[Sunday, January 18] US News Headlines from r/politics

2026-01-18 2455 words 12 minutes

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare January 18, 2026

Executive Summary

Today’s briefing covers a nation facing severe international and domestic crises. A dispute over Greenland has spiraled into a transatlantic trade war, with the U.S. imposing tariffs on European nations and the EU preparing over $100 billion in retaliation. Domestically, a tense standoff in Minnesota over immigration enforcement is escalating, with the Pentagon readying 1,500 soldiers for potential deployment as President Trump threatens to invoke the Insurrection Act. The administration is also challenging established norms by offering allies permanent seats on a new “Board of Peace” for $1 billion each and threatening legal action against media outlets.

1. The Greenland Crisis and Transatlantic Trade War

1.1. EU Prepares Massive Retaliation as Conflict Escalates

The administration’s assertive policy regarding Greenland has provoked a severe, coordinated backlash from European allies, rapidly escalating into a major trade crisis. The White House imposed punitive tariffs on eight European nations connected to the dispute [1]. In a direct response, the European Union is reportedly preparing retaliatory tariffs valued at approximately $108 billion against the United States [2]. To implement this, the EU may deploy a never-before-used “anti-coercion instrument,” a powerful legal tool analysts have dubbed a ’trade bazooka’ [3].

The diplomatic fallout has been swift and harsh. European diplomats have convened crisis talks over what one Dutch minister labeled as “blackmail” [4]. In a call with President Trump, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the proposed tariffs on NATO allies are “wrong” [5].

References:
[1] Europeans reeling as Trump imposes tariffs on 8 countries over Greenland dispute, https://apnews.com/article/greenland-denmark-us-trump-eu-tariffs-4e63efa690604004c69fc89a7c14e7c2
[2] EU considers $108 billion in retaliatory tariffs on US over Trump’s Greenland threat, FT reports, https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-considers-108-billion-retaliatory-tariffs-us-over-trumps-greenland-threat-ft-2026-01-18/
[3] The EU could fire a never-before-used ‘trade bazooka’ to retaliate against Trump tariffs aimed at NATO allies sending troops to Greenland, https://fortune.com/2026/01/18/eu-trade-bazooka-anto-coercion-instrument-trump-nato-tariffs-greenland/
[4] EU diplomats to hold crisis talks over Trump Greenland tariff ‘blackmail’, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/18/europe-diplomats-crisis-talks-trump-tariffs-greenland?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other
[5] Tariffs on Nato allies are wrong, Starmer tells Trump in Greenland crisis call, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/18/tariffs-nato-allies-keir-starmer-donald-trump-greenland-crisis-call

1.2. Administration Defends Policy as National Security Imperative

The administration is mounting a firm public defense of its Greenland policy. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has justified the tariffs with the rationale that a “weak Europe” necessitates that the U.S. “must take Greenland” for strategic reasons [1]. He framed the action as preventative, stating, “The national emergency is avoiding the national emergency” [2]. To formalize this new foreign policy focus, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry has been appointed as a “Greenland envoy,” raising questions about how he will manage this federal role alongside his governorship [3]. The conflict appears to have scuttled broader trade negotiations, with the planned U.S.-E.U. trade deal now described as officially “‘on hold’” [4].

References:
[1] Bessent Says Weak Europe Means Trump Must Take Greenland for US, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-18/bessent-says-weak-europe-means-trump-must-take-greenland-for-us
[2] Treasury secretary defends Greenland tariffs: ‘The national emergency is avoiding the national emergency’, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/treasury-secretary-bessent-tariffs-national-emergency-greenland-eu-rcna254650
[3] Jeff Landry now has two roles: Governor and Greenland envoy. It’s unclear how he will manage both., https://lailluminator.com/2026/01/18/jeff-landry-now-has-two-roles-governor-and-greenland-envoy-its-unclear-how-he-will-manage-both/
[4] EU-US trade deal ‘on hold’ after new Trump tariffs, https://www.politico.eu/article/eu-us-trade-deal-on-hold-after-new-trump-tariffs/?utm_source=copilot.com

1.3. Bipartisan Concern and Fractures in Congress

The administration’s Greenland ambitions are facing rare bipartisan pushback in Congress, where select members of both parties are reportedly working to “contain Trump’s Greenland aggression” [1]. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has stated Democrats will actively try to block the tariffs [2]. The policy has also caused a rift within the GOP. Representative McCaul issued a stark warning that a U.S. invasion of Greenland would mean “war with NATO itself” [3]. However, the policy has its defenders. Senator Ted Cruz justified the push by citing America’s “history of acquiring new lands” [4]. In direct contrast, Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen dismissed the strategic claims, asserting that the administration’s focus on the territory “is not about security” [5].

