2026: Mamdani In, National Guard Out

1.2.26

Happy 2026 (and Friday!) and welcome to today’s edition of Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Let’s break down the latest news in politics.

Trump Threatens War on Instagram With Iran….Trump is once again saber-rattling on social media, declaring the U.S. is “locked and loaded” to intervene in Iran if protesters are harmed—without explaining what that actually means or what the endgame is. Iranian officials fired back with their own threats, warning that U.S. interference would destabilize the entire region and put American troops at risk. Meanwhile, what began as protests over inflation in Iran are now morphing into broader demands for freedom—and Trump is using the chaos to drag us into more conflict.

Common Sense takeaway: Trump is treating an international crisis like a game—threatening war without a plan, ignoring the complexity of Iranian protests, and turning human suffering into political theater. Leadership would mean strategy and restraint, but nope, not for him.

Zohran Mamdani Sworn In as New York City’s Mayor….Zohran Mamdani was sworn in as New York City’s 112th mayor this week, pitching his administration as a fresh start for a city disillusioned with politics—while making clear he’s not abandoning his democratic socialist values or affordability agenda. He struck a unifying tone, promised to govern “expansively and audaciously,” and emphasized that he intends to be mayor for all New Yorkers, not just his supporters. The historic moment also marks the city’s first Muslim and first South Asian mayor, as Mamdani now faces the harder task of turning big promises like rent freezes, free buses, and free childcare into reality.

Common Sense takeaway: Mamdani’s inauguration represents a historic and hopeful new chapter for many in New York City. He’s taking office with bold progressive goals and a promise to govern for all New Yorkers—now the real work begins, but the vision is clear and the city has reason to be optimistic.

Supreme Court Blocks Deployments, Trump Says Guard Will Leave….Trump announced the National Guard is leaving Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland, claiming crime has dropped “only” because of their presence—even though a Supreme Court ruling had already blocked some of the deployments, saying the administration hadn’t shown legal authority to send troops. He didn’t explain the decision, but warned the Guard could return “in a much different and stronger form” if crime rises. In reality, most of the Guardsmen weren’t even active because of the court’s pause: 300 in Chicago, 100 in Portland, and 100 in Los Angeles were largely sidelined, making this move more about optics than actual crime-fighting.

Common Sense takeaway: Trump’s National Guard exit is all for show. The troops weren’t even active, and the announcement leans on fear-mongering and political posturing rather than real crime solutions. But of course, facts don’t exist in Trump’s mind.

FBI Stops New Year’s Eve ISIS-Inspired Attack in North Carolina….Authorities disrupted a planned New Year’s Eve attack in North Carolina after an 18-year-old man allegedly plotted to stab and bludgeon people at a grocery store and fast-food restaurant in support of ISIS. Christian Sturdivant had been under FBI investigation since he was a minor, communicated with ISIS-inspired operatives online, and detailed a year-long plan that included knives, hammers, and tactical gear. He’s now in federal custody, and law enforcement says he intended to carry out the attack alone, though he thought he was coordinating with ISIS operatives.

Common Sense takeaway: This foiled attack is a reminder that threats don’t always come from abroad—radicalization can take root at home, online, and especially in young people. Thanks to law enforcement and intelligence work, a tragedy was prevented.

That’s it for today. Thanks for reading Common Sense with Ally Sammarco. Check back on Monday for more!