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. "Verdict with Ted Cruz" is being brought to you by Jobs, Freedom, and Security PAC, a political action committee dedicated to supporting conservative causes, organizations, and candidates across the country. In 2022, Jobs, Freedom, and Security PAC plans to donate to conservative candidates running for Congress and help the Republican Party across the nation.

Episodes

July 15, 2026 35 mins

1. Tribute to Lindsey Graham

  • U.S. Senator 23 years in the Senate
  • A veteran with 33 years of Air Force service
  • An influential figure in Republican politics
  • A close friend and ally of Ted Cruz

2. Trump's First Impeachment Trial

  • Debate over whether additional witnesses, particularly former National Security Adviser John Bolton, should be called.
  • Efforts by Republican senators to prevent the trial from expanding into a ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

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 Travis and Buck Sexton discuss the rise of political violence and...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

1. U.S.–Iran Conflict Escalation

  • President Donald Trump announces a renewed blockade targeting Iranian shipping.
  • The U.S. is described as assuming a guardian role over the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important global shipping route.
  • Trump is quoted as proposing a 20% security fee on cargo passing through the strait.
  • There were planned military strikes against Iran and the U.S. military has significantly degraded Ir...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Lindsey Olin Graham (July 9, 1955 – July 11, 2026) was an American politician, attorney, and Air Force officer who represented South Carolina in the U.S. Senate from 2003 until his death in 2026. He was one of the most influential Republican senators of his era, particularly on national security, judicial nominations, and foreign policy.

Early Life

Graham was born in Central, South Carolina, where his parents owned a restaura...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Our podcast today focuses on several U.S. Supreme Court rulings involving presidential authority, birthright citizenship, and election procedures. The conversation examines competing constitutional interpretations of executive power, the structure of federal agencies, immigration and citizenship policies, absentee ballot regulations, and judicial reasoning in closely divided court decisions. It also includes extensive discussions o...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
  • Trump Investment Accounts are designed to give every eligible child in America an opportunity to participate in long-term wealth building through the power of compound growth. 
  • Creating a new generation of investors by introducing children to ownership in major American companies at an early age.
  • Showcasing strong collaboration between government leaders, business executives, and philanthropists to expand financial opport...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

1. Breakdown of the Ceasefire & U.S. Military Response

President Trump considers the ceasefire with Iran finished, citing frustration toward Iranian leadership. Diplomatic efforts have effectively collapsed.

  • Strikes on Iranian radar systems and anti-ship missile sites.
  • Attacks against dozens of Iranian military targets.
  • Efforts to reduce Iran's ability to threaten maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Warnings that add...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

1. Allegations Against Graham Platner

  • Sexual assault allegations.
  • Claims of abusive behavior.
  • Accusations of racism, misogyny, antisemitism, and extremist political beliefs.
  • References to allegedly offensive past statements and conduct.

2. Criticism of Democratic Party Leaders

  • Chuck Schumer
  • Bernie Sanders
  • Elizabeth Warren
  • Tim Walz
  • Ruben Gallego
  • Sheldon Whitehouse

3. Comparison to Other Political Cases

Platner ...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
  • Sexual Assault Allegation

    • A former partner, Jenny Racicot, accused Platner of entering her home while intoxicated and forcing himself on her despite her objections.
    • The allegation is being reported by Politico.
    • Platner is said to have denied the accusation and described it as false and politically motivated.
  • Previous Controversies

    • Earlier controversies involving Platner, include allegations regarding his beh...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

1. Celebration of America and National Pride

  • America's 250-year history and achievements.
  • Patriotism, family values, and traditional celebrations.
  • The belief that the United States is the greatest country in history due to its freedoms and opportunities.

2. American Exceptionalism

  • Rights come from God rather than government.
  • The principles expressed in the Declaration of Independence provide the foundation for liber...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

1. Minnesota Fraud Investigation and Whistleblower Allegations

  • Government fraud within Minnesota social service programs.
  • Claims that Minnesota officials, including individuals within Governor Tim Walz's administration, suppressed or retaliated against whistleblowers.
  • Reports that employees who raised fraud concerns were allegedly investigated, monitored, intimidated, or discouraged from reporting misconduct.
  • The possibility o...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

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 prote...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played
  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 com...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

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,...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

✅  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 pre...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

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 medi...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

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 sec...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

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 ...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

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&rsquo...
Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

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 k...

Listen
Watch
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

    Hey Jonas!

    Hey Jonas! The official Jonas Brothers podcast. Hosted by Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas. It’s the Jonas Brothers you know... musicians, actors, and well, yes, brothers. Now, they’re sharing another side of themselves in the playful, intimate, and irreverent way only they can. Spend time with the Jonas Brothers here and stay a little bit longer for deep conversations like never before.

    Betrayal Weekly

    Betrayal Weekly is back for a new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. If you would like to share your story, you can reach out to the Betrayal Team by emailing them at betrayalpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

Advertise With Us

Host

Ben Ferguson

Ben Ferguson

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2026 iHeartMedia, Inc.

  • Help
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • AdChoicesAd Choices