Waltz Discusses Iran, Ukraine; Trump Dismantles Education Department
Key Takeaways
- NSA Waltz discussed Iran, Ukraine, deportations; Himes criticizes deportation law misrepresentation.
- Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the Education Department.
- Schumer faces discontent within the Democratic Party, potential primary challenge.
- AOC eyes 2028 presidential run, Democrats debate direction.
- Mamdani runs for NYC mayor, focuses on affordability with progressive policies.
White House Briefing
NSA Waltz discusses Iran, Ukraine, deportations; Himes criticizes.
On March 23, 2025, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz discussed U.S. foreign policy, including the dismantlement of Iran's nuclear program, military action against Houthis, a Ukraine ceasefire, and deportations using the Alien Enemies Act. Rep. Jim Himes criticized Waltz for misrepresenting the law regarding these deportations, while CBS News correspondents discussed the legal process surrounding the deportation of 238 Venezuelans.
Trump, Musk attend wrestling championship; mixed fan reactions.
Policy Updates
Democrats grasp for response; Trump dismantles Education Department.
On March 23, 2025, it was reported that the Democratic party is still grasping for a coherent response to the new Trump administration, with Lisa Lerer breaking Democrats into four categories to explain the fractured opposition. Also on March 23, 2025, Trump signed an executive order to dismantle the Education Department.
Rand Paul proposes clawing back $500B federal funding.
Capitol Hill Buzz
Schumer faces discontent, potential primary challenge.
On March 23, 2025, discontent within the Democratic Party regarding Senator Chuck Schumer's actions has led to discussions about potential leadership changes. This follows Schumer's defense of his vote for the Republican spending bill, criticism and calls for his resignation, and Senator Sanders' comment on a potential primary challenge from AOC.
Road to 2028
AOC eyes 2028 presidential run; Democrats debate direction.
On March 23, 2025, it was reported that Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is seen as a potential successor to Bernie Sanders as a progressive leader, considering options like focusing on the House, running for Senate, or running for president in 2028. Several Democrats are positioning themselves for the 2028 presidential election, highlighting the ongoing debate within the party about its direction, and Left-Wing Democrats are awaiting AOC’s decision regarding the 2028 election.
NYC Politics
Mamdani runs for NYC mayor, focuses on affordability.
On March 23, 2025, Zohran Mamdani, a progressive state assemblyman from Queens and a democratic socialist, is running for mayor of New York City, focusing on the city’s lack of affordability and advocating for policies like free buses, a rent freeze, and city-owned grocery stores. Whitney Tilson, a mayoral candidate, criticized Zohran Mamdani for his "far-left platform" and rhetoric against the N.Y.P.D. and Israel, as well as his support from Columbia University professors. The New York City Democratic Socialists of America, which endorsed Mr. Mamdani in October, has added 1,500 new members, citing Mr. Mamdani’s confrontation with Tom Homan at the State Capitol in Albany as a moment when he channeled New Yorkers’ frustrations. Mamdani visited the MAS Bronx Muslim Center, urging the community to increase their electoral participation, noting that only about 12% of registered Muslim voters cast a ballot in the last mayoral election. Younger voters in New York City have been turning out with more frequency, with roughly one in five voters under 40 casting a ballot in the 2021 mayoral primary, up from about 13 percent in 2013; overall turnout was about 27 percent of registered voters.
Immigration
IRS to help find immigrants for deportation (2025-03-23).
Global Stage
U.S. delegation to visit Greenland amid acquisition interest.
On March 23, 2025, it was reported that a delegation of U.S. officials, including Second Lady Usha Vance and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, is scheduled to visit Greenland on March 27, 2025. The visit occurs amidst President Trump's interest in acquiring Greenland, and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen emphasized that cooperation must respect sovereignty.