FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed in an interview with investigative journalist John Solomon that additional indictments are expected against corrupt officials tied to long-standing misconduct within the federal government.
During the exchange, Solomon pressed Patel on whether further criminal referrals were likely.
“Beyond those who are already charged,” Solomon asked.
“Do you think you’ve seen other crimes that might eventually get referred to justice?”
Patel replied that the FBI continues to pursue numerous investigations targeting individuals in positions of power.
“Yes, we are looking at so many different leads on criminal activity by those who are in positions of power, and we’re not going to stop until every single one of those is fully exposed,” he said.
“The documents are provided either to Congress or the courts of law and make every referral we can under the Department of Justice.”
He went on to say that the public should view the current prosecutions as only the beginning of a much larger effort.
“These indictments that you’ve seen and the ones that you’re going to see coming up here in this near future, are just the beginning,” Patel continued.
Acknowledging public frustration about the pace of progress, Patel noted that dismantling entrenched corruption requires time and persistence.
“But I have to remind the audience one thing, everybody’s like, it’s seven months. What have you guys been doing? Well, they spent 20 years building this diseased temple of corruption. It takes a little bit of time to defeat it and beat it down,” he said.
Patel urged the public to evaluate the FBI’s recent work and remain patient as the investigations unfold. “I’m not asking you to trust me,” he added.
“I’m asking you to look at the work the men and women of the FBI have done so far in these seven, eight months, and just imagine what we’re going to do come the year end.”
BREAKING: FBI Director Kash Patel confirms that MORE INDICTMENTS are coming against corrupt Deep State officials
“These indictments that you’ve seen and the ones that you’re GOING to see coming up in the near future are just the BEGINNING!”
The remarks signal that additional legal action may be forthcoming as the FBI continues to probe what Patel described as a two-decade network of entrenched corruption within the government.
President Donald Trump has directed a sweeping overhaul of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), with interim IRS Commissioner Scott Bessent and senior advisor Gary Shapley spearheading a restructuring effort that includes new investigative priorities and leadership changes.
The move comes as the agency operates with reduced staff due to the ongoing government shutdown and follows the removal of former Commissioner Billy Long in August after a policy dispute over taxpayer data.
According to officials familiar with the matter, Shapley has been tasked with identifying individuals and entities who may face criminal scrutiny over potential political and financial misconduct.
Among those reportedly reviewed is billionaire Democratic donor George Soros, whose Open Society Foundation remains one of the world’s largest funders of progressive causes.
Soros’ Fund for Policy Reform, largely run by his son Alex, donated $60 million to Democrats in 2024, ranking as the 12th largest contributor nationally and second among exclusively liberal givers.
The overhaul has coincided with a broader push from the administration and Republican leaders to examine political funding sources tied to recent anti-Trump demonstrations.
Senator Ted Cruz introduced legislation this week to enable the Department of Justice to use the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act to investigate financial backers of the “No Kings” protests held over the weekend.
“Follow the money. Cut off the money,” Cruz told Fox News host Sean Hannity on Wednesday.
“You look at this No Kings rally — there’s considerable evidence that George Soros and his network is behind funding these rallies which may well turn into riots.”
Cruz added, “I’ve introduced legislation that would allow DOJ to use RICO to prosecute the money that is funding these No Kings protests.”
President Trump has previously said that Attorney General Pam Bondi should use RICO statutes to address funding networks behind political violence.
“They should be put in jail,” Trump said, according to CNN, referencing protesters who targeted him at a Washington, D.C., restaurant in September.
The President has instructed Bessent to identify financiers believed to be contributing to political unrest.
“Scott will do that. That’s easy for Scott,” Trump said during a recent cabinet meeting.
Soros’ Open Society Foundation denied any involvement in political violence and reiterated its opposition to unlawful conduct.
The administration’s IRS restructuring follows the dismissal of Commissioner Billy Long after only two months in the role.
Sources told The Washington Post and CNN that the decision came amid tensions over whether the IRS should provide taxpayer data to immigration authorities.
According to those reports, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had requested confirmation of addresses for more than 40,000 individuals using tax records — part of a larger effort under an April agreement between DHS and the Treasury Department.
