• 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 methamphetamines.
  • $14.6 million for monkey experiments where monkeys play a Price Is Right-style video game with head posts screwed into their skulls.
  • $1 million for forcing teenage ferrets to binge drink for 90 days before being killed.

• Questionable Research and Projects

  • $2.1 million for a four-year project collecting saliva samples at EDM festivals to test for drugs.
  • $2.9 million to study whether toddlers using iPads affects development.
  • $1.9 million for mobile phone interventions targeting childhood obesity in Latino families.

• Media and Cultural Spending

  • $40 million for COVID-19 vaccine promotion after the pandemic ended.
  • $1.5 million to promote U.S. films and video games abroad.
  • $244,000 for a Pakistani children’s climate cartoon.
  • $3.3 million for an anti-racism campus program at Northwestern University.

• Infrastructure and Immigration Costs

  • $7.5 billion allocated for EV infrastructure, resulting in only 68 charging stations built.
  • $22.6 billion spent on migrant benefits.

• Miscellaneous

  • $2.5 million to promote insect consumption.
  • $1.5 million for influencer-led anti-drug TikTok campaigns.

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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., Cuban Christmas Eve celebrations with roasted pig vs. vegetarian meals).
• There’s commentary on a resurgence of faith among younger generations, citing record-breaking Bible sales in 2025.

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2. Economic Outlook and Media Bias

• The conversation shifts to positive economic news: U.S. GDP growth of 4.3% in Q3, the strongest in two years.
• They argue this growth contradicts negative media predictions and accuse mainstream outlets of political bias.
• Key points include:
  • Strong consumer spending during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
  • Positive impacts of trade policy, tax cuts, and deregulation under President Trump.
  • Criticism of media framing economic success negatively compared to previous administrations.

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3. Welfare Fraud and Systemic Issues

• Historic fraud in Minnesota’s Medicaid and welfare programs, estimated at $9 billion, and allegations that funds were diverted to terrorist organizations like Al Shabab.
• Predicting similar fraud in other Democratic-led states (California, New York, Illinois).
• Wall Street Journal op-ed by Phil Gramm and John Early is mentioned about structural flaws in the U.S. welfare system:
  • Welfare spending has surged 765% over 50 years, now costing $1.4 trillion annually.
  • Many benefits are not counted as income, creating misleading poverty statistics and perpetuating dependency.
  • The argument advocates for welfare reform to encourage work and reduce generational poverty.

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• Poll Analysis & Approval Ratings

  • We dispute claims that Trump’s presidency is a “disaster,” citing an Insider Advantage poll showing Trump at 50% approval and +9 net rating.
  • Breakdowns by demographics:
    • Men: 59% approve, 34% disapprove.
    • Women: Majority disapprove.
    • Age groups:
      • 18–39: 44% approve, 44% disapprove.
      • 40–64: 54% approve.
    • Party affiliation: 84% approval among Republicans, 25% among Democrats.
    • Independents: Slightly negative (37% approve, 41% disapprove).

• Economic & Policy Themes

  • Emphasis on Trump’s economic agenda: tax cuts, deregulation, and proposals like no tax on tips, overtime, or Social Security.
  • Biden-era housing affordability and interest rates.

• Military Announcement

  • Major announcement from Mar-a-Lago: construction of two new battleships, part of a “Golden Fleet.”
  • Ships described as:
    • Largest ever built.
    • “100 times more powerful” than previous Iowa-class battleships.
    • Plan to expand to 20–25 ships.
  • Goal: Revitalize U.S. shipbuilding, strengthen military supremacy, and create American jobs.

• Foreign Policy & Security

  • New Venezuela, Colombia, drug trafficking, and oil tanker seizures.
  • Strong rhetoric toward Colombian President Gustavo Petro regarding cocaine production.

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• Golden Fleet Announcement

  • Trump unveils plans for the construction of two massive battleships, described as:
    • The largest ever built.
    • “100 times more powerful” than previous Iowa-class ships.
    • Part of a new Golden Fleet to revitalize U.S. naval power.
  • Long-term vision: expand to 20–25 ships, boosting American shipbuilding and jobs.
  • Emphasis on national security, military supremacy, and economic benefits.

• Press Conference Highlights

  • Trump positions himself as “the most transparent president in modern history”, answering questions on:
    • China, Venezuela, Iran, and oil tanker seizures.
    • Drug trafficking from Colombia.
    • U.S. investment and tariffs.
    • Healthcare insurer meetings.
    • Epstein files and photos involving Bill Clinton.

• Epstein Files Discussion

  • Trump expresses discomfort with photos of Bill Clinton being released but frames the issue as a Democratic distraction from Republican successes.
  • Criticizes political opponents for using Epstein controversy to deflect from his administration’s achievements.

• Economic & Trade Themes

  • Claims trillions in foreign investment flowing into the U.S. due to tariffs and pro-business policies.
  • Projects $18 trillion in investments within 10 months, aiming for $20 trillion.

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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 Washington Post report and GAO findings).
• The financial burden of extending enhanced subsidies, estimating costs up to $350 billion through 2035, and criticizes subsidies reaching households earning $160,000 annually.
• the expiration of subsidies could lead to premium hikes (up to 114%) and increased uninsured rates, framing this as a political weapon for Democrats.
• The ACA was a step toward socialized medicine and accuses Democrats of collusion with healthcare donors.

