[Tuesday, January 13] US News Headlines from r/politics

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare January 13, 2026

Executive Summary

A fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis has ignited a national crisis, prompting mass resignations at the DOJ and an aggressive federal crackdown. The administration’s criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has provoked unified condemnation from global financial leaders and investors, creating GOP rifts. In foreign policy, the U.S. imposed a 25% secondary tariff on nations trading with Iran and is facing a diplomatic crisis with Denmark over “takeover threats” toward Greenland. A major legal battle is emerging as Louisiana seeks to extradite a California doctor over abortion pills, while the Pentagon confirms a controversial AI partnership.

1. Homeland Security & Justice System Crisis: The Minneapolis Flashpoint

A severe and rapidly escalating crisis has erupted following the fatal shooting of a motorist named Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis. The incident has provoked significant turmoil within federal agencies, an aggressive federal response in Minnesota, and sharp public and political backlash.

1.1. The Fatal Shooting, Federal Crackdown, and Public Reaction

The situation in Minneapolis has intensified as President Trump has vowed a “day of ‘reckoning and retribution’” for the state, promising to deploy more ICE agents [1]. Videos have emerged showing an “Increasingly Aggressive Federal Crackdown in Minneapolis” [2], with reports of the violent detention of U.S. citizens. Following the shooting, the Department of Homeland Security reportedly changed its official story after local police in Maryland, where a related incident occurred, released contradicting details [3], while DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has continued to defend the government’s narrative in the Minneapolis case [4].

The fallout has been swift. A new poll indicates that a record number of Americans now support abolishing ICE [5], and two Native American-owned corporations have canceled their contracts with the agency [6]. Compounding the crisis, a purported DHS whistleblower allegedly leaked the personal information of thousands of Border Patrol and ICE personnel online [7]. In a statement that has drawn sharp condemnation, DHS was also accused of using a “Neo-Nazi Anthem for Recruitment” in the wake of the incident [8].

References:
[1] Trump vows day of ‘reckoning and retribution’ in Minnesota as more ICE agents flood to Minneapolis, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-vows-day-reckoning-retribution-minnesota-more-ice-agents-flood-minneapolis
[2] Videos Show Increasingly Aggressive Federal Crackdown in Minneapolis, https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/13/us/ice-videos-minnesota-trump-immigration.html
[3] Department of Homeland Security changes story of Maryland ICE shooting after local police release contradicting details, https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/13/us/ice-shooting-maryland-immigration-hnk?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=missions&utm_source=reddit
[4] Sec. Noem defends narrative of Minneapolis ICE shooting after new video released, https://www.fox9.com/news/sec-noem-defends-narrative-minneapolis-ice-shooting-after-new-video-released
[5] More Americans Support Abolishing ICE Than Ever Before, Polling Data Shows, https://truthout.org/articles/more-americans-support-abolishing-ice-than-ever-before-polling-data-shows/
[6] 2 Native American-owned corporations cancel contracts with ICE, https://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/ice-contracts-indigenous-nations-9.7039930
[7] Personal Details of Thousands of Border Patrol and ICE Goons Allegedly Leaked in Huge Data Breach: A DHS whistleblower appears to have exposed data on federal immigration workers after the shooting of Renee Good., https://www.thedailybeast.com/personal-details-of-thousands-of-border-patrol-and-ice-goons-allegedly-leaked-in-huge-data-breach/
[8] DHS Used Neo-Nazi Anthem for Recruitment After Fatal Minneapolis ICE Shooting, https://theintercept.com/2026/01/13/dhs-ice-white-nationalist-neo-nazi/

1.2. Turmoil at the Department of Justice

The shooting has triggered “mass resignations” and significant turmoil within the Department of Justice [1]. At least six federal prosecutors in Minnesota have reportedly resigned [2], though reports offer conflicting reasons for the departures. One outlet states the resignations were a protest against pressure to treat the killing of Renee Good as an assault on the federal agent [2]. Another report attributes them to the “decision not to investigate” the ICE agent involved [3]. In a separate but related development, top DOJ officials reportedly quit after their division refused to probe a different ICE shooting in Minnesota [4]. The FBI has opened an inquiry into the victim Renee Good’s “Possible Ties to Activist Groups” [5], a move critics described as an effort to “smear” her [6].