Long refused, citing taxpayer privacy protections. He was replaced the following day.
A DHS spokesperson said the cooperation framework was designed “to ensure that sensitive taxpayer information is protected, while allowing law enforcement to effectively pursue criminal violations.”
The White House called claims of internal disagreement “false and totally fake news,” and said Long’s reassignment had been planned.
Long was later nominated by President Trump to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Iceland.
“It is an honor to serve my friend President Trump and I am excited to take on my new role as the ambassador to Iceland,” Long wrote on X.
“I am thrilled to answer his call to service and deeply committed to advancing his bold agenda.”
Meanwhile, the IRS is operating at roughly half capacity under a revised contingency plan posted to its website, with only about 53 percent of employees — roughly 39,870 workers — remaining on duty. The shutdown has halted most IRS operations as it draws on remaining funds from the Inflation Reduction Act.
Earlier this year, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, oversaw a separate round of staff reductions that reduced the IRS workforce from approximately 100,000 at the end of 2024 to around 75,000.
Shapley’s ongoing plan reportedly includes replacing key personnel, including Guy Ficco, who currently leads the agency’s investigative division.
The White House has not commented on specific personnel changes but has stated that the reorganization is intended to improve accountability and modernize operations.
When reached by The Wall Street Journal, Shapley declined to discuss specific individuals under review.
“I’m grateful to continue in my role in reforming the IRS,” he said.
A Treasury Department spokesperson added that the team’s focus “remains collections, privacy, and customer service.”
The IRS restructuring represents one of the most significant administrative shakeups since the shutdown began and marks the latest in a series of moves by President Trump to redirect federal agencies toward new enforcement and accountability priorities.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced Thursday that California will lose more than $40 million in federal transportation funding after refusing to comply with the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) English language proficiency requirements for commercial truck drivers, as reported by the Western Journal.
According to a DOT news release, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will withhold $40,685,225 in Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) grants until the state enforces federal rules requiring commercial drivers to demonstrate English-language proficiency.
“I put states on notice this summer: enforce the Trump Administration’s English language requirements or the checks stop coming,” Duffy said.
Gov. Gavin Newsom signs the fast food bill AB1228 in Los Angeles, on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2023. California’s fast food workers will have a minimum wage of $20 per hour next year under a new law.
“California is the only state in the nation that refuses to ensure big rig drivers can read our road signs and communicate with law enforcement. This is a fundamental safety issue that impacts you and your family on America’s roads.”
Duffy added that he regretted the funding loss for California law enforcement but said the decision was unavoidable.
“Let me be clear — this is valuable money that should be going to the great men and women in California law enforcement, who we support. Gov. Newsom’s insistence on obstructing federal law has tied my hands,” he said.
The withheld MCSAP grants fund activities such as roadside inspections, safety audits, traffic enforcement, and trucking safety education programs.
Under federal law, commercial drivers must be able to “read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records.”
This isn’t rocket science.
The foreign truck driver who made an illegal U-turn and killed 3 people in Florida earlier this year got his trucking license in California.
After the accident, he FAILED an English proficiency test.
California officials have maintained that the state’s commercial truck drivers have crash rates below the national average. However, the Department of Transportation said funding will not be restored until the state complies with the federal standards.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order in April requiring all commercial drivers to demonstrate English proficiency before obtaining or renewing a commercial driver’s license.
The order drew attention when California truck driver Vivak Sharma told KGO-TV that he could not renew his license because he does not speak English, despite living in the U.S. for a decade.
Duffy addressed the case directly on X, writing, “Crocodile tears for a man who has spent a decade in our country but couldn’t be bothered to learn our language. Our new rules will keep you and your family SAFE on America’s roads!”
Crocodile tears for a man who has spent a decade in our country but couldn’t be bothered to learn our language.
Our new rules will keep you and your family SAFE on America’s roads! https://t.co/alMR2VhmnA
The DOT’s decision comes amid growing federal concern over the misuse of state-issued licenses by noncitizens. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently revealed that some illegal immigrants had obtained commercial driver’s licenses under false or incomplete names.
