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Thursday, October 30, 2025

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2 hours ago
Politics

Senate Democrats Are Trying to Dox Trump’s Ballroom Donors.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Senate Democrats are demanding transparency regarding the financing of President Donald J. Trump’s planned White House ballroom.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Senate Democrats led by Adam Schiff (D-CA), donors including major corporations and individual Trump supporters, and the Trump administration.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The call for disclosure follows recent donor list revelations, with a response deadline set for November 5.

💬KEY QUOTE: “To assess possible conflicts of interest and violations of law and ethics obligations, Congress and the American public deserve meaningful transparency.” – Senate Democrat letter

🎯IMPACT: Opponents of the effort contend that Sen. Schiff and his allies intend to use the disclosures to create a chilling effect, scaring off private donors in the hope of starving President Trump’s project of funding.

IN FULL

Senate Democrats, led by Russia hoax ringleader Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), are working to force the disclosure of private, identifying information of donors financing President Donald J. Trump’s planned White House ballroom. In addition, the Schiff-led effort seeks details on how the ballroom construction is being financed.

Democrats argue that without transparency, the financing of the ballroom could become a channel for improper influence within the administration. However, opponents of the effort contend Sen. Schiff and his allies intend to use the disclosures to create a chilling effect, scaring off private donors in the hope of starving President Trump’s project of funding.

A number of corporations are helping Trump fund his $300 million ballroom, for which a section of the East Wing of the White House has recently been demolished. Donors include tech companies Apple, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, Google, and communication companies like Comcast.

Sen. Schiff and Democrat lawmakers claim, in a letter addressed to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, that the Trump administration’s approach “raises troubling questions about the potential for influence peddling and other forms of corruption.” The letter requests a complete accounting of all donations to the White House ballroom construction project, including the conditions under which contributions were made.

Specific details demanded include a complete list of all donors, individual and corporate, and details of any terms tied to donations. It also requests identification of donors with federal contracts, regulatory matters, or pending litigation, as well as records of any ethics advice or approvals related to the solicitation or acceptance of private donations. The letter, signed by Sens. Alex Padilla (D-CA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jon Ossoff (D-GA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), among others, gives the White House until November 5 to produce the information.

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1 hour ago
Crime

Trump’s City Crime Crackdown Nets 1,700 Arrests in One Month.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Over 1,700 arrests were made in Memphis, Tennessee, following a federal crime crackdown led by the Trump administration.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Federal agencies, local law enforcement, the Trump administration, and Memphis criminals.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The operation began in September 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Tolerating crime is a choice. Under President Trump, we choose law and order: residents of our cities do not have to live in fear of violent crime.” – Attorney General Pam Bondi

🎯IMPACT: Crime in Memphis reportedly dropped 46 percent since the operation began, with dozens of missing children found and hundreds of firearms seized.

IN FULL

Law enforcement officers in Memphis, Tennessee, have made over 1,700 arrests in a month as part of a federal crime crackdown initiated by President Donald J. Trump. Those arrested included suspects charged with homicides, drug offenses, gun charges, and sex offenses. Among them were 126 known gang members.

The Department of Justice (DOJ)-led effort also located dozens of missing children and seized 293 firearms. Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the operation, stating, “Tolerating crime is a choice. Under President Trump, we choose law and order: residents of our cities do not have to live in fear of violent crime.”

The operation, known as the “Memphis Safe Task Force,” was launched by President Trump in mid-September. Federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) have been involved, as well as National Guard troops and local law enforcement. The effort has no set end date.

Since September, serious crime in the city has reportedly dropped by 46 percent. Arrests included a gang member charged with first-degree murder and suspects found with over $1 million in cash, methamphetamine, and firearms.

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3 hours ago
News
UK

Elon Musk Predicts ‘Inevitable’ British Civil War.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Elon Musk warned of a “civil war” in Britain following a triple stabbing in London, allegedly by an Afghan migrant.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Elon Musk, a 22-year-old Afghan migrant, three victims, the British authorities, and Professor David Betz of King’s College London.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The stabbings occurred on Monday in West London, with Musk’s comments posted on Wednesday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Civil war in Britain is inevitable.” – Elon Musk

🎯IMPACT: Musk’s remarks have intensified debates about immigration and security in Western nations.

IN FULL

Elon Musk has predicted that “civil war in Britain is inevitable” following the fatal stabbing of a dogwalker in London. The incident involved a 22-year-old Afghan migrant who was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder after a triple stabbing on Monday. According to reports, the suspect had entered Britain illegally, further fuelling controversy over immigration and public safety.

Musk expanded on his remarks by claiming that “a civil war in the United Kingdom already began quietly several years ago, but only the other side was fighting.” He also likened native Britons to the Hobbits in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, suggesting they had been slow to defend their homeland due to naivete about the state of the wider world.

Footage of the attack, which appeared to show the victim being thrown to the ground and repeatedly stabbed, circulated widely on social media before London police warned against sharing it. Musk posted the video himself on Wednesday morning, amplifying the debate over censorship and policing.

The Tesla billionaire’s intervention comes amid growing unease about the impact of mass migration and political division in Western societies. Professor David Betz of King’s College London has previously warned that the conditions for civil war “already exist in many Western states,” arguing that the focus has shifted from prevention to damage control.

Musk previously criticised the arrest of a man over a Facebook comment in Britain, calling Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer “Two-Tier Keir” and asking, “Is this Britain or the Soviet Union?” The Prime Minister later described Musk’s remarks as “dangerous” and accused him of undermining public trust in the police.

Musk’s posts about previously ignored child grooming gangs in English cities earlier this year also played a part in prompting the government to announce a statutory inquiry.

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3 hours ago
Lawfare

Jack Smith Targeted Over 430 GOP Leaders in FBI ‘Fishing Expedition,’ Sen. Grassley Reveals.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) released Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) files revealing that over 430 Republican groups and individuals were targeted by subpoenas in the Arctic Frost probe.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Sen. Grassley, special counsel Jack Smith, and other GOP senators.

📍WHEN & WHERE: October 29, 2025; Washington, D.C.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Contrary to what Smith has said publicly, this was a fishing expedition.” – Sen. Grassley

🎯IMPACT: The probe has drawn criticism for targeting Republican entities and individuals, raising further questions as to the extent of the former Biden government’s lawfare campaign against President Donald J. Trump and his allies.

IN FULL

Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) announced on Wednesday the release of Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) files showing that special counsel Jack Smith issued 197 subpoenas targeting Republican groups and individuals as part of the Arctic Frost probe. Grassley described the investigation as a “fishing expedition” aimed at improperly scrutinizing the Republican political apparatus.

“I’ve obtained through legally protected whistleblower disclosures,” Grassley stated during a press conference with other Republican senators. “197 subpoenas were issued by Jack Smith and his team. These subpoenas were issued to 34 individuals and 163 businesses, including financial institutions.”

Grassley further noted that the subpoenas sought records and communications involving over 430 individuals and organizations, including prominent conservative entities such as Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA (TPUSA) and the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA). The investigation also involved a subpoena related to communications with media companies like CBS, Fox News, Newsmax, and Sinclair.

“Arctic Frost was the vehicle by which partisan FBI agents and DOJ prosecutors could improperly investigate the entire Republican political apparatus. Some subpoenas to individuals and businesses sought statistical data and analysis relating to donors and fundraising efforts,” Grassley said, emphasizing the broad scope of the investigation. He added: “Contrary to what Smith has said publicly, this was a fishing expedition.”

The Arctic Frost probe ultimately resulted in a four-count indictment against President Donald J. Trump concerning efforts to contest the 2020 election. Grassley previously revealed that the investigation also targeted phone metadata from at least nine Republican lawmakers.

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By Popular Demand.
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4 hours ago
News

Ground Stop at Newark Airport as Shutdown Causes Air Traffic Control Staffing Crisis.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Staffing shortages at Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic control centers led to a temporary ground stop at Newark Liberty International Airport.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), air passengers, and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Wednesday afternoon, Newark Liberty International Airport, with potential impacts at other major airports.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We have more people calling in sick, more people not showing up for work,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.

🎯IMPACT: Over 2,700 flight delays were reported by 4 PM EDT, contributing to a week of significant travel disruptions.

IN FULL

On Wednesday, staffing shortages at Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic control centers led to a temporary ground stop at Newark Liberty International Airport. The FAA issued an advisory at 3:30 PM EDT highlighting staffing triggers at three control facilities, including the Philadelphia TRACON Area C, the New York ARTCC Area D, and the Indianapolis ARTCC Area 5.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy addressed the situation, stating that the increasing number of staffing triggers is a “sign that the controllers are wearing thin” amid the Senate Democrats’ government shutdown. He noted a rise in absences, with more personnel calling in sick or not showing up for work. Saturday marked the highest number of staffing triggers since the shutdown began, with 22 air traffic control facilities affected.

