2:08Senator Elissa Slotkin delivers remarks during a VoteVets gathering in Overland Park, Kansas, November 12, 2025. Arin Yoon/Reuters
A preliminary record of "This Week with George Stephanopoulos" broadcasting on Sunday, November 23, 2025, via ABC News, is presented here. This text is subject to revision, might be refreshed, and could feature slight inaccuracies from the original recording. Previous episode transcripts can be found in the "This Week" transcript library.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
MARTHA RADDATZ, ABC “THIS WEEK” CO-ANCHOR: An unusually warm conference between President Trump and the upcoming mayor of New York occurs as Trump charges Democrats in Congress with treasonous conduct deserving capital punishment.
"THIS WEEK" begins now.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ZOHRAN MAMDANI (D), NEW YORK CITY MAYOR -ELECT: I anticipate collaborating to ensure financial accessibility for the citizens of New York.
RADDATZ: Following months of harsh language, President Trump identifies areas of consensus with New York’s Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I am quite certain that he is capable of executing his responsibilities well.
RADDATZ: This transpires even while Trump accuses congressional Democrats of sedition for advocating that military personnel disobey unlawful directives.
SEN. MARK KELLY (D-AZ): He harbors such notions. These concepts are perilous.
REPORTER: Is the president advocating for the execution of members of Congress?
KAROLINE LEAVITT, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: Negative.
RADDATZ: This morning, Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin, one of the president’s key targets, gives us an exclusive interview.
Critical decision. President Trump is pressing Ukraine to endorse his peace arrangement before Thanksgiving or face losing backing from the U.S.
TRUMP: Certainly, it is something he will have to embrace. If it proves unacceptable, then, quite frankly, they should continue their fight, I believe.
RADDATZ: He also amplifies military engagement with Venezuela. What will transpire considering the looming possibility of conflict and the push for space exploration? We’ll engage in discussion with Senate Intelligence Committee Vice-chair Senator Mark Warner.
Additionally, Republican Congressman Michael McCaul.
And an unexpected departure. Marjorie Taylor Greene states her resignation from Congress subsequent to a well-publicized disagreement with the president.
TRUMP: Subsequent to my distancing, she resigned due to her lacking the ability to—she would never have survived a primary election.
RADDATZ: We have assembled an expert panel to consider what this could signify for the Republican Party.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
ANNOUNCER: This is "THIS WEEK" broadcasting from ABC News. Now, Martha Raddatz.
RADDATZ: Greetings and welcome to "THIS WEEK."
This past week at the White House was certainly eventful. From President Trump’s unexpected open admiration of Zohran Mamdani, to his widely publicized schism with Marjorie Taylor Greene, along with his pointed criticisms of Democrats encouraging opposition to illegitimate military orders, the president’s intricate interactions with both supporters and detractors took center stage. This included matters on an international level, like when he heightened the pressure on Ukraine to negotiate a peace settlement with Russia, establishing a Thanksgiving deadline for President Zelenskyy. High-stakes circumstances both domestically and internationally.
Consequently, we initiate this morning with Rachel Scott, ABC’s senior political correspondent, who provides updates on President Trump's unpredictable allegiances.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
RACHEL SCOTT, ABC NEWS SENIOR POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice over): The complete portrayal of President Trump was seen this week as he abandoned a close ally, criticized usual opponents, and openly praised past adversaries.
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I anticipate the possibility of his success as a remarkable mayor. His improved performance brings me greater satisfaction.
SCOTT (voice over): Zohran Mamdani, a thirty-four-year-old Democratic socialist whom President Trump previously claimed would destabilize his hometown, is now receiving recognition from the president.
TRUMP: I am quite certain that he is capable of executing his responsibilities well.
SCOTT (voice over): The pair even shared laughter while addressing questions about prior verbal attacks.
REPORTER: Can you verify that you consider President Trump a fascist?
ZOHRAN MAMDANI (D), NEW YORK CITY MAYOR-ELECT: I have voiced opinions on the—
TRUMP: That is fine. You can affirm it, that’s acceptable.
MAMDANI: Very well. Understood.
TRUMP: It’s more direct. Describing it can be less straightforward. I am not concerned.
SCOTT (voice over): The meeting was arranged following President Trump commencing the week with a notable display of support for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, occurring in the Oval Office.
TRUMP: His accomplishments concerning human rights, and other associated matters, are substantial.
