President Donald Trump blasted Democrats for prolonging the government shutdown in an interview on Sunday, vowing to permanently eliminate what he called Democratic "welfare programs."

"The Democrats are kamikazes right now. They're kamikaze pilots right now. They have nothing going. They have no future," Trump said during an exclusive interview on "Sunday Morning Futures."

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.

GOP BLAMES SCHUMER FOR SHUTDOWN TO APPEASE 'MARXIST FLANK' AMID AOC PRIMARY CHALLENGE BUZZ

"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.

TRUMP FLIPS HIS SHUTDOWN APPROACH, LEAVING CONGRESS TO TAKE THE HEAT

The shutdown, now nearing its third week, began after Democrats refused to approve a funding bill unless it included an extension of enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire in 2025. As a result, pay for hundreds of thousands of federal employees has been put on hold.

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.

ANDREW CUOMO WARNS SOCIALISM COULD MEAN THE ‘DEATH OF NEW YORK,’ COURTS REPUBLICAN VOTERS IN MAYORAL BID

Trump also weighed in on the New York City mayoral race, saying he believes the city could soon elect what he called a "communist mayor," referring to Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani.

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.

Trump has frequently criticized Mamdani for his stance on policing and business. Mamdani previously made comments calling the New York City Police Department "racist, anti‑queer & a major threat to public safety" on social media in 2020.   

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.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just helping students with homework. A new survey from the Center for Democracy and Technology found that nearly one in five high school students in the United States say they or someone they know has used AI to have a romantic relationship. The results shocked researchers and raised big questions about how deeply AI tools are affecting young minds. The report, which surveyed 1,000 students, 1,000 parents and 800 teachers, reveals how AI has quietly become a companion in students' personal lives.

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.

TEENS INCREASINGLY TURNING TO AI FOR FRIENDSHIP AS NATIONAL LONELINESS CRISIS DEEPENS

Nearly half of the students said they use AI to talk about emotions, friendships or mental health. Many admit they feel more comfortable opening up to a chatbot than to a parent or friend. Even more alarming, two-thirds of parents said they have no idea how their kids are using AI. Experts warn that while AI can simulate empathy, it has no real understanding or care. According to researchers, students need to remember that they are not actually talking to a person. They are interacting with a programmed tool that has clear limitations and cannot truly understand human emotions.

AI tools are everywhere in schools. About 85% of teachers and students said they used AI during the last school year. While schools introduce AI to boost learning, this exposure may have a downside. Students who use AI more often in class are also more likely to turn to it for emotional or personal reasons. Teachers and parents are worried that regular chatbot use could weaken important skills such as communication, empathy and critical thinking.

OPENAI LIMITS CHATGPT'S ROLE IN MENTAL HEALTH HELP

Some AI systems meant to help can actually cause harm. Therapists have warned that chatbots sometimes break their own safety rules and give dangerous advice to teens in distress. Some have been caught encouraging self-harm, giving diet tips for eating disorders or pretending to be romantic partners. The CDT survey also revealed that 36% of students heard about AI-created deepfakes of classmates. Some involved fake explicit photos used for bullying or revenge. This new wave of harassment shows how fast technology can spiral out of control.

It's hard to keep up with AI, but there are ways to stay informed and protect your child.

Ask your teen how they use AI. Keep it calm and curious, not confrontational.

Talk about what's appropriate to share online and explain that AI chatbots cannot keep secrets or replace human relationships.

Many devices and apps now include AI activity tracking and chat history settings. Learn how to use them.

Promote offline activities, social events and family time to help teens build stronger emotional ties in the real world.

Follow trusted sources like CyberGuy.com or your local school district's tech guidelines to understand how AI is being used in classrooms.

If you're a parent or teacher, awareness is key. AI literacy should go beyond typing prompts. Kids need to learn emotional awareness and online safety too. Encourage honest discussions about how these tools work and where they fall short. Remind students that while AI can sound friendly, it's not a real companion. It's a programmed system that mirrors what people type into it.

Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

AI is transforming how teens learn, talk and even form relationships. What started as a study tool has turned into an emotional outlet for many. The lesson here is balance. Technology can teach and entertain, but human connection still matters most. Parents, educators and tech companies all share the responsibility of helping kids see AI for what it is: a tool, not a friend.

Would you feel comfortable if your teen turned to an AI chatbot for emotional support or even love? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide — free when you join my CYBERGUY.COM newsletter.

Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.