Monday, 26 January 2026

A second U.S. citizen, Alex Pretti, was fatally shot by federal ICE agents in Minneapolis within three weeks, prompting calls for investigation and accountability. Trump administration officials continued to make statements about the incident that contradicted video evidence from the scene, while the White House appeared to distance itself from the operation.

Gregory Bovino, the federal official leading the immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, is departing his position as the White House seeks to distance itself from the operation following the fatal shooting. Tom Holan, Trump's border czar, is being sent to Minnesota to take over the situation.

The Trump Justice Department demanded Minnesota hand over voters' private data, with Attorney General Pam Bondi requesting state voter rolls amid the ICE surge, drawing criticism as part of a broader national push that raises concerns about the administration's intentions.

A Minneapolis court is examining whether Trump's deployment of ICE agents violates the Constitution, with lawyers arguing that the surge ordered by the Trump administration amounts to an illegal occupation of the state.

Trump announced plans to raise tariffs on South Korea to 25%, citing the country's slow ratification of a trade deal. The threat contributed to gold and silver hitting record prices as investors sought safe-haven assets amid concerns about 100% tariffs on Canada and potential government shutdown.

The White House is pushing to freeze childcare funding, though childcare workers have pushed back on the Trump administration's narrative that the programs are riddled with fraud, saying families face 'impossible choices' as a result.

Trump has been briefed on intelligence indicating Iran's government is weaker due to protests that erupted late last year, while the U.S. Navy has arrived in the region amid concerns about possible American military action designed to topple the regime.

The remains of Ran Gvili, the last Israeli held in Gaza after October 7, 2023, were returned, which officials say should pave the way for progress on the second phase of Trump's ceasefire plan with the territory.

According to reports, Trump responded to Senator Ted Cruz's warning about a potential Republican 'bloodbath' in midterm elections if inflation continues with an angry outburst, allegedly telling Cruz 'fuck you, Ted' during a discussion about rising prices.

The Trump administration continues to grant clemency to convicted fraudsters, drawing scrutiny as the president and Republicans appear intent on investigating fraud in Democratic-run states.