Fed Governor Cook Breaks Silence on Trump Firing, Vows to Continue Duties

November 4, 2025

Federal-Reserve-SkyhoboGetty-via-Canva-Pro — Federal Reserve (Skyhobo/Getty via Canva Pro)

Lisa Cook, a governor on the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, issued her first public comments after Donald Trump announced her removal from the board on August 25, 2025, over mortgage‑related allegations. She told the audience at the Brookings Institution she remains committed to her role and will “continue to carry out my sworn duties on behalf of the American people.”

Trump’s firing of Cook marks an unprecedented challenge to the independence of the Federal Reserve, as governors are appointed for 14‑year terms and may be removed only “for cause.” Cook has contested the move as unlawful, filing suit against Trump, the Fed board, and Jerome Powell, and argues no valid cause was presented because the alleged conduct occurred before her term began.

The lawsuit’s outcome could set an important precedent on presidential authority over independent agencies. Legal experts and financial institutions alike are monitoring the case closely.

In her remarks, Cook acknowledged that her legal team has addressed the case’s implications for the Fed and stressed the importance of preserving the central bank’s institutional role. “I would like to briefly address an issue that may be on some of your minds,” she said, before adding that, “because the case is ongoing, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further today.”

From a governance and regulatory standpoint, the dispute raises key questions about presidential influence over independent agencies and the protection of economic policy from partisan interference. The Fed plays a critical role in setting interest rates and managing inflation; its credibility depends on maintaining a non‑political posture. Cook’s stand emphasizes that precedent, putting the legal and public‑policy implications into sharp relief.

Musk Labels Mamdani a ‘Charismatic Swindler,’ Warns NYC of ‘Catastrophic Decline’

November 4, 2025

ashley — Elon Musk (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Elon Musk criticized Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic‑Socialist candidate in the New York City mayoral race, calling him a “charismatic swindler” during an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience. Musk argued that Mamdani’s proposed socialist policies would cause “a catastrophic decline in living standards, not just for the rich, but for everyone.”

Mamdani has proposed sweeping policies including raising the minimum wage to $30 an hour by 2030, increasing the city’s corporate tax rate to 11.5 % to match New Jersey, eliminating bus fares, and creating publicly‑owned grocery stores operating at wholesale prices. (Musk warned that if those policies were implemented at scale, the result in New York City would mirror failed socialist experiments elsewhere. “Mamdani is a charismatic swindler,” Musk said. “I mean you gotta hand it to him… but he has just been a swindler his entire life.”

Musk’s comments follow a broader pattern of business leaders voicing concern over rising progressive influence in urban politics. Similar warnings have been issued in cities like San Francisco and Chicago, where regulatory burdens and tax hikes have driven corporate relocations and declining investment. Critics argue that Mamdani’s agenda could accelerate a comparable trend in New York City, potentially affecting job growth and middle-class stability. The intersection of political ideology and economic impact continues to shape the city’s political climate ahead of the election.

The remarks by Musk add a high‑profile critique to a campaign that is already drawing national attention. Mamdani’s surge in the polls has made the typically local mayoral race into a referendum on progressive urban governance. Musk’s warning may reinforce concerns among moderates and fiscal conservatives who question the viability of large‑scale redistribution and city‑run enterprises.

Still, supporters of Mamdani argue his program addresses pressing cost‑of‑living issues in New York City and gives voice to neighborhoods long underserved by traditional politics. Whether the critique from Musk or the momentum behind Mamdani proves decisive in the race remains to be seen.

Trump Backs Cuomo, Threatens NYC Funding if Mamdani Wins

November 4, 2025

President Trump has issued a stark warning ahead of New York City’s mayoral election, threatening to slash federal funding if far-left Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani secures victory. Calling Mamdani a “communist” on Truth Social and national television, Trump urged New Yorkers to rally behind former Governor Andrew Cuomo, whom he endorsed as a stabilizing alternative. The highly publicized remarks mark a rare cross-party endorsement and raise the political stakes in the final days before the November 4, 2025 vote.

Mamdani, who surged ahead in the polls following Mayor Eric Adams’ early exit from the race, has championed policies such as rent freezes, a $30 minimum wage, and the creation of publicly owned grocery stores. Backed by Democratic Socialists of America and left-wing activists, Mamdani has drawn fierce criticism from Republicans and moderate Democrats alike. Trump’s comments appear designed to rally opposition, particularly among independents and centrist voters uneasy with Mamdani’s platform.

