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Oklahoma Teen Survives Brutal Stabbing by Obsessed Former Co-Worker
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Oklahoma Teen Survives Brutal Stabbing by Obsessed Former Co-Worker

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An 18-year-old Oklahoma girl is recovering after surviving a violent stabbing outside her home early Saturday morning, an attack authorities say was carried out by an “obsessed” former coworker, as reported by The New York Post.

The incident occurred around 1:10 a.m. at a residence in rural Earlsboro, according to the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies said Ronaldo Zavala, 24, allegedly approached the teen as she was about to enter her home. Without warning, Zavala reportedly stabbed her 14 times in the neck and wrist.

A man identified by local outlets as the victim’s brother intervened, fighting off the attacker and sustaining minor stab wounds in the process.

The children’s mother told 911 dispatchers she awoke to screams on the porch. In a call obtained by WHSV, she said, “Someone with a ski mask came up to my daughter on the porch. She was eating a burger, and what did he do? He started stabbing her, and he said he was so sorry.”

She added:

“He said, ‘I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry,’ and he started stabbing her.”

Zavala fled the scene before deputies arrived. The teen was transported to a hospital and remains in critical but stable condition, authorities said.

Her brother was treated for minor injuries and is being credited with preventing further harm. “He saved his sister’s life,” Capt. Jared Strand of the Pottawatomie County Sheriff’s Office told local media.

Investigators quickly identified Zavala as a suspect. A search warrant executed at his home uncovered evidence that deputies said directly links him to the attack.

Zavala was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and battery, along with assault and battery while masked or disguised. Officials said additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.

According to authorities, Zavala and the teen previously worked together at a local movie theater where the alleged stalking began. Strand said Zavala had become “obsessed” with the girl despite her lack of interest.

“He was just obsessed with this female. She had no interest whatsoever, and it just drove him to the brink of committing this crime,” Strand said. He added that Zavala sent unsolicited DoorDash orders and unwanted gifts to the teen prior to the attack.

The victim had previously filed a complaint about Zavala, and he was subsequently fired from the theater, News9 reported.

Authorities urged the public to report stalking behavior early, even when it may not appear threatening. “Anything like this, please report it to us immediately,” Strand said.

“Even though it may appear not to be a big deal, and it’s someone who may have a crush on you or whatever it is, call us so we can take an information report so we have all this information documented.”

The investigation remains ongoing.

After Four Years in Saudi Arabia, American Freed Following Trump Efforts
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After Four Years in Saudi Arabia, American Freed Following Trump Efforts

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A U.S. citizen who spent years trapped in Saudi Arabia under an exit ban has been released, according to statements from his family and multiple media reports.

Saad Almadi, 75, had been detained since 2021 after Saudi authorities arrested him during a family visit to Riyadh and later sentenced him to more than 19 years in prison over online posts criticizing the royal family, as reported by Fox News.

Almadi’s release on Wednesday came one day after President Donald Trump met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Washington, D.C., the New York Post reported.

Although Almadi was freed from prison in 2023 after his charges were reduced from terrorism allegations to cyber crimes, he remained barred from leaving the country until this week.

Almadi, a retired engineer who has lived in the United States since 1976, had faced accusations tied to 14 social media posts. One of the posts suggested renaming a Washington street after Jamal Khashoggi, who was killed in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul in 2018.

His case drew attention from human rights groups and members of Congress, who urged Saudi authorities to lift the exit ban and allow him to return home.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Almadi family expressed relief and gratitude. “Our family is overjoyed that, after four long years, our father, Saad Almadi, is finally on his way home to the United States!” they said.

“This day would not have been possible without President Donald Trump and the tireless efforts of his administration. We are deeply grateful to Dr. Sebastian Gorka and the team at the National Security Council, as well as everyone at the State Department.”

The family also thanked others who had advocated for Almadi’s release. “We extend our thanks to the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh for keeping our father safe, and to the nonprofit organizations and members of Congress who fought for his freedom,” the statement continued.

U.S. pressure to end the exit ban had increased following Trump’s May visit to Saudi Arabia. Sebastian Gorka, a member of the National Security Council, also met with Almadi’s son at the White House as the case gained new momentum.

The Foley Foundation, which supports families of Americans detained overseas, praised the development, saying it was “so excited” that Almadi’s four-year ordeal was ending.

According to the family, Almadi was flying from Riyadh to the United States on Wednesday. The timing followed Trump and the crown prince appearing together at a forum in Washington earlier in the week.

