Verdict with Ted Cruz

Verdict with Ted Cruz

Join Senator Ted Cruz and co-host Ben Ferguson as they break down the most important news stories of the day and reveal what they mean for you. On "Verdict with Ted Cruz,” you will go behind the scenes of the political debates that define our country.

Minnesota Fraud Whistleblowers Hunted, the Fight for the Future of College Athletics & Controversial DA Practices in PA Week In Review

Happy Birthday America: Celebrating What is Extraordinary about our Great Nation

1. Celebration of America's 250th Anniversary

  • The courage of the 56 signers of the Declaration.
  • The risks they took by declaring independence from Great Britain.
  • The historical significance of America's founding principles.
  • The importance of celebrating national milestones regardless of current political disagreements.

2. American Exceptionalism

  • Rights come from God rather than government.
  • Government exists to protect those rights.
  • Sovereignty resides with the people ("We the People").
  • The constitutional system limits governmental power through separation of powers and federalism.

3. Civic Education and Family Values

  • Spend time with their families during Independence Day celebrations.
  • Teach children about American history.
  • Discuss what it means to be an American citizen.
  • Reflect on the freedoms and opportunities available in the United States.

4. National Pride

  • Americans should be proud of their country.
  • Patriotism should transcend party politics.
  • National celebrations should not be tied to support or opposition to a specific political leader.

6. American Foreign Policy and Israel

  • The U.S.-Israel relationship.
  • Shared democratic values between the two nations.
  • Support for Israel as a key American ally.

7. Sports and National Unity

  • The FIFA World Cup.
  • American support for the U.S. national team.
  • Sports as a way to promote national unity and patriotism.

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BONUS POD: Democrats Double Down on Trans Athletes Ahead of Midterms

  1. Supreme Court Ruling on Transgender Athletes

    • SCOTUS's decision regarding transgender participation in women's sports.
    • The ruling is protecting fairness for female athletes and preserving opportunities such as scholarships, championships, and athletic records.
  2. Democratic Response

    • Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker defended protections for transgender youth and arguing that the issue affects very few athletes compared with broader public policy concerns.
    • The Democratic support for transgender athletes is evidence that the party intends to make the issue part of its midterm-election strategy.
  3. Legal Arguments

    • Portions of oral arguments from a court cases show competing legal viewpoints:
      • One side argues biological sex creates athletic advantages that justify separate female competitions.
      • The other side argues that hormone treatment may mitigate those advantages and that blanket restrictions may unfairly discriminate against transgender athletes.
  1. Election Implications
    • Transgender sports policies will likely remain a significant political issue, alongside topics such as the economy, immigration, and inflation, as both political parties view the issue as energizing their supporters.

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Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Jun 30 2026

The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show delivers a wide-ranging, politically charged discussion centered on a major Supreme Court decision on birthright citizenship, which dominates the hour and drives broader debates on immigration policy, constitutional law, and American identity. Hosting solo, Buck Sexton frames the 6–3 ruling as one of the most consequential—and controversial—judicial decisions in modern history, emphasizing that the Court upheld the interpretation that anyone born on U.S. soil is a citizen (with limited exceptions such as diplomats), including children of undocumented immigrants and so-called “birth tourism.” The conversation repeatedly highlights concerns about immigration loopholes, anchor babies, and national security risks, arguing that the ruling could incentivize foreign nationals to exploit U.S. laws, particularly citing China as a geopolitical rival.

Congressman Jim Jordan of Ohio calls in and analyzes dissenting opinions from Justices Alito, Thomas, and Gorsuch, portraying the ruling as an example of judicial overreach versus originalist constitutional interpretation, while also drawing comparisons to historically controversial Supreme Court cases like Dred Scott and Roe v. Wade. The discussion expands into immigration enforcement policy, including critiques of sanctuary cities, catch-and-release practices, and the broader political divide between Republicans and Democrats on border security. There is also a significant focus on how birthright citizenship could influence future political eligibility, chain migration, and even hypothetical national security threats, such as foreign-born individuals returning to the U.S. as citizens after being raised abroad.

