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 non-cash benefits (Medicaid, housing subsidies, food stamps) as income, creating a distorted picture of poverty. Example: A single parent earning $11,000 annually can receive benefits worth $53,128, bringing total resources to $64,128, well above the poverty threshold. Criticism of the system: It traps people in dependency instead of promoting self-sufficiency, contrasting with Trump-era welfare reform that moved 7 million people off food stamps into the workforce. 2. Massive Fraud in Minnesota’s Medicaid and Welfare Programs Federal prosecutors allege up to $9 billion in fraud since 2018, possibly 50% of the $18 billion spent on 14 programs. Fraud described as “industrial scale”, involving fake companies and individuals exploiting housing and autism assistance programs. Some funds allegedly funneled to Al Shabab, a Somali terrorist organization. Criticism of Minnesota’s Democratic leadership for lack of oversight and alleged vote-buying incentives. Prediction: Similar fraud likely exists in California, New York, and Illinois. Media accused of downplaying the scandal; local CBS reports highlighted the severity. 3. Strong U.S. Economic Performance Under Trump Latest GDP report shows 4.3% growth in Q3, the strongest in two years, beating expectations of 3.2%. Growth driven by consumer spending, healthcare, tech, and AI-related investments. Inflation reportedly down to 1.6%, signaling economic stability. Commentary contrasts media narratives predicting economic collapse with reality of strong holiday spending and trade policy success. Trump’s supply-side policies (tax cuts, deregulation) and trade strategies credited for economic boom. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson and The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdictwithtedcruz X: https://x.com/tedcruz X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.