One case cited in a DHS release involved a man in New York who possessed a driver’s license under the name “No name given Anmol.” The suspect, an illegal immigrant, was detained by the Oklahoma Highway Patrol on Sept. 23 and later taken into federal custody.
“Allowing illegal aliens to obtain commercial driver’s licenses to operate 18-wheelers and transport hazardous materials on America’s roads is reckless and incredibly dangerous to public safety,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said.
“New York is not only failing to check if applicants applying to drive 18-wheelers are U.S. citizens but even failing to obtain the full legal names of individuals they are issuing commercial drivers’ licenses to.”
McLaughlin said DHS continues to coordinate with state and local agencies to identify and remove illegal alien truck drivers operating in violation of U.S. law.
Border Czar Tom Homan revealed Thursday that his family has been forced into hiding after receiving death threats and being targeted by reporters seeking to identify and locate them, as reported by The Independent Journal Review.
Speaking on Fox News’ The Faulkner Focus, Homan said he has not lived with his wife since late March due to ongoing threats and media efforts to uncover personal details about his family.
“I have not lived with my wife since late March because of death threats against me. And now there’s reporters trying to find the location of my family. There are reporters trying to identify who my sons are. This has gone beyond the pale. It’s insulting,” Homan said.
“And God bless the men and women of ICE and Border Patrol. When I go to bed every night, I say a prayer for every person out there wearing that shield, that they go home to their families.”
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), law enforcement officers and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have faced a 1,000% increase in assaults in recent years.
DHS also reported that agents and their families have been doxxed and harassed online by activists and extremists.
In Texas, an ICE officer’s spouse received a threatening call from an unidentified individual who said:
“I don’t know how you let your husband work for ICE, and you sleep at night. F*** you, f*** your family. I hope your kids get deported by accident. How do you sleep? F*** you. Did you hear what happened to the Nazis after World War II? Because it’s what’s going to happen to your family.”
The department said three women were indicted by a federal grand jury in September after they live-streamed their trip to an ICE agent’s home and posted the address online.
Homan said despite the danger, he continues to support and pray for both law enforcement officers and the illegal aliens they encounter, saying he does not want to see “bloodshed.”
In a previous interview in November, Homan stated he would not be intimidated or silenced by threats.
Jul 17, 2024; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Thomas Homan, Former Acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, speaks during the third day of the Republican National Convention at Fiserv Forum. The third day of the RNC focused on foreign policy and threats. Mandatory Credit: Jasper Colt-USA TODAY
“They’re not going to silence me. Look, I’m going to do this job. I want to do this job because it’s an issue of national security,” Homan said at the time.
“So you’re not going to shut me up. I’m not going away, and I’m going to do this job and I’m going to continue talking to [the] American people [about] why it needs to be done.”
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed that ICE agents have recently arrested several high-priority illegal alien offenders, including individuals convicted of murder, rape, and sexual assault of minors.
In one September incident, an alleged shooter engraved the words “ANTI-ICE” on his bullet casings before opening fire on an ICE facility, killing two detainees. The attack highlighted the growing hostility toward immigration enforcement officers across the country.
Homan reiterated his commitment to continue his work on border security and immigration enforcement despite the mounting threats against him and his family.
The United States Army is poised to make a significant leap forward in its ground combat capabilities with the rapid development of the next-generation M1E3 Abrams tank.
In a major announcement at the Association of the United States Army’s annual meeting in Washington, D.C., industry leaders and Army officials outlined the latest timeline and innovations propelling this ambitious project forward.
According to Danny Deep, executive vice president for Global Operations at General Dynamics, the company expects to have a “pre-prototype” of the M1E3 tank in the hands of soldiers by the end of 2025.
This marks a substantial acceleration from traditional military procurement cycles, which often stretch over the course of a decade.
Deep emphasized the value of direct feedback from those who will ultimately operate the vehicle, stating, “We’re going to have it fielded in the next 12 months for soldiers to touch it, see what they like, see what they don’t like.”
This approach underscores a broader trend within the Army: prioritizing real-world user input and practical needs over endless design refinement.
Rather than waiting years for a perfect solution that may be obsolete by the time it arrives, Army leadership is focused on getting effective tools into the hands of troops much faster.