Buck welcomes guest Rafael Mangual, author of Criminal Injustice. This third hour emphasizes a deep dive into crime policy, policing debates, and the real-world consequences of progressive reforms, alongside culturally charged conversations about gender identity issues, free speech, and American political identity.  Mangual’s expert analysis of criminal justice reform and the push for decarceration and depolicing, arguing that these policies—widely supported after the 2020 protests—have had harmful effects, particularly in urban communities and among Black Americans. The discussion frames rising crime trends and the subsequent reversal of some reforms as evidence that reduced policing and leniency in prosecution increased violence, with hosts emphasizing that effective policing historically correlates with lower homicide rates and improved public safety outcomes. Mangual underscores that incarceration serves a critical role in crime prevention through incapacitation, challenging progressive narratives that prioritize rehabilitation over deterrence.

A major legal and political focus of Hour 3 is the Supreme Court ruling on birthright citizenship, sparking a detailed constitutional debate. Mangual aligns more closely with the dissenting justices, questioning whether the 14th Amendment’s original intent supports granting automatic citizenship to children of non-citizens or temporary visitors, including so-called “birth tourism” cases. The conversation highlights competing interpretations among justices such as Thomas, Alito, Gorsuch, and Kavanaugh, and critiques the use of executive action instead of legislative authority. The hosts and guest ultimately argue that any meaningful change would require congressional action or a constitutional amendment—an extremely unlikely outcome, reinforcing the political stalemate around immigration reform.

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Understanding the Historic Supreme Court Victories & Losses this Week

✅  Victories

1. Expansion of Presidential Power

  • Case: Trump v. Slaughter
  • Outcome: The Court overturned Humphrey’s Executor (a long-standing precedent).
  • Meaning:
    • The President now has broader authority to fire officials in independent agencies (like the FTC).
    • Seen as strengthening Article II executive power.
  • A related case (Trump v. Cook) ruled the opposite for the Federal Reserve, limiting presidential removal power there.
  • This creates a partial exception, showing the Court did not fully embrace unlimited executive control.

2. Transgender Athletes in Women’s Sports

  • Case: West Virginia v. BPJ
  • Outcome: States can restrict participation in women’s sports based on biological sex.
  • Impact:
    • Laws in 27 states are upheld.
    • The Court ruled such restrictions do not violate the Equal Protection Clause or federal law.

3. Campaign Finance / Free Speech

  • Case: NRSC v. FEC
  • Outcome: Political parties can spend unlimited money in coordination with candidates.
  • Impact:
    • Expands political speech rights.
    • Removes restrictions on party-candidate coordination.

❌ Losses

1. Birthright Citizenship

Key points:

  • The Court affirmed that such a major change cannot be done via executive action.
  • Leaves open:
    • Constitutional amendment
    • Possible congressional legislation

2. Mail-in Ballots / Election Law

  • Case: Watson v. RNC
  • Outcome: States may count ballots received after Election Day if postmarked on time.

Impact:

  • Election rules remain state-controlled.
  • Some states can allow extended ballot receipt windows.

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BONUS POD—FREEDOM VS. MANDATES: The Fight Over Faith, Jobs and Vaccines

1. Religious Liberty Commission

  • A commission formed in 2025 to evaluate threats to religious freedom.
  • It conducted hearings and gathered testimony from over 100 witnesses.
  • Its final report was delivered to President Trump, outlining proposed reforms.

2. Healthcare Sector Implications

  • The report recommends expanded protections for healthcare workers (doctors, nurses, pharmacists, etc.) who object to certain medical procedures on religious or moral grounds.
  • Proposed actions include:
    • Strengthening enforcement of federal “conscience laws”
    • Supporting specific legislation (e.g., Conscience Protection Act)
    • Increasing investigation and legal defense of religious rights
  • The debate:
    • Supporters: Say workers should not have to choose between their beliefs and careers.
    • Critics: Argue this could limit patient access to services.

