Verdict with Ted Cruz

1. Zohran Mamdani and his New York City DSA Policies
A city database published names and addresses of owners of certain high-value properties.
The hosts characterize this as "doxxing" and argue it could expose property owners to harassment or threats.
Mamdani's proposal for city-run grocery stores selling goods below typical market prices is criticized as a socialist or communist policy.
Ted and Ben argue that government-run stores could: Undercut private grocery stores and bodegas.
Reduce competition.
Lead to shortages and inefficiencies.

They expand into broader concerns about socialism, communism, and the direction of the Democratic Party.
Political Analysis of the Democratic Party
The influence of progressive and democratic socialist politicians.
Figures such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), Elizabeth Warren, Chuck Schumer, and Gavin Newsom.
Predictions about future Democratic leadership and elections.
Concerns that more progressive candidates could gain greater influence within the party.
2. Anthony Fauci and COVID-19
Fauci privately acknowledged influencing school closures and lockdown decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
His private notes allegedly contradict some of his later public statements and congressional testimony.
He knew early that the Wuhan seafood market might not have been the original source of COVID-19.
He attempted to protect himself and his reputation regarding questions about: School closures.
Lockdowns.
The origins of COVID-19.
Gain-of-function research.

Ted and Bedn characterize Fauci as:
A narcissist.
Media-focused.
Dishonest in his public communications during the pandemic.
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.

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 Travis and Buck Sexton discuss the growing controversy surrounding newly released excerpts from Dr. Anthony Fauci’s personal diary ahead of a scheduled congressional appearance. Clay and Buck devoted extensive time to discussing revelations they believe contradict Fauci’s public statements during the COVID-19 pandemic. The hosts examined claims involving mask mandates, social distancing policies, natural immunity, COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness, transmission rates, and fatality estimates. They debated whether Fauci would invoke the Fifth Amendment during upcoming testimony before Congress and discussed the legal and reputational consequences he could face. The conversation also explored allegations that Fauci privately expressed concerns different from the positions he publicly promoted during the pandemic, leading the hosts to argue that the disclosures could significantly reshape public perceptions of the government’s COVID response and the media’s coverage of pandemic-era public health policies.

Clay and Buck conduct an extended interview with journalist and author Alex Berenson, who discussed the contents of Fauci’s diary and its potential impact on the historical understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic. Berenson expressed surprise not only that Fauci maintained such extensive personal records but also that the material allegedly revealed a level of narcissism, self-importance, and hostility toward critics that surpassed even his expectations. The conversation examined claims that Fauci’s private writings contradicted several of his public positions on COVID-19, including discussions surrounding vaccine effectiveness, hospitalization rates, natural immunity, pandemic mitigation strategies, and the origins of the virus. Berenson argued that portions of the diary suggest Fauci privately recognized shortcomings in COVID vaccines and other public health claims while publicly maintaining different messaging.

Clay and Buck also returned to the ongoing controversy surrounding Dr. Anthony Fauci’s 1,100-page diary and his scheduled congressional testimony before Senator Rand Paul’s committee. Clay and Buck previewed the upcoming hearing and debated whether Fauci would invoke the Fifth Amendment or aggressively defend his pandemic record. They argued that newly disclosed diary entries have intensified scrutiny over COVID-19 policies and placed renewed focus on inconsistencies between public statements and private assessments. The discussion repeatedly emphasized the broader themes of government accountability, pandemic transparency, and public trust in health institutions.

An extended media analysis segment examined how news organizations covered Fauci during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The hosts played a montage of television personalities and journalists praising Fauci and portraying him as a trusted national figure. Clay and Buck argued that many media outlets acted more as advocates than skeptics during the pandemic and suggested that current revelations may force a reassessment of how journalists covered public health guidance, lockdown policies, vaccines, masking recommendations, and government decision-making during the COVID era.