References:
[1] Justice Department prosecutors resign amid turmoil over Minnesota ICE shooting investigation, https://apnews.com/article/justice-department-resignations-renee-good-f456dc01c7d72e15662016193b2e383e
[2] At least 6 Minnesota federal prosecutors resign amid pressure to treat Renee Good killing as assault on ICE agent, https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/federal-prosecutors-minnesota-resign-joe-thompson/
[3] DoJ attorneys resign over decision not to investigate agent in Minneapolis ICE shooting, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/13/doj-attorneys-resign-minneapolis-ice-shooting
[4] Top DOJ officials quit after their division refused to probe Minnesota ICE shooting, https://www.ms.now/news/doj-civil-rights-division-officials-quit-harmeet-dhillon
[5] FBI’s ICE Shooting Inquiry Examines Renee Good’s Possible Ties to Activist Groups, https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/12/us/politics/fbi-renee-good-ice-shooting.html
[6] FBI Now Investigating Past History of Minnesota Woman Killed by ICE | The FBI wants to smear Renee Good instead of leading a proper investigation into her killing., https://newrepublic.com/post/205216/fbi-investigating-activism-history-minnsota-woman-killed-ice

2. Economic Policy & Financial Stability

The administration’s economic policies are generating major domestic and international friction, most notably through an unprecedented conflict with the Federal Reserve and an aggressive new global tariff regime.

2.1. Federal Reserve Under Unprecedented Pressure

The administration has launched a criminal investigation into U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell [1], a move Powell claims is a politically motivated threat over interest rates [2]. President Trump has publicly labeled Powell “‘incompetent’ or ‘crooked’” [3]. The probe has triggered a powerful backlash. Global central bankers and prominent Wall Street leaders, including JPMorgan’s Jamie Dimon, have united to publicly defend Powell and the Fed’s independence [4, 5].

The conflict is causing tangible economic damage, with investors reportedly engaging in a “Sell America” trend, dumping U.S. assets out of fear for the central bank’s autonomy [6]. The move has also created fractures within the President’s party, with some Republicans quoted as saying, “We need this like a hole in the head” [7], and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly “unhappy” with the investigation [8].

References:
[1] US Fed chair Jerome Powell under criminal investigation, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c801k7rkkd7o
[2] Jerome Powell Claims Trump Admin Launched Probe To Threaten Him Over Interest Rates, https://www.dailywire.com/news/jerome-powell-claims-trump-admin-launched-probe-to-threaten-him-over-interest-rates?author=Virginia+Kruta&category=undefined&elementPosition=29&row=3&rowHeadline=Latest+News&rowType=Vertical+Carousel&title=Jerome+Powell+Claims+Trump+Admin+Launched+Probe+To+Threaten+Him+Over+Interest+Rates
[3] Trump attacks Powell again amid Fed independence fears: ‘Incompetent’ or ‘crooked’, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/13/trump-powell-fed-dimon-pirro-doj.html?__source=reddit%7Cmain
[4] Global central bankers unite in defense of Fed Chair Jerome Powell, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/13/jerome-powell-defended-european-central-bankers.html
[5] Dimon, Wall Street heavyweights rally around Powell, https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/13/dimon-wall-street-heavyweights-rally-around-powell-00724341
[6] ‘Sell America’: Investors dump U.S. assets in fear of the end of Fed independence, https://fortune.com/2026/01/12/sell-america-stocks-fed-independence/
[7] ‘We need this like a hole in the head’: Republicans split over Powell investigation, https://www.thetimes.com/us/american-politics/article/jerome-powell-white-house-criminal-investigation-fed-tkqmfnss5
[8] Bessent unhappy with criminal investigation of Fed Chair Jerome Powell, https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/12/politics/bessent-unhappy-jerome-powell-investigation

2.2. New Tariffs and Domestic Economic Debates

The administration announced a sweeping 25% secondary tariff on any country that continues to do business with Iran, risking widespread disruption to global commerce [1]. The move places the fragile U.S.-China trade truce at particular risk, with China threatening to retaliate [2]. President Trump has also warned of a “complete mess” if the Supreme Court were to rule against his tariffs [3].

On the domestic front, President Trump has called for a cap on credit card interest rates, a move that negatively impacted financial stocks [4]. In a rare instance of bipartisan outreach, the President reportedly called Senator Elizabeth Warren to discuss the issue [5]. In response, JPMorgan Chase has indicated that banks may legally challenge such a cap, declaring “Everything’s on the table” [6].

References:
[1] Trump announces 25% tariff on countries that do business with Iran, https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyev0kpk77o
[2] China threatens to retaliate over Trump’s 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran | Trump tariffs, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/12/trump-tariffs-iran?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us
[3] Trump warns of ‘complete mess’ if supreme court rejects tariffs, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/13/donald-trump-supreme-court-tariffs-iran-us-trade?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
[4] Capital One drops 6%, other banks hit after Trump calls for credit card rate cap, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/12/trump-credit-card-limit-banks-jpmorgan-citi.html
[5] Sen. Elizabeth Warren says Trump called her and talked credit card rates, housing costs, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/sen-elizabeth-warren-says-trump-called-her-and-talked-credit-card-rates-housing-costs
[6] JPMorgan Chase says banks could fight Trump credit card rate cap: ‘Everything’s on the table’, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/13/trump-credit-card-rate-cap-jpmorgan-chase-banks-fight.html

3. Foreign Policy & National Security

U.S. foreign policy is marked by escalating confrontations, including a highly assertive Iran policy, a diplomatic crisis over Greenland, and a controversial new technology partnership at the Pentagon.

