[Wednesday, January 21] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

2026-01-21 2452 words 12 minutes

Contents

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare January 21, 2026

Executive Summary

Today’s top stories: A severe crisis grips Minnesota, prompting Pentagon preparations for military police deployment and DOJ subpoenas for the state’s top Democrats. At Davos, President Trump announces a “framework” deal to acquire Greenland and his cabinet declares “globalization has failed.” In geopolitics, the U.S. weighs a military option against Iran amid its internal crackdown, and a report alleges Cuba has declared a “State of War.” The Supreme Court issued key rulings on First and Second Amendment rights, while the administration signed major executive orders targeting the housing market and mental health institutions.

1. Domestic Super-Crisis: Minnesota on the Brink of Federal Intervention

A severe and rapidly escalating crisis in Minnesota has prompted an extraordinary federal response, combining preparations for potential military deployment with a sweeping legal investigation into the state’s highest political offices.

1.1. Pentagon Prepares Military Police for Potential Minneapolis Deployment

In the most significant development, the Pentagon has reportedly ordered active-duty military police units stationed in North Carolina to prepare for a possible deployment to Minneapolis [1]. This move signals that the federal government is planning for a contingency that may exceed the capacity of state and local law enforcement, marking a critical escalation in the potential response to the city’s growing unrest.

References:
[1] “The United States Pentagon has officially ordered active duty military police in North Carolina to prepare for possible deployment to Minneapolis” (X/@rawsalerts), https://x.com/rawsalerts/status/2014036083630080351?s=20

1.2. Sweeping Federal Investigation Targets Top State Democrats

Parallel to military preparations, the Department of Justice has launched a major investigation, issuing subpoenas to Minnesota’s highest-ranking Democratic officials: Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey [1]. The probe has reportedly expanded to include State Attorney General Keith Ellison, who, after being served a subpoena, was described in one report as erupting in “PANIC” during a public “meltdown” [2]. FBI Director Kash Patel publicly affirmed the seriousness of the investigation, warning that “elected officials are not exempt” from federal scrutiny [1]. In a sign of the growing federal pressure, Governor Walz has publicly invited President Trump to visit the state [3], while Vice President JD Vance is reportedly heading to Minnesota in a “Show of ‘Unwavering Support’ for ICE” [4].

References:
[1] Kash Patel warns elected officials are not exempt as DOJ subpoenas Walz, Frey, https://www.foxnews.com/media/fbi-director-patel-warns-elected-officials-no-one-exempt-from-federal-scrutiny-amid-minnesota-probe
[2] BREAKING: Minnesota AG Keith Ellison Erupts in PANIC After DOJ Serves Him with a Subpoena – Watch the Meltdown!, https://www.rightjournalism.com/breaking-minnesota-ag-keith-ellison-erupts-in-panic-after-doj-serves-him-with-a-subpoena/
[3] Tim Walz invites Trump to Minnesota amid ICE clash, federal immigration dispute, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/minnesota-gov-walz-invites-trump-visit-state-see-our-values-action-ice-feud
[4] Vance Heads to MN in Show of ‘Unwavering Support’ for ICE, Defying Leftist Chaos Agents, https://redstate.com/rusty-weiss/2026/01/21/wont-back-down-vance-heads-to-mn-in-show-of-unwavering-support-for-ice-defying-leftist-chaos-agents-n2198379

1.3. On-the-Ground Unrest, ICE Clashes, and Widespread Fraud Allegations

The federal intervention is set against a backdrop of intense local conflict, which some conservative commentators are characterizing as “A Real Insurrection” [1]. A protest at a Minnesota church, reportedly “stormed by Anti-ICE Agitators,” has triggered a federal probe led by Attorney General Pam Bondi, with potential federal charges reportedly possible by Sunday [2, 3]. Reports also link the unrest to financial misconduct, alleging an activist who organized the church protest earned over $1 million via a nonprofit [4]. This follows accusations from a Trump administration official calling Minnesota and California the “worst” states for student aid fraud [5].

References:
[1] A Real Insurrection is Happening in Minnesota, https://thefederalist.com/2026/01/19/trump-has-a-real-insurrection-on-his-hands-in-minnesota/
[2] MN Church Stormed by AntiICE Agitators Releases Statement Showing Their Actions May Have Consequences, https://redstate.com/nick-arama/2026/01/20/mn-church-that-was-stormed-by-anti-ice-agitators-releases-statement-last-sentence-is-terrific-n2198347
[3] Protester defies AG Bondi after federal probe launched over Minnesota church disruption, https://www.foxnews.com/media/anti-ice-protester-william-kelly-dares-pam-bondi-come-arrest-him-after-minnesota-church-disruption
[4] Minnesota activist who organized church storming earned over $1M running nonprofit, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/far-left-agitator-who-organized-minnesota-church-storming-raked-over-1-million-from-nonprofit
[5] Trump official says California, Minnesota worst for student aid fraud, https://www.foxnews.com/us/top-trump-admin-education-official-exposes-blue-state-financial-aid-fraud-offenders

2. The Trump Administration at Davos: An ‘America First’ Global Doctrine

The World Economic Forum in Davos served as a stage for the Trump administration to project a confrontational and transactional foreign policy, marked by a major strategic initiative, a direct rebuke of globalism, and pointed diplomatic rhetoric.

2.1. Greenland Acquisition Framework Announced, European Tariffs Halted

In a “blockbuster speech,” President Trump demanded “immediate talks” for the U.S. to purchase Greenland [1]. Following discussions with NATO, the President announced that a “framework of ‘future deal’” has been reached and that, as part of the negotiations, previously planned U.S. tariffs on Europe have been put on hold [2]. The move received public backing from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who stated that “Trump is right about Greenland” [3]. President Trump later clarified the U.S. approach, stating, “‘We Will Not Take Greenland by Force’” [4].

References:
[1] Trump demands immediate talks to buy Greenland in Davos speech, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/01/21/trump-demands-immediate-talks-to-buy-greenland/
[2] Trump says framework of ‘future deal’ on Greenland reached after NATO talks as tariffs put on hold, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-says-framework-future-deal-greenland-reached-after-nato-talks-tariffs-put-hold
[3] NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte surprises everyone saying Trump is right about Greenland, https://x.com/EricLDaugh/status/2013956899952013567
[4] Trump Tells Davos: ‘We Will Not Take Greenland by Force’, https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2026/01/21/trump-tells-davos-we-will-not-take-greenland-by-force/

2.2. Cabinet Officials Declare “Globalization Has Failed,” Challenging WEF Orthodoxy

U.S. cabinet officials delivered a unified and direct assault on the foundational principles of the Davos forum. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stated unequivocally, “‘Globalization Has Failed… That Is What The WEF Has Stood For’” [1]. In a similar vein, Lutnick was reported to have dismantled the “Net Zero” argument during a panel [2]. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was also reported to have called “out Europe to their faces,” departing from traditional diplomatic norms [3].

References:
[1] Commerce Sec. Lutnick At Davos: “Globalization Has Failed… That Is What The WEF Has Stood For”, https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2026/01/20/commerce_sec_lutnick_at_davos_globalization_has_failed_that_is_what_the_wef_has_stood_for.html
[2] Davos: U.S.’s Lutnick Wrecks the ‘Net Zero’ Argument as Fellow Panelists Stare, https://pjmedia.com/catherinesalgado/2026/01/20/davos-uss-lutnick-wrecks-the-net-zero-argument-as-fellow-panelists-gape-n4948531
[3] Sec. Scott Bessent calls out Europe to their faces, https://x.com/EricLDaugh/status/2013662402189967645

2.3. