Left-wing Gen Z City Councilman Chi Osse is planning to launch a primary challenge against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) in next year’s congressional race — a move made despite direct opposition from New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, according to the New York Post.
“He said he wants to strike when the iron is hot,” one insider said of the TikToker, per The Post.
According to a source, Mamdani told Osse he did not want him to mount a primary challenge against Jeffries, warning that it could upset the fragile truce between the party’s far-left and moderate factions. Mamdani had spent months working to bring the Democratic establishment together in preparation for his upcoming term as mayor, said the outlet.
“Strike while the iron is hot?” another insider complained to The Post. “How about listen to the next mayor, who is the hottest thing in politics right now.”
A second source confirmed that Osse has already begun assembling a campaign team to take on the Brooklyn Democrat.
The rift between Osse and Mamdani — both known for their active social media presence — was significant enough that Osse skipped the mayor-elect’s victory celebration following his historic win last Tuesday night, noted the outlet.
Osse rejoined the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) over the summer after previously leaving the group in 2020.
The dispute underscores what some political insiders see as a major challenge for the 34-year-old mayor-elect as he works to advance his ambitious socialist agenda. Mamdani will need to balance the interests of the Democratic establishment — including Gov. Kathy Hochul — with those of the insurgent far-left, which is looking to leverage his victory to take on more moderate Democrats.
Osse is expected to formally announce his campaign later this week, The Post reported.
Justin Chermol, a spokesperson for Jeffries, said in a statement the lawmaker “is focused on battling Donald Trump, ending the Republican shutdown of the federal government and addressing the crushing GOP healthcare crisis.”
Republicans have consistently voted to reopen the goverment; however, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, also from New York, has been instructing his Democratic caucus to repeatedly vote no for more than 40 days.
Mamdani campaigned on promises of affordability, free public services, and economic equality. But his victory party in Brooklyn offered none of that — featuring a pricey cash bar where drinks cost up to $22.
The democratic socialist celebrated his narrow win Tuesday night at the newly renovated Brooklyn Paramount, a historic music venue packed with cheering supporters. Mamdani edged out former Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who ran as an independent, and Republican Curtis Sliwa to capture just over 50% of the vote, The New York Post reported.
But while the self-styled man of the people pledged free buses and universal childcare, his partygoers were greeted with prices more in line with Manhattan’s high-end cocktail lounges.
Photos posted by Politico reporter Jeff Coltin showed Pabst
The U.S. Coast Guard announced its largest drug offload in history at Port Everglades in South Florida on Monday, totaling nearly $500 million of cocaine and marijuana.
By the numbers:
At a news conference, officials said crews offloaded 61,740 pounds of cocaine and 14,400 pounds of bulk marijuana – valued at a total of $473 million.
Rear Adm. Adam Chamie says the amount of cocaine intercepted at sea during the latest operation is enough for 23 million potentially lethal doses.
What they’re saying:
During Monday’s news conference, Chamie said the crew of USCGC Hamilton led the two-month operation at sea with the help of several other ships and agencies.
“These men and women put themselves in harm’s way time and again to stop the bad guys, apprehend the smugglers, and seize the drugs,” Chamie said. “This is grueling and dangerous work and I’m extremely proud of them.”
Chamie also said the Coast Guard is sending additional crews on the water and in the air to the Eastern Pacific in coordination with international and interagency partners.
Pictured: Rear Adm. Adam Chamie speaks at a news conference on Aug. 25, 2025.
Dig deeper:
U.S. Attorney Gregory Kehoe also spoke during Monday’s news conference, saying many of the vessels carrying drugs sailed from Venezuela.
“This is a haven for Tren de Aragua and Cartel de los Soles, organized crime gangs in Venezuela,” Kehoe said. “These are foreign terrorist organizations responsible for bringing drugs and violence to the United States and they are a threat to our national security on a daily basis.”
Pictured: U.S. Attorney Gregory Kehoe speaks at a news conference on Aug. 25, 2025.
