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.

Dunking on Newsom, Forbidden Words for Democrats & SCOTUS Victory for Trump Cancelling $783M in DEI Grants

The Battle for Somaliland, Trump takes a BITE out of DC Violence & DOJ Warned Biden Over Legally Flawed Pardons Week In Review

1. Recognition of Somaliland

  • The senator discusses efforts to urge President Trump to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent nation.
  • Somaliland is portrayed as a stable, democratic ally of the U.S., strategically located near the Gulf of Aden.
  • The senator criticizes China's influence in Africa, particularly its opposition to Somaliland's ties with Taiwan and the U.S.
  • A letter to President Trump is read aloud, advocating for recognition based on Somaliland’s governance, military cooperation, and geopolitical importance.

2. Crime and Law Enforcement in Washington, D.C.

  • The senator supports President Trump’s decision to deploy federal law enforcement in D.C., claiming it led to a significant drop in crime.
  • Statistics are cited showing reductions in robbery, carjacking, and violent crime.
  • The narrative criticizes Democratic leadership in D.C., alleging manipulation of crime data and failure to address public safety.
  • The DC Police Union chairman is quoted, blaming legislative changes for the breakdown of the criminal justice system.

3. Criticism of Media and Democratic Leadership

  • The hosts repeatedly accuse mainstream media of ignoring or misrepresenting stories that reflect positively on Trump or negatively on Democrats.
  • There is a strong emphasis on the idea that Democrats prioritize political narratives over public safety, especially in high-crime urban areas.

4. Biden’s Use of the Autopen for Pardons

  • The senator raises legal concerns about President Biden’s use of an autopen to sign pardons and executive orders.
  • DOJ officials reportedly warned that some pardons were legally questionable and involved violent offenders, contradicting public claims.
  • The discussion suggests that Biden may not have personally authorized some actions, potentially invalidating them.

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Trump WINS as NY $500M Judgement goes to ZERO plus DEM Registration Plummeting, Sen Eric Schmitt on Fighting the Left in Court & Biden Auto-Pen Scandal Gets Worse

  1. Trump's Legal Victory in New York

    • The New York Court of Appeals overturned a $500+ million judgment against Donald Trump.
    • The hosts argue this was a politically motivated case by NY Attorney General Letitia James.
    • They claim the penalty violated the Eighth Amendment (excessive fines) and due process.
  2. Democratic Party Voter Registration Decline

    • Citing a New York Times analysis, the hosts discuss a significant drop in Democratic voter registration across all 30 states that track it.
    • They interpret this as a sign of disillusionment with Democratic policies and leadership.
  3. Interview with Senator Eric Schmitt

    • Promoting his book The Last Line of Defense: How to Beat the Left in Court.
    • Discusses legal battles against COVID mandates, censorship, DEI/ESG policies, and the Biden administration.
    • Shares behind-the-scenes stories, including depositions of Anthony Fauci and FBI officials.
  4. Biden’s Autopen Pardons Controversy

    • Allegations that President Biden delegated pardon decisions to staff using an autopen.
    • DOJ officials reportedly raised concerns about legality and transparency.
    • Hosts argue this undermines the constitutional authority of the presidency.

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#autopen #pardon #SenatorEricSchmitt #NewYorkCourtofAppeals #Trump #PresidentTrump #AnthonyFauci #TheLastLineofDefenseHowtoBeattheLeftinCourt #DonaldTrump

BONUS: Daily Review with Clay and Buck - Aug 21 2025

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's Prediction Comes True

A breakdown of the New York Court of Appeals' unanimous decision to overturn the $500 million civil fraud fine levied against President Donald Trump by Attorney General Letitia James. The hosts frame this legal victory as a major turning point in the ongoing battle against politically motivated lawfare and judicial overreach. Clay Travis is credited for accurately predicting the case’s dismissal, reinforcing his credibility among listeners.

The episode dives deep into the origins of the case, which alleged Trump inflated asset values—most notably Mar-a-Lago—to secure favorable mortgage terms. However, the hosts emphasize that Trump repaid all loans with interest, and the banks involved expressed no concerns, even stating they’d gladly do business with him again. The legal theory behind the case is described as “harebrained,” with no actual victim, and the $600 million penalty (including interest) is portrayed as a product of Trump Derangement Syndrome infecting the courtroom.

Clay and Buck also explore the broader implications of this ruling, suggesting it signals the unraveling of other politically charged cases against Trump, including the E. Jean Carroll civil suit and the 34 felony counts related to bookkeeping. They argue these cases are built on weak legal foundations and will likely be tossed on appeal.

 

Yuge Trump Victory

Clay and Buck criticize Letitia James for her public statements promising to prosecute Trump, calling her actions disgraceful and politically motivated. They speculate she may face legal consequences herself for alleged mortgage fraud and call for her disbarment. The episode also features Trump’s reaction via Truth Social, where he celebrates the court’s courage and labels the case a “political witch hunt.”