3.1. Confrontational Iran Policy

The administration has adopted a transparently confrontational stance toward Iran amid widespread protests there. President Trump has canceled meetings with Iranian officials and publicly told protesters to “’take over’ institutions,” promising that “‘help is on its way’” [1]. This comes as a human rights group reports as many as 2,000 people have been killed in the unrest [2], and the President has warned the U.S. “will take very strong action” if Iran executes protesters [3]. Despite the hardline rhetoric, key U.S. allies, including Israeli and Arab officials, are privately advising the U.S. to “hold off on Iran strikes” [4].

References:
[1] Trump urges Iranians to ‘take over’ institutions, cancels meeting with officials, https://thehill.com/homenews/5686160-trump-cancels-iran-meetings/
[2] Trump encourages Iranian protesters; rights group says 2,000 killed, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/01/13/iran-protests-deaths-internet-blackout-economy/
[3] Trump warns U.S. “will take very strong action” if Iran hangs protesters, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-warns-us-action-if-iran-hangs-protesters/
[4] Israeli and Arab officials have privately suggested U.S. hold off on Iran strikes, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna253718

3.2. Greenland Sovereignty and U.S. Interest

U.S. interest in Greenland has caused significant diplomatic tension and acute anxiety on the island. After reports of “takeover threats” from the administration, Greenland’s Prime Minister issued a blunt public rejection, stating, “We choose Denmark over the U.S.” [1]. The rhetoric has reportedly caused such alarm in Greenland that an official stated, “‘People are not sleeping’” and “‘Children Are Afraid’” [2]. Seeking to de-escalate, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he would meet with Danish officials [3], and House Speaker Mike Johnson stated, “I don’t anticipate any boots on the ground’ in Greenland” [4].

References:
[1] Greenland’s PM has a blunt message for Trump: We choose Denmark over the U.S., https://www.cnbc.com/amp/2026/01/13/greenland-denmark-trump-nielsen-frederiksen.html
[2] Greenland official: ‘People are not sleeping’ amid Trump takeover threats, https://www.oregonlive.com/nation/2026/01/greenland-official-people-are-not-sleeping-children-are-afraid-amid-trump-takeover-threats.html
[3] U.S. Secretary of State Rubio says he will meet with Denmark amid European alarm over Greenland rhetoric, https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/us-greenland-european-reaction-9.7036060
[4] Mike Johnson: ‘I don’t anticipate any boots on the ground’ in Greenland, https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5686591-speaker-johnson-greenland-troops/

3.3. National Security, Technology & Alliances

In a major national security development, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that Elon Musk’s Grok AI “will be granted access to classified Pentagon networks” [1], a move that is reportedly drawing “global outcry” [2]. This follows the Pentagon’s decision to embrace the chatbot despite its owner’s controversies [3]. On another front, a key U.S.-Russia nuclear treaty is set to expire on February 5, a development analysts warn could remove all remaining barriers to a new nuclear arms race [4].

References:
[1] Hegseth announces Grok access to classified Pentagon networks, https://www.newsweek.com/hegseth-announces-grok-access-to-classified-pentagon-networks-11349020
[2] Pentagon is embracing Musk’s Grok AI chatbot as it draws global outcry, https://www.npr.org/2026/01/13/nx-s1-5675781/pentagon-musks-grok-ai-chatbot-global-outcry
[3] Pentagon Partners With Musk’s AI Chatbot Despite Child Porn Scandal and Owner’s Embrace of White Nationalism, https://www.commondreams.org/news/pentagon-grok-ai-musk
[4] Why February 6 could bring us closer to nuclear annihilation: When a key treaty expires on February 5, Russian and American leaders will face no barriers whatsoever to the expansion of their nuclear arsenals or to any other steps that might increase the danger of a thermonuclear conflagration., https://www.commondreams.org/opinion/february-6-nuclear-war

4. Congress, Courts, and Interstate Conflicts

4.1. Looming Interstate Abortion Battle

An unprecedented interstate legal conflict is escalating between Louisiana and California over abortion access. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has announced the indictment of a California-based doctor for “trafficking abortion pills into the state” [1]. Subsequently, Louisiana confirmed it formally seeks to “extradite a Bay Area doctor over abortion pills” [2], setting up a significant jurisdictional clash that will test California’s legal shields for abortion providers and could have broad constitutional implications.

