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11 hours ago
- Politics
'This Week' Transcript 6-29-25: Sen. Lindsey Graham & Rep. Hakeem Jeffries
A rush transcript of "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" airing on Sunday, June 29, 2025 on ABC News is below. This copy may not be in its final form, may be updated and may contain minor transcription errors. For previous show transcripts, visit the "This Week" transcript archive. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) ZOHRAN MAMDANI, DEMOCRATIC MAYORAL CANDIDATE FOR NEW YORK: Together, New York, we have renewed our democracy. We have given our cities permission to believe again. In our New York, the power belongs to the people. (END VIDEO CLIP) JONATHAN KARL, ABC "THIS WEEK" CO- ANCHOR: That was 33-year-old Democratic socialist Zohan Mamdani, who shocked the political world with his victory in the New York Democratic primary for mayor. I'm joined now by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York. Let -- let's start with the big news, Leader Jeffries, out of your home town. Mamdani won a big victory. Have you endorsed him yet? REP. HAKEEM JEFFRIES - HOUSE MINORITY LEADER, (D) NEW YORK: I have not. We had a conversation on Wednesday morning where I congratulated him on the campaign that he ran, a campaign that clearly was relentlessly focused on the high cost of living in New York City and the economy. He out worked, he out communicated and he out organized the opposition. And that's clearly why he was successful. KARL: So, what's holding you back from endorsing him right now? JEFFRIES: Well, we don't really know each other well. Our districts don't overlap. I have never had a substantive conversation with him. And so, that's the next step in terms of this process, to be able to sit down, which we agreed to do, in central Brooklyn, discuss his vision for moving the city forward and addressing the issues that are important to the communities that I represent. A very diverse district that I represent in Brooklyn, including many African Americans, many Jewish Americans, many Caribbean Americans who are dealing with a lot of challenges in the city and want to make sure that the next mayor of the city of New York, whoever that may be, is prepared to tackle them. KARL: Mamdani calls himself a Democratic socialist. He proposed, obviously, big tax increases, free mass transit, free bus fares, government run grocery stores. Is this the kind of progressive socialism it is -- we're going to see as the future of the Democratic Party or is this unique to New York City? JEFFRIES: I think that one of the things we've been clear about from the very beginning as House Democrats is that we need to relentlessly focus on addressing the high cost of living in the United States of America. This country is far to expensive for working class Americans, for middle class Americans, for all those who aspire to be part of the middle class. Imagine a country where every single, hard-working American taxpayer can afford to live the good life, work hard, play by the rules, have a good paying job, good health care, be able to afford a home, educate your children, go on vacation every now and then, and one day retire with grace and dignity. The good life. The American dream. That is not accessible to everyone. And so I think it will continue to be important for all of us on the Democratic side to address relentlessly the issue of the lack of affordability in this country. Donald Trump promised to lower costs on day one. Costs haven't gone down. They're going up. In fact, the guy is crashing the economy in real time and posing these reckless Trump tariffs that are going to increase costs by thousands of dollars a year. And he may even drive us toward a recession. KARL: You mentioned the diversity of your district, including a lot of Jewish constituents. Mamdani has made comments that some have said veer towards anti-Semitism. His initial statement after October 7th, he criticized the Israeli government but didn't criticize Hamas. He defended the use of the word globalize -- or the phrase 'globalize intifada.' And he even said that the Israeli prime minister, Netanyahu, should be arrested -- or he would if he were mayor, he would arrest Netanyahu if he visited New York City. Do these things concern you? JEFFRIES: Globalizing the intifada by way of example is not an acceptable phrasing. He's going to have to clarify his position on that as he moves forward. With respect to the Jewish communities that I represent, I think our nominee is going to have to convince folks that he is prepared to aggressively address the rise in anti-Semitism in the city of New York, which has been an unacceptable development. And any mayor, whether you're a Democratic mayor, a Republican mayor, an independent mayor, has got to commit to the safety and well-being of all of the people of the city of New York. And when there are moments of crisis and a rise in anti-Jewish hate, that's a threshold, of course, that needs to be crossed. With respect to the African American and Caribbean American communities that I represent, it's going to be important for our nominee to articulate the case for dramatically and decisively addressing the rise in gentrification and the housing displacement that threatens to continue to wipe out low and moderate income, black and Latino communities in New York City. It's an unacceptable phenomenon. And the next mayor of the city of New York has to be able to articulate a clear plan and commitment to address these concerns for the people that I represent and folks all across the great city of New York. KARL: All right, let's turn to developments here in Washington. The Supreme Court (INAUDIBLE) decision empowering Donald Trump by limiting the power of judges to stop his executive orders or to freeze his executive orders. How big a deal is this? This was really the one way -- the one restraint on his actions that's been effective so far. JEFFRIES: Well, it was an unfortunate decision from a procedural standpoint as it relates to what should have been a very clear case. If there is any instance where nationwide injunctions are appropriate, it would be in a -- in a manner like what we've just experienced in terms of birthright citizenship, which is clearly a part of the Constitution. If you are born as a child in the United States of American, you are a citizen. So, it was a procedural setback that was quite unfortunate, and it was a reckless decision, in my view. However, in terms of the fight judicially to protect birthright citizenship, that remains alive and well. And we're just going to have to intensify our efforts now in district court after district court or to get a class action certified on behalf of people who may be adversely impacted by this reckless Trump executive order. KARL: And -- and you were at the briefing, the classified briefing, Friday on Iran and on the U.S. air strikes. Did you get satisfactory answers and do you have a sense now, was the program really -- I mean the president says obliterated, but -- but what did you learn? JEFFRIES: Well, let's be clear, Iran is a sworn enemy of the United States of America, as well as our allies in the Middle East, like Israel and Jordan. And we can never allow Iran to be a nuclear capable power. That said, there are a lot of questions that remain unanswered, in my view, as it relates to the actions that the Trump administration took relative to Iran. Why did they not seek the congressional authorization required by the Constitution for this type of preemptive strike? I still haven't seen facts presented to us as a Congress to justify that step, and I certainly haven't seen facts to justify the statement that Donald Trump made that Iran's nuclear program has been completely and totally obliterated. We also need the case to be made by the administration to the American people as to how to best accomplish the objective of preventing Iran from becoming nuclear capable. Why did they abandon the aggressive diplomacy that was successful under the Obama administration, and what is their plan to stop us from getting into another failed Middle Eastern war. A lot of questions that need to be answered. And those answers haven't been compelling to date. KARL: All right, a lot of questions for sure. Leader Jeffries, thank you for joining us. JEFFRIES: Thank you. KARL: Up next, the roundtable's take on what the New York mayor's race could mean for Democrats nationwide and how the Justice Department forced out the president of the University of Virginia over DEI policies. We're back in a moment.
Fox News
4 days ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Americans mock Democrats' $20M study to figure out 'what's wrong' with men
Print Close By Elizabeth Heckman, Nikolas Lanum Published June 26, 2025 ATLANTA– What's wrong with American men? This is what Democrats are asking after struggling with male voters in the 2024 presidential election. Fox News Digital got reactions from Americans near Atlanta about this and if they believe there's a real problem with the guys. Overall, most people interviewed found the plan to spend $20 million on studying American men laughable. "I think it's dumb," said Patrice from Atlanta. Miriam, also from Atlanta, said, "I think there's better places to put that money." "I think they're just going to flush our money down the toilet," said Miguel from Colorado. On the study, Dave from Tennessee said, "I would say they're not going to learn much." Aaron from Dallas, Georgia asked, "What do they [Democrats] consider to be men?" DEMOCRATIC PARTY SCRAMBLES TO FIX IMAGE AS MEMBERS ACKNOWLEDGE PARTY 'LOST CREDIBILITY' "I don't know why you have to spend money to study men," said another. "If they can figure out what a man is first, that'd be pretty sick, but I don't think that's gonna happen," said Ethan from Ringgold, Georgia. When asked if there is something wrong with American men, Evelyn from Tennessee said, "I mean, there's things wrong with everyone." "I think it's true that there's maybe some conversation to be opened up about what American men need and maybe some improvements that could be made for men and women as a whole," said Sarah from Woodstock, Georgia. Ethan said, "about half of them yeah…" and whispered, "Democrats," into the microphone. Several struggled to answer who they believed was the manliest Democrat. "I can't think of any to be honest," said Miguel. "Oh, I don't know," said Evelyn from Tennessee. A few were able to provide examples. Patrice said, "Barack Obama." GINGRICH WARNS 'VERY PROFOUND CULTURAL CIVIL WAR' UNDERWAY, SAYS DEMOCRATS DOUBLING DOWN ON 'WEIRD VALUES' Ethan said, "Andrew Jackson." "Speaking with American Men: A Strategic Plan" is a $20 million project crafted by Democrats to "study the syntax, language and content that gains attention and virality in these spaces" of male voters, the Times reported in May. Known as "SAM," the study will specifically examine young male voters and how the party can connect with the demographic. Additionally, the study advised rolling out pro-Democrat ads in video games. The study's revelation was made in an overarching article detailing the uphill battle Democrats face after the 2024 election, which included Democrats scrambling to replace former President Joe Biden as the nominee with just more than 100 days left in the election cycle and ultimately delivering all seven battleground states to President Donald Trump . Trump made big in-roads with the male vote during the 2024 election cycle . A Fox News Voter Survey published in November 2024 found that men aged 18–44 supported Trump at 53%, compared to former Vice President Kamala Harris ' 45%. While The Associated Press found that more than half of male voters under the age of 30 voted for Trump instead of Harris — including roughly six-in-10 White male voters supporting Trump — about one-third of Black male voters supported Trump, as did about 50% of young Latino male voters. Trump's support among young Black and Latino male voters jumped by about 20% compared to his 2020 support, the AP reported. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Fox News' Emma Colton contributed to this report. Print Close URL
Hindustan Times
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Reaction to deadly shooting of Minnesota lawmaker
June 14 - A gunman posing as a police officer killed a senior Democratic Minnesota state lawmaker and her husband on Saturday in an apparent "politically motivated assassination," and wounded a second lawmaker and his spouse. MINNESOTA GOVERNOR TIM WALZ, A DEMOCRAT: "An unspeakable tragedy has unfolded in Minnesota - my good friend and colleague, Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark, were shot and killed early this morning in what appears to be a politically motivated assassination." U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP: "I have been briefed on the terrible shooting that took place in Minnesota, which appears to be a targeted attack against State Lawmakers. Our Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and the FBI, are investigating the situation, and they will be prosecuting anyone involved to the fullest extent of the law. Such horrific violence will not be tolerated in the United States of America. God Bless the great people of Minnesota, a truly great place!" U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL PAM BONDI: "I am closely monitoring developments in Minnesota after what appears to be a targeted attack against state lawmakers. The FBI is on the ground investigating this case alongside state and local partners. This horrific violence will not be tolerated and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law." MINNESOTA'S U.S. SENATOR AMY KLOBUCHAR, A DEMOCRAT: "This is a stunning act of violence. I'm thankful for all the law enforcement who are responding in real time. My prayers are with the Hortman and Hoffman families. Both legislators are close friends and devoted to their families and public service." DEMOCRATIC U.S. SENATE MINORITY LEADER CHUCK SCHUMER: "The ghastly targeted shootings of Sen. Hoffman and Rep. Hortman are not just horrific—they're acts of political extremism and an assault on our democracy itself. This is where hate and violent rhetoric lead." DEMOCRATIC U.S. HOUSE MINORITY LEADER HAKEEM JEFFRIES: "The targeted shootings of Minnesota Senator John Hoffman and State Rep. Melissa Hortman are deeply disturbing. Violence is never acceptable." REPUBLICAN U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SPEAKER MIKE JOHNSON: "Such horrific political violence has no place in our society, and every leader must unequivocally condemn it."