Clay compares Trump to Neo from The Matrix, highlighting his growing popularity and influence. The hosts argue that Trump’s legacy will become even more iconic over time, especially as the public recognizes the extent of misinformation and partisan targeting.

 

Cracker Barrel Crackup?

Cracker Barrel’s rebranding backlash. The hosts criticize the removal of the iconic grandfather logo and the chain’s attempt to modernize its image, arguing that the move alienates its core Southern customer base. The rebrand is compared to Bud Light’s marketing missteps, with Clay and Buck warning that corporate identity crises often stem from executives disconnected from their consumers. The stock market agrees—Cracker Barrel’s shares dropped $8, wiping out $100 million in market cap.

In a humorous interlude, Producer Greg apologizes for ending a previous show with a somber suicide hotline story, coining the phrase “Meow Culpa” in reference to cat owners finding purpose in caring for their pets.

 

Rep. Byron Donalds

Congressman Byron Donalds, who shares his personal experience as a Cracker Barrel waiter, calls the show to slam the rebrand as unnecessary and culturally tone-deaf. He emphasizes the restaurant’s nostalgic value and calls for companies to embrace their roots rather than chase trends. The segment also features listener feedback from Virginia and North Carolina, echoing dissatisfaction with menu changes and declining food quality.

The hosts explore chain restaurant branding, comparing Cracker Barrel to Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, and Applebee’s, and discuss the cultural symbolism of Southern food. They also touch on beer branding myths, revealing that Foster’s is brewed in Texas and Budweiser is marketed as premium in Australia.

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

 

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BONUS POD: Biden’s Last-Minute Pardons Spark DOJ Chaos plus Dems Scramble on Voter Data

1. Clemency Controversy Involving Joe Biden

  • Sources allege that in his final days in office, former President Joe Biden issued mass clemency orders using an autopen (an automated signature device).
  • These clemency orders reportedly affected ~2,500 inmates, and were described by the White House as targeting nonviolent drug offenders.
  • However, internal DOJ emails (particularly from Bradley Weinsheimer, a senior DOJ official) suggest:
    • The language in the clemency warrants was vague and legally flawed.
    • Some recipients were violent offenders, contradicting the White House’s public narrative.
    • DOJ officials were confused and sought clarification from Biden, which they reportedly did not receive.

2. Examples of Alleged Violent Offenders

  • The episode names individuals like Rushell Macintosh, Stephen Fowler, and Plays Anderson, claiming they committed violent crimes and were among those granted clemency.

3. Criticism of Biden’s Use of Autopen

  • Biden defended the use of the autopen, saying he approved broad categories and left staff to apply them.
  • The DOJ emails suggest uncertainty and disagreement within the administration about the legality and clarity of the orders.

4. Political Implications and Allegations

  • The podcast connects this clemency issue to broader political themes:
    • Allegations of DOJ politicization.
    • Claims that Democrats are losing voter registration battles in 30 states.
    • Accusations that Democrats are considering gerrymandering, amnesty, and counting undocumented immigrants to regain political ground.

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Trump Bringing Peace to the Ukraine War plus DC Crime Plummets

📰 1. Foreign Policy: Ukraine-Russia Peace Negotiations

  • Main Theme: The podcast claims that President Donald Trump has made significant progress toward ending the war in Ukraine.
  • Key Events Discussed:
    • Trump’s meetings with Vladimir Putin in Alaska and Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington.
    • European leaders, including those from Finland and the UK, expressing optimism about peace talks.
    • Discussion of NATO-style security guarantees for Ukraine, with emphasis on Europe taking the lead rather than the U.S.
    • Trump’s stance against Ukraine joining NATO and his push for energy agreements that favor U.S. exports over Russian oil and gas.
  • Tone: Strongly supportive of Trump’s diplomatic efforts, critical of media portrayal and Democratic opposition.

🚓 2. Domestic Policy: Crime Reduction in Washington, D.C.

  • Main Theme: The podcast praises Trump’s decision to federalize the D.C. police force, claiming it led to a sharp drop in crime.
  • Key Points:
    • Cited statistics from the DC Police Union showing reductions in robbery, carjacking, and violent crime.
    • Criticism of the DC Council and Democratic leadership for allegedly enabling crime through legislation.
    • Mention of a Justice Department investigation into possible manipulation of crime data by DC police.
    • Anecdotes about rising crime in DC and praise for Trump’s intervention.

