Verdict with Ted Cruz

1. The Case at the Supreme Court
The case is Trump v. Vos Selections, argued on Nov. 5, 2025.
Small businesses are challenging Trump-era tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
2. Central Legal Questions
Does IEEPA’s power to “regulate imports” include authority to impose tariffs?
Did Congress delegate too much taxing authority to the President?
→ This triggers two major constitutional doctrines: Non‑Delegation Doctrine – Congress cannot hand over core lawmaking powers (like taxation) without clear limits.
Major Questions Doctrine – Major economic or political actions require explicit congressional authorization.

3. Constitutional Tension
Article I, Section 8 gives Congress the power to: Lay and collect taxes/tariffs
Regulate commerce with foreign nations

Tariffs sit at the intersection of foreign policy (executive power) and taxation (legislative power).
4. Oral Argument Themes
Justices skeptical of Trump’s argument:
Roberts – Concerned tariffs are fundamentally taxes on Americans, which is Congress’s domain.
Gorsuch & Barrett – Pressed the need for clear statutory limits; worried about unchecked executive authority.
Justices leaning toward upholding the tariffs:
Kavanaugh – Emphasized long history of broad presidential discretion in foreign affairs.
Thomas – Focused on historical practice of using tariffs as trade tools.
Alito – Concerned about practical impacts and the large reliance interests ($133B already collected).
5. Predicted Outcome (from the document’s speaker)
Expected ruling: 5–4 in favor of Trump, upholding tariff authority.
Predicted majority: Roberts, Thomas, Alito, Kavanaugh + either Barrett or Gorsuch.
Reasoning: Court is reluctant to disrupt years of foreign policy and economic decisions already relying on the tariffs.
Institutional stability concerns—similar to Roberts’ reasoning in the Affordable Care Act case.

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/benfergusonshow
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Trump’s 2006 Call to Police About Epstein
According to a 2019 FBI interview with the Palm Beach police chief, Donald Trump called the chief in 2006, saying: Epstein’s behavior with underage girls was widely known.
Ghislaine Maxwell was “evil” and should be investigated.

Trump said he left an event when he saw teenagers present and later banned Epstein from Mar‑a‑Lago.
2. Contrast With Media Narratives
These details contradict media implications that Trump hid involvement with Epstein.
It frames Trump as wanting Epstein stopped early in the investigation.
3. Trump Responds to Questions About Epstein Files
During a recent Oval Office exchange, CNN’s Caitlin Collins asked about redactions in released Epstein documents.
Trump stated: Too much was released, not too little.
The country should “move on.”
Nothing incriminating about him emerged.

4. Ghislaine Maxwell’s Congressional Deposition
Maxwell appeared virtually before the House Oversight Committee.
She invoked the Fifth Amendment for every question, including: Whether she was close to Epstein
Whether she helped traffic girls
Whether she instructed girls to provide sexual favors
Whether she surrounded herself and Epstein with influential people
Whether she would name other co‑conspirators

Her lawyer stated she is protecting her appeal.
Lawmakers received no substantive answers.
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/benfergusonshow
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. Super Bowl & Cultural Commentary
The discussion opens with dismissive reactions to the Super Bowl halftime show, particularly focusing on Bad Bunny.
The Celebrity political signaling is a cultural backlash as exaggerated or performative.
Cultural change is being pushed by elites rather than organically embraced.
2. California Tax Policy Critique
California’s tax system punishes high earners and visiting performers, especially athletes.
Example cited: NFL player bonuses allegedly being taxed at levels exceeding the bonus itself due to “duty day” rules.
California is economically self-destructive, encouraging talent and businesses to leave the state.
Texas and other low-tax states are contrasted as more economically rational alternatives.
3. “Follow the Money” – DEI & Philanthropy
Mellon funding is: Promoting DEI-focused hiring
Encouraging identity-based academic disciplines
Influencing faculty pipelines from undergraduate fellowships through tenure-track positions

This funding results in racial discrimination, ideological conformity, and activist scholarship, rather than academic merit.
4. Transformation of Higher Education
Universities are depicted as having shifted from traditional scholarship toward activist-driven ideologies.
Fields like military history or classical studies are framed as marginalized, while intersectional or abolitionist studies are favored.
Philanthropic foundations are blamed for reshaping academia without democratic accountability.
5. Political Activism & Protest Funding
Anti-ICE protests are described as organized, rehearsed, and financially backed, not grassroots.
Protesters allegedly admit to being paid, reinforcing the claim that activism is professionally funded.
This is framed as evidence of manufactured dissent and coordinated political agitation.
6. Virginia Governance & Immigration Policy
Virginia’s Democratic leadership is accused of: Cutting cooperation with ICE
Releasing criminal undocumented immigrants
Advancing aggressive redistricting reforms