References:
[1] California doctor indicted for trafficking abortion pills into state: AG Liz Murrill, https://wgno.com/news/crime/california-doctor-indicted-for-trafficking-abortion-pills-into-state-ag-liz-murrill/
[2] Louisiana wants to extradite a Bay Area doctor over abortion pills, http://sfchronicle.com/california/article/abortion-shield-laws-test-21293129.php/?utm_source=reddit

4.2. High-Profile House Investigations

A major confrontation is developing as Bill and Hillary Clinton have refused to comply with a congressional subpoena to testify in the House investigation concerning Jeffrey Epstein [1]. Republicans, led by Rep. James Comer, have announced they intend to “launch contempt proceedings” against Bill Clinton in response [2]. Separately, former Trump prosecutor Jack Smith is scheduled to provide public testimony before a House committee regarding his past probes [3].

References:
[1] Clintons refuse to testify in House Epstein investigation as Republicans threaten contempt charges, https://apnews.com/article/bill-hillary-clinton-epstein-congress-contempt-ad1f880ed716665f210025d8e57ff112
[2] Rep. Comer to launch contempt proceedings against Bill Clinton, https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5686229-clinton-threatened-contempt-congress/
[3] Trump prosecutor Jack Smith to publicly testify before House committee, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2026/01/12/jack-smith-testify-publicly-house-judiciary/88152888007/

4.3. Supreme Court and Legislative Action

The Supreme Court is weighing a significant case on state-level restrictions on transgender student-athletes, with reports suggesting the conservative justices are leaning toward allowing such bans [1]. In Congress, one member has publicly declared, “I will be impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem,” though the identity of the lawmaker was not specified in the headline [2]. Lawmakers also face an increased risk of a partial government shutdown as Democrats are demanding policy changes at ICE in exchange for DHS funding [3].

References:
[1] US Supreme Court conservatives lean toward allowing transgender sports bans, https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/us-supreme-court-hears-challenge-transgender-sports-bans-2026-01-13/
[2] “I will be impeaching Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.”, https://www.c-span.org/clip/us-house-of-representatives/i-will-be-impeaching-homeland-security-secretary-kristi-noem/5188632
[3] Risk of Partial Shutdown Spikes After Democrats Demand Policy Changes at ICE in Exchange for Homeland Security Funding, https://www.nysun.com/article/risk-of-partial-shutdown-spikes-after-democrats-demand-policy-changes-at-ice-in-exchange-for-homeland-security-funding?member_gift=CUZ5qwd3crq4pmz-xrd

5. State, Local, and Domestic Policy

5.1. Regulatory Shifts: Environment and Health

The administration is making significant changes to regulatory policy. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced it “will stop calculating the economic savings to health in key air pollution rules” [1], a shift from also considering public health costs to focusing solely on business compliance costs [2]. In a separate action, the FDA has reportedly “deletes warning on bogus autism therapies touted by RFK Jr.‘s allies” [3]. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is the current Secretary of Health and Human Services.

References:
[1] EPA says it will stop calculating the economic savings to health in key air pollution rules, https://apnews.com/article/epa-air-pollution-health-benefits-trump-771218fb0059f4c1b07981755d3453a1
[2] EPA No Longer Considering Lives Saved in Pollution Rules, Only Cost to Business, https://truthout.org/articles/epa-no-longer-considering-lives-saved-in-pollution-rules-only-cost-to-business/
[3] FDA deletes warning on bogus autism therapies touted by RFK Jr.‘s allies, https://arstechnica.com/health/2026/01/warning-about-bogus-autism-treatments-vanishes-from-fdas-website/

5.2. State-Level Actions and Legal Challenges

States are actively challenging the administration’s policies. Minnesota and Illinois have filed lawsuits to block the implementation of surges of ICE agents in their states [1]. A federal court ruled the administration acted illegally when it blocked billions in clean energy grants designated for Democratic-led states [2]. At the same time, the New Jersey legislature has given final passage to three “anti-ICE bills” in a direct pushback against federal enforcement [3].

References:
[1] Minnesota, Illinois sue Trump administration to block immigration surges, https://www.reuters.com/world/minnesota-sues-trump-administration-block-surge-federal-immigration-agents-2026-01-12/
[2] Court says Trump admin illegally blocked billions in clean energy grants to Democratic states, https://apnews.com/article/trump-clean-energy-democrats-blue-state-hydrogen-9269a5a839122e1b3fd487787747d47e
[3] Divided NJ Legislature gives final passage to three anti-ICE bills, https://newjerseymonitor.com/2026/01/12/legislature-anti-ice-bills/?emci=23352c44-79f0-f011-8194-000d3a11f903&emdi=8a39e8c5-7ff0-f011-8194-000d3a11f903&ceid=259265

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