Deep reinforced this philosophy by explaining, “The 90% solution is a much better answer than an ideal 100% solution that is so long from now that it isn’t going to be relevant when you get it anyway.”
Therefore, the Army and its industry partners are now convinced that speed is not only a factor in combat, but also in how modern military technology is developed and fielded.
Col. Ryan Howell, acting deputy program executive officer for Ground Combat Systems, highlighted the practical steps being taken to bring the M1E3 to the field efficiently.
One notable example is the decision to adopt diesel Caterpillar engines, which are readily available in the commercial market.
He pointed out the dramatic cost savings and logistical advantages of this choice, saying, “I can go from an engine that costs upwards of $1 million per [unit] right now, today, with limited availability, a few parts worldwide, to something that is now commercially available – that a chief warrant officer in the division can grab a bunch of broken ones, go to the nearest Cat dealership in your country and go get it fixed for less than ten grand. I don’t need bespoke manufacturing.”
This focus on off-the-shelf components does not mean that the new tank will compromise on the core characteristics that have made the Abrams line a battlefield legend.
The M1E3 will retain the widely respected 120mm smoothbore main gun, while also introducing improvements in modularity, open architecture, and digital engineering.
These modern design principles not only make the tank more adaptable to future upgrades, but also help streamline maintenance and logistics, further reducing costs and enhancing battlefield readiness.
General Dynamics and Army officials both stressed that these advancements are not simply theoretical.
The accelerated development schedule is being made possible because of lessons learned in previous procurement programs and a new mindset that prioritizes results over bureaucracy.
Modularity, for example, allows different systems and technologies to be swapped in and out more easily, ensuring that the tank can stay current with emerging threats and operational requirements.
Furthermore, digital engineering methods enable designers and engineers to rapidly test and refine new ideas in virtual environments before any physical prototype is built.
This means that potential issues can be identified and corrected early, saving time and resources throughout the development process.
At the same time, there remains a strong commitment to the soldiers who will eventually operate the M1E3 on the battlefield.
By bringing the pre-prototype to a small unit for testing and evaluation, the Army hopes to gather meaningful feedback about everything from ergonomics to battlefield performance.
Deep explained that the identity and location of the initial test unit has not yet been determined, but stressed the importance of letting soldiers “kick the tires” and help shape the final design.
In summary, the Army’s strategy for the M1E3 Abrams is clear: move quickly, leverage proven commercial technologies, and place the needs of soldiers front and center.
By doing so, the Army intends not only to maintain its edge in ground warfare, but also to ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and effectively.
If these efforts succeed, American soldiers will soon have access to one of the most advanced and adaptable fighting vehicles in the world—delivered years ahead of the traditional schedule.
Former University of Pennsylvania swimmer Lia Thomas, who won the 2022 NCAA women’s swimming championship, is set to receive the “Voice of Inspiration Award” at Rainbow Labs’ Violet Visionary Awards on Thursday, as reported by Fox News.
Thomas, a biological male who identifies as transgender, drew national attention after winning the women’s 500-yard freestyle championship two years ago.
The victory ignited nationwide debate over fairness and biological advantages in women’s athletics and became a key flashpoint in the broader discussion surrounding transgender participation in female sports.
Transgender swimmer Lia Thomas is being celebrated in Los Angeles Thursday with a “Voice of Inspiration” award — but not everyone’s applauding. pic.twitter.com/2NafVSTo1Q
According to Rainbow Labs’ website, the “Voice of Inspiration” award “honors an individual whose story and actions ignite hope and courage within the LGBTQ+ community.”
The group’s annual Violet Visionary Awards celebrate “individuals and organizations that embody the spirit of empowerment, resilience, and joy.”
The organization says the event will “uplift the power of LGBTQIA+ expression – in fashion, art, dance, voice, and story – as a revolutionary force fueling queer joy and collective freedom.”
The event is sponsored by the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Football Club, among others. Both organizations did not respond to requests for comment from OutKick regarding their support for honoring Thomas as a “voice of inspiration.”
Riley Gaines, a former NCAA swimmer who tied Thomas in the 200-yard freestyle during the 2022 championships, criticized the recognition.