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2. Renaming and Revitalization of the Kennedy Center

• The second part is an interview with Rick Grenell about the transformation of the Kennedy Center under Donald Trump’s involvement.
• Key points include:
  • Severe deferred maintenance before Trump’s intervention (leaking roofs, broken elevators, collapsing infrastructure).
  • Trump allegedly secured $250 million for renovations and initiated fundraising for programming.
  • The center was renamed the Trump Kennedy Center, sparking controversy and accusations of partisanship.
  • Discussion of programming strategy: moving away from “woke” or niche content toward mainstream, “common sense” performances to attract corporate sponsors and donors.
  • Criticism of Democrats for boycotting the center despite advocating for arts funding.

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• Epstein File Release

  • The files include photos of former President Bill Clinton in compromising contexts:
    • On Epstein’s private plane with unidentified individuals.
    • In a pool with Ghislaine Maxwell and other women (faces redacted).
    • In a hot tub with a redacted woman.
  • The commentary argues that if these were photos of Donald Trump, media coverage would be relentless, but Clinton’s involvement is being downplayed.

• Media and Political Bias

  • The author claims mainstream media and Democrats are minimizing Clinton’s ties to Epstein while previously weaponizing the Epstein case against Trump.
  • Suggests hypocrisy: Democrats demanded accountability for Trump without evidence, but now dismiss Clinton despite photographic proof of association.

• Legal and Investigative Angle

  • Notes that the presence of photos does not prove criminal wrongdoing.
  • Mentions statements from legal experts and fact-checkers emphasizing no direct evidence of crimes by Clinton.
  • References Todd Blanche’s comments on Meet the Press, where he refused to confirm or deny an ongoing investigation into Clinton.

• Historical Context

  • Recalls Clinton’s documented flights on Epstein’s private jet, visits to the White House by Epstein, and social interactions spanning the 1990s and early 2000s.
  • Highlights Clinton’s past scandals (e.g., Monica Lewinsky) to question credibility.

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To our listeners a GREAT THANK YOU! Without you this would not be possible. We thank EACH and every one of you for making Verdict what it is today and supporting this show. Much more to blow you away in 2026 so keep listening, and keep sharing!

                                        Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year to all of you!

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1. Fentanyl Classified as Weapon of Mass Destruction

• Action: President Trump signed an executive order classifying fentanyl as a WMD, equating its impact to nuclear or chemical weapons.
• Rationale: Trump cited overdose deaths (200k–300k annually) and national security threats from narco-terrorists.
• Military Measures:
  • U.S. strikes on drug-smuggling boats since September, killing ~90 people.
  • Deployment of the world’s largest aircraft carrier and warships in the Caribbean.
• Geopolitical Angle:
  • Venezuela’s leader Maduro accused the U.S. of using anti-drug operations as a pretext for regime change.
  • Trump offered a $50 million reward for Maduro’s capture.

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2. DOJ/FBI and Mar-a-Lago Raid Controversy

• New Revelations:
  • Internal FBI emails show doubts about probable cause for the 2022 raid.
  • Agents suggested alternative solutions and warned against optics; DOJ pushed forward regardless.
• Allegations:
  • Evidence tampering and staged photos admitted in court by Jack Smith’s team.
  • Merrick Garland personally approved the warrant despite internal objections.
• Narrative: Portrayed as political weaponization to prevent Trump’s return to office.

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3. Trump’s Prime-Time Address

• Tone: Optimistic, forward-looking, and celebratory.
• Key Announcements:
  • Tax Relief: No tax on tips, overtime, or Social Security starting 2026; projected largest refund season ever.
  • Military Bonus: $1,776 “Warrior Dividend” for 1.45 million service members as a patriotic gesture.
  • Economic Agenda:
    • Aggressive housing reforms to improve affordability.
    • Lower interest rates via new Fed leadership.
    • Expanded energy production to cut costs.
  • Healthcare: Plans to dismantle ACA, reduce drug prices, and redirect funds to individuals for better coverage.
  • Immigration: Framed Biden-era border policies as catastrophic; touted Trump’s enforcement as restoring law and order.
  • Foreign Policy: Claimed progress in reducing global tensions and restoring U.S. leadership.

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1. Crime Statistics Manipulation

• Allegations:
  • U.S. Attorney and House Oversight Committee report claim D.C. authorities and outgoing Police Chief Pamela Smith manipulated crime data to make the city appear safer.
  • Misclassification of crimes, pressure on commanders to report lower stats, and retaliation against those reporting accurately.
• Impact:
  • Trump’s crime reduction efforts were more significant than previously thought because actual crime was higher than reported.

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2. Affordable Care Act Fraud

• GAO Report Findings:
  • Widespread vulnerabilities and fraud in ACA subsidies.
  • Fake applicants approved for coverage; 23 out of 24 fraudulent applications succeeded.
  • $94 million paid for deceased individuals; 68,000 Social Security numbers reused for multiple people.
• Criticism:
  • ACA premiums have skyrocketed since inception, rising faster than employer coverage and inflation.
  • Insurance companies allegedly benefit from fraud and donate heavily to Democrats.
• Republican Response:
  • House Republicans propose legislation to lower premiums and fix systemic issues.

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3. Housing Affordability & Immigration

• Claims:
  • Housing costs surged under Biden due to influx of illegal immigrants competing for homes.
  • Trump administration’s mass deportations credited with lowering rents (−1.1% YoY, −5.2% vs. 2022 peak).
  • Wharton study cited: every 1% population increase → rents up 1%.
• Officials’ Statements:
  • Treasury Secretary Scott Besson and VP JD Vance emphasize deportations and housing reforms as key to affordability.
  • Criticism of Fed’s rate decisions and Democratic policies.

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