Fox News Digital reported that it had reached out to Gorka, the State Department and the White House for comment.

Attacker on the Loose After Violent Queens Subway Slashing Incident
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Attacker on the Loose After Violent Queens Subway Slashing Incident

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Two men were slashed on a Queens subway platform on Wednesday afternoon, and the suspect remains at large as police continue searching for the attacker, as reported by The New York Post.

The incident occurred around 3:20 p.m. on the southbound platform serving the E and F trains at the Union Turnpike station in Kew Gardens, according to the New York City Police Department.

Officers responding to a 911 call found a 42-year-old man with a laceration to his forehead and a 50-year-old man with a laceration to his face.

NYPD Police Officers on duty in Manhattan – NEW YORK CITY, UNITED STATES – FEBRUARY 14, 2023

Commuters on the platform surrounded the two victims, who were seen holding tissues to their injuries while awaiting medical help. One bystander was observed applying pressure to the forehead wound of one victim as he made a phone call.

The NYPD said both men were transported to nearby hospitals, where they were reported to be in stable condition. Police said the circumstances leading to the slashing were not immediately clear, and investigators have not yet identified a motive.

No arrests have been made, and the attacker remained on the loose as of Wednesday evening. The NYPD said the investigation is ongoing.

Union Turnpike is a busy transit hub connecting two major subway lines in central Queens, drawing heavy foot traffic throughout the day. The midafternoon attack briefly disrupted activity on the platform as police secured the area and interviewed witnesses.

Authorities have not released descriptions of the suspect or any additional information about the moments before the slashing.

Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from the station and collecting statements from individuals who were present at the time of the attack.

The incident adds to a series of violent episodes reported across the subway system this year. Police are urging anyone with information to contact the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers tip line.

NC Father Faces Murder Charges After 4 Dead Children Found Outside Home
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NC Father Faces Murder Charges After 4 Dead Children Found Outside Home

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A North Carolina man is facing four counts of first-degree murder after authorities say he admitted to killing multiple children and concealing their remains at his home near Zebulon, as reported by the New York Post.

Court records show that 38-year-old Wellington Delano Dickens III allegedly confessed during a 911 call to killing four of his children over several months and hiding their bodies in the trunk of a car located inside his garage.

The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to Dickens’ residence just after 10 p.m. on Oct. 27.

According to the department, Dickens told a 911 dispatcher that four of his children were dead and that their remains were in a vehicle on the property. Deputies located Dickens at the home along with his 3-year-old son, who was found alive and unharmed.

During a search of the garage, authorities discovered what appeared to be human remains inside the trunk of a vehicle. Investigators said the condition of the remains indicated they had likely been there for some time.

WRAL-TV obtained audio of the 911 call in which a man identifying himself as Wellington Dickens gave his address and told the dispatcher he had killed his children.

During the call, he reportedly said, “It’s a lot to explain, but in a nutshell, it’s probably my fault. It’s bad. It started out as me over-disciplining – that’s it.”

Johnston County Sheriff Steve Bizzell said during a late-October news conference that investigators believe the deaths occurred over several months, beginning in May and continuing through September.

Bizzell said the motive was still unclear. “But as the sheriff, as a father and as a grandfather, I can stand here and say there’s no reason for a father to murder his children,” he said.

Authorities also noted that Dickens’ wife, Stephanie Rae Jones Dickens, died in April 2024 from complications related to a miscarriage. Investigators believe the children were killed between May and September following her death.

Neighbors told investigators the family rarely went outside and said the children had been homeschooled.

Sheriff’s Capt. Don Pate said deputies had previously responded to the home when Stephanie Dickens died, but her death was ruled natural after she declined medical treatment.

Court documents obtained by NBC News indicate Dickens also allegedly confessed to burying a fifth child in the woods behind the home.

According to investigators, he claimed the infant’s health declined before he wrapped the child in plastic or paper and buried the remains behind the house.

Officials said the death was never reported, and relatives stated they had not seen the infant since Dickens moved. As of the latest update, the remains of the fifth child have not been located.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Blue States Spend Millions Letting SNAP Dollars Pay Fast-Food Meals
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Blue States Spend Millions Letting SNAP Dollars Pay Fast-Food Meals

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U.S. taxpayers are covering nearly $250 million each year in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds spent on fast-food meals across nine states participating in the Restaurant Meals Program, according to information released by Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa, as reported by Fox News.

The states participating in the program are Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Rhode Island, and Virginia. All are Democrat-run states except Virginia.