These actions are framed as an “assault on democracy” and a warning sign ahead of future elections.
There is no longer a meaningful distinction between moderate and radical Democrats.
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/benfergusonshow
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. United Nations Funding Crisis
The United Nations is facing financial collapse because the United States has reduced or withdrawn funding.
This is a move to stop funding “woke” & ideological programs.
The UN is ineffective, bureaucratic, and overly dependent on U.S. taxpayer money.
Symbolic examples (turned-off escalators, reduced heating) are used to emphasize desperation and mismanagement.
The U.S. withdrew from 66 international organizations and treaties, framed as: Cost-saving
Anti-globalist
Pro-American sovereignty

Many of these organizations are described as obscure, wasteful, or hostile to U.S. interests.
The underlying message is that global institutions dilute U.S. power without delivering value.
2. Media Merger and National Security Concerns
Focus shifts to a major media merger (Netflix / Warner Bros / Paramount context).
Concerns raised include: Foreign influence, especially money from the Middle East or China
National security implications
Loss of American cultural control

The argument is that entertainment media shapes public perception more than news.
Hollywood and major streaming platforms are portrayed as: Predominantly left-wing
Hostile to conservative viewpoints
Engaged in ideological indoctrination

Executives are challenged on whether their content fairly represents conservatives.
The inability to name conservative-oriented programming is used as evidence of bias.
The merger is framed as dangerous because it could: Concentrate cultural and political influence
Amplify a single ideological viewpoint

The Department of Justice and FCC are identified as key gatekeepers.
The timeline for approval is described as months to years, with high stakes for media freedom.
3. Save America Act (Voter ID Legislation)
Proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote
Photo ID to vote

The bill is common-sense and widely supported, including among minority voters.
Democrats, particularly Chuck Schumer, are accused of: Using “Jim Crow” rhetoric to scare voters
Ignoring polling that shows broad support for voter ID

Opposition is attributed to: Desire to preserve election vulnerabilities
Partisan strategy rather than public opinion

Ballot harvesting is described as inherently vulnerable to abuse.
Examples (nursing homes, paid operatives) are used to argue: Elderly and vulnerable voters can be exploited
Ballots can be selectively discarded

The Carter–Baker Commission is cited to legitimize these concerns.
Acknowledges internal Republican resistance and logistical challenges.
Emphasizes urgency and political pressure as tools to pass the bill.
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/benfergusonshow
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1. SAVE America Act (Election Law & Voter ID)
Core Argument
The SAVE America Act would: Require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote
Require photo ID to vote

Democrats are portrayed as unanimously opposed, preventing passage due to the Senate’s 60‑vote threshold.
Strategic Claim
Cruz argues Republicans should: Force a “real” filibuster (continuous floor speeches)
Make Democratic opposition politically and physically costly

He frames Democratic resistance as intentional rather than procedural.
Public Opinion Framing
Polling is cited (CNN, Pew) to claim: Broad bipartisan and multiracial support for voter ID

Democratic leadership (especially Chuck Schumer) is accused of ignoring their own voters.
2. Voter Fraud & Ballot Harvesting
Claims Presented
Ballot harvesting is described as: A system that enables fraud, especially among elderly or vulnerable populations

Democrats are accused of: Supporting policies that increase fraud opportunities
Reversing recommendations from the Carter–Baker Commission

There is justification for: Photo ID laws
Restrictions on mail-in voting
Limits on third-party ballot collection

3. Somali Welfare Fraud in Minnesota
Central Allegation
Massive welfare fraud in Minnesota tied to programs serving the Somali immigrant community.
Figures cited include: Up to half of $18 billion in welfare spending allegedly lost to fraud
Disproportionately high welfare participation rates among Somali households

Democratic state officials are accused of: Knowing about the fraud
Allowing it to continue for political gain
Silencing whistleblowers

Stolen welfare funds indirectly finance al‑Shabab, a terrorist organization

4. Medical Policy Shift on Gender Surgeries for Minors
Key Development
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Medical Association are described as: Reversing prior support for “gender‑affirming surgeries” for minors
Now recommending deferral until adulthood

Causal Explanation
The reversal is attributed to: A high‑profile malpractice lawsuit by a detransitioner
Legal and financial risk to medical institution

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/benfergusonshow
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.