The halls of Congress erupted into chaos yesterday after a fiery, no-holds-barred confrontation between Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) and progressive lawmakers Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) (D-NY). In what witnesses are calling “one of the most explosive moments on Capitol Hill in years,” Kennedy unleashed a blunt verbal tirade, shouting:“If you don’t like this country, GET THE HELL OUT!”
The Tense Exchange
The confrontation reportedly occurred during a heated committee hearing on immigration reform and national security. According to multiple sources inside the room, tensions had been building for weeks as both Omar and Ocasio-Cortez publicly criticized the administration’s handling of border policies and foreign interventions.
When Omar suggested that the United States had “failed to uphold its own values” and called for a “complete overhaul of the system,” Kennedy interrupted with his trademark Southern drawl, saying:
“With all due respect, Congresswoman, this is the greatest country on God’s green Earth. If you don’t like it, GET THE HELL OUT.”
The room reportedly fell silent before AOC fired back:
“Senator Kennedy, loving this country doesn’t mean staying silent about its flaws. We’re here to make it better — not run away from its problems.”
The Clash Escalates
The argument quickly escalated as Kennedy accused AOC and Omar of “constantly trashing America” while benefiting from its freedoms. “I’m sick and tired of people who enjoy all the blessings of this country but act like we’re the bad guys,” Kennedy said. “If you think some other nation does it better, I’ll buy you a one-way ticket there myself.”
Omar, visibly angered, shot back:
“This country was built by immigrants, Senator. Telling people like me to ‘get out’ is not only offensive but anti-American.”
AOC added, “It’s precisely because we love this country that we demand better — better healthcare, better equality, and better treatment of those who come here seeking the same freedom your ancestors sought.”
Social Media Explodes
Clips of the showdown have since gone viral, amassing millions of views within hours. On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag #KennedyVsAOC began trending worldwide. Conservative commentators praised Kennedy’s bluntness, with one post reading:“John Kennedy said what millions of Americans are thinking. Don’t like this country? Leave!”
Progressives, on the other hand, slammed Kennedy’s comments as “xenophobic” and “tone-deaf.” AOC’s supporters quickly rallied behind her impassioned defense of immigrant contributions and progressive reform. One viral tweet read:“AOC just schooled Senator Kennedy on what patriotism really means.”
Reactions from Both Camps
Following the hearing, Kennedy doubled down during a press conference. “I don’t apologize for defending this country,” he told reporters. “I’m sick of this narrative that America is broken beyond repair. We’re not perfect, but we’re the best there is. If someone thinks we’re so terrible, maybe they should try living somewhere else.”
Omar responded on Instagram Live, saying:
“Criticizing injustice is not un-American — it’s what real patriots do. We’ll continue to fight for the values this nation claims to stand for, even when it’s uncomfortable for those in power.”
AOC also weighed in, tweeting:“When someone tells you to ‘get out,’ it means your words struck a nerve. We’re not leaving — we’re changing this country for the better.”
Political Fallout
The clash is already being called a defining moment in the ongoing cultural and political battle between conservatives and progressives. Analysts suggest Kennedy’s comments could bolster his standing among conservative voters who are frustrated with what they see as constant negativity from the left.
At the same time, AOC and Omar’s fiery responses have further solidified their status as leading voices of the progressive movement. “This was more than a fight — it was a collision of two visions for America’s future,” said political analyst Dana Richards. “Kennedy’s tough-love patriotism versus AOC’s push for systemic reform.”
What Happens Next?
While no formal disciplinary action is expected, sources inside Congress say the confrontation has intensified partisan tensions. “It was like watching a storm hit the room,” one witness said. “People were stunned, but also energized.”
Both camps appear ready to capitalize on the moment. Kennedy is reportedly planning to use clips from the confrontation in upcoming campaign ads, while AOC and Omar are organizing a “Patriotism Through Change” rally aimed at emphasizing that criticism of the U.S. comes from a place of love — not hate.
Bottom Line:The explosive clash between Senator Kennedy and Representatives Ilhan Omar and AOC has reignited debates over patriotism, immigration, and what it truly means to “love” America. With both sides refusing to back down, one thing is clear: this is just the beginning of a larger political showdown.