The ground stop at Newark was issued shortly after 3 PM EDT, with potential ground stops or delays flagged for New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport after 4 PM EDT, and at Dallas and Washington’s Reagan National until 10 PM EDT. As of 4 PM EDT, FlightAware reported over 2,700 flight delays, adding to the 21,000 flights delayed earlier in the week.

The current staffing issues are reminiscent of the 35-day shutdown of 2018-2019, where missing the first paycheck led to increased absences among air traffic controllers. This week, controllers received their first “zero paychecks,” exacerbating the situation as some seek temporary second jobs. Congressional Republicans have tried to pass funding bills multiple times, but the Senate Democrats have consistently blocked them.

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By Popular Demand.
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5 hours ago
Media

CBS News Axes Additional Anchors Following Morning Show Cancellation.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: CBS News has fired two anchors, Michelle Miller and Dana Jacobson, following the cancellation of CBS Saturday Morning.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Anchors Michelle Miller and Dana Jacobson, CBS News President Tom Cibrowski, and Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announced on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at CBS News, part of Paramount Global.

💬KEY QUOTE: “It’s an enormously difficult day for the network,” said Bari Weiss during a morning editorial call.

🎯IMPACT: The firings are part of larger layoffs at Paramount Global, which plans to cut over 2,000 staff across the organization.

IN FULL

CBS News terminated Michelle Miller and Dana Jacobson, the anchors of CBS Saturday Morning, after the program was canceled. According to sources, this decision also led to the dismissal of most of the production team.

The cancellation of CBS Saturday Morning comes amid a broader restructuring at CBS News under new Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss and CBS News President Tom Cibrowski. Reports indicate that this is part of significant layoffs at CBS’s parent company, Paramount Global, following its acquisition by billionaire David Ellison earlier this year.

Ellison announced plans to cut more than 2,000 jobs across the organization in a note to staff on Wednesday. During a morning editorial call, Weiss acknowledged the challenges, describing it as an “enormously difficult day” for the network.

The changes are not limited to CBS Saturday Morning. CBS Evening News anchor John Dickerson also announced his departure after 16 years with the network, effective at the end of December. Additionally, streaming editions of CBS Evening News and CBS Mornings have been discontinued.

Image by Studio Sarah Lou.

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By Popular Demand.
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5 hours ago
News
World

Trump Draws Down U.S. Troop Numbers on Ukrainian Border.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The United States has informed NATO allies it will reduce its troop presence in Europe, particularly along the eastern border with Ukraine, to focus on other global security priorities.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The U.S. government, NATO allies, and Romania’s defense ministry.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announcement made on October 29; impacts NATO’s eastern flank, particularly in Romania.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Our strategic partnership is solid, predictable, and reliable,” said Romanian Defense Minister Ionut Mosteanu.

🎯IMPACT: About 1,000 U.S. troops will remain in Romania.

IN FULL

The United States has informed its NATO allies that it will scale back troop rotations in Europe, including the withdrawal of a brigade that has operated across several NATO countries, such as Romania. Romania’s defense ministry confirmed the decision on Wednesday, saying it reflects Washington’s growing focus on the Indo-Pacific region.

Romania’s Defense Minister Ionuț Moșteanu stressed that the move does not weaken ties between the two countries. “Our strategic partnership is solid, predictable, and reliable,” Moșteanu said during a press briefing. He added that allied troop numbers in Romania will remain above the levels seen before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. According to the ministry, about 1,000 U.S. troops will remain stationed in Romania, compared to roughly 1,700 earlier this year.

A NATO official, speaking anonymously, said the change should not be seen as a sign of reduced commitment. “Adjustments to U.S. force posture are not unusual,” the official said, noting that the American military presence in Europe remains higher than in previous years. The official added that NATO and U.S. authorities are working closely to maintain strong deterrence and defense capabilities across the region. Romania’s defense ministry also emphasized that NATO’s bolstered presence on the Eastern Flank has enabled Washington to recalibrate its regional deployments without weakening collective security.

The decision comes as NATO faces growing pressure to increase defense spending among its members. Under pressure from President Donald J. Trump, alliance members have agreed to move beyond the long-standing goal of spending two percent of GDP on defense. Earlier this year, several allies pledged to aim for a combined defense and security expenditure of around five percent of GDP by 2035, with at least 3.5 percent dedicated to core defense budgets.

The United Kingdom has already announced plans to allocate three percent of GDP to defense by 2034, responding to calls for greater burden-sharing. Italy, however, remains hesitant about meeting even the original two percent benchmark, citing domestic economic challenges. Trump’s renewed focus on equitable defense spending has prompted several allies to reevaluate their commitments, while NATO leaders insist the alliance’s unity remains strong despite the policy shifts.