“Voice of inspiration? The only people Will Thomas inspires are other men who realized you can take everything from women – our records, our spaces, our opportunities – and still get a standing ovation,” Gaines told OutKick, using Thomas’ birth name.
“It’s 2025, not 2020. We’re done pretending that’s courage.”
OutKick was the first to report on Thomas’s recognition at the event. The award comes as the debate over transgender participation in women’s sports continues nationwide. Currently, 29 states have laws or regulations restricting biological males from competing in girls’ and women’s sports.
Earlier this year, President Donald Trump signed an executive order prohibiting transgender athletes from competing against females at federally funded schools and universities. The administration has emphasized that the order is designed to protect fairness and opportunity for female athletes.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have faced similar controversy over the past two years for their participation in Pride-related events.
In 2023, the team honored the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence — a group of drag performers dressed as “nuns” that has drawn criticism from Catholic groups — with a “Community Hero Award.”
The team initially rescinded the invitation following backlash from fans and players but later reversed its decision and issued an apology.
The Violet Visionary Awards will take place on Thursday evening in Los Angeles.
The federal government shutdown continues as negotiations remain stalled, with Democrats continuing to push for expansive new spending measures, including taxpayer-funded healthcare for illegal aliens.
The stalemate, dubbed the “Schumer Shutdown” by Republicans, has led to a series of economic and social consequences, including the depletion of funds for the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program and uncertainty over military pay.
To address those immediate concerns, President Donald Trump authorized the use of tariff revenue to keep WIC funding active and ordered that U.S. military personnel continue to receive their pay during the ongoing impasse.
The White House said the action was necessary to ensure essential support for families and service members affected by the shutdown.
However, Democratic leaders have criticized the decision and are reportedly weighing a lawsuit against the Trump administration for reallocating funds without congressional approval.
Democrats now want to block the President from funding our troops and protecting vulnerable Americans with tariff revenue, all while keeping the government shut down to push free healthcare for illegal aliens.
The move has sparked widespread backlash, with conservatives accusing Democrats of prioritizing political leverage over the needs of Americans and military families.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt condemned the Democratic response in a statement posted on X.
“The Democrats shut down the federal government and are holding the American people hostage to give illegal aliens taxpayer benefits. So President Trump took action by using tariff revenue to fund the women, infants, and children program and his Commander in Chief authority to ensure our troops get paid,” Leavitt said.
“But now the radical Democrats are going to sue to stop the President from paying our troops and protecting vulnerable Americans? They’re despicable and heartless!” she added.
The Democrats shut down the federal government and are holding the American people hostage to give illegal aliens taxpayer benefits.
So President Trump took action by using tariff revenue to fund the women, infants, and children program and his Commander in Chief authority to… pic.twitter.com/yxa1KRQos3
House Speaker Mike Johnson also defended the President’s move, telling Axios that Republicans would not back down in ensuring troops and families are supported during the shutdown.
“If the Democrats want to go to court and challenge troops being paid, bring it,” Johnson said.
Axios reported that some Democrats within the House caucus privately acknowledge the political risk of suing the administration over the issue, particularly in competitive districts where such a move could alienate voters.
“The legality is questionable, but politically I hope Democrats don’t do it,” one unnamed Democratic lawmaker told the outlet, describing the potential lawsuit as a “massive political headache” for those seeking reelection in battleground areas.
1. Democrats shut the government down bc they want free health care for illegal aliens
2. Democrats say missed pay for troops won’t make them open the govt
The shutdown, now stretching into its second week, began after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democratic leadership refused to advance a short-term funding measure unless additional provisions were included for expanded social programs, immigration-related spending, and climate initiatives.
Republican negotiators have pushed back, insisting that the government be reopened without what they describe as partisan “wish list” funding.
While federal agencies continue to experience operational slowdowns, the Trump administration has sought to use existing authorities to minimize disruptions to critical services.
The White House maintains that ensuring military pay and continued WIC benefits falls squarely within the President’s constitutional and statutory powers.
As the standoff continues, pressure is mounting on Congress to find a path forward.
Analysts say any Democratic lawsuit to block troop payments could further intensify public scrutiny and deepen frustration among voters already affected by the shutdown’s impact on services and benefits.