While the president plays a role in shaping federal funding priorities, constitutional limits prevent the executive branch from unilaterally withholding funds approved by Congress. Legal experts suggest any attempt to cut off New York City based on election outcomes would face immediate court challenges. Nevertheless, Trump’s statement has shifted the conversation and cast the mayoral race as a referendum on far-left governance in urban America.

Cuomo, who has rebranded himself as a moderate voice after leaving the governor’s mansion amid scandal in 2021, has gained traction among business leaders and voters seeking stability. Trump’s endorsement, though unusual for a Democrat, signals the broader concern among Republicans that Mamdani’s rise could influence progressive movements nationwide.

As election day nears, the collision of federal threats, local politics, and ideological divides underscores how nationalized city leadership races have become—and how much Washington is watching.

GOP Pushes Long-Term Funding Plan as Government Shutdown Drags On

November 4, 2025

Senator John Thune (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib)

Senate Republicans are preparing a longer-term funding proposal as the federal government shutdown continues with no clear resolution in sight. Senate Majority Whip John Thune (R-S.D.) confirmed the House-passed short-term continuing resolution (CR), which would have funded the government through November 21, is no longer viable given current political gridlock. GOP lawmakers are now considering a funding extension that would push into January, aiming to create space for full-year appropriations to be negotiated.

Earlier efforts by Senate Republicans to pass targeted “rifle-shot” bills that would reopen specific agencies were blocked by Senate Democrats. That strategy, designed to reduce pressure on contentious spending issues, failed to gain traction across the aisle. Thune indicated those narrow funding attempts are off the table and that Republicans are regrouping to focus on a broader agreement that can garner bipartisan support.

Some lawmakers are also signaling frustration with the cycle of temporary fixes that have become routine in recent years. Critics argue that recurring short-term resolutions contribute to inefficient governance and remove incentives for Congress to pass comprehensive, timely budgets. By turning to a longer-term CR, Senate Republicans hope to stabilize government operations and avoid repeated last-minute standoffs. However, concerns remain about whether any agreement will include meaningful reforms to address rising deficits and long-term fiscal sustainability.

Any new funding bill will need 60 votes to advance in the Senate and must also clear the House, which is currently on recess. The delay complicates the path to any resolution. Meanwhile, federal workers face growing uncertainty as the effects of the shutdown ripple across government operations.

The shift toward a longer-term CR signals a change in strategy for Republicans, who are increasingly aware that continued brinkmanship may erode public support. At the same time, many fiscal conservatives remain concerned that a broader package could dilute efforts to rein in federal spending. With negotiations ongoing, the balance between avoiding a prolonged shutdown and maintaining budget discipline remains a critical tension point.

Spanberger Presses Mamdani Over Campaign Promises, Accuses Him of Lying to Voters

November 4, 2025

Abigail Spanberger has launched a sharp critique of fellow Democrat Zohran Mamdani, alleging his campaign is misleading voters with unachievable policy commitments. Spanberger argued on CNN that Mamdani’s pledges—such as government‑run grocery stores and fare‑free buses—are unrealistic and cannot be passed, warning that vulnerable constituents who believe them may be disappointed.

Spanberger emphasized the importance of honesty in public service: “People do want us to be aspirational and dream big. They also don’t want us to lie to them,” she stated. She maintained that repeated promises followed by “Oh, we passed it in the House, it’s not our fault” approaches undermine trust in governance. Meanwhile, Mamdani’s platform includes aggressive proposals: raising the minimum wage to $30 per hour, freezing rent, and creating a new agency for non‑violent 911 calls.

Spanberger also compared her electoral prospects with Mamdani’s, suggesting her chances of securing over 50 % of votes in her Virginia race were stronger than Mamdani’s in New York City. While some prominent Democrats, including Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer, have been slow to endorse Mamdani, other factors—such as internal campaign strategy and ideological positioning—continue to shape the contest’s dynamics.