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6 hours ago
Economy

Trump Has REDUCED Food Stamp Dependence by 600,000.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump announced that over 600,000 Americans have stopped claiming Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits since he took office.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Donald Trump, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and millions of Americans relying on SNAP benefits.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Trump made the announcement during the APEC summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, on Wednesday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “In nine months, we’ve lifted over 600,000 Americans off food stamps.” – Donald Trump

🎯IMPACT: While the exact cause of the drop in SNAP reliance isn’t entirely clear, declining inflation and increasing domestic industrial investment are two likely factors impacting the decline.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump announced that the number of Americans receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits has dropped by more than 600,000 since he took office. The revelation was made during his address at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, on Wednesday.

During his remarks, Trump stated, “In nine months, we’ve lifted over 600,000 Americans off food stamps.” According to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) data, between January and May 2025, the number of SNAP recipients dropped by 645,315, from 42,380,525 to 41,735,210. Notably, the number of SNAP recipients has been gradually decreasing since October 2024. USDA data shows a reduction of 1,515,619 recipients between October 2024 and May 2025.

While the exact cause of the drop in SNAP reliance isn’t entirely clear, declining inflation and increasing domestic industrial investment are two likely factors impacting the decline. Since taking office in January, President Trump has secured billions in new corporate investment in American manufacturing to revive domestic production and support well-paying blue-collar jobs.

The USDA recently confirmed that food assistance, issued to just under 42 million low- and no-income Americans, will not be distributed on time in November due to the ongoing government shutdown. The shutdown, which began on October 1 when Senate Democrats blocked a continuing resolution (CR) temporarily extending appropriations, has caused nonessential federal services to cease, including programs like SNAP that depend on federal funding.

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By Popular Demand.
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6 hours ago
William Upton
Economy

The Fed Cuts Interest Rates Again.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) moved to cut interest rates on Wednesday by 25 basis points (bps), marking the second rate cut of 2025.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Federal Reserve, the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, President Donald J. Trump, and the U.S. economy.

📍WHEN & WHERE: October 29, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

🎯IMPACT: While economists largely forecasted the rate cut, the decision still triggered a degree of market volatility, though this is fairly common in the wake of a reduction in rates.

IN FULL

The Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) moved to cut interest rates on Wednesday by 25 basis points (bps), marking the second rate cut of 2025. While economists largely forecasted the rate cut, the decision still triggered a degree of market volatility, with stocks experiencing a minor sell-off on the news.

This marks the second rate cut since the central bank initially moved to slash borrowing costs in September. President Donald J. Trump has campaigned for the Federal Reserve to reduce rates for months, warning that not doing so risked stalling out the economy.

In August, during the Federal Reserve’s annual Jackson Hole summit, the central bank’s chairman, Jerome Powell, signalled that the FOMC would likely move to cut rates at its September meeting. At Jackson Hole, Powell indicated data showing a weakening labor market likely necessitated a reduction in interest rates. “[W]ith policy in restrictive territory, the baseline outlook and the shifting balance of risks may warrant adjusting our policy stance,” Powell said.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) benchmark revision, released in September, revised downward the total number of jobs created between April 2024 and March 2025 by a shocking 911,000. This revision, accounting mostly for the final year of the former Biden government, means the monthly job growth number for much of 2024 stood at only 71,000 per month, instead of the initially reported average of 147,000 per month.

Additionally, the August jobs report suggests the U.S. economy could be slowing, with only 22,000 jobs added for the month—placing further pressure on the Federal Reserve to continue its rate cut cycle.

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By Popular Demand.
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7 hours ago
Data
Politics

Stefanik Could Become New York’s First GOP Governor in 20 Years, Poll Shows.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A new poll from the Manhattan Institute shows Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) leading both Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY) and Lieutenant Governor Anthony Delgado (D-NY) in a hypothetical New York gubernatorial matchup.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Elise Stefanik, Kathy Hochul, Anthony Delgado, and the Manhattan Institute.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Poll conducted October 22-26, 2025, surveying New York voters.

💬KEY QUOTE: “This marks the first time in decades that any potential Republican gubernatorial candidate is polling ahead of a Democrat incumbent Governor, even before any official announcement.” – Bernadette Breslin, spokesman for Elise Stefanik.

🎯IMPACT: The poll suggests Republicans could make the New York gubernatorial race competitive for the first time in decades, though forecasters still classify the race as Likely Democratic.

