Trump to Meet Vocal Critic Mahmood Mamdani as Political Storm Grows

President Trump is scheduled to meet with critic Mahmood Mamdani at 3 p.m., even as his administration faces a string of high‑profile domestic and foreign policy controversies.

‘Seditious behavior’ backlash

Trump ignited bipartisan condemnation after posting on Truth Social that six Democratic lawmakers were "traitors" and suggesting they could be jailed or even face the death penalty for what he labeled "sedition." His comments followed a video in which six current and former members of the military and intelligence community — Sens. Elissa Slotkin (Mich.) and Mark Kelly (Ariz.), and Reps. Jason Crow (Colo.), Chrissy Houlahan (Pa.), Chris Deluzio (Pa.) and Maggie Goodlander (N.H.) — urged service members that "our laws are clear. You can refuse illegal orders." The video did not reference any specific military action.

Democrats called the posts "disgusting and dangerous" and demanded the president retract the language. Some Republicans pushed back as well: Senate GOP Leader John Thune criticized the video while rejecting calls for the death penalty, and House Speaker Mike Johnson said Trump was describing what he views as sedition. A White House aide said the president wants those lawmakers "held accountable," not executed. The episode has amplified concern about incendiary rhetoric and its potential consequences.

Federal judge pauses D.C. Guard deployment

A federal judge temporarily blocked the administration’s deployment of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., finding that the deployment likely exceeded federal authority. The injunction was stayed until Dec. 11 to allow an appeal. The Guard has been in D.C. for months amid the administration’s claims of rising crime, a rationale disputed by local officials who sued to halt the deployment. Some deployed troops were from D.C. and some from other states; if the block is upheld it would constrain the administration’s ability to place Guard forces in cities over local objections.

Ukraine: Zelensky to review reported U.S. plan

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he would review a reported 28‑point plan presented by U.S. officials that outlines a path to end the war with Russia. Zelensky told citizens that U.S. military officials outlined the plan in Kyiv and that he planned to discuss it with President Trump. Reports say the draft contemplates significant concessions by Ukraine, including territorial adjustments — proposals Zelensky has so far described as unacceptable. The plan’s reported development without robust consultation of European and Ukrainian partners has drawn surprise and concern.

Republican women push back

A small group of Republican women in the House known for their strong pro‑Trump views — Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene (Ga.), Lauren Boebert (Colo.) and Nancy Mace (S.C.) — have resisted pressure from the White House and GOP leadership on several contentious matters. They refused to remove their names from a petition seeking a vote to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein and helped push for a censure resolution against Rep. Cory Mills (Fla.), a move that was later referred to the House Ethics Committee and provoked outrage among their supporters.

Open seats, retirements and a funeral

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D‑Calif.) launched a bid for California governor, joining a crowded field to replace Gov. Gavin Newsom (D). New York Rep. Nydia Velázquez (D) announced she will not seek reelection after more than 30 years in the House. Washington National Cathedral hosted a funeral for former Vice President Dick Cheney, attended by current and former senior officials; Cheney’s daughter, Liz Cheney, delivered a eulogy.

Offshore drilling proposal and environment

The administration formally proposed opening new offshore oil and gas leasing off California’s coast, seeking to hold six auctions over several years — the first such leases in the region since the 1980s. California Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized the plan as fiscally and politically untenable. The proposal also includes areas near the eastern Gulf of Mexico, a move that could unsettle some Florida Republicans and marks a departure from prior policies.

Border enforcement expansion

The Department of Homeland Security plans to send roughly 250 federal immigration officers to New Orleans on Dec. 1 for an operation dubbed "Swamp Sweep," reportedly intended to arrest several thousand people across southeast Louisiana and Mississippi. The agency has also deployed enforcement operations in several large cities this year. Local officials and law enforcement have offered mixed reports about the scope and duration of these operations.

Coast Guard, CDC and other developments

The U.S. Coast Guard denied a report that it would stop classifying swastikas and nooses as hate symbols, calling the report inaccurate. Separately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated language on its vaccine guidance website; the revision has been criticized by public health experts who emphasize that decades of research show no credible link between vaccines and autism. The change has drawn scrutiny given longstanding scientific consensus that vaccines do not cause autism.

ACA subsidies unlikely to be extended

Lawmakers appear unlikely to extend expiring Affordable Care Act premium subsidies before Dec. 31. Senate leaders said they would hold a vote in December, but winning the 60 votes needed to advance an extension remains a steep challenge. If subsidies lapse, as many as 22 million people could face higher premiums next year.

Other notable items

The Justice Department opened a probe into how an investigation concerning Sen. Adam Schiff (D‑Calif.) was handled, an unusual move that raises questions about internal procedures. The House will convene at 9 a.m., and the Senate will meet for a pro forma session at 11 a.m.

At a glance: President Trump meets Mahmood Mamdani at 3 p.m.; fallout continues over his Truth Social posts; a federal judge temporarily blocks D.C. Guard deployment; Zelensky will review a reported U.S. plan for Ukraine; offshore drilling and expanded border operations draw fresh controversy.