Verdict with Ted Cruz

1. Purpose of Trey’s Law
Federal legislation introduced to prohibit Non‑Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) from silencing child victims of sexual abuse.
Ensures victims cannot be legally barred from speaking about their own abuse.
Victims may choose confidentiality, but it cannot be forced on them.
2. The Story Behind the Law
Trey was abused for years at a Missouri summer camp.
As an adult, during civil litigation, he was pressured to sign an NDA, which deeply harmed his ability to heal.
Trey died by suicide at age 28.
His sister, Elizabeth Phillips, has become a leading national advocate, pushing to change the law so no child experiences this again.
3. Widespread Problem of NDAs in Child Abuse Cases
Across the country, predators and institutions use NDAs to: Silence victims.
Protect institutions from reputational damage.
Delay exposure long enough for statutes of limitations to expire.

Children often do not disclose abuse until decades later due to delayed disclosure, grooming, and shame.
4. Systemic Issues at Certain Institutions
Kanakuk Kamps (Missouri) highlighted as a major example: Numerous allegations and confirmed cases of abuse over decades.
Accusations of institutional cover‑ups, pressure on victims, and secrecy agreements.
Advocacy groups maintain public databases of known or alleged abusers.
Some perpetrators remained in leadership roles or were moved to other ministries.

5. Survivor Testimony Impact
A 19‑year‑old survivor, Jayden Harris, spoke publicly for the first time after being protected by Missouri’s version of Trey’s Law.
She described being pressured by both her abuser and her own attorney to sign an NDA.
Her testimony emphasized the power shift that occurs when victims know they cannot be silenced by law.
6. Bipartisan Support
Trey’s Law has broad, bipartisan backing in the U.S. Senate:
Lead sponsors: Sen. Ted Cruz (R) & Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D)
Additional bipartisan co‑sponsors from both parties.
Strong expectation the bill will pass.
7. The Harm of Shame & Silence
Shame is a powerful reason victims—especially children—do not come forward.
Survivors speaking out helps: Their own healing,
Other victims feel less alone,
Expose predators still active.

8. Call to Action for the Public
Sharing the information widely on social media to raise awareness.
Calling senators and representatives to urge passage of Trey’s Law.
Supporting survivor advocacy organizations: FactsAboutKanakuk.com
TreysLaw.org
NMVAlliance.org

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.

Dems Are Political Insurgents

Clay Travis and Buck Sexton discuss the ongoing TSA crisis and the extraordinary impact of Linda from Arizona, whose idea to deploy ICE agents to assist overwhelmed TSA checkpoints has now become a nationwide policy. Clay describes how the Washington Post is seeking interviews about Linda’s call, emphasizing how rare it is for a single radio listener to spark a national policy shift. President Trump even personally signed a “Trump Was Right About Everything” hat for Linda aboard Air Force One, underscoring how responsive he has been to voter-generated ideas.

Clay details his own recent airport experiences, noting that TSA lines appear to be improving in some locations, partially due to ICE agents stepping in to handle non‑screening duties such as monitoring exits and assisting with crowd control—exactly the scenario Linda envisioned. Both hosts emphasize that Democrats created this crisis by refusing to fund TSA workers as part of their shutdown strategy targeting immigration policy. They argue that Democratic leaders are intentionally generating travel misery to create political backlash against Trump, even though Republican voters overwhelmingly understand the source of the problem.

Iran Deep Dive

National‑security expert Steve Yates, senior fellow at the Heritage Foundation, explaining why the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most strategically dangerous chokepoints in the world. Yates details how Iran’s geography, its control over key oil‑processing islands like Karg Island, and the narrow waterway’s global energy importance complicate any U.S. military response. He clarifies that while much of the oil shipped through the strait supplies China and India—not the U.S. directly—any disruption still pushes global prices upward because oil is a fungible commodity.

The hosts and Yates examine President Donald Trump’s evolving strategy toward Iran, including deadlines for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, targeted strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, and the possibility of limited U.S. troop movement—such as the deployment of elements of the 82nd Airborne—to support or execute rapid, high‑value operations. Yates explains the logic of Trump’s “sledgehammer diplomacy,” where overwhelming force is paired with opportunities for Iran to deescalate. The discussion also covers the likely endgame: preventing Iran’s nuclear capabilities, ensuring long‑term regional stability, empowering Gulf‑state partners, and identifying a credible post‑conflict governing figure within Iran. Clay and Buck emphasize that Arab nations—including Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar—are quietly encouraging the pressure campaign on Iran, undermining media narratives that the conflict is solely the result of U.S.–Israel coordination. Yates stresses that regional actors have long viewed Iran as a destabilizing force and are now publicly aligning against Tehran.

