The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

1. FBI Firings Linked to Jack Smith Investigation
At least ten FBI employees were fired for actions connected to Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into Donald Trump’s handling of classified documents.
The firings followed revelations that the FBI had secretly obtained phone records of Kash Patel and Susie Wiles while they were private citizens.
2. Secret Seizure of Phone Records
Reuters reported that the FBI subpoenaed call records of: Kash Patel (former Trump adviser)
Susie Wiles (Trump campaign manager and later White House Chief of Staff)

Some records dated back to the 2020–2023 period.
Files were allegedly hidden under a “prohibited” category in FBI systems, making them hard to find.
3. Recorded Call Between Wiles and Her Attorney
The FBI recorded a phone call between Susie Wiles and her attorney.
Wiles did not know she was being recorded.
Her attorney did know and consented, which raised ethical questions.
4. Lack of Clarity on Target of Investigation
Reuters could not confirm: Whether Wiles or Patel were official investigative targets.
Who approved the subpoenas.
When exactly surveillance began or ended.

5. GOP Shock and Political Backlash
Smith’s investigative methods—including seizure of records from senators and GOP officials—prompted strong backlash from Republican leaders.
Critics argue that Smith’s investigations appear politically motivated, especially given Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
6. DHS Scandal Parallel
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem revealed that her own employees installed spyware on her phone and laptop.
Employees were caught spying on her meetings.
Several were fired after polygraph testing.
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1. Allegations of DOJ/FBI Surveillance
The Biden DOJ and FBI spied on Trump‑aligned individuals, including: Susie Wiles (Trump campaign figure)
Kash Patel

Allegations include secret subpoenas for phone records, including calls involving attorneys, raising concerns about attorney‑client privilege.
This is part of a broader history of political weaponization of federal agencies.
DOJ/FBI surveillance also targeted several Republican senators and conservative groups.
This fits into what they describe as a long-standing trend starting under Obama.
Comparisons are made to historical incidents such as the Steele Dossier, the Russia investigation, and alleged misuse of federal agencies.

2. Tale of Two Olympians
Alysa Liu
Competed for the United States.
Story highlighted as: Daughter of a refugee who fled China after Tiananmen Square.
Target of Chinese government intimidation, according to the hosts.
Won Olympic gold, portrayed as a patriotic American success story.

Eileen Gu
Competed for China despite being raised in the U.S.
Accepted substantial financial incentives (as stated by the hosts).
Hosts argue that although she’s talented, choosing to compete for China invites criticism due to geopolitical tensions.
3. Concerns About Declining American Pride
A Gallup poll is showing: Significant decline in Americans who are “very proud” of being American.
The drop is described as steepest among Democrats, according to the data discussed.

Commentary attributes this trend to: Cultural and educational shifts.
University and K‑12 environments promoting negative views of the U.S.

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1. Cuba Coast Guard Incident
A US‑registered speedboat was fired upon by Cuban authorities, resulting in 4 deaths and 6 injuries.
Cuba claims: The boat’s occupants fired first.
Passengers (Cuban nationals living in the US) carried assault rifles, handguns, body armor, etc.
The group was attempting armed infiltration with terrorist intent.

The US position: Nothing is verified yet; US agencies are investigating.
Officials (Rubio, Vance, DHS, Coast Guard) are demanding access to survivors.
No indication the operation had any US government involvement.

The event raises fears of a major diplomatic flashpoint, given: Historical tension (e.g., 1996 Brothers to the Rescue shootdown).
Current hardline US posture toward Cuba.

2. Minnesota Medicaid Fraud Crackdown
The Trump administration has paused $259.5 million in Medicaid reimbursements to Minnesota over large‑scale fraud concerns.
Fraud schemes allegedly include: Paying mothers $1,000 to falsely diagnose children with autism to bill Medicaid.
A provider billing for 450 days of work exceeding 24 hours/day.
Centers billing for beneficiaries who were already deceased.

