The Ben Ferguson Podcast

• Main Allegation: Widespread fraud in Minnesota’s childcare programs, allegedly involving fake daycare centers and misuse of federal funds over the past decade.
• Federal Response:
  • The Trump administration froze $185 million in federal childcare funds to Minnesota.
  • Actions announced by Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill include:
    • Activation of the “Defend the Spend” system requiring receipts or photo ev...

• Fraud Allegations

  • A reported $9+ billion fraud in Minnesota’s Medicaid and childcare programs.
  • Fraud schemes allegedly involved fake daycare centers, autism centers, and home healthcare providers.
  • Claims that funds were diverted to terrorist groups like Al Shabaab.

• Actors and Accountability

  • Somali immigrants are the primary perpetrators.
  • Minnesota politicians (e.g., Governor Tim Walz) for alleged compl...

1. U.S. Military Action in Venezuela

• President Donald Trump announced the first known U.S. strike on land in Venezuela, targeting a drug-loading site.
• The operation is part of a broader pressure campaign against Nicolás Maduro's government.
• Trump says 97% of drug trafficking by sea has been stopped and emphasizes the life-saving impact of these operations.
• Mentions covert operations authorized by Trump and a lack of off...

1. Minnesota Fraud Scandal: 

               Minnesota lets voters 'vouch' for up to 8 others (SEE STORY HERE)

• Allegations of massive fraud in childcare programs and federal aid schemes in Minnesota, involving Somali-linked organizations.
• Governor Tim Walz for refused to apologize and instead advocating for welcoming more Somali immigrants, despite fraud...

• The Scandal

  • Fraud schemes allegedly involve billions of dollars across multiple programs: childcare assistance, autism centers, and home healthcare.
  • Daycare centers licensed for dozens of children reportedly received $1–$3 million annually, yet appeared empty or inactive during visits.
  • Some facilities had blocked windows, locked doors, and no visible signs of operation.

• Nick Shirley’s Investigation

• Scale of Fraud:

  • FBI Director Cash Patel confirmed that the fraud is extensive, describing it as “just the tip of a very large iceberg.”
  • A single dismantled scheme tied to federal food aid programs amounted to $250 million, resulting in 78 indictments and 57 convictions.
  • Broader estimates suggest fraud across multiple programs in Minnesota could total billions of dollars, including Medicaid, childcare assistan...

• Massive Fraud Allegations (WATCH NICK's VIDEO HERE!)

  • Minnesota has spent $18 billion on Medicaid over several years, with up to $9 billion allegedly lost to fraud.
  • Fraud reportedly involves fake daycare centers and autism centers receiving millions in state funds without providing services or having children present.
  • Example: Facilities licensed for dozens of children but found empty, with windows blacked out and doors l...

• Supreme Court Decision on National Guard Deployment

  • A recent Supreme Court ruling (6–3 decision) denying Trump’s request to federalize Illinois National Guard troops to assist ICE agents in Chicago.
  • The legal reasoning: lack of statutory authority for the President to use military forces to enforce laws in Illinois.
  • Dissenting opinions by Justices Alito, Thomas, and Gorsuch, emphasizing concerns about protect...

1. Affordable Care Act (ACA) Subsidies and Alleged Fraud

• Democrats intentionally designed ACA subsidies to expire, framing it as a political strategy to secure votes during elections.
• The ACA was never truly affordable and alleges systemic fraud, waste, and abuse within the program, including:
  • Insurance companies benefiting from guaranteed government payments.
  • Fraudulent enrollments and improper subsidies (citing a Washin...

• Legal and Constitutional Battles involving President Donald Trump

  • A recent Supreme Court decision denying the Trump administration's request to federalize Illinois National Guard troops to assist ICE agents in Chicago.
  • The ruling emphasized that the administration failed to identify statutory authority for deploying military forces to enforce laws in Illinois.
  • Details of the majority opinion, concurring opinion by Justic...

1. Welfare System Fraud and Structural Issues

• Based on an op-ed by Phil Gramm and John Early in The Wall Street Journal titled “The Biggest Fraud in Welfare”.
• Key points:
  • U.S. welfare spending has skyrocketed 765% since the mid-1970s, now totaling $1.4 trillion annually.
  • If distributed evenly among the 19.8 million families classified as poor, each would receive $71,000 per year.
  • The government fails to count ...

1. Self-Deportation Program

• Policy Details:

  • Department of Homeland Security offers $3,000 holiday stipend for illegal immigrants who voluntarily leave the U.S. by December 31.
  • Includes free travel arrangements and waivers of certain fines.
  • Program branded as Project Homecoming, accessible via the CBP Home app.

• Rationale:

  • Claimed to be cheaper than forced deportation, saving resources and legal costs.
  • Aims to...

• Policy Overview

  • Undocumented immigrants can receive a $3,000 “exit bonus” if they leave the U.S. voluntarily by December 31.
  • The program includes free travel arrangements and potential waivers of civil fines.
  • Registration is required via a Department of Homeland Security app.

• Rationale

  • It is cheaper than formal deportation, which involves legal processes, detention, and transportation costs.
  • It i...

• Hollywood and Media Bias:

  • Cruz argues that the NYT list prioritizes political messaging over storytelling and entertainment.
  • He claims the list reflects elitist, left-leaning Hollywood values and ignores popular, inspirational, or patriotic films.

• Alternative Film List:

  • Cruz presents his own list of 30 films from the past 25 years that he believes are more representative of quality cinema.
  • His sel...

• Economic Growth & Tariffs

  • Reports a 4.3% GDP growth in Q3, exceeding expectations.
  • Success is do to Trump’s tariff policies, tax reforms, and “America First” approach.
  • Highlights record consumer spending during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

• Inflation & Monetary Policy

  • Notes inflation is a pressure point but it is lower than under Biden.
  • Federal Reserve’s PCE index a...

1. Cultural Debate on Santa Claus

• UK museum’s guidance to “decolonize” Father Christmas.
• Santa is criticized for being “too white” and “too male.”
• Suggests changes like:
  • Santa working alongside elves to show equality.
  • Mrs. (Mother) Christmas taking a more prominent role.
  • Removing the “naughty or nice” list, which is framed as colonial and judgmental.
• Links these...

1. Netanyahu’s Push for an Inquiry into October 7 Attacks

• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proposes an investigation into the October 7, 2023 terrorist attacks, comparing it to the U.S. 9/11 Commission.
• He advocates for a bipartisan committee (half coalition, half opposition) rather than a Supreme Court-appointed state commission.
• Opposition parties refuse to participate, calling the plan a “whitewash&rdqu...

• Massive Interest Payments on National Debt

  • $1.2 trillion spent on interest payments in 2025 alone, making it the third-largest government expense after Social Security and Medicare.
  • Highlights the unsustainable nature of U.S. borrowing and debt ($38.4 trillion total).

• Animal Experimentation

  • $13.8 million for beagle experiments involving tick-borne illnesses.
  • $5.2 million for dosing beagles with cocaine and m...

1. Christmas and Its Religious Significance

• The discussion begins with warm holiday greetings and reflections on the meaning of Christmas.
• Emphasis is placed on celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, highlighting its spiritual importance over commercial aspects like gifts and Santa Claus.
• Ben and the Senator share personal traditions, such as reading Luke Chapter 2 during Christmas dinner, and discuss cultural practices (e.g.,...