References:
[1] Republicans and Democrats are trying to contain Trump’s Greenland aggression. Will it be enough?, https://apnews.com/article/congress-republicans-trump-greenland-denmark-28252fc0691a183f52d3c4a77369457b
[2] Schumer: Democrats will try to block Trump’s Greenland tariffs, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5694564-schumer-trump-greenland-tariffs/
[3] GOP Rep. McCaul says a US invasion of Greenland would mean ‘war with NATO itself’, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/gop-rep-mccaul-us-invasion-greenland-war-nato/story?id=129325652
[4] Ted Cruz cites America’s ‘history of acquiring new lands’ in defending Trump’s Greenland push, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/world/4423434/cruz-american-history-acquiring-lands-defending-trump-greenland-effort/
[5] Van Hollen on Trump Greenland push: ‘This is not about security’, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5695125-van-hollen-trump-greenland/

2. Immigration Enforcement and The Minnesota Standoff

2.1. Pentagon Readies Troops as President Threatens Insurrection Act

A severe federal-state conflict over immigration enforcement is reaching a critical point in Minnesota. The Pentagon is readying 1,500 soldiers for a potential deployment to the state [1], as President Trump publicly threatens to invoke the Insurrection Act to quell the unrest [2]. The U.S. Army’s preparations are part of a broader contingency plan by the FBI and Pentagon for a “possible Minnesota Surge to Back ICE” [3]. In response, Governor Tim Walz has mobilized the Minnesota National Guard to manage “heated protests” [4]. The Mayor of Minneapolis issued a direct constitutional challenge, declaring that sending soldiers into the city for an immigration crackdown would be “unconstitutional” [5].

References:
[1] Pentagon readies 1,500 soldiers to possibly deploy to Minnesota, officials say, https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/01/18/trump-minnesota-insurrection-act/
[2] Trump threatens to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota, https://www.dw.com/en/trump-threatens-to-invoke-the-insurrection-act-in-minnesota/a-75522140
[3] FBI, Pentagon Ready Possible Minnesota Surge to Back ICE, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-18/us-readies-fbi-troops-for-possible-minnesota-surge-to-back-ice
[4] Gov. Walz mobilizes Minnesota National Guard amid heated protests, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2026/01/17/tim-walz-mobilizes-minnesota-national-guard-amid-protests/88235378007/
[5] Sending soldiers to Minneapolis for immigration crackdown would be unconstitutional, mayor says, https://apnews.com/article/minnesota-immigration-crackdown-6c0bb88cb16617b92db1e67dfb30ce3a

2.2. National Backlash, Protests, and Allegations of Misconduct

The situation in Minnesota is part of a larger national picture of intense protest and growing public backlash. A CBS News poll finds that a majority of Americans now believe ICE has been “too tough” in its operations [1]. Headlines link rising anti-ICE sentiment directly to the death of Renee Nicole Good, allegedly at the hands of an ICE agent [2]. This climate is fueled by reports of alleged misconduct. In a high-profile case, a group alleges ICE deported a 5-year-old U.S. citizen from Texas to Honduras [3]. In Minneapolis, a man claims agents took “’trophy’ photos” of him during his detention [4]. A federal judge has issued a ruling barring ICE from retaliating against protesters in Minnesota [5].

References:
[1] CBS News poll finds more Americans say ICE being too tough; Republicans feel protesters have gone too far, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ice-trump-greenland-trump-poll/
[2] Trump Slips Badly in Polling on Key Issue - Anti-ICE sentiment has been rising since the death of Renee Nicole Good at the hands of ICE agent Jonathan Ross., https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-slips-badly-in-polling-on-key-issue/
[3] ICE deports 5-year-old US citizen from TX to Honduras, group says, https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/austin/article/ice-deports-austin-girl-honduras-21298653.php?utm_campaign=CMS%20Sharing%20Tools%20(Premium)&utm_source=t.co&utm_medium=referral
[4] Minneapolis man says ICE agents took ’trophy’ photos, locked him in overcrowded cell, https://www.mprnews.org/story/2026/01/18/garrison-gibson-says-ice-agents-took-trophy-photos-locked-in-overcrowded-cell
[5] Judge Rules ICE Cannot Retaliate Against Minnesota Protesters, https://www.commondreams.org/news/judge-ice-minnesota

2.3. Divergent State Policies and Partisan Division

The national immigration debate is creating a stark divergence in state-level policy. In a controversial move, Alabama is reportedly using a law from the Japanese American Internment era to charge immigrants who fail to self-register [1]. In a sharp reversal, on her first day as Virginia’s new governor, Abigail Spanberger signed an executive order ending the state’s collaboration with ICE [2]. This political fragmentation coincides with the re-emergence of the “Abolish ICE” slogan, which reports describe as “more popular than ever” [3]. This is creating a dilemma for some establishment Democrats, exemplified by reports that New York Governor Hochul’s sharper stance on ICE is causing complications for vulnerable colleagues [4].