The modern SNAP program was created under the Food Stamps Act of 1964 to provide basic foods, including meats, fruits and vegetables, to Americans facing financial hardship.

The program was structured so that hot foods or foods prepared for immediate consumption could not be purchased. Its purpose was to give recipients staple groceries that would be prepared at home.

A 1977 provision later allowed states to opt into the Restaurant Meals Program. This program was created to allow homeless individuals without a kitchen to buy prepared meals with SNAP funds.

Eligibility was later expanded to include disabled individuals, elderly individuals, and their spouses.

Participating states must approve restaurants that wish to join the Restaurant Meals Program, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture authorizes those agreements.

Ernst’s office noted that while the number of participating restaurants was historically small, participation increased in recent years, with California expanding the program statewide in 2021.

That expansion allowed a wide range of major fast-food chains, including McDonald’s, Domino’s Pizza, and Jack in the Box, to accept CalFresh benefits through SNAP.

From June 2023 to May 2025, Ernst’s office found that more than $475 million in taxpayer funds were spent on Restaurant Meals Program purchases at fast-food establishments nationwide.

Total spending through the entire Restaurant Meals Program during that period reached $524 million. California alone accounted for more than 90% of the total.

“The ‘N’ in SNAP stands for nutrition, not nuggets with a side of fries,” Ernst told Fox News Digital.

“I wish I was McRibbing you, but $250 million per year at the drive-through is no joke and a serious waste of tax dollars. I hate to be the one to say McSCUSE ME, but something needs to be done because taxpayers are not lovin’ it.”

Between June 2023 and May 2025, the program recorded $41.4 million in spending in Arizona, $3.6 million in New York, $1.3 million in Michigan, $995,900 in Rhode Island, $649,000 in Massachusetts, $479,000 in Illinois, $308,500 in Virginia and $8,600 in Maryland.

Ernst introduced the McSCUSE ME Act on Thursday to reduce the scope of the Restaurant Meals Program. The legislation maintains access to the program for homeless, elderly, and disabled individuals but removes spousal eligibility.

It also proposes limiting which vendors are allowed to participate by restricting fast-food restaurants in favor of grocery stores that offer hot bars, with the intention of directing recipients toward healthier prepared options.

The bill would also require states to publish public annual reports detailing the number of participating vendors, the number of beneficiaries, and overall program costs.

This legislative effort follows the end of a 43-day government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, during which food assistance programs received increased scrutiny over fraud risks and disruptions in benefits.

After the government reopened, the Trump administration required all SNAP beneficiaries to reapply to prevent fraudulent use.

Federal spending on SNAP peaked during the pandemic under the Biden administration, with costs reaching $128 billion in 2021 and $127 billion in 2022. By the final year of that administration, the program cost $99.8 billion.

7 Eleven Fires Clerk Who Was Choked by Violent Suspect and Shot Him in Self-Defense
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7 Eleven Fires Clerk Who Was Choked by Violent Suspect and Shot Him in Self-Defense

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A 7-Eleven clerk in Oklahoma City shot a man who allegedly attacked her after attempting to use a counterfeit $100 bill late Thursday night, according to police and local news reports.

The incident occurred just before midnight when the man entered the store and tried to purchase burritos, beef sticks, and ice cream using the fake bill, KOKH-TV reported.

The clerk refused the transaction, telling him she was calling police, KWTV-DT reported.

Gary Knight of the Oklahoma City Police Department said the clerk also refused his demand that she return the counterfeit money.

Police said the suspect then became violent and moved behind the counter.

“He came around the counter, got behind the counter where she was, and grabbed her by the throat and began choking her violently,” Knight told KWTV.

The clerk, identified by KOKH as 25-year-old Stephanie Dilyard, said the suspect threatened her.

“He threatened me, said he was gonna slice my head off, and then that’s when I tried to call the police. I realized he started throwing things at me, came behind the counter. I tried to run off, but he grabbed his hands around my neck, and pushed me out of the counter space,” she told the station.

Police said that during the struggle, Dilyard pulled out a pistol and shot the suspect.

According to officers, the man was carrying a knife at the time.

The shooting was captured on surveillance video, KWTV reported. Authorities identified the suspect as 59-year-old Kenneth Thompson.

After being shot in the stomach, Thompson fled the store and called 911, KOKH reported.

“Reporting he had been shot,” Knight told KWTV, adding that Thompson did not initially offer details to officers when they located him.

Thompson was taken to a hospital and arrested there.