IN FULL

Republicans may have a rare opportunity to win the New York gubernatorial office, according to a new poll from the Manhattan Institute. The survey found Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) leading Governor Kathy Hochul (D-NY) by one point (43 percent to 42 percent) and Lieutenant Governor Anthony Delgado (D-NY) by six points (43 percent to 37 percent). The poll, which surveyed 600 New York City voters and 300 New York State voters from October 22 to October 26, 2025, had a margin of error of ±3.3 percentage points.

Stefanik, a northern New York congresswoman and prominent supporter of President Donald J. Trump, has not officially announced her candidacy but is seen as a strong contender for Republicans. Hochul, on the other hand, is seeking reelection after a narrower-than-expected victory in 2022. She is also facing a primary challenge from Delgado, though polling suggests she maintains an advantage among Democratic voters.

Other recent polls have shown varying results. A Siena College poll conducted in early September 2025 showed Hochul with a 25-point lead over Stefanik, while a GrayHouse poll found Hochul leading initially but Stefanik gaining ground after voters were presented with additional information about the candidates. Both polls suggest that the race could tighten as the election approaches.

Bernadette Breslin, a spokesman for Stefanik, highlighted the significance of the Manhattan Institute poll, stating, “This marks the first time in decades that any potential Republican gubernatorial candidate (and in this case, the likely nominee) is polling ahead of a Democrat incumbent Governor, even before any official announcement.” Breslin also criticized Hochul for her policies, calling her “the Worst Governor in America” and accusing her of putting New Yorkers last.

The increasingly likely election of socialist Zohran Mamdani as Mayor of New York City could have a significant impact on the 2026 gubernatorial race. Hochul threw her support behind the far-left Mamdani in September, despite concerns among Democratic leaders over the mayoral candidate’s extreme policy proposals. The National Pulse previously reported that Mamdani has pushed plans for an additional $100 million in taxpayer funds to provide legal defense for illegal immigrants facing deportation, advocated for “the abolition of private property,” proposed socialist city-owned grocery stores, and detailed a controversial plan to “[s]hift the tax burden from overtaxed homeowners in the outer boroughs to more expensive homes in richer and whiter neighborhoods.”

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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By Popular Demand.
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7 hours ago
Politics

Mamdani’s Mother Bragged ‘He Is Not an American at All.’

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The mother of the Democrats’ socialist New York City mayoral candidate, Zohran Mamdani, stated in a 2013 interview that her son is “not an American at all,” using terminology criticized as derogatory toward Westerners.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Zohran Mamdani, his mother Mira Nair, and attorney Mehek Cooke.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Comments made in a 2013 Hindustan Times interview.

💬KEY QUOTE: “He is not an Uhmericcan (American) at all. He was born in Uganda, raised between India and America. He is at home in many places.” – Mira Nair

🎯IMPACT: Critics say the remarks are ungrateful and divisive, and raise questions about Mamdani’s identity and values. Notably, the Ugandan immigrant did not obtain U.S. citizenship until 2018.

IN FULL

In a 2013 interview with the Hindustan Times, filmmaker Mira Nair, mother of the Democrats’ socialist New York City mayoral candidate, Zohran Mamdani, described her son as “not an American at all.” Nair stated, “He is a total desi. Completely. We are not firangs at all. He is very much us. He is not an Uhmericcan (American) at all. He was born in Uganda, raised between India and America. He is at home in many places.”

The term “firang,” historically used in Hindi and Urdu to describe foreigners or Westerners, was criticized by attorney and GOP consultant Mehek Cooke. “It’s the word used back in India to mock outsiders, to say you don’t belong,” Cooke said in a recent interview. “Using it here about your own child raised in the United States carries the same tone as calling someone a derogatory word—or worse.”

Cooke added, “When Mamdani’s mother says her son was ‘never a firang and only desi,’ it’s a rejection of America. It’s ungrateful, disrespectful, and frankly repulsive to live in this country since age seven, receive every freedom, education, and opportunity America offers, and still deny being American.”

Zohran Mamdani, born in Uganda and a U.S. resident since age seven, holds dual citizenship and only became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2018. Nair emphasized, “We only speak Hindustani at home,” and described her son as a “very chaalu fellow,” meaning savvy or street smart.

His father, Mahmood Mamdani, a Columbia University professor, despises America, branding it “the genesis of… settler-colonialism,” and “the inspiration” for the Nazis.

“This isn’t just about identity, it’s about values,” Cooke said. “Rejecting the label of ‘American’ while living under the flag, enjoying the freedoms, and cashing in on the opportunities is a rejection of American values themselves: gratitude, unity, and pride in country.”

Image by Eden, Janine, and Jim.

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