The White House has not indicated any plans to reverse the President’s directive.
Administration officials say they remain focused on maintaining essential support for American families and national security until Congress resolves the budget impasse.
A U.S. Air Force C-32 carrying War Secretary Pete Hegseth and senior department officials made an emergency landing in the United Kingdom on Wednesday afternoon due to a cracked windshield, Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell said.
The incident occurred as Hegseth’s delegation was returning to the United States from the NATO Ministers of Defense Meeting in Brussels, Belgium.
Shortly before 2 p.m. Eastern Time, flight-tracking data indicated the aircraft had reversed course over the Atlantic and descended to a lower altitude.
“The Air Force C-32 carrying Secretary Pete Hegseth has declared an emergency over the Atlantic, dropped to 10,000 feet, and now reversed course to the UK,” conservative journalist Nick Sortor posted on X.
“Plane is squawking 7700, which could mean an engine failure, medical issue, onboard fire, or another general emergency,” he added.
JUST IN: The Air Force C-32 carrying Secretary Pete Hegseth has declared an emergency over the Atlantic, dropped to 10,000 feet, and now reversed course to the UK
Plane is squawking 7700, which could mean an engine failure, medical issue, onboard fire, or another general… pic.twitter.com/1moPjlggDP
At approximately 2:10 p.m. Eastern, Parnell confirmed the diversion and attributed it to damage discovered on the flight deck glazing.
“On the way back to the United States from NATO’s Defense Ministers meeting, Secretary of War Hegseth’s plane made an unscheduled landing in the United Kingdom due to a crack in the aircraft windshield,” Parnell said. He noted that the crew executed standard emergency procedures and that the aircraft landed safely.
“All good. Thank god. Continue mission!” Hegseth wrote on X following the landing.
Pentagon officials said all passengers and crew were safe and that maintenance inspections would determine next steps for onward travel.
No injuries were reported.
The Air Force did not immediately release details on the age of the aircraft, the specific flight routing, or the timeline for returning the delegation to the United States.
C-32 aircraft—military variants of the Boeing 757—are routinely used for senior government travel and are equipped to operate with enhanced communications and security features.
The C-32 crew’s descent to approximately 10,000 feet and immediate return toward the U.K. aligned with standard in-flight safety procedures after the detection of structural issues to ensure cabin conditions remain stable while the crew prepares for a precautionary landing.
Aviation emergency code 7700, referenced by Sortor, is a general alert signaling that the crew has declared an emergency and is seeking priority handling from air traffic control.
Hegseth had been in Brussels for the NATO session, which convened defense ministers from allied nations to discuss strategic priorities and emerging security issues.
The meeting, chaired by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, is part of the alliance’s regular ministerial schedule and included agenda items on collective defense coordination, capability development, and ongoing support initiatives among member states.
NATO typically holds such meetings at least twice a year, with additional working-level engagements occurring throughout the calendar.
Following the landing, Pentagon officials indicated that contingency arrangements were being evaluated to minimize disruption to Hegseth’s schedule.
Any decision to swap aircraft or continue travel aboard the same airframe will depend on Air Force maintenance assessments and safety certifications.
The emergency landing will prompt a routine review of the incident, including inspection of the affected windshield panel, verification of pressure and temperature histories during the flight, and assessment of any contributing factors such as foreign-object impact or thermal stress.
Such reviews are standard following in-flight anomalies and are used to validate maintenance practices and inform future operational guidance.
Air Force officials emphasized that precautionary diversions are executed to preserve safety margins and that aircraft carrying senior officials are supported by established contingency protocols to ensure mission continuity.
Zohran Mamdani, 33, the Democratic Party’s nominee in the New York City mayoral race, told supporters Monday that his campaign has placed progressives at the center of the party’s direction while national figures signal caution about embracing his message heading into the final weeks before Election Day.
Speaking at an evening rally of approximately 3,000 people, Mamdani said his proudly socialist bid had “won the battle over the soul of the Democratic Party.”
The Daily Caller News Foundation (DCNF) asked 11 Senate Democrats about Mamdani’s remarks; those lawmakers either distanced themselves from the candidate or declined to comment on how his movement fits within the party.