According to police, he faces charges that include assault and battery, threatening acts of violence, attempting to pass a fake bill, and a felony warrant for violating parole.

He will be booked into the Oklahoma County Detention Center once released from medical care.

Dilyard sustained minor injuries in the attack, police said.

Investigators told KOKH that she acted within Oklahoma’s self-defense law. She was not arrested.

Despite that determination, Dilyard told KOKH she was fired by 7-Eleven on Monday for using her firearm.

“They said that they were going to separate from employment because of a violation of policy,” she said, noting she had worked the overnight shift alone for more than two years.

According to KWTV, a clerk told the station that store employees are not permitted to carry firearms at work.

KWTV said the company has not responded to questions about whether security would be provided following the attack.

Dilyard told KOKH that she believed she had no choice but to defend herself.

“This was a situation where I felt like I was put in a corner between choosing between my job and my life, and I’m always going to choose my life because there’s people that depend on me,” she said.

“Just, I’m going home, you know. That’s my goal. I need to be here for my kids.”

She said she hopes what happened will alert other clerks, especially women, to the risks they may face.

“If I’d known that, you know, there’s a potential where somebody could be for real in taking my life away that I will do whatever it takes … I hope that … women see that, and you know, they’ll do the same thing. You have the right to defend yourself,” she told the station.

WATCH:

Major HHS Report Finds Very Low Evidence Supporting Pediatric Gender Treatments
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Major HHS Report Finds Very Low Evidence Supporting Pediatric Gender Treatments

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The Department of Health and Human Services released a 410-page peer-reviewed report on Wednesday assessing medical practices related to pediatric gender dysphoria, following President Donald Trump’s Jan. 28 executive order directing federal agencies to ensure that institutions receiving federal funding “end the chemical and surgical mutilation of children.”

As The Blaze reported, the report reviews evidence surrounding puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and surgical procedures and details concerns about safety, data reliability, and long-term outcomes.

Admiral Brian Christine, assistant secretary for HHS, told Blaze News, “This is a new day in the Department of Health and Human Services. It’s a new day in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Health, a new day for the country. It is because of President Trump and Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. that this information has come out.”

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testifies before the Senate Finance Committee during a confirmation hearing on his nomination to be Secretary of Health and Human Services on Jan. 29, 2025, in Washington DC.

The publication, titled Treatment for Pediatric Gender Dysphoria: Review of Evidence and Best Practices, outlines medical risks and uncertainties associated with hormonal and surgical interventions and examines professional guidelines, ethical considerations, and what it describes as an “international retreat” from gender-affirming medical practices.

The report’s authors found the quality of evidence for long-term health and psychological outcomes to be “very low.”

The report notes concerns about infertility, sexual dysfunction, impaired bone density accrual, surgical complications, and various heart, metabolic, and psychiatric disorders.

It also states that publication bias and inadequate tracking of negative outcomes may have limited understanding of the full impact of these interventions. It concludes that U.S. medical associations “fell short of their duty” when adopting and expanding gender-affirming practices.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a statement:

“The American Medical Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics peddled the lie that chemical and surgical sex-rejecting procedures could be good for children. They betrayed their oath to first do no harm, and their so-called ‘gender-affirming care’ has inflicted lasting physical and psychological damage on vulnerable young people. That is not medicine — it’s malpractice.”

The report also highlights earlier changes to minimum age recommendations made by the World Professional Association of Transgender Health.

Rachel Levine, assistant secretary for HHS under the Biden administration, had urged the organization to lower its age minimums for surgical and hormonal interventions.

Levine’s successor, Christine, told Blaze News, “There was absolutely an effort by the prior administration and, very specifically, an absolute effort by the individual who was the prior assistant secretary for health, Rachel Levine,” to continue advancing these practices.

Christine said financial incentives contributed to the expansion of gender-related medical interventions.

“It’s literally a billion-dollar industry. It creates lifelong customers.”

He also stated that gender dysphoria is “an emotional and mental condition” and said mental health treatment is essential for minors experiencing it.

“You should treat them with mental health care because we know that if you do, the majority of these kids, by the time they’re in their late teens, are very comfortable in their own skin,” he said.

Neeraja Deshpande, policy analyst for the Independent Women’s Forum, said the report “confirms once and for all what never should have been up for debate to begin with: that so-called surgical and chemical body alteration in the name of ‘gender transition’ is a medical danger to children.”

Terry Schilling, president of the American Principles Project, told Blaze News, “The HHS report should put an end to the scourge of child mutilation masquerading as health care.”