Walkin' in Memphis, Safely

Clay and Buck then welcome Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee, who offers a detailed look at Memphis’s historic collapse in violent crime, a result of President Donald Trump’s federal law‑enforcement surge. Blackburn explains how coordinated efforts across local police, federal agencies, the Tennessee Highway Patrol, and newly confirmed federal officials have produced a 50% reduction in violent crime in under six months. The senator calls Memphis a national model—contrasting it sharply with Minneapolis and other Democrat‑run cities that have resisted federal assistance. She highlights thousands of arrests, the dismantling of gang networks, hundreds of recovered weapons and stolen cars, and over 150 missing children rescued.

The program shifts to the ongoing airport crisis created by the TSA funding shutdown, where ICE agents—deployed after a listener’s now‑famous idea—have dramatically improved screening efficiency. Clay and Buck play clips from Fox News and CNN showing astonishingly short lines at Atlanta’s airport, a night‑and‑day difference from the hours‑long waits plaguing travelers just days earlier. Senator Blackburn confirms that ICE’s presence is significantly easing congestion and reinforces that Congress continues working on public‑safety funding solutions.

Think Like Linda

Clay and Buck break down the swearing‑in of new DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin, confirmed 54–45, making him the first Cherokee Nation member to hold a Cabinet position. Clay jokes that he expected Trump to make an Elizabeth Warren comment, while Buck praises Mullin as a major leadership upgrade at DHS. Security and travel issues return to focus as Clay reports that Delta Airlines has suspended special travel privileges for members of Congress until TSA staff are funded—forcing lawmakers to stand in the same lines as the public. Clay and Buck strongly support this move, arguing that members of Congress should share the consequences of the shutdown they helped create.

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. Airport Delays as a National Crisis
Extreme airport wait times (2–5 hours) across major U.S. airports.
Travelers missed flights, funerals, and medical emergencies.
This is a system-wide breakdown, not isolated incidents.
2. Cause of the Crisis: DHS Funding Dispute
Democrats are withholding DHS funding, despite taxes already being paid.
TSA agents are working without pay, leading to: Mass call-outs
Resignations (thousands allegedly absent; hundreds quitting)

3. TSA Staffing Shortages
TSA absenteeism (up to 40% in some locations) is the primary bottleneck.
TSA agents are heroes forced to work under unfair conditions.
Potential financial bonuses are a reward for those continuing to work.
4. Trump’s Response and Leadership
Trump is acting decisively while others argue.
He orders ICE agents deployed to major airports.
ICE roles are: Crowd control
ID checks
Line management
Securing exits

ICE is not replacing TSA, but supporting them.
5. Early Results from ICE Deployment
Wait times dropped from hours to minutes at some airports.
This is evidence of effective leadership and rapid crisis response.
Acknowledges the problem is not fully resolved.
6. Broader Political Agenda Linked to the Crisis
The airport issue is tied to: Voter ID laws
Proof of citizenship for voting
Opposition to mail-in voting
Border security

The SAVE America Act as a condition for DHS funding.
Includes unrelated cultural issues (e.g., transgender policies, women’s sports).
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. DHS Shutdown and Airport Chaos
DHS has been unfunded for weeks, causing TSA agents to miss multiple paychecks.
Resulting effects include: Long airport security lines (2–5 hours)
Missed flights and disrupted travel
TSA resignations and staffing shortages

TSA workers are described as financially vulnerable, relying on food banks and quitting due to unpaid wages.
2. Political Blame Attribution
The shutdown is entirely caused by Democrats, specifically Senate Democrats.
Republicans have repeatedly voted to fund DHS, but lack the 60 votes needed to overcome Democratic opposition.
Democrats are accused of: Using DHS funding as leverage due to opposition to ICE
Willingly harming TSA and the public to satisfy an “open borders” activist base

