Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, despite maintaining his previous negative assessment of President Trump, framed their recent meeting as an opportunity to collaborate on lowering the cost of living for New Yorkers. Both figures set aside their previous campaign insults, with Trump expressing support for Mamdani and the meeting described as productive. During their discussion, the two focused on areas of agreement rather than political disagreements. Mamdani’s approach stems from a focus on the key issues impacting New Yorkers.
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President Trump is poised to announce a healthcare cost framework, potentially halting Affordable Care Act premium increases, with a formal announcement expected at the White House alongside Dr. Mehmet Oz. The proposed “Healthcare Price Cuts Act” aims to end “surprise premium hikes” and eliminate “zero-premium” subsidies, introducing a deposit program to incentivize lower-premium options. This initiative emerges as ACA subsidies are set to expire, creating pressure for action, and aligns with bipartisan interest in addressing healthcare costs. The proposal also includes a separate bill calling for a “Most Favored Nation” drug-pricing policy.
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A group of European lawmakers has sent a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump, expressing concerns about potential appeasement of Russia. The letter, signed by parliamentarians from various European countries, follows criticism of a leaked peace plan perceived as favoring Russian interests in Ukraine. The signatories condemn any pressure on Ukraine and urge strong American leadership, warning that a perceived Russian victory would embolden authoritarian regimes. The letter specifically invokes Ronald Reagan’s policy towards the USSR and cautions against actions that could undermine the U.S.-led order, with the world closely watching the situation in Ukraine.
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The article explores Donald Trump’s pattern of displaying a strategic “flirting” with handsome, younger men, often those he has previously attacked. This behavior, seen with figures like Emmanuel Macron and Zohran Mamdani, appears to be rooted in a desire for dominance, validation, and a perceived ability to influence others. Trump’s approach involves both verbal abuse and charm, strategically timed to gain concessions, project an image of power, or garner favorable media attention. This pattern extends to international leaders and political figures, suggesting that those who play along with Trump’s game may be able to advance their own goals.
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Lawmakers Mike Rounds and Angus King reported that Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed them that the leaked 28-point peace plan for Ukraine was essentially a “wish list” originating from the Kremlin, not the U.S. government. The plan, which critics see as a demand for Ukrainian capitulation, includes provisions such as halving Ukraine’s military and recognizing Russian control of occupied territories. Despite denials from Rubio and the State Department, the administration has faced scrutiny for the plan, with even Special Envoy Steve Witkoff raising suspicion regarding its origins. Trump has since stated the proposals aren’t final, and is allowing Ukraine to respond by Thursday.
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Traditionally, American politicians attempted to cultivate a “regular guy” persona to appeal to voters, but Donald Trump disrupted this strategy by openly flaunting his wealth and distancing himself from common practices like diner visits. However, he also shared common grievances and complaints, creating a sense of relatability despite his wealth. Now, as president again, Trump is fully embracing the elite class, surrounded by wealthy figures and seemingly immune to accountability. This shift is further exemplified by his involvement in a scandal linked to Jeffrey Epstein, highlighting the culture of impunity enjoyed by the wealthy.
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New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, despite maintaining his previous descriptions of President Trump as a “fascist” and “despot,” viewed their initial meeting as an opportunity to collaborate on lowering the cost of living for New Yorkers. The meeting itself was reportedly friendly, with both acknowledging their political disagreements while focusing on the shared goal of addressing affordability. During the discussion, they addressed Trump’s promises to lower costs and Mamdani’s conversations with Trump voters. Despite their history of conflict, Mamdani emphasized his commitment to delivering for New Yorkers and finding common ground, even discussing potential collaboration on various initiatives.
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Hanan Elatr Khashoggi, the widow of Jamal Khashoggi, and Democratic members of Congress have called upon President Trump to release the transcript of his phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman following Khashoggi’s murder in 2018. Rep. Vindman, who served on Trump’s National Security Council, has described the 2019 call as “highly disturbing” and urged for its declassification. Khashoggi’s widow and other critics have condemned Trump’s cordial reception of MBS and defense of Saudi Arabia, especially given US intelligence agencies’ findings that MBS ordered the murder. This call for transparency and justice comes amid continued arms sales to the kingdom, ongoing investigations, and potential business ventures that may present conflicts of interest.
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At the G20 summit, leaders from the world’s top economies issued a joint statement, reinforcing their commitment to the Paris climate agreement and supporting open trade, despite the absence of U.S. President Donald Trump who boycotted the summit. The 30-page communique reaffirmed commitments to tackle climate change, acknowledging the financial needs of developing countries in meeting emissions reduction targets. Simultaneously, Australia endorsed the “Belém Declaration on the Transition Away from Fossil Fuels” signaling a shift away from fossil fuels. Despite these strong commitments, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese clarified that Australia would not be altering existing policies, maintaining the current stance on the role of gas in the energy transition.
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Following Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s resignation from Congress, former President Donald Trump reacted with gleeful criticism, calling her a “traitor” on social media. Trump claimed her decision stemmed from fears of a Trump-backed primary challenger and a lack of communication from him. Despite his criticism, Trump also expressed appreciation for her service. The news of Greene’s resignation has split the MAGA movement, with some delighting in it and others criticizing her decision.
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John Q. Hosedrinker