Trump has publicly mocked Zohran Mamdani — New York City’s mayor-elect — calling him an extremist, a communist, and even claiming to be “better looking.”

Privately, though, Trump has conceded that Mamdani is “slick” and a “good talker.”

Source: NYT

Trump:

I am thrilled to announce an incredible Trade and Economic Deal between the United States and Uzbekistan.

Trump:

Kazakhstan is the first Country of my Second Term to join the Abraham Accords, the first of many.

Kazakh President Tokayev to Trump:

You are the great statesman sent by heaven to bring common sense and traditions… back into the United States policy.

Uzbekistan's President Mirziyoyev to Trump:

In Uzbekistan, we call you the President of the world.

Trump on denuclearization:

We could blow up the world 150 times. There's no need for this.

Trump on Ahmed al-Sharaa:

It’s a tough neighborhood and he’s a tough guy, but I got along with him very well and a lot of progress has been made with Syria.

You know, we took the sanctions off at the request of Türkiye.

Trump:

Iran has been asking if the sanctions could be lifted.

Trump:

I'm delighted to report that Kazakhstan has officially agreed to join the Abraham Accords.

Trump:

The Abraham Accords are very sought after right now.

We’ll be announcing some very important countries that will be joining.

NEW: The Senate narrowly rejected a proposal (49–51) that would have required Congress to approve any U.S. military action against Venezuela.

North Korea launched a ballistic missile off its east coast, South Korea said.

Japan reported it fell outside its economic zone with no damage.

Washington carried out a new strike against a suspected drug trafficking boat.

Steve Bannon:

If we lose the midterms and we lose 2028, some in this room are going to prison, myself included.

Sudan: Despite announcing acceptance of a U.S. and Arab-brokered humanitarian truce, UAE-backed RSF launched drone attacks on Omdurman and Atbara early this morning.

Trump will meet Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Friday to discuss Hungary’s continued reliance on Russian oil and explore U.S.–Hungary economic cooperation.

Japan and the US will jointly explore and test deep-sea mining for rare earths near Minamitorishima Island starting January, aiming to reduce dependence on China for the key minerals used in chips, EVs, and weapons.

Source: Bloomberg

NEW: China has officially commissioned the Fujian, its third and first fully home-designed aircraft carrier.

Equipped with electromagnetic catapults, it can launch more advanced and heavier-armed aircraft, including the J-35 stealth fighter and KJ-600 early-warning plane.

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“It was a huge win for somebody who classifies himself as a democratic socialist rather than a typical Democrat.”

Former CT State Representative Demetrios Giannaros:

The message to the Republican Party is clear: you have to change.

If nothing changes, many Republican congressmen will lose their seats next year.

The government shutdown has hurt millions of Americans who rely on federal programs to survive.

Iranian President Pezeshkian:

If it does not rain in Tehran by Azar (November–December), we will have to ration water; if it still doesn’t rain, we will have to evacuate Tehran.

Sudan: UAE-backed RSF and SPLM-N (al-Hilu faction) reportedly carried out heavy artillery bombardments on neighborhoods in Dilling, South Kordofan.