‑wing populism is dangerous and historically problematic. 7. Pro‑Trump and Law‑and‑Order Message Donald Trump is: A defender of law enforcement A counterweight to radical left activism Voter support for Trump is driven by a desire for public safety, border enforcement, and accountability. 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/benfergusonshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Core Incident Don Lemon participated in and livestreamed an anti‑ICE protest that disrupted a church service in the Twin Cities. Protesters are described it as: Interrupting worship Harassing congregants (including children) Accusing a pastor of connections to ICE This was not a peaceful protest but mob intimidation. 2. Role of Don Lemon Lemon;s role: Embedded with activists, not acting as a neutral journalist Having prior knowledge of the protest operation Misrepresenting his role afterward as “journalism” His actions were driven by: A desire for relevance after leaving CNN Political activism rather than reporting 3. Church is a Symbolic Target The church disruption is: An attack on religious freedom and safe spaces Historically comparable to intimidation tactics used by extremist groups Houses of worship should be legally and morally protected from protest actions. 4. Minnesota Leadership Criticism Minnesota’s governor and Minneapolis mayor are: Encouraging or tolerating hostility toward ICE Failing to maintain public order They are now under federal investigation for: Obstructing immigration enforcement Public safety failures Large‑scale fraud and corruption 6. Federal Response Narrative DHS and DOJ are: Acting to restore law and order Arresting large numbers of criminal illegal immigrants Investigating massive fraud (billions of dollars) in Minnesota programs Media coverage (especially CNN and CBS) is: Downplaying crimes Protecting political allies Misleading the public Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson 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/benfergusonshowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.