Schilling said the report demonstrates that the “gender industrial complex relies on bad faith, bad science, and a radical ideology that places the financial interest of drug companies over those of children.”

Schilling indicated that legal exposure may increase for institutions that performed these procedures. He referenced litigation such as the lawsuit filed by detransitioner Chloe Cole against Kaiser Permanente.

Schilling also praised experts whose names appear on the report, saying, “They’re very courageous for doing this. This is a very powerful and embedded industry.”

Christine said he believes the report could have a significant effect going forward. “Yeah, we certainly hope so. We certainly believe it will be,” he said.

“Listen, our job in the administration is to protect our children, protect our citizens. Our job is to produce gold-standard science. That’s exactly what we have done. It’s exactly what we’re doing.”

Trump Torches Powell at Investment Forum, Presses Bessent to Fix Rates
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Trump Torches Powell at Investment Forum, Presses Bessent to Fix Rates

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President Donald Trump sharply criticized Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell during remarks at the U.S.-Saudi Investment Forum at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, saying Powell has “mental problems” and that he would like to remove him from his position, as reported by the New York Post.

Trump told the audience that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has urged him not to take that step before Powell’s term expires in May 2026.

President Donald Trump speaks during the American 250 kickoff event on July 3, 2025, at the Iowa State Fairgrouds.

“[Powell’s] got some real mental problems. There’s something wrong with him. I’ll be honest, I’d love to fire his ass,” Trump said. “He should be fired. Guy is grossly incompetent.” Turning to Bessent, Trump added, “You’ve got to work on him, Scott.”

Trump then joked that Bessent could also face consequences if rates are not lowered quickly. “The only thing Scott is blowing it on is the Fed because the Fed — the rates are too high, Scott. And if you don’t get it fixed fast, I’m going to fire your ass, okay?”

According to Trump, Bessent has repeatedly advised him not to dismiss Powell before his term concludes. Trump, imitating Bessent, recounted the conversations:

“‘Sir, don’t fire him. Sir, please don’t fire him. He’s got three months to go. Please, he’s a voice of reason.’”

This is not the first time Trump has criticized Powell, whom he appointed in 2018. Trump has previously called him “stupid,” “dumb,” and “hardheaded” while pressing the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates at a faster pace.

The Fed cut interest rates by a quarter-point in September, marking its first rate reduction since December. It cut rates another quarter-point in October.

However, expectations for an additional cut in December have weakened as several Fed officials have signaled a more cautious stance.

Trump also criticized the cost of the Federal Reserve’s headquarters renovation project during his appearance Wednesday.

“He should be sued for spending $4 billion to build a little building. I’m building a ballroom that’s gonna cost a tiny fraction of that and it’s bigger than the whole thing put together,” Trump said.

Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome Powell, greets attendees during the National Association for Business Economics meeting at Grand Hyatt Nashville in Nashville , Tenn., Monday, Sept. 30, 2024.

The president has said his planned $300 million White House ballroom will be funded by private donors, including major technology companies such as Amazon, Meta, and Apple, as well as donors including the Winklevoss twins.

Trump previously attacked the Fed renovation earlier this year, saying the project had gone far over budget. After visiting the construction site in July, he indicated he would not fire Powell at that time.

Powell’s term as Federal Reserve chair is set to end in May 2026.

Zohran Mamdani Vows to ‘Work’ With Trump ‘On Any Agenda’ When It Benefits NY Residents
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Zohran Mamdani Vows to ‘Work’ With Trump ‘On Any Agenda’ When It Benefits NY Residents

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New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani said Thursday he intends to work with President Donald Trump where possible despite major ideological differences, highlighting affordability as the top priority for his upcoming meeting at the White House, as reported by Fox News.

Mamdani will meet with Trump on Friday, marking their first official discussion since the mayoral election.

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; President Donald Trump on the sideline before Super Bowl LIX between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Speaking at a press conference at City Hall Park in Lower Manhattan, Mamdani said, “I intend to make it clear to President Trump that I will work with him on any agenda that benefits New Yorkers. If an agenda hurts New Yorkers, I will also be the first to say something.”

He acknowledged the political divide between them but said the city’s challenges require cooperation. “I know that for tens of thousands of New Yorkers, this meeting is between two very different candidates who they voted for, for the same reason,” he said.

“They wanted a leader who would take on the cost of living crisis that makes it impossible for working people to afford living in this city.”