SCOTT (voice over): The president rapidly defended the crown prince regarding the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
MARY BRUCE, ABC NEWS CHIEF WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Your Royal Highness, U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that you organized the brutal murder of a journalist. The families of 9/11 victims are outraged by your presence here in the Oval Office.
TRUMP: Under whose employ are you? Who is your employer?
BRUCE: Why should Americans believe you?
TRUMP: Under whose employ are you?
BRUCE: To you, as well, Mr. President.
TRUMP: And who compensates you?
BRUCE: I am employed by ABC News, sir.
TRUMP: Numerous individuals disliked the individual whom you reference. Whether you admired him or not, unfortunate occurrences happened. However, he was not involved.
SCOTT (voice over): Simultaneously, the president sustained his endeavors toward attaining peace in Ukraine, putting pressure on Zelenskyy to approve an agreement substantially aligned with Putin’s aspirations.
REPORTER: Regarding the plan for Ukraine.
TRUMP: Affirmative.
REPORTER: President Zelenskyy stated earlier today that his nation risked either abandoning an ally or relinquishing its honor. Criticisms have surfaced suggesting this agreement, this proposal—
TRUMP: Are you indicating that he finds it unsuitable?
REPORTER: This remains unclear. His attitude was tentative.
TRUMP: Certainly, it is something he will have to embrace. If it proves unacceptable, then, quite frankly, they should continue their fight, I believe.
SCOTT (voice over): By late Friday, the president acknowledged the resignation of Marjorie Taylor Greene, once one of his closest congressional supporters before their latest discord. The president disclosed to me mere moments after Greene’s announcement that it was “excellent news for the country.”
The president’s discontent with Greene stemmed partly from her support for disclosing the Epstein files.
REP. MARJORIE TAYLOR GREENE (R-GA): Advocating for American women who were sexually abused at 14, human trafficked, and exploited by affluent, influential figures should not result in being branded a traitor and menaced by the President of the United States, whom I championed.
SCOTT (voice over): However, subsequent to overwhelming congressional approval to send that legislation to the president, Trump enacted the law, giving the Justice Department 30 days to make the remaining files accessible. This week, the president’s anger was also directed toward six congressional Democrats, each a former member of the military or intelligence community, after they posted this video on social media.
SEN. MARK KELLY (D-AZ): Our statutes explicitly state that you are permitted to reject illegal orders.
SEN. ELISSA SLOTKIN (D-MI): You can refuse unlawful orders.
REP. CHRIS DELUZIO (D-PA): You are obligated to refuse illegal orders.
SLOTKIN: No one is obligated to execute directives that breach the law.
REP. CHRISSY HOULAHAN (D-PA): Or contravene our Constitution.
SCOTT (voice over): In response to the video, the president furiously posted on social media, referring to them as “traitors” and accusing them of “treasonous activity deserving death.”
The posts led to condemnation on Capitol Hill.
REP. MIKE JOHNSON (R-LA): The language chosen by the president is not congruent with what I would select. Naturally, I don’t believe that such actions are categorized as capital crimes or anything of that nature.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SCOTT (on camera): Furthermore, Martha, the aforementioned Democratic legislators are experiencing heightened threat levels due to both the president’s posts and their own activity online. Democratic Senator Elissa Slotkin disclosed on Friday that Michigan State Police had performed a search of her home following a bomb threat.
Martha.
RADDATZ: Sincere gratitude to Rachel Scott.
Here in the studio, I am joined by Senator Elisa Slotkin.
Thank you for being here this morning.
SEN. ELISSA SLOTKIN (D-MI): It is my pleasure.
RADDATZ: As Rachel mentioned, you have encountered death threats and bomb threats. I want to reiterate the content that the president has recently shared on social media. He remains steadfast, continually branding you as a “traitor,” describing the activity as “sedition at the highest level,” and identifying it as a “severe crime.” This commenced on Thursday. Donald Trump expressed, “This is called seditious behavior at the highest level. Each of these traitors to our nation should be arrested and made to stand trial.” Continuing, “This presents a serious risk to our nation. Seditious behavior from traitors. Imprison them. Seditious behavior, punishable by death.” He also reposted, “Hang them, George Washington would.”
I simply want you to elaborate on subsequent events.
SLOTKIN: I believe that, nearly instantaneously, the safety dynamics shifted for each of us. The setting is formed by those in leading positions. Consequently, consider the reaction of individuals at the base, after hearing statements similar to those, the constant calls to our offices and teams, and the involvement of law enforcement.
