Mamdani sworn in, vows to govern 'expansively and audaciously', WSJ report raises questions about Trump health, ObamaCare subsidies expire, spiking premiums, And More: 1.2.26 - Rising Recap

Podcast: Rising

Published: 2026-01-02

Duration: 50 minutes

Guests: Zoran Mamdani

Summary

This episode covers Zoran Mamdani's historic inauguration as New York City's mayor, questions surrounding President Trump's health, and the implications of expiring Obamacare subsidies. It also touches on legal and political challenges facing the Trump agenda and criticism directed at CBS by Megyn Kelly.

What Happened

Zoran Mamdani made history as the youngest and first Muslim, South Asian, and African-born mayor of New York City. Upon taking office, he signed multiple executive orders aimed at enhancing tenant protection and expediting housing construction, reflecting his campaign's focus on affordability and leveraging government power to support working people.

A Wall Street Journal report has cast doubt on President Trump's health, detailing his excessive aspirin intake and lifestyle choices. Despite Trump's own criticism of Joe Biden's age, the report highlights Trump's health concerns, including swelling ankles and a diet that defies medical advice.

The expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies presents a financial burden for millions of Americans, with projections suggesting a potential 114% increase in premium costs for subsidized enrollees. These subsidies were part of the American Rescue Plan and extended through the Inflation Reduction Act but have now lapsed, raising alarm over healthcare affordability.

In a political maneuver, Governor Gavin Newsom criticized President Trump after the latter ordered the withdrawal of National Guard troops from three Democratic-run cities. This move is seen as part of Trump's broader strategy to address law enforcement and public safety issues.

The Supreme Court is preparing to tackle significant cases that could reshape the legal landscape in the United States, particularly concerning tariffs, birthright citizenship, and the Voting Rights Act. The court's decisions will have substantial implications for Trump's policy agenda and international trade relations.

Megyn Kelly harshly criticized CBS following a pledge by Tony Dokoupil to increase transparency in their reporting. This criticism underscores ongoing tensions between media figures and networks over journalistic integrity and public trust.

Key Insights

• New York City's newly elected mayor, Zoran Mamdani, is the first Muslim, South Asian, and African-born individual to hold the position, and he has initiated executive orders to enhance tenant protections and expedite housing construction.
• The Wall Street Journal reported that President Trump's health is under scrutiny due to his excessive aspirin intake and lifestyle choices, which include a diet that defies medical advice and symptoms such as swelling ankles.
• The lapse of Affordable Care Act subsidies, previously extended under the American Rescue Plan and the Inflation Reduction Act, could lead to a projected 114% increase in premium costs for subsidized enrollees, impacting millions of Americans.
• The Supreme Court is set to deliberate on cases that could significantly affect U.S. policies, including those related to tariffs, birthright citizenship, and the Voting Rights Act, with potential implications for international trade and the Trump administration's agenda.