Spanberger’s remarks reflect a strategic effort to distinguish mainstream Democratic candidates from those aligned with the party’s far-left flank. By questioning the feasibility of Mamdani’s proposals, she is appealing to voters who value policy realism and fiscal responsibility, while underscoring the political risks of overpromising and underdelivering.

From a broader political perspective, the exchange signals growing tensions within the Democratic Party between pragmatic governance and more expansive progressive visions. Voters will be paying close attention to how these contrasting messages, and claims of truthfulness in campaigning, resonate as election day approaches.

School Punished Student Over Racist Post — Court Says Free Speech Won

November 4, 2025

A federal appeals court in the Second Circuit has ruled that the Livingston Manor Central School District in New York violated the First Amendment when it disciplined a high‑school student for a social‑media post made off‑campus. The student, Case Leroy, posted a photo after hours showing him lying on the ground of a parking lot while a friend knelt on his neck, captioned “Cops got another.”

The school had suspended Leroy, alleging that his post was racist and part of a pattern of misconduct. A federal district judge initially supported the school’s decision, finding that the post caused a “substantial disruption” to campus life. However, on appeal the Second Circuit reversed that decision. In its opinion, the court emphasized that social‑media posts made off‑campus are not necessarily equivalent to on‑campus speech and that the school’s interest in promoting “racial sensitivity” did not automatically override Leroy’s free‑speech rights.

The ruling underscores how the Supreme Court’s 2021 decision in Mahanoy Area School District v. B.L. remains influential: schools face stricter scrutiny when attempting to discipline student speech that occurs off campus and outside of school‑sponsored events. In Mahanoy, the Court held that while schools can regulate certain off‑campus speech, doing so requires a detailed fact‑specific analysis rather than broad assumptions.

The decision raises important questions for school administrators: when does off‑campus conduct spill into the educational setting in a way that justifies discipline? The court here found that the link between Leroy’s post and the school environment was too attenuated to permit the punishment. For educators and policymakers, the ruling signals caution in stretching disciplinary authority over off‑campus student expression.

Harvard Student Paper Defends Dean After He Called Police ‘Racist, Evil’

November 4, 2025

Harvard University is facing backlash after its student newspaper, The Harvard Crimson, published an editorial defending Gregory K. Davis, a resident dean whose past social media posts described police officers as “racist” and “evil.” Davis, appointed in July 2024 to serve as the resident dean of Dunster House, made several controversial statements from 2016 to 2020, including declaring “I’ve never met a good cop” and asserting that “whiteness is a self-destructive ideology that annihilates everyone around it.”

In addition to his criticism of law enforcement, Davis responded to news of former President Donald Trump’s COVID-19 diagnosis by stating, “If he dies, he dies,” a post that also resurfaced. Critics argue these statements reflect deep bias and question Davis’s ability to serve impartially in a leadership position responsible for guiding undergraduate students.

Despite the public outcry, The Harvard Crimson defended Davis in an editorial, claiming his remarks were made during the emotionally charged political climate surrounding the Black Lives Matter protests. The editorial board asserted that political participation should not disqualify someone from campus leadership and argued that removing Davis would validate what it called “politically prejudiced” attacks.

However, dissenting voices within the same publication raised concerns. One editorial board member, Henry P. Moss IV, wrote that Davis’s public comments demonstrate a lack of the neutrality expected of resident deans and risk undermining trust among students with differing views.

As the university continues to face scrutiny, the administration has not issued a formal response or indicated whether it will reassess Davis’s position. The situation has intensified ongoing debates on campus over the boundaries of free speech, professional responsibility, and the role of personal conduct in university leadership.

AI Push Drives Office Comeback: Why Companies Are Re‑In‑Office

November 4, 2025

Corporate real‑estate advisors report a rising trend: firms across America are increasing their office footprint as artificial intelligence reshapes how teams work. The shift reflects a view that innovation and collaboration are enhanced when employees gather in person.

In a recent interview with Newmark Group, President of Leasing Liz Hart noted that about 70 % of prospective tenants touring office space are looking for the same or larger square footage than before. She added that tech companies — nearly 60 % of tenants in the sector — are leading the expansion, countering the notion that remote work will dominate forever.

Executives such as Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase emphasize the value of spontaneous interactions and “hallway collisions” in driving ideas, learning, and mentorship, which they argue cannot be fully replicated in virtual settings. Hart pointed out that AI‑driven firms are leasing large blocks of space (some exceeding 100,000 sq ft) and expanding into unexpected cities as they retrain workers in new skills tied to AI.