“I tend to focus on Michigan and not on Manhattan politics,” Michigan Sen. Elissa Slotkin told the DCNF when asked if she agreed that Mamdani’s campaign had won the party’s “soul.”
“I just think New York politics are different from Kansas politics, which are different than Michigan politics,” Slotkin added.
Her colleague from Michigan, Democratic Sen. Gary Peters, said, “It’s [New York City] not the rest of the country.”
National Democrats have been measured in their approach to Mamdani since his upset victory over former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in the June primary.
While additional endorsements have arrived in recent weeks as the election nears and public polling shows Mamdani with a strong lead, several lawmakers suggested the candidate’s impact should be viewed as specific to New York City’s five boroughs.
“I’m one of those persons that said we should bring him into the fold and all this kind of stuff,” Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego told the DCNF.
PHOENIX, AZ / USA – MARCH 24, 2018: U.S. Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ), an outspoken activist for gun safety, addressed the crowd briefly at the March for Our Lives event at the state capitol.
“Mamdani represents the New York Democratic Party and their establishment, and there’s nothing wrong with that, but it doesn’t mean that his brand would carry somewhere else.” Democratic New Mexico Sen. Ben Ray Lújan said, “You talked to my colleagues from New York? I mean I don’t vote for that guy.”
New York’s senators, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who leads the Senate Democrats’ campaign arm, have not endorsed in the mayoral contest.
U. S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer attend 2023 New York City Pride March on Fifth Avenue on Manhattan in New York on June 25, 2023.
Some Democrats have expressed unease with elements of Mamdani’s platform and public statements and have cited concerns about national implications for the party’s image.
Top Republicans, including President Donald Trump, have argued that Mamdani’s politics present a contrast they intend to use in next year’s midterm elections.
Mamdani previously called for defunding the police, describing the institution as “racist, anti-queer & a major threat to public safety” during Black Lives Matter protests.
His current platform proposals include a rent freeze and ending a gifted program in schools that allows high-achieving students to advance beyond grade level.
Mamdani also faced questions about the phrase “globalize the intifada,” which many view as a call to violence against Jews and the state of Israel.
He did not issue a condemnation until after he became the Democratic nominee for mayor.
He has not withdrawn an earlier statement that he would seek to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he enters Manhattan during his tenure as mayor.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries has repeatedly declined to say why he has not endorsed Mamdani.
WATCH: @AndiNapier asks Jeffries about endorsing Mamdani.
In an interview Tuesday with CNN’s Dana Bash, Jeffries was asked whether Mamdani and his movement represent the party’s soul.
“Well the Democratic Party, of course, is extremely diverse, and it’s represented by people like Mikie Sherrill—,” Jeffries said, referring to the party’s nominee for governor of New Jersey.
“But there’s only one soul,” Bash replied. Jeffries continued without addressing Mamdani’s place in the party and said he would meet with Mamdani again before early voting begins later in October.
Other Democrats chose not to directly assess Mamdani’s claim.
“The Democratic Party has a range of views, just like the Republican Party has a range of views,” Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly told the DCNF.
Democratic Delaware Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester said she had not seen Mamdani’s comments but added that she sees “some positive energy from New York.”
Democratic Sens. Chris Murphy of Connecticut and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts said they had not seen the remarks; Warren endorsed Mamdani after his primary win and campaigned for him in August, praising his focus on cost-of-living issues.
Elizabeth Warren says Mamdani’s plan is the “Democratic Message”
So just to be clear, this is the official democratic message:
– Defund the police
– Release all the criminals from prison
– Disarm law abiding citizens
– seize your property
– free child m*tiIation
– ban ICE pic.twitter.com/13YTGI3TWO
Supporters of Mamdani contend that his candidacy offers Democrats a route back to governing majorities.
“The Democratic Party has got to shed the influence of the billionaire class and corporations on it, and has got to speak to the needs of the working class,” Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders told the DCNF.
“And certainly, when Mamdani talks about affordability, he’s speaking the right language.”
Bernie Sanders attacks Dem leadership for refusing to endorse Mamdani; pledges to go all-out to help him win:
“I’m going to do everything I can to see that Zohran becomes the next mayor of New York!”