Media outlets are obscuring Democratic responsibility by using neutral language like “Congress failed.”
3. ICE Funding Paradox
Despite the shutdown being framed as “defunding ICE” by liberals, ICE is already funded for several years due to a prior reconciliation bill.
Irony emphasized: ICE agents are paid
TSA agents are not

The shutdown hurts the public but does not affect ICE, making it symbolic rather than practical.
4. Proposed Republican Strategy
Suggested workaround: Fund all of DHS except ICE to reopen government operations
Then pass a reconciliation bill to fund ICE long-term (10 years) and increase its budget

This reflects the belief that Democrats may never again vote for ICE funding.
5. National Security and Terrorism Concerns
The shutdown is dangerous amid: Recent terrorist attacks
Heightened risk of future attacks

Airports are described as “soft targets” due to crowding and chaos.
Democrats are accused of reckless disregard for security consequences.
6. Iran Conflict Escalation
President Trump has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Threat: destruction of Iranian power plants if Iran does not comply.
The U.S. military campaign is: Massive and successful
Targeting missiles, drones, naval assets, and military leadership
Having destroyed large portions of Iran’s navy and infrastructure

Goal articulated: collapse of the Iranian regime, not just deterrence.
7. Strait of Hormuz and Economic Impact
Closure of the Strait is linked to: Rising oil and gas prices
Global economic disruption

This is presented as a key reason for escalating U.S. threats.
8. UK and Diego Garcia Involvement
Iran fired missiles at Diego Garcia, a joint U.S.–UK military base.
This attack is forcing the UK into a more active defensive role.
UK involvement is welcomed but portrayed as insufficient and overdue.
9. Internal Democratic Party Conflict
Chuck Schumer is: an Obstructionist
Weak
and facing rebellion from the party’s left wing

Progressive Democrats are wanting even more aggressive shutdown tactics.
Parallels drawn between Schumer’s instability and Starmer’s political vulnerability.
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. Senate Vote and Legislative Status
The Senate voted 51–47 to proceed with debate on the Save America Act.
All Republicans supported moving forward except Lisa Murkowski; Tom Tillis did not vote.
Democrats are portrayed as unanimously opposed.
The bill is now in debate, with Republicans attempting to build public support.
The legislation would: Require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections.
Require photo ID to cast a ballot.

This is: A common-sense safeguard, not voter suppression.
Necessary to maintain election integrity and public trust.

Voting is framed as a sacred right earned through American history and constitutional amendments.
The speech references: The 15th, 19th, and 26th Amendments as expansions of voting rights.
A U.S. Supreme Court ruling (Indiana voter ID case) that upheld photo ID laws.

Facts are laid out that: Minority voter participation increased after voter ID laws.
The Court rejected arguments that voter ID is discriminatory.

81% of Americans support voter ID laws.
Roughly 75% of African Americans and 80%+ of Hispanics support voter ID.
70% of rank-and-file Democrats support voter ID, despite elected Democrats opposing it.

Democratic opposition is elitist and disconnected from voters.
1B. Immigration and Election Integrity Link
The speaker claims: Over 12 million undocumented immigrants entered the U.S. during the Biden administration.
Border security improved dramatically after Trump’s second inauguration.

The argument suggests Democrats: Intentionally allowed mass immigration.
Oppose voter ID to enable non-citizen voting, allegedly to gain political power.

This claim is central to the narrative that Democrats are undermining democracy.
1C. Cultural and Moral Critiques of Democrats
Democrats are accused of: Misusing civil rights language (e.g., calling voter ID “Jim Crow”).
Holding minorities to lower expectations.
Valuing ideology over national unity, faith, and tradition.

Voting is compared to everyday activities that already require ID (flying, banking, alcohol purchases).
2. Who is Texas Democratic Senate Nominee James Talarico
The nominee is: A radical progressive falsely presented as moderate.
Using religious language to promote views on gender identity, abortion, and masculinity.

His statements on: God being non-binary,
Transgender issues,
Abortion,
American symbols,
Veganism and climate change
are used to depict him as culturally out of touch with Texas voters.

3. César Chávez Hero of the Political Left
A New York Times exposé alleges sexual abuse by César Chávez.
Chávez was: A leftist icon whose crimes were allegedly ignored due to ideology.
A symbol of ethnic tokenism and collectivist politics.

The broader scope: The left protects immoral figures if they serve political goals.
Identity politics harms rather than empowers minority communities.

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.