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lawmakers react to Musk criticism of ‘big, beautiful bill'
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Elon Musk is rallying the troops online to kill the president's big, beautiful bill. In his latest post on X, he encouraged voters to call their Republican senators to object. Elon Musk's latest posts online have caught many Republicans off guard but are providing cover for Republicans skeptical of the plan. Despite the divide Republican leadership remains determined to pass the bill. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) attempted to brush off criticism from Musk. 'We were texting one another happy texts on Monday and then yesterday, 24 hours later, he does a 180 and opposed the bill,' said Johnson. Days after leaving the Trump White House, Musk took to X to bash the president's tax and spending plan writing, 'This massive, outrageous, pork-filled congressional spending bill is a disgusting abomination.' Democrats on a mission to tank the president's big, beautiful bill are welcoming the unlikely ally. 'We're happy to have him on our side now,' said Rep. John Garamendi (D-Calif.). However, opposition to the plan is about all Musk and Democrats have in common. 'He's not my cup of tea, to put it mildly. But Republicans are already listening to him,' said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.). AT A WEDNESDAY PRESS CONFERENCE SENATE DEMOCRATIC LEADER CHUCK SCHUMER SAID REPUBLICANS CAN'T IGNORE THE DAMAGE THE BILL WILL CAUSE. A new estimate from the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office finds as many as 10.9 million Americans would lose their health insurance under the current plan and while the package cuts taxes by $3.75 trillion it would balloon the federal deficit by more than $2 trillion over the next decade. 'The more you look at the bill, at the House bill, the worse it gets,' said Schumer. Fiscal hawks like Kentucky Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, who voted against the package in the House, say Musk is right. 'He started to figure out these guys aren't serious about cutting spending,' said Massie. Senators plan to meet with President Trump at the White House Wednesday to discuss changes to the bill. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Fox News
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
George Clooney calls breaking with Biden in 2024 his 'civic duty,' says Democrats weren't telling truth
Print Close By Madison Colombo Published April 16, 2025 Actor and longtime Democratic supporter George Clooney is standing by his decision to call for a change in the party's 2024 presidential nominee. In a new interview with CNN's Jake Tapper, Clooney described his break with President Joe Biden as a matter of principle. "It was a civic duty," Clooney said in a preview of the full interview airing later on Wednesday. He explained that his decision was prompted by what he saw as dishonesty from his own political allies. "I'm a Democrat in Kentucky so I get it. When I saw people on my side of the street not telling the truth, I thought that was time," he added. Clooney, who hosted a high-profile fundraiser last year that brought in over $30 million for Biden's 2024 campaign, surprised many when he published a New York Times guest essay just weeks later urging Biden to step aside. GEORGE CLOONEY SAYS HE DROPPED SUPPORT FOR BIDEN AFTER SEEING HIM UP CLOSE, CONDEMNS DEMOCRATIC 'COWARDICE' The Times essay praised Biden's record but warned about the limits of age. "In the last four years, he's won many of the battles he's faced," Clooney wrote. "But the one battle he cannot win is the fight against time." The essay came on the heels of Biden's brutal debate performance against Donald Trump that set off a panic within the Democratic Party. Less than a month later, Biden bowed out of the race and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for the party's nomination. Clooney also reflected on the former president's declining presence, noting a stark contrast between Biden towards the end of his term and the energetic figure he once knew. GEORGE CLOONEY ADMITS MEDIA 'DROPPED THE BALL' ON COVERING BIDEN'S INCAPACITIES "It's devastating to say it, but the Joe Biden I was with three weeks ago at the fund-raiser was not the Joe 'big F-ing deal' Biden of 2010. He wasn't even the Joe Biden of 2020," he wrote. "He was the same man we all witnessed at the debate." BIDEN ENDS 2024 CAMPAIGN: GEORGE CLOONEY, ASHLEY JUDD AMONG STARS WHO CALLED FOR PRESIDENT TO STEP DOWN In his CNN interview, Tapper praised Clooney's candor, calling it "brave," a sentiment not universally shared within the Democratic Party. Clooney acknowledged the backlash he's faced since the essay was published but remained resolute. "The idea of freedom of speech, the specific idea of it is, you know you can't demand freedom of speech and then say, 'But don't say bad things about me.' That's the deal, you have to take a stand if you believe in it," he said. "Take a stance, stand for it, and then deal with the consequences. That's the rules." Clooney backed Harris, the party's eventual nominee, and praised Biden's decision to step aside as "saving democracy once again." Biden gave one of his first public speeches since leaving office on Tuesday, condemning recent policy changes under a second Trump administration. Biden's keynote address ran less than an hour. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE A new book, "Uncharted: How Trump Beat Biden, Harris, and the Odds in the Wildest Campaign in History," released earlier this month, offers new insights into the final months of Biden's presidency. Author Chris Whipple, a former "60 Minutes" producer, writes that Biden's inner circle increasingly limited his contact with longtime friends and allies to hide his alleged decline. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP According to the book, Clooney was particularly angered by an MSNBC segment that suggested his essay may have been influenced by former President Barack Obama. Whipple writes that Clooney "went absolutely ballistic" over the implication. Print Close URL
