Politics chat: Trump's Ukraine plan, meeting with Mamdani; Marjorie Taylor Green resigns

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked President Trump for his support amid criticism that Ukraine has shown 'zero gratitude' towards the U.S. However, Zelensky also distanced Ukraine from a new U.S. peace plan, indicating concerns about its implications for the nation.

Senator Mark Warner criticized President Trump's 28-point peace plan for Ukraine, labeling it a 'complete capitulation' to Russian demands during an interview on ABC News. Warner drew parallels to the appeasement strategies of British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain during World War II, emphasizing the plan's potential risks for Ukraine's sovereignty.

Former President Donald Trump granted Saudi Arabia major non-NATO ally status as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman pledged nearly $1 trillion in U.S. investments, establishing new defense partnerships. This move has reignited discussions about the U.S.-Saudi relationship, particularly in light of past controversies surrounding the crown prince.

The Trump administration's proposal to open new offshore drilling sites in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico has sparked significant backlash from Florida Republicans, who are voicing strong opposition to the plan. Local political leaders are particularly concerned about the environmental implications of increased drilling in the region.

Municipal lawyers are increasingly taking on roles beyond their traditional responsibilities to contest funding cuts imposed by the Trump administration, reflecting a shift in their engagement with governmental policies. This proactive stance indicates a growing willingness among legal professionals to advocate for municipal interests in the face of federal budgetary constraints.

Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) reported an increase in security measures following accusations from former President Donald Trump, who claimed that she and other Democratic lawmakers engaged in 'seditious behavior' for encouraging military personnel to defy unlawful orders. This escalation in threats against her and her colleagues underscores the volatile political climate surrounding military conduct and accountability.

Progressive Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) criticized her Republican counterpart Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Georgia) following Greene's announcement of her resignation from Congress, effective January 5, 2026. Crockett remarked that Greene could not withstand the political pressures that come with public office, highlighting their ongoing rivalry.

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene announced her resignation from Congress, effective January 5, 2026, following a breakdown in her relationship with former President Donald Trump and the Republican Party. This unexpected decision surprised many, including Representative Jasmine Crockett, who expressed disbelief during an interview on CNN's 'State of the Union.'