3. Military Implications

  • Focuses on service members who refused COVID-19 vaccines for religious reasons.
  • Many were denied exemptions and suffered consequences (e.g., dismissal, lost benefits).
  • Recommends:
    • Improving the process for religious accommodations
    • Offering stronger protections for service members’ beliefs

4. COVID-19 Vaccine Context

  • The pandemic is a key example of government overreach.
    • Religious exemption requests were often denied
    • Individuals were forced to choose between compliance and employment
  • However, the commission does not call for banning vaccine mandates, but rather for more meaningful accommodation processes.

5. Policy and Legal Proposals

    • “Know Your Rights” campaigns
    • Hotlines and reporting systems for violations
    • Honors/awards for defending religious liberty
  • These proposals could be implemented through:
    • Executive action
    • Congressional legislation
    • Legal challenges

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BONUS POD: Billions Stolen, War Paused & a Communist Mayoral Candidate goes for DC

1. Healthcare Fraud Crackdown

  • There has been a YUGE U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) healthcare fraud bust.
  • Claims include:
    • 455 individuals charged across 45 states
    • $6.5 billion in fraud schemes
  • Fraud isn’t just financial—it costs lives.
  • A tragic example is presented:
    • An 18-year-old athlete died after allegedly receiving a faulty heart screening.
    • A doctor reportedly cleared him in 11 seconds without proper review.

2. U.S.–Iran Conflict and Diplomatic Pause

  • The text shifts to international news, describing:
    • A temporary halt in military activity between the U.S. and Iran
    • Plans for renewed diplomatic talks in Doha, Qatar
  • The pause is fragile and not a peace agreement.
  • Focus areas of negotiation:
    • Shipping safety (especially the Strait of Hormuz)
    • Sanctions
    • Regional security
    • Nuclear tensions

Economic Importance:

  • The Strait of Hormuz carries ~20% of the world’s oil supply, so stability affects:
    • Gas prices
    • Inflation
    • Global markets

3. Trump and DC's mayoral candidate

  • DC socialist mayoral candidate is as radical as they come:

    • Supporting defunding police
    • Promoting sanctuary policies
    • Expanding bail reform

            George Soros and his political influence is fueling these candidates

Key Claims:

  • Over $100 million spent on midterm elections so far
  • Funds routed through PACs and nonprofits

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Activist DA in Philly Releases Criminals 'wit' LUV, Biden-Judge 'Sparkles' helping Illegals Vote & 2 YUGE Victories in SCOTUS Week In Review

1. “Activist” District Attorney in Philadelphia

  • Focuses on Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner

    • He improperly seeks to overturn murder convictions
    • He “confesses error” in court to release prisoners
  • A court ruling is cited criticizing the DA’s conduct, including:

    • Lack of candor
    • Misrepresentation of facts
    • Inadequate investigation
  • Broader narrative:

    • Connects Krasner’s actions to George Soros, portrayed as funding progressive prosecutors
    • Argues these policies lead to increased crime and societal instability

2. Federal Judge Sparkle L. Sooknanan Blocks Voter Verification Tool

  • The judge blocked use of a database (SAVE system) intended to:

    • Check immigration status in relation to eligibility (such as voting or benefits)
  • The ruling’s justification (as described):

    • Concerns about privacy violations
    • Risk of wrongful removal of eligible voters
  • Commentary strongly criticizes the ruling:

    • Calls it “activist” and legally incorrect
    • Argues the law allows the government to verify data internally

3. Supreme Court Immigration Decisions

Two Supreme Court rulings (described as 6–3 decisions):

Case 1: Migrants outside U.S.

  • Court ruled that migrants outside U.S. territory are not entitled to full legal protections
  • Supports policies like “Remain in Mexico”

Case 2: Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

  • Court ruled that:

    • The executive branch (Trump administration) can revoke TPS protections
  • Means certain groups (e.g., Haitian, Syrian migrants) could lose legal status

  • The podcast presents these as:

    • “Major victories” for border enforcement
    • Restoration of presidential authority on immigration

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Fiery Trump Lunch with Senate GOP plus Three Blockbuster Supreme Court WINS on Second Amendment & Immigration