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: https://www.clayandbuck.com/

Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton on Social Media:
X - https://x.com/clayandbuck
FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/
IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck
Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuck



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

1: Jack Smith Investigation and Congressional Referral
The first portion of our podcast focuses on a referral made by Jim Jordan, Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, asking the Department of Justice to consider possible prosecution of former Special Counsel Jack Smith. The referral alleges Smith may have provided misleading testimony to Congress concerning records obtained during investigations related to former President Donald Trump.
Key claims discussed include:
Senate investigators allegedly uncovered evidence that communications involving 44 members of Congress were obtained during Trump-related investigations.
The records were reportedly obtained through legal requests to the National Archives rather than directly from lawmakers' devices.
Smith's legal team disputes allegations that he misled Congress, arguing his testimony accurately addressed specific types of records while other materials may have been obtained through separate legal authorities.
The commentary raises questions about government transparency, prosecutorial authority, congressional oversight, and political accountability.
2: Anthony Fauci's COVID-Era Diary Entries
The second of our pod shifts to newly released diary entries attributed to Anthony Fauci, released by Senator Rand Paul. These entries reportedly document Fauci's reflections on his growing public profile during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fauci's observations about increasing media attention and celebrity status during 2020.
References to extensive press coverage and public recognition.
An invitation to appear on "Dancing with the Stars" during the pandemic.
Claims by Rand Paul that the diary portrays Fauci as overly focused on his public image during a national public-health crisis.
Discussion of a forthcoming committee appearance where Fauci is expected to answer questions under subpoena.
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/benfergusonshow
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This news packed episode opens with an extensive discussion about alleged illegal fishing activities conducted by vessels linked to the Chinese Communist Party. The Senator argues that Chinese distant-water fishing fleets operate on a massive scale, engaging in illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing that harms marine ecosystems, depletes fish populations, damages local fishing industries, and relies on forced labor practices. He describes efforts to combat these operations through sanctions and increased Coast Guard monitoring.
The conversation then shifts to U.S. politics, focusing on the perceived rise of socialist and progressive influence within the Democratic Party. Ted and Ben discuss polling on socialism and reveal policy positions associated with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), arguing that the movement is becoming increasingly influential in Democratic primary elections.
The final segment examines fundraising and management challenges at the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Using an article from The New York Times, Sen Cruz and Ben describe internal disputes, cash flow concerns, political leadership issues, and fundraising disadvantages compared to Republicans ahead of upcoming midterm elections.
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. Investigation of Chinese-Linked Activist Financier Neville Roy Singham
Ted Cruz discusses a federal investigation into Neville Roy Singham, a wealthy businessman with alleged ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
The investigation reportedly involves potential violations of: The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA)
Federal tax laws

Singham is accused of funding left-wing organizations, including: The People's Forum
Code Pink

Cruz argues that money from foreign-linked sources may be supporting: Anti-Israel campus protests
Anti-capitalist activism
Other progressive political movements

The discussion highlights concerns about foreign influence campaigns designed to shape U.S. public opinion and technology policy.
Singham denies working for or taking orders from the Chinese government.
2. White House Discussion on Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Cruz describes attending a meeting in the Oval Office with: President Trump
Senator Marsha Blackburn
Administration officials and advisors

The meeting focused on AI regulation and policy.
Blackburn promoted several AI-related bills, including: Child online safety measures (KOSA)
App-store age verification requirements
The “No Fakes” Act addressing AI-generated fake voices and images

Cruz expressed support for parts of the proposals but questioned whether they had enough political support to become law.
He argued that: AI legislation should protect consumers and children.
Regulations should not unintentionally restrict free speech.
The U.S. must remain competitive with China in AI development.

The conversation also addressed concerns over deepfakes and AI-generated political misinformation.
3. Reading and Education Reform Legislation
Cruz discusses a bipartisan education bill focused on improving reading outcomes among American students.
He cites statistics showing declining reading proficiency among students nationwide.
The bill would require states receiving certain federal literacy funds to use reading methods proven effective through research.
The discussion contrasts: Phonics-based instruction ("science of reading")
Three-cueing methods, which Cruz argues are less effective

Examples highlighted include: Mississippi's dramatic improvement in reading scores after adopting phonics-focused instruction ("Mississippi Miracle")
Similar gains in Alabama and Louisiana

The legislation was introduced jointly with Democratic Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii.
Cruz presents the bill as a bipartisan effort to improve literacy and educational outcomes.
The discussion outlines the legislative process needed for the bill to advance through Congress.
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.