The creator behind the AI artist Xania Monet, Telisha “Nikki” Jones, spoke with “CBS Mornings” amid the controversy regarding the rise of AI-generated music. Jones said she wants people to know there’s a real person behind Xania and “real emotion and soul put into those lyrics.” “CBS Mornings” co-host Gayle King reports.

In a landmark election that drew attention worldwide, Zohran Mamdani has secured victory in the New York City (NYC) mayoral race.

However, the win of Mamdani immediately got clouded by a threat from President Donald Trump to withhold federal funds from the city.

The 34-year-old democratic representative and state assemblyman from Queens will be the city’s first millennial and Muslim mayor having South Asian descent.

He won against independent former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. The 2025 NYC mayoral election also observed the highest participation since 1969.

But the celebratory mood at Mamdani’s Brooklyn headquarters was tempered by the looming political confrontation with the White House.

Just hours before, President Trump intensified his attacks on the Mamdani, whom he has repeatedly labelled as a “communist.”

While posting on his Truth Social platform, the 47th U.S. The President wrote, “If Communist Candidate Zohran Mamdani wins the Election for Mayor of New York City, it is highly unlikely that I will be contributing Federal Funds… because of the fact that, as a Communist, this once great City has ZERO chance of success, or even survival!”

He previously also hinted at this move stating that it would be difficult to send federal money to a city run by a “communist” during a 60 Minutes interview.

Responding to the looming threat, Mamdani directly addressed the elephant in the room saying, “If anyone can show a nation betrayed by Donald Trump how to defeat him, it is the city that gave rise to him.”

“So Donald Trump, since I know you’re watching, I have four words for you: ‘Turn the volume up,” he said enthusiastically.

Responding to Mamdani’s win, Trump initially responded on Truth Social briefly, “…AND SO IT BEGINS!”

Can Trump legally withhold any city’s federal funds?

The President’s claim of withholding federal funds of NYC raises serious legal and constitutional questions.

According to the U.S. Constitution, the power of the purse lies with Congress, not the President.

According to Article I section 9, clause 7, “No Money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropriations made by Law; and a regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures of all public Money shall be published from time to time.”

Additionally, in the US constitution, the 1974 Impoundment Control Act specifically limits the president’s power to withhold funds after President Richard Nixon previously attempted to do so.

Titles I through IX of the law are known as the Congressional Budget Act of 1974. Title II created the Congressional Budget Office.

Title III governs the procedures by which Congress annually adopts a budget resolution, a concurrent resolution that is not signed by the president, which sets fiscal policy for the Congress.

This budget resolution sets limits on revenues and spending that may be enforced in Congress through procedural objections called points of order. The budget resolution can also specify that a budget reconciliation bill be written, which the Congress will then consider under expedited procedures.

What funding is at stake?

Federal funding plays a crucial role in the development of New York City.

According to the recent New York State Comptroller report, the city is set to receive $7.4 billion in federal funds for fiscal year 2026, accounting for 6.4% of its total budget.

This funding contributes to support housing, social services, and programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Previously, Trump administration blocked a $12 million grant for the NYPD’s subway counterterrorism efforts.

The city is currently challenging that decision in court. 

DUBAI: Dubai continues to attract foreign investors at a record pace, with 53,838 new companies joining the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in the first nine months of 2025.

Pakistani firms ranked second among non-UAE investors, with 4,281 new registrations, underlining the emirate’s growing importance as a hub for trade, investment, and regional business expansion, according to the report.

The chamber reported that the total value of members’ exports and re-exports rose to AED 260 billion, representing a 16% increase compared to the same period last year.

During this period, the chamber also issued 627,908 Certificates of Origin, up 9% from 2024, and processed 3,743 ATA Carnets for goods valued at around AED 3.69 billion, reflecting robust international trade activity.

According to H1 (Jan to June) 2025 nationality-specific data, Indian-owned companies led new memberships with 9,038 registrations, followed by Pakistan’s 4,281 firms, Egypt’s 2,540, and Bangladesh with 1,541 new companies, reflecting strong year-on-year growth.

The United Kingdom ranked fifth with 1,385 new companies, while Syria, China, Jordan, Türkiye, and Canada rounded out the top ten foreign investors.

The chamber also supported the international expansion of 90 local companies, a 20% rise compared to 2024, and reviewed 42 laws and draft laws, with private-sector recommendations achieving a 64% adoption rate. Mediation cases handled by the chamber reached 146, with a combined value of AED 230 million.

Pakistani investors are increasingly taking advantage of opportunities in trade, logistics, e-commerce, and family-owned enterprises, benefiting from Dubai’s growing business ecosystem, trade facilitation services, and legislative support.