This shift is also influencing office design and workplace strategy. Companies are reimagining office layouts to support cross-functional collaboration, dedicated training areas for AI upskilling, and flexible spaces that accommodate hybrid schedules. Rather than reverting to pre-pandemic models, many firms are blending traditional setups with modern, adaptive work environments.

The resurgence in office leasing suggests that in-person collaboration remains a strategic priority for many businesses, particularly as they adapt to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. Companies appear to be reassessing the long-term viability of remote work, especially where innovation, mentorship, and team cohesion are concerned. As organizations reconfigure their operations, physical office space is once again being viewed as essential to corporate growth and productivity. This shift may mark a lasting evolution in how businesses balance flexibility with the demands of a rapidly changing economy.

Student Senate at Catholic University Moves to Ban Pro‑Israel Groups

November 4, 2025

The Student Government Association Senate of the Catholic University of America (SGA Senate) at Catholic University of America (CUA) in Washington, D.C., recently advanced a controversial resolution seeking to ban student organizations that support the nation of Israel. The measure, titled “Resolution 004: A Resolution to Advocate for a Ban on Clubs in Support of a Nation(s) Commissioning a Genocide,” was tabled for two weeks after passing initial committee review on October 28, 2025.

The draft resolution claimed that “supporting a Nation or organization that is actively pursuing inexcusable evil, such as genocide or terrorism, acts in a way that is contrary to the faith of the Catholic Church.” The language specifically targeted the school’s recognised chapter of Students Supporting Israel (SSI), which hosts events on Israel and is accused in the resolution of supporting “a Nation(s) condemned by the Human Rights Council of genocide.”

One of the co‑sponsors of the resolution, student senator Joshua Ortiz, previously took part in a disruption of an SSI‑sponsored event where two soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shared their testimonies from the October 7, 2023 Hamas‑led terror attack. At that event, approximately 50 protesters disrupted the proceedings.

SSI President Felipe Avila condemned the proposed ban, calling it “a profound betrayal of our Catholic intellectual tradition.” He argued the resolution reflects suppression of free debate rather than engagement, stating the university is “built on the pursuit of truth, not the suppression of it.”

The university itself issued a statement regarding related controversies, including the removal of an October 7 memorial display of Israeli flags by SSI, asserting the removal was in accordance with its flags policy and not a reflection of the university’s views on Israel.

As the university administration reviews the measure, the outcome may set a precedent for how Catholic institutions navigate complex global issues on campus. The final decision will likely influence future discourse surrounding student rights and institutional values.

Exposed: UC Irvine’s Race-Based Hiring Quota Sparks Federal Complaint

November 4, 2025

The University of California, Irvine’s engineering school is under federal scrutiny after allegations surfaced that it implemented a race-based quota system. A civil rights complaint, filed October 30, 2025, by the Equal Protection Project (EPP), accuses the Samueli School of Engineering of violating federal law by targeting a minimum of 6% Black representation across faculty, staff, students, researchers, and partners—mirroring California’s Black population.

The EPP asserts this target amounts to an illegal racial quota under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The group points to the school’s own public statement: “We aim to reflect California’s demographics… by growing our population of Black faculty, students, staff, researchers, and partners to match or exceed the state’s current Black population of 6%.”

EPP contends that this policy goes beyond an aspirational diversity initiative and instead sets a fixed racial benchmark, a practice consistently rejected by the Supreme Court. The group cites key rulings such as Regents of the University of California v. Bakke (1978), which struck down racial quotas in admissions, and City of Richmond v. J.A. Croson Co. (1989), which ruled that “unyielding racial quotas” are unconstitutional.

The complaint notes that after the federal challenge was filed, the engineering school quietly removed the referenced page from its website, though archived versions remain publicly accessible. UCI later issued a vague statement claiming it aims to foster inclusivity and is reviewing the complaint.

Federal agencies are now reviewing the complaint. If the Department of Education or Department of Justice finds a violation, UC Irvine could face enforcement actions requiring major changes to its policies. Other universities using similar demographic targets may also come under fire, as the legal and cultural battle over racial preferences continues to escalate.