Personally, I have dealt with perilous circumstances previously, which does not influence my dedication to openly express my perspective. However, the president targeted a specific sentence within a video and made declarations about taking our lives. It is unsuitable, whether applied to a Democrat, Republican, or independent.
RADDATZ: The White House asserts President Trump was not intending death threats, though he thinks you and others are in extreme circumstances. Are you worried about any potential impacts? Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche suggested you ought to be held responsible.
SLOTKIN: Fundamentally, it is widely known that the president aims to utilize the Department of Justice for his personal objectives. Previously, he has employed this strategy across a multitude of situations with various individuals.
This is a tool of intimidation. He aims to compel us to remain silent due to his desire to avoid discussions about this matter. In fact, I posit that his frequent repetition and discussion aim to divert from crucial developments from the prior week, including the Epstein files and the economic situation. And I was intrigued yesterday when he tweeted at 9:00 p.m. affirming that there is no inflation and that the economy has never been stronger. Considering the understanding held by the American populace, this was surprising.
It triggered memories of Joe Biden, who had asserted for a year that the economy was flourishing. This president, who had run on reducing costs for Americans—
RADDATZ: Though, your video also shifted the discussion.
SLOTKIN: Certainly.
RADDATZ: Here’s what White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt had to say about your video.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KAROLINE LEAVITT, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: They are proposing, Nancy, that the president has given illegal directives, which is false. Every order imparted to the United States military from the commander in chief and by means of the chain of command, through the Secretary of War, is legitimate.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
RADDATZ: Is that a correct assertion?
SLOTKIN: The rationale for releasing this statement is that a substantial number of young officers have approached us, communicating a sense of uncertainty. What should I do? I’m operating within SOUTHCOM and am involved. In the National Guard, there is simply no clarity on what to do. And realistically, it is unnecessary to simply trust my words. Numerous reports detail legal officers and JAG officers coming forward, highlighting their resistance and uncertainty regarding legality.
Illegitimate directives exist. This is recognized within the Uniform Code of Military Justice. It harkens back to Nuremberg. It’s a rather neutral affirmation. Should this cause concern for the president, he ought to ensure complete adherence to the law. Understanding that this is not theoretical is important.
During his previous administration, the president requested that his Secretary of Defense and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, quote, “shoot at their legs” concerning the unarmed protestors near the White House, requesting them to move.
RADDATZ: I see you are referring to Mark Esper’s publication.
SLOTKIN: Correct.
RADDATZ: He didn’t precisely state that. He specified that the president suggested this course of action, not that they received actual orders to execute it.
SLOTKIN: He vacated the Oval Office immediately to ensure he did not receive explicit orders to do so. For this, I commend him greatly. He should be celebrated for this.
RADDATZ: At this moment, do you believe President Trump has given illegitimate orders?
SLOTKIN: I have no direct awareness of anything specifically illegal, although certain legal maneuvers are evident regarding the Caribbean engagements and Venezuela. That is why—
RADDATZ: Could you provide greater details?
Allow me to read Senator Lindsey Graham’s commentary regarding your video. “You should be clear and specific to the men and women in the military regarding the nature of your discussion. The conduct of these senators and House members has been disturbing, implying that the President of the United States issues unlawful orders without the presentation of any examples.”
SLOTKIN: My foremost concern relates to the deployment of the U.S. military inside America, on our city streets. Court decisions have annulled deployments of U.S. soldiers to American streets, including here in Washington, D.C.
These videos from locales like Chicago provoke anxiety that people operating within law enforcement, or uniformed military, may undergo stress, experience anxiety, and potentially fire on American civilians. The circumstances are considerably stressful for both law enforcement and the communities directly affected.
This was simply a cautionary message implying that if you are requested to undertake actions targeted towards American citizens, you possess the ability to discuss the matter with your JAG officer.
RADDATZ: If service members reach out to you, might you produce a video elaborating on precisely what you are sharing presently? That if you receive instructions, or are worried about their validity, you can act accordingly. The existing message implies the president is providing unlawful orders, which you haven’t confirmed.
SLOTKIN: Simply put, we released a comprehensive statement. Rapidly, we ensure that everyone contacting us knows the formal protocol. Consult your JAG officer, request explanations, seek confirmation, and ask for their perspective. Although we assess cases individually, we intended to specifically communicate with the overwhelming number of individuals seeking clarifications.
