House Republicans are exploring legal and constitutional strategies to block New York City mayoral front-runner Zohran Mamdani from being sworn into office if he wins Tuesday’s election, citing the Constitution’s post–Civil War “insurrection clause,” according to multiple sources familiar with the discussions.
The effort, first reported by the New York Post, is being led in part by the New York Young Republican Club, which argues that Mamdani’s past statements calling to “resist ICE” and his ties to left-wing organizations could qualify as “giving aid or comfort to the enemies” of the United States — language drawn directly from Section 3 of the 14th Amendment.
That provision, enacted in 1868, bars from public office any person who has “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” against the United States, or who has provided “aid or comfort” to its enemies.
The clause was originally intended to prevent former Confederate officials from holding office but has recently re-emerged in political debates over ballot eligibility.“There is a real and legitimate push to see the insurrectionist Zohran Mamdani either a) removed from the ballot or b) removed from office if he is to win on Tuesday,” said Stefano Forte, president of the New York Young Republican Club.
Several House Republicans are said to be reviewing whether the clause could be enforced through new legislation or congressional action following next week’s election. The idea mirrors the legal arguments used in Colorado last year to try to disqualify former President Donald Trump from the state’s ballot — a move the Supreme Court ultimately overturned, ruling that Congress, not individual states, has the constitutional authority to enforce Section 3.
The Court’s decision has emboldened some GOP lawmakers who believe the ruling effectively places responsibility for such enforcement in the hands of Congress, where Republicans currently hold a narrow 219–213 majority in the House.
According to two congressional aides, Republican leaders may consider holding a post-election vote to declare Mamdani ineligible for office under the clause. Such a measure would face significant procedural and legal hurdles, including a likely filibuster in the Democrat-controlled Senate and near-certain court challenges.
In addition to the potential 14th Amendment challenge, House Republicans are pressuring the Justice Department to review Mamdani’s path to U.S. citizenship, claiming he may have violated the terms of his naturalization oath.
Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) sent a letter Monday to Attorney General Pam Bondi, urging her to investigate what he described as “statements inconsistent with the oath of allegiance required of new citizens.” Ogles cited Mamdani’s 2018 naturalization and accused him of “refusal to disavow violent anti-American rhetoric.”He reiterated those allegations in a post on X, claiming Mamdani “came to the U.S. from Uganda to turn America into an Islamic theocracy.”
In his letter, Ogles argued that Mamdani’s past remarks and political affiliations amount to a “broader pattern of conduct inconsistent with the oath of allegiance.”
He urged the Justice Department to examine whether denaturalization proceedings are warranted, referencing existing immigration law that prohibits membership in communist or totalitarian organizations for new citizens.
Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) also joined the campaign, accusing Mamdani of omitting material information from his citizenship application, including membership in the Democratic Socialists of America and comments defending the “Holy Land Five,” a group of Palestinian-American leaders convicted in 2008 for funneling money to Hamas.
“New York City falls to communism next week, and they will have nobody but themselves to blame,” Fine wrote on X, referencing the upcoming mayoral election.
Mamdani, currently a member of the New York State Assembly representing Astoria, Queens, denied the accusations and said Republican lawmakers are trying to weaponize the law against a political opponent.
“No matter how many times these Republican Congress members or the president of this country calls me a Communist, it doesn’t make it true,” Mamdani said in comments to The Post last weekend.
A Justice Department spokeswoman confirmed receipt of Ogles’ letter but said responses to congressional correspondence have been delayed due to the ongoing government shutdown.“The Department does not comment on the status of ongoing or potential investigations,” the spokeswoman said.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris has made explosive claims in her upcoming memoir, alleging that President Joe Biden personally confronted her and issued a veiled threat in the heat of the 2020 campaign.
The revelations came to light after Fox News host Jesse Watters shared excerpts from Harris’s book on his Thursday night broadcast. According to Harris, the tense exchange occurred just days before her vice-presidential debate against Donald Trump, an event she described as a pivotal moment in the race.
The Call From Biden
Harris writes that Biden phoned her after speaking with his brother, James Biden, who allegedly told him that Harris had been privately critical of the campaign. Rumors of her comments reportedly circulated in Philadelphia, causing Democratic donors there to threaten pulling financial support.
“I just couldn’t understand why he would call me right now and make it all about himself, distracting me with worry about hostile power brokers in the biggest city in the most important swing state,” Harris recalled in the book.
She went on to say that the timing of Biden’s call added unnecessary stress at a critical point in the campaign.
Harris’s View on Biden’s Reelection Run
In another striking passage, Harris wrote that she believed it was “reckless” for Biden to seek reelection, questioning whether he had the stamina to serve another term. Still, she admitted that she maintained a public front of support to avoid undermining the Democratic ticket.
Watters summarized it bluntly: “She thought he was unfit, but she smiled for the cameras anyway.”
Frustrations With Biden’s Staff
Harris also used her memoir to criticize Biden’s communications team, arguing they failed to defend her against relentless attacks.
“They had a huge comms team. They had Karine Jean-Pierre briefing in the pressroom every day. But getting anything positive said about my work or any defense against untrue attacks was almost impossible,” Harris wrote.
She noted that media outlets frequently mocked her laugh, her speaking style, and even her dating history — while the White House did little to counter those narratives.
