Politics
After Mamdani’s historic victory, Texas Governor Abbott’s tariff remark stirs debate
DALLAS, TEXAS: In a historic outcome, Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic and socialist candidate, has won the New York City mayoral election with a decisive lead.
His victory marks a new chapter in the city’s political history and has sent ripples across the United States. Mamdani has become New York’s first Muslim and Indian-American mayor.
Just a day before Mamdani’s win, Texas Governor Greg Abbott made a controversial statement, announcing that he would impose a “100% tariff” on anyone moving from New York City to Texas. Abbott posted the declaration on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“After the polls close tomorrow night, I will impose a 100% tariff on anyone moving to Texas from NYC”.
Although Abbott’s remark appeared to be a political jab, it ignited serious legal and ethical debate. Under the US Constitution, states cannot impose tariffs on individuals, as every citizen has the constitutional right to freely travel, reside and work in any state.
President Donald Trump, who endorsed former governor Andrew Cuomo in the race, sharply criticised Mamdani, calling him a “communist”. Trump warned that if Mamdani were elected, “New York City would become a total economic and social disaster.”
Despite fierce attacks, Mamdani’s campaign — focused on affordability, free childcare, free public buses and rent freezes — resonated strongly with voters. Following the election results, celebrations broke out across New York, while Abbott’s “100% tariff” statement was widely mocked on social media as unconstitutional, provocative and even humorous.
Political analysts say Mamdani’s victory represents the rise of a new urban political movement in America — one driven by middle-class families, renters and younger voters gravitating towards socialist ideas and economic justice.
Meanwhile, in Texas, Abbott’s statement has become the subject of memes and online satire. One user joked:
“If Mamdani’s already won, Abbott might as well impose a tariff on New York ideas too.”
This blend of humour and politics reflects a deeper reality: the 2025 elections have become more than a political contest — they are a battle of ideologies and values shaping America’s future.
“So Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: turn the volume up,” says Mamdani in victory speech to supporters
New Yorkers celebrated as Zohran Mamdani made history, becoming the city’s first Muslim mayor after a landmark election victory.
Mamdani’s victory came in the face of fierce attacks on his policies and Muslim heritage from business elites, conservative media commentators and Trump himself.
“If anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him,” Mamdani said in a victory speech to supporters.
There was a party atmosphere at Mamdani’s election results viewing event for supporters, held at a storied concert venue in Brooklyn.
The 34-year-old election winner was born in Uganda to a family of Indian origin and has lived in the United States since he was seven, becoming a naturalised US citizen in 2018.
At least seven people were killed and eight others injured after a UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after taking off from Louisville International Airport in Kentucky on Tuesday, bursting into flames as it struck nearby businesses and sending thick black smoke billowing over the area.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the McDonnell Douglas MD-11, en route to Hawaii, went down around 5:15 p.m. local time (2215 GMT).
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear told reporters that the number of casualties could rise, as the current figures only account for those on the ground.
UPS stated that three crew members were on board, but added that “we have not yet confirmed any injuries or casualties” among them. Governor Beshear said their status was unknown and described the situation as “very concerning.”
The cause of the crash is under investigation by the FAA and the US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Video shared by local broadcaster WLKY showed flames coming from the plane’s left engine during takeoff.
Louisville serves as UPS’s main US air hub. The logistics giant operates nearly 2,000 flights daily to over 200 countries, with a fleet of 516 aircraft, 294 of which are owned by UPS while the rest are leased.
Aerial footage from the scene revealed a trail of debris, as firefighters worked to extinguish flames. Governor Beshear said the plane had struck a petroleum recycling facility “almost directly.”
Government shutdown
The crash comes amid one of the longest government shutdowns in US history, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warning of “mass chaos” earlier Tuesday due to a lack of air traffic control staff.
“You’ll see mass cancellations, and you may see us close certain parts of the airspace, because we just cannot manage it because we don’t have the air traffic controllers,” Duffy told reporters.
In a statement on X, Duffy called footage of the crash “heartbreaking,” adding: “Please join me in prayer for the Louisville community and flight crew impacted by this horrific crash.”
In January, an American Eagle airliner hit a military Black Hawk outside Washington’s Ronald Reagan airport, killing 67 people.
That crash, which ended the United States’ 16-year streak of no fatal commercial air crashes, has added to concerns about the US air traffic control system, which some regard as an understaffed operation beset by problems with old equipment.
DUBAI: A new, innovative and unique plan has been launched to make Dubai one of the world’s most beautiful, liveable, and healthiest cities — a transformation project estimated to cost around AED 18.3 billion.
The ambitious development programme, unveiled during the UAE Government Annual Meetings, includes projects to expand green spaces, improve education access, create jobs, and promote sports as a lifestyle.
The initiative was announced and approved by Dubai’s Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who said the policies reflect the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai and UAE Vice President.
At the heart of the plan is the Public Parks and Greenery Strategy, which aims to develop 630 new parks, triple the number of trees, and increase annual park visits to 95 million — part of efforts to enhance the city’s environment and residents’ wellbeing.
Sheikh Hamdan also introduced the Aviation Talent 33 initiative, designed to create 15,000 new jobs and strengthen national expertise in the aviation industry.
In the education sector, Dubai’s Executive Council approved a new incentive system to establish 60 affordable schools by 2033, ensuring wider access to quality and low-cost education.
Meanwhile, the Sports Strategic Plan 2033 outlines 75 initiatives to encourage physical activity and reinforce Dubai’s position as a global sporting hub.
“We are shaping a city where innovation flourishes alongside nature, and where wellbeing and excellence define progress,” Sheikh Hamdan said in a post on social media platform X.
“By uniting government, private sector, and community efforts, every ambition can become an achievement for Dubai and its people.”
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