References:
[1] Alabama uses Japanese American Internment era law to charge immigrants who don’t self-register, https://www.al.com/news/2026/01/alabama-uses-japanese-internment-era-law-to-charge-immigrants-who-dont-self-register.html
[2] Day One: Governor Spanberger ends Virginia’s ICE collaboration, https://www.nbc12.com/2026/01/17/day-one-governor-spanberger-ends-virginias-ice-collaboration/
[3] “Abolish ICE” Is More Popular Than Ever. How Will Democrats Drop the Ball This Time? | Establishment Democrats are rejecting an increasingly popular position by refusing to take a bold stance that happens to be good politics, https://theintercept.com/2026/01/18/abolish-ice-democrats/
[4] Hochul’s sharper stance on ICE complicates life for vulnerable Democrats, https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/17/hochul-ice-proposals-new-york-swing-seat-democrats-00733843

3. Executive Power and Administration Conduct

3.1. “Board of Peace” Initiative and Media Confrontation

The administration is pursuing several unconventional strategies that challenge traditional governance and media relations. A new foreign policy entity, the “Board of Peace,” has been established, with reports indicating President Trump is asking allied nations to pay $1 billion each for a permanent seat, a move some media outlets have labeled a “brazen… grift” [1]. Concurrently, the administration’s relationship with the press has grown overtly hostile. The White House explicitly warned CBS News that it would face a lawsuit if it did not broadcast a recent interview with President Trump in its entirety and without edits [2].

References:
[1] Trump puts $1B price tag on Gaza peace board permanent seats: Reports, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5694508-trump-board-peace-gaza-membership-fee/
[2] White House Warns CBS: Air Trump Interview in Full, or ‘We’ll Sue’, https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/17/business/media/cbs-news-trump-interview.html

3.2. Politicization of the Justice Department and FBI

Concerns are mounting over the potential politicization of federal law enforcement agencies. Under Director Kash Patel, the FBI is reportedly scouring its internal records with the aim of finding material to discredit President Trump’s political opponents [1]. In a separate development, a top administration official has stated publicly that the FBI will not investigate a killing committed by an ICE agent, a decision raising questions about accountability [2]. The DOJ is also facing challenges; an inquiry reportedly initiated to oust the Federal Reserve Chair has “backfired” on the administration [3]. The Department is also reportedly investigating Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Jacob Frey in a move legal experts have condemned as “total garbage” [4].

References:
[1] Under Patel, F.B.I. Scours Its Records to Discredit Trump Opponents, https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/18/us/politics/kash-patel-grassley-payback.html
[2] Top Trump Official Says FBI Won’t Investigate Killing by ICE Agent, https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/01/fbi-ice-jonathan-ross-renee-good-todd-blanche/
[3] Trump wants to get rid of the Fed chair — but a DOJ inquiry has backfired, https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/01/18/powell-trump-subpoena-fed-chair/
[4] Legal experts blast Trump’s DOJ probe of Tim Walz and Jacob Frey as ‘total garbage’ while allies rally around Minnesota leaders, https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/tim-walz-jacob-frey-subpoena-trump-doj-b2902588.html

4. Judiciary, Regulation, and Domestic Policy

The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments on cases with major constitutional implications. In a crucial test of presidential power, the Court will weigh the scope of President Trump’s authority over the Federal Reserve, a case that could redefine the central bank’s independence [1]. The Court is also hearing a “key case” related to trans rights. Advocates report that the high-profile nature of the case has coincided with a tangible increase in hostility at their public rallies from antagonists who feel emboldened [2].

References:
[1] Supreme Court prepares to weigh Trump’s power over Federal Reserve, https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5693451-trump-federal-reserve-supreme-court/
[2] ‘They’re here to antagonize us’: trans advocates say hostility at rallies is up as supreme court hears key case, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/17/trans-advocates-student-athletes-supreme-court

4.2. Major Regulatory Rulings and Policy Setbacks

The federal rail regulator has blocked the proposed $71.5 billion merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, sending the deal “back for redo” [1]. Separately, the administration’s energy policy has suffered a significant legal setback. President Trump experienced “major losses in his war on offshore wind” after federal judges in three separate courts rejected the argument that offshore wind farms constitute a national security risk [2]. On the legislative front, a congressional agreement on health care subsidies is reportedly in jeopardy due to persistent disagreements over abortion coverage language [3].