RADDATZ: Recognizing the significance of not abiding by an illegal order, understanding precisely what comprises an illegal order continues to be imprecise. Considering morals and ethics complicates evaluation and decision making.
SLOTKIN: Revisiting Nuremberg, the justification of “I murdered people because they instructed me to do so” does not excuse the crime. Cultural representations, such as in “A Few Good Men,” as well as historical instances since World War II and in Vietnam demonstrate cases where people were asked to follow unlawful orders, complied, and subsequently underwent prosecution.
Reaching out to your JAG officer or local law enforcement professional is optimal for clarification and assistance. This is the advice we provide.
RADDATZ: You are on the Senate Armed Services Committee. What context exists regarding Venezuela? Do you foresee added action originating from the President?
SLOTKIN: The quantity of military assets assembling surrounding Venezuela dictates anticipating their usage should countries invest such force. Aircraft carriers and F-35s are being positioned, adding to an incurred cost approximating a billion dollars to set the deployment in place.
When contemplating combat or military action regarding the mainland of Venezuela, transparency through public discussion is essential to incorporate the American people, who are not necessarily in favor of involvement in a new war or a regime transformation following Iraq and Afghanistan. The widespread view is that all sides are tired of conflict.
Transparency via that conversation is crucial. The veiled operations in the Caribbean add to the difficulty.
The vast majority of us would back targeting drug cartels, but the list of organizations branded secret terrorists lacks transparency with the American citizenry.
RADDATZ: Alright, thank you very much for participating this morning, Senator. It’s appreciated.
Now, let’s consult GOP Congressman Michael McCaul.
Greetings, Congressman.
Please share your perspective on the video released by Senator Slotkin and others.
REP. MICHAEL MCCAUL (R-TX): I have no authority to speak for the president in regards to hanging members of Congress. However, in my judgement, the orders to which they allude are not unlawful. They are enacted in accordance with Article Two, concerning self-defense, of the Constitution, to neutralize a threat – in this instance, the entry of illicit drugs which are killing Americans.
Considering this interpretation, no illegitimate orders must be followed. Martha, should an invasion transpire in Venezuela against Maduro, leading to the collapse of its government, a reality experienced throughout Latin America, it would initiate a War Powers Act response from Congress. We would have a window of sixty days during continued unrest to determine if the war needs a declaration or an approved utilization of military capacity.
RADDATZ: To revisit the video and the concerns about unlawful directives and the president’s response threatening imprisonment, the involved legislators now have twenty-four-hour enhanced security measures. Please share your thoughts with President Trump about the unfolding threats.
MCCAUL: Though I am not involved in his administration, my guidance would be to moderate the rhetoric and approach. Emphasize the legitimacy of the directives as I have done, including the aim of deterring drugs from reaching the United States. Utilizing air forces and aircraft to eliminate drug carrying vessels remains acceptable because the orders maintain legality. The core concern is not supposed to involve—
RADDATZ: Their point is that service members voice concerns.
Transitioning to the issue in Ukraine, negotiations are underway. Secretary Rubio and Steve Witkoff are in Geneva, having advanced a proposal to President Zelenskyy, who reports increasing pressure, possibly leading to Ukraine choosing between honor and alienating a key partner.
Being knowledgeable of the proposal, and considering its inclination towards Russia, what is your analysis and what actions are recommended?
MCCAUL: To commence, mishandling the evacuation of Afghanistan under Biden led to our current circumstances. The inadequate handling of weapons being delivered to Ukraine under Biden must also be mentioned.
Last night, following conversation with the White House, the Vice President, and Secretary of State Rubio, and speaking with figures like Keith Kellogg, this agreement appears to stem from Witkoff discussions with Dmitriev, the head of the Russian Sovereign Wealth Fund. The amount of input from Ukraine and other European allies remains unspecified.
During the call, Rubio specified that this is a United States document with input from Ukraine and Russia. Agreement on approximately 80 percent of this deal is anticipated through the Geneva process. The challenging aspect involves negotiating the crucial 20 percent.
Adopting “The Art of the Deal” from Donald Trump would aid discussions. Having a bad agreement dictates being prepared to walk away.
RADDATZ: The specified deadlines are confusing. The White House affirmed accepting this plan before Thanksgiving or risking the loss of U.S. support. The president suggests that this deal is not the last.
Considering the current timeline, is it certain that Zelenskyy has until Thursday to agree with the deal and
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