VP JD Vance and CMS Director Dr. Oz emphasize: The fraud involves home and community‑based services that are hard to audit.
Minnesota must submit a corrective action plan or risk losing up to $1 billion in funds.
Providers have already been paid by Minnesota; the federal government is withholding reimbursement from the state, not from citizens.

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Economic Policy & Affordability
"Roaring" Economy: Trump insisted the U.S. is experiencing an "economic boom," citing a rising stock market and job growth despite public polls showing continued voter anxiety over the cost of living.
Retirement Savings Proposal: Announced a major new plan to provide workers who lack employer-sponsored 401(k)s with access to a plan similar to the federal Thrift Savings Plan, including a government match of up to $1,000 annually.
Tariff Defiance: Following a Supreme Court ruling that struck down his primary tariff authority, Trump called the decision "totally wrong" and pledged to implement "even stronger" alternative import duties.
Tech Industry Power: Proposed a "Rate Payer Protection Pledge" requiring major tech companies and AI data centers to build their own power plants to avoid driving up local electricity costs.
Immigration & National Security
Enforcement Triumphs: Highlighted a massive drop in illegal border crossings, claiming arrests had hit their lowest levels since the 1960s due to his administration's strict policies.
DHS Funding Clashes: Blamed Democrats for a partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown, demanding they restore funding to the agency.
Proposed "Delilah Law": Urged Congress to pass legislation that would ban commercial licenses for immigrants without legal status.
Iran Warning: Stated that while diplomacy continues, he would not hesitate to use military force to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Governance & Election Integrity
Anti-Corruption Measures: Called for the passage of the "Stop Insider Trading Act" to ban members of Congress and their spouses from trading stocks.
SAVE America Act: Pushed for new federal requirements for proof of citizenship to vote, framing it as essential for election integrity ahead of the midterms.
"America 250": Invoked the upcoming 250th anniversary of U.S. independence this July 4th as a symbol of national "triumph and freedom".
Democratic Response Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger delivered the official Democratic response, accusing the President of lying about the economy's health and blasting his immigration tactics as "unaccountable" and "violent".
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Economic Policy & Affordability
"Roaring" Economy: Trump insisted the U.S. is experiencing an "economic boom," citing a rising stock market and job growth despite public polls showing continued voter anxiety over the cost of living.
Retirement Savings Proposal: Announced a major new plan to provide workers who lack employer-sponsored 401(k)s with access to a plan similar to the federal Thrift Savings Plan, including a government match of up to $1,000 annually.
Tariff Defiance: Following a Supreme Court ruling that struck down his primary tariff authority, Trump called the decision "totally wrong" and pledged to implement "even stronger" alternative import duties.
Tech Industry Power: Proposed a "Rate Payer Protection Pledge" requiring major tech companies and AI data centers to build their own power plants to avoid driving up local electricity costs.
Immigration & National Security
Enforcement Triumphs: Highlighted a massive drop in illegal border crossings, claiming arrests had hit their lowest levels since the 1960s due to his administration's strict policies.
DHS Funding Clashes: Blamed Democrats for a partial Department of Homeland Security shutdown, demanding they restore funding to the agency.
Proposed "Delilah Law": Urged Congress to pass legislation that would ban commercial licenses for immigrants without legal status.
Iran Warning: Stated that while diplomacy continues, he would not hesitate to use military force to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Governance & Election Integrity
Anti-Corruption Measures: Called for the passage of the "Stop Insider Trading Act" to ban members of Congress and their spouses from trading stocks.
SAVE America Act: Pushed for new federal requirements for proof of citizenship to vote, framing it as essential for election integrity ahead of the midterms.
"America 250": Invoked the upcoming 250th anniversary of U.S. independence this July 4th as a symbol of national "triumph and freedom".
Democratic Response Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger delivered the official Democratic response, accusing the President of lying about the economy's health and blasting his immigration tactics as "unaccountable" and "violent".
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