The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson

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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1. Recent Meetings & Political Context
Ben has been in Washington, D.C., meeting with the Treasury Secretary, appearing on Fox News Sunday, and meeting Speaker Mike Johnson ahead of the upcoming State of the Union address.
These meetings emphasized what they consider President Trump’s accomplishments, such as tariffs, economic gains, and prioritizing American jobs.
2. Importance of Trump’s Upcoming State of the Union
Trump aims to sell voters on his first year back in office, highlighting economic and immigration actions.
The speech is viewed as crucial for setting the stage for his next four years and midterm election momentum.
3. Challenges Facing Trump
Recent polls showing low approval ratings.
The Supreme Court striking down his tariff policy, though Trump reportedly has a workaround.
Concerns that if Democrats win back either chamber, his second-term agenda could be paralyzed.
4. Tensions Within the Democratic Party
Significant internal division over: Who should respond to Trump’s speech.
The direction of their policy messaging.

Some Democrats plan to boycott the speech; others push for a coordinated walkout.
Multiple separate Democratic responses highlight fractured internal unity.
5. Expected Themes in Trump’s Speech
Economy: Claiming reduced inflation, economic revival, and new policies like no tax on tips or overtime.
Immigration & Crime: Border security, crackdowns on criminal activity, lowering crime in major cities.
Foreign Policy: Rising tensions with Iran, U.S. military buildup, Middle East issues, Ukraine/Russia, and wars he says he has ended.
Angel Families: Honoring families of Americans killed by undocumented immigrants.
6. Media & Public Perception
The White House event with Angel Families received little coverage from mainstream networks, which is criticized in the text.
Trump dismisses negative media polls as “fake.”
7. High Stakes of the Midterms
The speech will stress that a Democratic-controlled Congress could: End Trump’s legislative agenda.
Lead to new investigations.
Potentially result in a third impeachment.

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1. Mar‑a‑Lago Armed Intrusion Incident
Separately, an armed 21‑year‑old man (Austin Tucker Martin) from North Carolina entered the Mar‑a‑Lago perimeter.
He carried a shotgun and a gasoline canister.
After raising the shotgun toward agents, he was shot and killed by Secret Service and local law enforcement.
Trump and the First Lady were not present.
The FBI is leading the investigation; the motive remains unknown.
2. Death of CJNG Cartel Leader “El Mencho”
Mexico confirmed the death of El Mencho, described as the most powerful cartel boss in the country.
His death occurred during a military operation aimed at capturing him, which escalated into a firefight.
3. Widespread Cartel Retaliation Across Mexico
Following his death, CJNG gunmen launched coordinated attacks in multiple states, including: Roadblocks
Carjackings
Shootings of civilians
Arson targeting stores, gas stations, and buildings
Attacks at airports such as in Guadalajara

Several regions were brought to a standstill.
4. U.S. Involvement in Pre‑Operation Training
Reports claim U.S. Navy SEALs provided specialized training to elite Mexican military units shortly before the operation.
Mexico had approved U.S. Special Forces presence for joint training.
Communication devices of Mexican units were confiscated to prevent leaks due to corruption risks.
Operation was based on both Mexican and U.S. intelligence tracking Elmentcho.
Intended as a capture mission, but resistance from cartel gunmen led to lethal force being used.
5. U.S. Warnings to American Citizens
The U.S. Embassy issued shelter‑in‑place orders and travel warnings due to escalating violence.
The U.S. State Department continues to warn travelers about significant dangers in impacted areas.

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