Trump calls Democrats 'kamikaze pilots' as shutdown standoff hits third week with no end in sight

Trump argued that Democrats lack strong leadership and viable candidates for upcoming elections. He said the shutdown stalemate gives him leverage to cut billions in programs Republicans have long wanted to eliminate.

"They didn't realize that that gives me the right to cut programs that Republicans never wanted - you know, giveaways, welfare programs," he said. "And we're doing that. We're cutting them permanently."

The Trump administration claims that, under shutdown rules, it has the authority to freeze or suspend certain federal programs and projects.

Democrats argue that failing to act before open enrollment in November could leave millions of Americans facing higher premiums.

The White House says Democrats are pushing billions for Medicaid coverage for illegal immigrants, which Trump warns would "jeopardize" Americans' healthcare.

Mamdani, a state assemblyman from Queens who has described himself as a democratic socialist, received overwhelming support from younger voters en route to capturing the nomination. He is favored to win the three-way race against former Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. 

"I watched him [Mamdani] a couple of times be interviewed, and he's pretty slick, but he doesn't have what it takes," Trump said, warning that New York will be in "big trouble" if Mamdani wins.

Mamdani appeared last week on Fox News Channel's "The Story," where he apologized to the NYPD for his past remarks and addressed Trump directly, saying he is willing to partner with anyone to make New York City more affordable.