New York State Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani speaks in a Malikah’s Iftar Ramadan event at the Museum of the Moving Image on March 07, 2025 in the Queens Borough of New York City.

Trump has been openly critical of Mamdani’s political positions, referring to him as a “Communist Lunatic” after the election. Before Election Day, Trump warned he would consider pulling federal funding from New York City if Mamdani won.

After the election, Trump said he would “help them a little bit.”

Mamdani, who identifies as a democratic socialist, said affordability would be central to his meeting with the president.

“When we speak about an affordability crisis, we’re speaking about 1 in 4 New Yorkers living in poverty, 1 in 5 struggling to afford $2.90 to ride the bus. New Yorkers, for whom the daily acts of life are becoming increasingly harder to afford,” Mamdani said.

The meeting comes amid rising costs for transportation, housing and basic necessities across the city. Mamdani said that despite disagreements on major policy areas, he would work with the administration whenever it aligns with the needs of New Yorkers.

Trump and Mamdani have clashed in the past, with the president repeatedly criticizing the mayor-elect’s positions during the campaign. Mamdani said Thursday that disagreements would not prevent him from attempting to secure support for New York City.

The White House meeting is expected to focus on economic concerns and federal partnerships. Mamdani did not elaborate on specific proposals but emphasized that affordability would guide his approach.

The mayor-elect said he hopes to make clear that the city’s residents expect cooperation to ease cost pressures impacting daily life.

Stephen Miller Lays Waste to Democrats Calling for an Insurrection Against Trump
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Stephen Miller Lays Waste to Democrats Calling for an Insurrection Against Trump

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A video released this week by several Democratic lawmakers telling members of the U.S. military that they may defy “illegal” orders from President Donald Trump continued drawing reactions on Wednesday, including from White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller.

Miller addressed the video during an appearance on “The Will Cain Show” on Fox News, where he described the lawmakers’ message as “a general call for rebellion.”

The video, posted Tuesday on X by Sen. Elissa Slotkin of Michigan, featured Slotkin and five other Democratic lawmakers with prior military or intelligence backgrounds.

In the message, they said that “threats to the Constitution aren’t just coming from abroad, but right here at home,” and stated that military and intelligence community members could “refuse illegal orders.”

The group included Sens. Mark Kelly of Arizona and House members Chris Deluzio of Pennsylvania, Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire, Chrissy Houlahan of Pennsylvania, and Jason Crow of Colorado.

Miller said the message constituted an attempt to undermine the authority of the commander-in-chief.

“It is insurrection, plainly, directly,” Miller said.

“Without question.”

He added that the lawmakers were telling members of the CIA and the armed services that they had “the duty and the obligation to defy orders of the commander-in-chief.”

Miller’s comments followed the broader discussion prompted by the video, which circulated widely after its release.

The remarks came during his interview on Fox News on Wednesday afternoon, where he said the statements were intended to influence military personnel regarding future directives from the president.

The editorial board of the New York Post also addressed the video on Wednesday, writing that the lawmakers were “encouraging troops to disobey their commanders.”

The board wrote that the message relied on statements from the participating lawmakers implying that the administration was directing military or intelligence personnel against American citizens.

In the video, Slotkin and the other lawmakers referenced concerns about constitutional obligations.

The participating House members said, “Our laws are clear: You can refuse illegal orders.”

The New York Post editorial described the message as an attempt to raise political support by referencing the lawmakers’ prior military service and suggesting that service members were being asked to violate the Constitution.

The reactions continued on Wednesday as the distribution of the video drew national attention.

Miller said the message was an effort to prompt active-duty personnel to disregard presidential authority. “It’s a general call for rebellion from the CIA and the armed services of the United States,” he said.

The video did not cite specific orders or actions. It was released one day after Slotkin’s statements on X, where she said “threats to the Constitution” could originate within the country.

The lawmakers did not identify particular directives from the administration that they believed violated the law.

The dispute prompted questions about the role of elected officials in providing public guidance to military personnel.

Miller said the lawmakers’ statements represented an attempt to influence service members by suggesting that they might be ordered to violate federal law.

His comments on Fox News followed the initial report by Mediaite, which first noted his reaction.

The New York Post editorial board wrote that it considered the message a “dangerous game,” adding that the statements implied misconduct without citing specific actions.

The board also wrote that the lawmakers should face unspecified “consequences.”

The release of the video continued to prompt discussion across political media outlets throughout Wednesday, as officials and commentators weighed in on the lawmakers’ statements and the responses that followed.


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