As the campaign enters its final stretch, national Democrats have signaled they will continue to calibrate their responses to Mamdani’s rise, while the nominee’s team points to rally turnout, recent endorsements, and public polling as evidence of consolidation within New York City. Early voting is scheduled to begin later in October.
The Trump administration said it will not support a proposed global carbon fee on maritime shipping that is scheduled for a vote next week at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations agency that regulates international shipping.
The measure, known as the Net Zero Fund (NZF), would mark the first instance of a UN body imposing a worldwide fee on carbon emissions from a specific industry.
No taxation without representation.
Being taxed by the UN would be far more offensive than the taxes imposed by Great Britain against the American colonies more than 250 years ago.
Officials said the plan would raise global shipping costs by as much as 10 percent and negatively affect U.S. workers, consumers, and energy producers.
“The United States will not accept any international environmental agreement that unfairly burdens the American people,” the administration said in a statement.
“We will not tolerate any action that increases costs for our citizens, energy providers, or shipping companies.”
The NZF proposal is backed by several European nations.
As described by supporters and in summaries cited by the Associated Press, the plan would establish a minimum $100 fee for every ton of greenhouse gases emitted by ocean-going vessels above specified limits.
The IMO has estimated that the mechanism could raise between $11 billion and $13 billion per year, with proceeds directed to accelerating the development of new low-carbon marine fuels, providing incentives for “low-emission vessels,” and assisting developing countries in modernizing their fleets to meet future standards.
If approved, the fee would take effect in 2027, following a phase-in period and implementation steps overseen by the IMO’s member states.
The proposal is one of several items on the agenda as delegates consider pathways to meet previously adopted sector-wide climate goals for shipping.
Administration officials criticized the initiative as an external imposition of climate policy through a UN forum.
They described the plan as “a neocolonial export of global climate regulations” and said the United States is prepared to respond with economic measures aimed at jurisdictions that vote in favor.
Potential actions under consideration include visa restrictions on certain maritime workers, additional port fees, and sanctions on officials who promote what the statement called “activist-driven” climate policies.
Officials also noted possible limits on vessels registered in nations that support the NZF and the initiation of competition inquiries involving foreign shipping companies.
“The United States will fight to protect its economic interests,” the administration’s statement said, adding that other IMO members “should be on notice.”
U.S. officials said they plan to engage with partners on alternative approaches that, in their view, would reduce emissions without shifting costs onto American consumers or transferring revenues to international funds outside of domestic oversight.
The debate over the NZF is taking place amid broader discussions about the shipping sector’s contribution to global emissions.
Estimates cited by industry groups and UN agencies place maritime shipping at roughly 3 percent of worldwide totals, with projections varying depending on trade growth, fuel use, and technology adoption.
Proponents of a fee-based system argue that a price signal is necessary to accelerate investment in low-carbon fuels such as methanol and ammonia and to bridge cost gaps relative to conventional marine fuels.
Critics contend that a global levy would raise freight costs across supply chains and could disproportionately impact developing economies and consumers in import-reliant markets.
This @IMOHQ “Net Zero” tax would funnel billions into UN bureaucracies while redistributing U.S. wealth to so-called “developing” nations including China.
It’s critical we sound the alarm before the London vote on Thursday.
Within the IMO, member states regularly negotiate technical standards, efficiency measures, and timelines for adoption.
The NZF proposal would add a financial instrument to existing regulations, paired with a governance framework to allocate revenues for research, deployment, and assistance.
Details under discussion include the precise fee level, emissions thresholds, compliance verification, and how funds would be administered and distributed.
U.S. officials said they would continue to oppose measures they view as harmful to domestic economic interests while working with partners on technology-focused and market-driven solutions.
The administration has not released a separate U.S. alternative to the NZF but indicated it would back approaches that, in its assessment, preserve shipping competitiveness and avoid new costs for American producers and consumers.
The IMO’s member states are expected to take up the NZF item during next week’s session.
If the proposal does not secure sufficient support, delegates could refer it for additional study, amend its terms, or consider revised measures at a future meeting.
If it advances, the organization would begin drafting implementation rules, reporting requirements, and enforcement mechanisms ahead of the planned 2027 start date.
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