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BONUS POD: Trump’s Art of the Deal WH Diplomacy Blitz

  • Media Criticism:

    • The episode begins with claims that the mainstream media and the Democratic Party have misled the public about Trump’s diplomatic efforts and intentions.
    • It portrays Trump as being unfairly criticized and underestimated.
  • Diplomatic Developments:

    • Trump allegedly initiated direct contact with Putin and facilitated a potential trilateral peace summit involving himself, Zelensky, and Putin.
    • The meeting is described as historic, with improved tone and cooperation compared to previous encounters.
  • Security Guarantees:

    • Trump and European leaders discussed NATO-style security guarantees for Ukraine.
    • These guarantees are framed as essential for lasting peace and deterrence against future aggression.
  • International Support:

    • Leaders from Italy, France, the UK, and NATO are said to have expressed strong support for Ukraine and the peace process.
    • The Italian Prime Minister is quoted praising Trump’s role in initiating dialogue.
  • Humanitarian Focus:

    • Zelensky emphasizes the importance of prisoner exchanges and returning abducted children, referencing a letter from Melania Trump to Putin.
  • Zelensky’s Remarks:

    • Zelensky is quoted expressing optimism and gratitude for the meeting, highlighting the importance of U.S. involvement and unity among allies.

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Trump & Putin in Alaska: What it Means & What's Next plus Standing up to the CCP in Africa

1. Trump–Putin Meeting in Alaska

  • A major focus is the one-on-one meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
  • The hosts frame it as a potential turning point in the Ukraine war, suggesting Trump is working toward a peace agreement.
  • Trump claims progress was made and that a follow-up meeting involving President Zelensky is being planned.
  • The podcast criticizes media and Democratic reactions, portraying them as rooting for failure.

2. Criticism of Democrats and Media

  • The hosts repeatedly accuse Democrats and mainstream media of bias, hypocrisy, and undermining peace efforts.
  • Hillary Clinton is mentioned for sarcastically suggesting Trump could be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize if he succeeds.

3. Somaliland Recognition

  • Senator Cruz discusses his push for the U.S. to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent nation.
  • He frames this as a strategic move against Chinese influence in Africa, citing Somaliland’s support for Taiwan and Israel.
  • China’s strong opposition to Cruz’s proposal is highlighted as validation of its geopolitical significance.

4. Criticism of Biden Administration

  • The podcast blames President Biden for the Ukraine war, citing:
    • The withdrawal from Afghanistan.
    • Waiving sanctions on Nord Stream 2.
  • Trump is portrayed as trying to clean up Biden’s foreign policy “mess.”

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Cartels Now Terrorist Targets, Texas Pushes Back Against Blue Hypocrisy & Search Engine or Election Engine? Week In Review

1. Military Action Against Drug Cartels

  • The President (referred to as Trump) has authorized the U.S. military to use force against Latin American drug cartels.
  • These cartels have been designated as foreign terrorist organizations, allowing for military engagement.
  • Historical precedent is cited, such as Plan Colombia under President George W. Bush.

2. Criticism of Democratic Leadership

  • Strong accusations are made against Democratic leaders for allegedly siding with criminals and cartels.
  • The narrative portrays Democrats as hypocritical and power-hungry, especially regarding issues like immigration, crime, and redistricting.

3. Gerrymandering and Redistricting

  • The document discusses redistricting in states like Texas, Illinois, California, Massachusetts, and New York.
  • It compares Republican and Democratic strategies, accusing Democrats of manipulating district maps to gain disproportionate representation.

4. Big Tech Bias

  • Google is accused of censoring conservative content and favoring Democratic fundraising emails.
  • Reference is made to psychologist Robert Epstein, who allegedly found that Google’s search algorithms influenced votes in favor of Hillary Clinton.

5. Law Enforcement and DOJ Incident

  • A DOJ employee allegedly assaulted a federal law enforcement officer with a sandwich.
  • The incident is used to highlight perceived radicalism and disrespect for law enforcement among left-wing individuals.

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Obama Admin CAUGHT Deliberately Pushing Fake Russia Attack, CA Fights TX on Redistricting plus Google Suppresses GOP & Sandwich-gate!

  • Allegations of Intelligence Manipulation (Russia Hoax)

    • Claims that high-level intelligence officials (James Clapper, John Brennan, James Comey) deliberately rushed and politicized the 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA) to damage Donald Trump before his inauguration.
    • Tulsi Gabbard is cited as revealing declassified emails suggesting the intelligence process was compromised.
    • NSA Director Mike Rogers expressed concern over insufficient time and access to intelligence data.
  • Big Tech Bias

    • Accusations against Google for flagging Republican fundraising emails as spam while allowing Democratic ones through.
    • References to psychologist Robert Epstein’s research on Google’s influence on elections.
    • Claims that Google was the top donor to Hillary Clinton’s 2016 campaign.
  • Gavin Newsom and Redistricting

    • Criticism of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s response to Texas redistricting efforts.
    • Discussion of gerrymandering in Democratic states like California, New York, Illinois, and Massachusetts.
    • Comparison of partisan representation in congressional delegations across states.
  • “Sandwich Gate” Incident

    • A humorous but serious account of a DOJ employee allegedly assaulting a federal law enforcement officer with a Subway sandwich.
    • The individual was arrested and fired, with the incident used to highlight perceived radical behavior among leftists.

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