Verdict with Ted Cruz

In this episode of Week In Review Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson discuss a study examining political donations by Princeton faculty, debate ideological diversity on college campuses, analyze comments from academics and university leaders, and connect those trends to contemporary Democratic politics. They also review Abdul El-Sayed’s Senate campaign, his previous support for the uncommitted movement during the 2024 presidential cycle, Kamala Harris’s appearance on the campaign trail, and the broader political fight over DEI, progressive activism, and messaging ahead of the midterm elections. The episode concludes with a discussion of Texas Democrat James Talarico, his public image as a moderate Christian, and criticism of views expressed by leaders associated with his longtime church community.
A new study on political donations at Princeton University found that none of its full-time faculty contributed to Republican candidates during the 2023 and 2024 election cycles. Ted Cruz argues the findings reflect a broader ideological shift within higher education and what he describes as the growing influence of university culture on today’s Democratic Party. The conversation expands beyond academia to the 2026 Michigan Senate race, where Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed welcomed former Vice President Kamala Harris to campaign with him. Cruz and Ben Ferguson examine El-Sayed’s past support for Michigan’s “uncommitted” movement, the political implications of Harris’s involvement, and ongoing debates surrounding DEI policies and progressive political messaging.
Topics Covered:
Princeton faculty political donation data and ideological diversity in higher education
Commentary from Jonathan Turley on universities, free speech, and faculty hiring
Yale, Harvard, and broader debates over political representation on college campuses
Abdul El-Sayed, Kamala Harris, and Michigan’s 2026 Senate race
The “uncommitted” movement and disagreements within Democratic coalition politics
James Talarico, religion in politics, and controversy surrounding church leadership statements
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In this episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson examine President Trump’s meeting with Xi Jinping, the strategic competition between the United States and China, the race for AI supremacy, China’s role in supporting Iran, and efforts to secure the release of dissidents and prisoners held by authoritarian regimes. They also discuss recent political controversies involving progressive activists and Democratic candidates, along with a closely watched Senate race in Texas.
President Trump’s high-profile meeting and state dinner with Chinese President Xi Jinping put the U.S.-China rivalry at the center of the global conversation. With leading American CEOs in attendance and artificial intelligence emerging as a defining strategic battleground, the discussion focused on far more than diplomacy. The stakes include economic leadership, technological dominance, supply chain security, and the future values that shape AI around the world. At the same time, concerns over China’s relationship with Iran, the status of political dissidents, and ongoing geopolitical competition added another layer of urgency to the talks. Senator Ted Cruz argues that the challenge posed by China is the most significant long-term geopolitical issue facing the United States and discusses why he believes American leadership is critical in the decades ahead.
Topics Covered:
President Trump’s meeting and state dinner with Xi Jinping
The U.S.-China competition over artificial intelligence and technology
China’s economic, military, and geopolitical ambitions
China’s support for Iran and the impact of Iranian oil exports
The cases of Jimmy Lai and other political dissidents imprisoned by authoritarian governments
Political debates surrounding Hasan Piker, Abdul El-Sayed, and Texas Senate candidate James Talarico
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In this episode of the 47 Morning Update w Ben Ferguson, Ben examines the key issues surrounding the upcoming meeting between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping, including trade negotiations, China's role in the rare earth minerals market, the accelerating competition over artificial intelligence and advanced semiconductors, concerns over fentanyl precursors entering global supply chains, and the ongoing tensions surrounding Taiwan. They also discuss criticism of high-level engagement with China and review comments from Marco Rubio defending direct diplomacy between the world's two largest economies.
As Donald Trump and Xi Jinping prepare for a major U.S.-China summit, the meeting could shape the trajectory of trade, technology, national security, and global economic competition. From tariffs and rare earth minerals to artificial intelligence and Taiwan, the discussions carry consequences that reach far beyond diplomacy.At the center of the talks is a fundamental question: can the United States secure meaningful concessions from China on trade, technology, and supply chain vulnerabilities while maintaining strategic leverage? The outcome could influence everything from manufacturing and semiconductors to military preparedness and economic stability.
Topics Covered:
Prospects for a new U.S.-China trade agreement and tariff negotiations
China's dominance in rare earth minerals and supply chain leverage
The race for leadership in artificial intelligence and advanced semiconductor technology
National security concerns involving technology transfer and industrial espionage
Efforts to address fentanyl precursor chemicals originating from China
Taiwan's strategic importance and its role in the global semiconductor industry
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In this episode of Verdict with Ted Cruz, Senator Ted Cruz and Ben Ferguson examine Kamala Harris’s appearance alongside Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan, including remarks on DEI and maternal health that sparked controversy. They also discuss El-Sayed’s past involvement with the “uncommitted” movement during the 2024 election cycle and what that may signal about the direction of the Democratic Party. The conversation then shifts to a broader debate over socialism on the political right, with Cruz explaining why he believes conservative voters should reject policies that mirror the economic approach of the left. Finally, the hosts break down a widely discussed essay from Nikole Hannah-Jones, who reflected on her decision to keep her daughter in a struggling public school and the regrets that followed, leading to a larger discussion about school choice and educational opportunity.
A campaign stop featuring Kamala Harris and Abdul El-Sayed reignites debate over DEI, identity politics, and the language shaping today’s political discourse. At the same time, a prominent voice behind the 1619 Project publishes a deeply personal reflection on public education that raises new questions about school choice and educational outcomes.
Topics Covered:
Kamala Harris and Abdul El-Sayed’s Michigan appearance and the controversy surrounding “birthing people” language
DEI initiatives, maternal health, and the political messaging debate
El-Sayed’s ties to the 2024 “uncommitted” movement and Democratic Party divisions
Ted Cruz’s critique of socialism and the rise of “woke right” economic populism
Nikole Hannah-Jones’ essay on public schools, educational inequality, and parental regret
School choice, education reform, and the debate over improving student outcomes
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In this episode of the 47 Morning Update w Ben Ferguson, Ben discusses a political montage featuring statements from Democratic Socialists of America leaders and progressive politicians, debate what those comments reveal about the modern Democratic Party, and examine concerns about political weaponization, lawfare, immigration policy, law enforcement, and the future of American democratic institutions.
A new political ad highlighting statements from Democratic Socialists of America figures, progressive candidates, and Democratic politicians sparks a broader debate over the future of American institutions. The discussion centers on claims about abolishing or restructuring key pillars of government, including the Senate, law enforcement, ICE, and other federal institutions. The episode also examines allegations that political power is increasingly being used against ideological opponents, and whether those concerns should influence how voters view upcoming elections. Drawing comparisons to political developments abroad, the conversation focuses on the consequences of government action, political retaliation, and the role of media and public discourse in a polarized climate.
Topics Covered:
Democratic Socialists of America and its influence on Democratic politics
Debates over abolishing or restructuring the Senate, policing, and federal institutions
Immigration policy, ICE, and pathways to citizenship
Claims of political retaliation against Trump allies and supporters
Comparisons between U.S. politics and developments in Hungary
The role of media, government power, and ideological conflict
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