1. 🔥 Behind-the-Scenes Senate GOP Lunch with Donald Trump

  • Key points:
    • The meeting was “contentious,” “spirited,” and tense.
    • Trump is angry at Republican senators who supported a War Powers resolution limiting military action against Iran.
    • A heated argument occurred between Trump and Senator Bill Cassidy.
    • The confrontation reportedly influenced subsequent Senate votes.
  • Trump’s frustration is tied to concerns that Congress undermined his negotiating leverage with Iran.
  • Discussion includes:
    • Criticism of limiting presidential military authority
    • Debate over potential deals with Iran, including concerns about financial concession

2. ⚖️ Supreme Court Decisions 🔫 Second Amendment Case (Hawaii Gun Law)

  • Supreme Court struck down a Hawaii law restricting concealed carry in public-access private property.
  • Majority ruling (6–3):
    • Law violated the right to bear arms
  • Discussion includes:
    • Historical arguments (post–Civil War gun restrictions)
    • Strong criticism of dissenting justices

3. 🌎 Immigration Rulings (Two Cases)

  • Supreme Court decisions favor Trump-era immigration positions:

    1. Migrants outside U.S. borders are not entitled to asylum protections
    2. Temporary Protected Status (TPS) can be revoked by the executive branch
  • Outcomes:

    • Reinforces border enforcement authority
    • Supports policies like “Remain in Mexico”

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Bonus: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Jun 25 2026

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.

Buck Sexton focuses heavily on Supreme Court decisions, especially a key case involving immigration and executive authority. Buck highlights a 6–3 ruling in Mullen v. Doe, emphasizing that the Court sided with the executive branch and reinforced presidential authority over immigration programs such as Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The discussion frames TPS as a humanitarian policy originally intended for individuals fleeing war or natural disasters, but now often extended far beyond its “temporary” purpose, sometimes lasting decades. 

Buck examines the aftermath of the New York City primary, questioning whether the relatively small turnout contests still signal a growing trend of far-left political momentum in urban Democratic districts. He frames the election results as part of a larger ideological shift within the Democratic Party, suggesting that even smaller races may offer insight into future national elections and Republican strategy heading into the midterms.


A central theme throughout the hour is Buck’s contrast between conservative political philosophy—rooted in constitutionalism, optimism, and Trump-era governance—and progressive ideology, which he characterizes as driven by resentment, grievance, and opposition to success. He argues that conservative politics aim to improve America through stability, growth, and public safety, while criticizing progressive policies as being more focused on punishing perceived inequality than delivering effective outcomes.

guest Ryan Girdusky, focusing on the rise of Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), New York City politics, voter turnout trends, and the broader ideological direction of the Democratic Party under President Donald Trump’s current administration. The hour centers on the aftermath of recent New York primary elections, spotlighting controversial progressive candidates such as Zohran Mamdani and Darializa Chevalier, while examining how socialist-aligned movements are reshaping Democratic coalitions at the local and national levels.


A major theme of Hour 3 is the growing influence of the DSA in New York City politics, described as the “crown jewel” of the organization’s national network. Buck and Girdusky analyze how DSA candidates and aligned figures are leveraging the Democratic Party as a “ballot access vehicle,” pushing a more openly socialist agenda from within while viewing the traditional Democratic establishment as an obstacle. This strategy is portrayed as increasingly effective, particularly in affluent, college-educated, and heavily progressive neighborhoods referred to as the “comedy corridor”—a stretch of waterfront districts from Astoria in Queens down through Brooklyn, which has become a hub of far-left political activism and extremely high voter turnout.

Buck speaks with guest Dan Mason, former CBS Radio CEO, who reflects on the evolution of radio, the enduring power of one-to-one audience connection, and the changing media landscape in the digital age. Mason emphasizes radio’s unique ability to build personal relationships with listeners, contrasting it with less intimate platforms like television, and highlights ongoing debates over public broadcasting, including NPR funding and perceived political bias.


The hour concludes with a broader optimistic outlook on America under President Donald Trump, with Buck pushing back against pessimism from a caller and encouraging listeners to embrace patriotism, stability, and historical perspective heading into major national celebrations like Independence Day. He underscores that, despite political tensions and global concerns, the United States is not facing crises on the scale of war, economic collapse, or pandemic lockdowns, and remains in a strong position. 

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