Fallout From the Book
The memoir has already sparked pushback from Biden’s allies, many of whom accuse Harris of rewriting history to serve her own political future. Some Democrats worry the book could deepen internal divisions at a time when party unity is seen as crucial heading into the next election cycle.
Watters, for his part, suggested the former vice president was deliberately “throwing her friends under the bus” in an effort to boost book sales.
“Juicy gossip — that’s the only way,” Watters said. “Because the press tour so far is uninspiring.”
A Party Divided?
Harris’s memoir is set for release later this fall, but even the early excerpts paint a picture of a Democratic Party struggling with internal fractures. By portraying Biden as both insecure and reckless, she risks alienating longtime Democratic power brokers while potentially appealing to voters seeking a fresh start.
The book comes at a critical time: Biden allies have already been defending him after other excerpts accused Democrats of being “reckless” in leaving the party’s nomination to the now-former president.
Whether Harris’s memoir cements her as a truth-teller or a political opportunist remains to be seen — but the fallout has only just begun.
Just 30 minutes ago in Buckingham, the figure skating community was shaken to its core by deeply emotional news. Karen Barber – former European champion, respected coach, and beloved TV personality – broke down in tears as she revealed an urgent and personal message: her husband, Christopher Dean, the legendary ice dancer and Olympic champion, has been diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease.
The revelation spread like wildfire across television, newspapers, and social media. For fans who grew up watching Dean’s dazzling artistry alongside his lifelong skating partner Jayne Torvill, the announcement felt like a collective heartbreak. For many, Dean is not only an athlete but also a cultural icon who redefined the very essence of ice dance.
Speaking live from their home in Buckingham during a short livestream, Karen Barber appeared visibly shaken. Sitting at a simple wooden table with a sheet of paper in her hands, she struggled to steady her voice. “Christopher wanted us to share this together,” she began, pausing as tears welled in her eyes. “But the truth is… time is of the essence now. He has been diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s. We are facing it head-on, but we can’t do it without your love and support.” Every word carried not only fear but also profound love and determination. Viewers watching live described the moment as “heartbreaking” and “impossible to absorb.” Messages of shock and support began flooding in before Barber even finished speaking.
According to Barber, Dean’s health struggles began several months ago with subtle but concerning symptoms. He noticed occasional tremors in his right hand, moments of stiffness, and difficulty maintaining balance on the ice — all devastating signs for a man whose life had been defined by elegance and control of movement. “Chris tried to keep skating for as long as he could,” Barber admitted. “But there were days when he’d step on the ice and his body just… wouldn’t respond.” After a series of tests, specialists confirmed the diagnosis. Although Parkinson’s is progressive and incurable, early detection and treatment can slow its effects and help maintain quality of life.
Within minutes of Barber’s announcement, the global skating community began to respond. Jayne Torvill, Dean’s partner of over four decades, released a short but emotional message: “Chris has always been the strongest person I know — not just in body, but in spirit. We’ve faced challenges before, and we will face this one together. My heart is with Chris and Karen every step of the way.” From Canada to Japan to Australia, tributes poured in. Former students remembered his mentorship, Olympians recalled the inspiration of his performances, and fans shared videos of their favorite routines.
Dean’s influence on ice dancing is impossible to overstate. With Torvill, he transformed the discipline into something more than sport — it became a living art form. Their legendary performance of Boléro at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo, which earned them perfect scores, remains one of the most iconic moments in sports history. Even after retiring from competitive skating, Dean continued shaping the future of the sport through choreography, coaching, and his long tenure as a judge and mentor on Dancing on Ice.
On social media, the hashtag #PrayersForChris began trending within the hour. One fan wrote: “Christopher Dean taught us that skating can touch your soul. Now it’s our turn to lift him up.” Another posted a clip of Boléro with the caption: “This is how I will always remember him — strong, graceful, unforgettable.” For many, Dean’s artistry had been a constant presence in their lives — part of family traditions, wedding dances, or childhood dreams of taking to the ice.
Doctors have recommended a treatment plan combining medication, physical therapy, and regular activity tailored to Dean’s condition. Barber revealed that he has already begun specialized training to preserve strength and mobility. She emphasized that the goal is not only to fight the disease but also to maintain a sense of joy and dignity in daily life.
Before ending the livestream, Barber made a heartfelt appeal: “Please don’t see this as the end of his story. See it as a new chapter. Support him, celebrate him, and remember all that he’s given to the world of skating.” She urged fans and the media to focus on compassion rather than speculation, and encouraged donations to Parkinson’s research, reminding everyone that greater awareness and funding are essential for better treatments in the future.
Though Parkinson’s will inevitably change Dean’s physical abilities, it cannot erase his extraordinary legacy. His career stands as a testament to vision, creativity, and perseverance. For nearly half a century, Christopher Dean has given the world unforgettable beauty on ice. Now, as he faces the most difficult personal challenge of his life, he does not face it alone. From Olympic champions to young children lacing up skates for the very first time, the entire skating family stands with him.
Christopher Dean’s story has always been about more than medals — it has been about emotion, artistry, and the human spirit. That spirit remains unshakable. And as Barber said so movingly, this is not the end. It is the beginning of a new chapter, one written not on the ice, but in courage, resilience, and the unwavering love of a global community that will never forget what he has given them.