References:
[1] Rail Regulator Sends $71.5 Billion Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Deal Back for Redo, https://www.wsj.com/business/deals/rail-regulator-sends-71-5-billion-union-pacific-norfolk-southern-deal-back-for-redo-aebae6b8?st=ftKypz
[2] Trump suffers major losses in his war on offshore wind: The administration’s arguments that offshore wind farms present a national security risk failed to convince judges in three separate courts., https://www.politico.com/news/2026/01/18/trump-offshore-wind-problems-00734850
[3] How abortion coverage threatens to prevent a congressional deal on health care subsidies, https://apnews.com/article/health-care-congress-trump-subsidies-abortion-aca-e42c414b1a977dabdb2321a9ec0794c4

5. Domestic Political Landscape

5.1. 2026/2028 Maneuvering and Intra-Party Tensions

The political environment is charged with early maneuvering for future elections. President Trump has issued a public warning to an unnamed Republican for an alleged “‘betrayal,’” stating, “‘We’re after you’” [1]. He is also reportedly encouraging Representative Julia Letlow to launch a primary challenge against incumbent Republican Senator Bill Cassidy in Louisiana [2]. Vice President JD Vance is being widely described in media reports as a “2028 candidate in all but name” [3]. Elsewhere, a new poll from Texas shows “Talarico leading Crockett by 9 points in the Senate Democratic primary” [4].

References:
[1] Donald Trump Sends Warning To Republican For ‘Betrayal’: ‘We’re After You’, https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-warning-republican-betrayal-rod-bray-indiana-11378330
[2] Trump encourages Rep. Julia Letlow to primary Sen. Bill Cassidy Letlow previously said she hadn’t decided if she would run for U.S. Senate in Louisiana., https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2026-election/trump-encourages-rep-julia-letlow-primary-sen-bill-cassidy-rcna254633
[3] JD Vance: ‘despicable toady for Trump’ – and 2028 candidate in all but name, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/18/jd-vance-profile-trump-presidency
[4] New Texas poll finds Talarico leading Crockett by 9 points in Senate Democratic primary, https://www.texastribune.org/2026/01/15/emerson-poll-texas-senate-crockett-talarico-cornyn-paxton-hunt-2026/

5.2. Notable Developments in State Governance

Significant political and policy developments are unfolding at the state level. In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger was inaugurated as the state’s first female governor, promptly signing ten executive orders on her first day [1]. In Massachusetts, lawmakers are calling for an end to the legal doctrine of qualified immunity for law enforcement [2]. Meanwhile, a newly filed bill in Utah has been described by local LGBTQ+ advocates as one of the “most harmful and outrageous” anti-transgender measures they have seen, with the bill reportedly aiming to erase transgender protections from state law [3].

References:
[1] Abigail Spanberger becomes Virginia’s first female governor in historic inauguration, https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/17/politics/abigail-spanberger-virginia-governor-inauguration
[2] Massachusetts lawmakers call for end to qualified immunity, https://www.westernmassnews.com/2026/01/14/massachusetts-lawmakers-call-end-qualified-immunity/
[3] Anti-transgender bill among ‘most harmful and outrageous’ Utah LGBTQ+ advocates have seen. Utah lawmakers have filed a slew of anti-transgender and LGBTQ+ bills, including one to erase transgender protections from state law and another renaming Harvey Milk Boulevard after Charlie Kirk, https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/01/16/utah-anti-transgender-bill-harmful-lgbtq-advocates-say/

Polling paints a complex picture of the national mood. One poll indicates President Trump’s approval rating has reached a “‘perilous’ point” [1], while another finds his approval among Gen Z has “plummeted” [2]. Signaling deep public distrust, a separate poll finds a majority of Americans believe the government is intentionally withholding information related to the Epstein case a month after a key deadline passed [3]. Underscoring the intensity of social conflict, a New Hampshire bishop has reportedly urged clergy in his diocese “to prepare their wills” in the face of ongoing and potentially violent clashes related to ICE enforcement [4].

References:
[1] Donald Trump Approval Rating Hits ‘Perilous’ Point, https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-approval-rating-hits-perilous-point-11375859
[2] Trump approval amongst Gen Z plummets, Democrat identification is on rise, https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-approval-rating-gen-z-2-11371034
[3] A month after Epstein files deadline, Americans still think government is intentionally holding back info, CNN poll finds, https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/article/a-month-after-epstein-files-deadline-americans-still-think-government-is-intentionally-holding-back-info-cnn-poll-finds/
[4] Amid ICE clashes, New Hampshire bishop urges clergy to prepare their wills, https://www.npr.org/2026/01/18/nx-s1-5678579/ice-clashes-new-hampshire-bishop-urges-clergy-prepare-wills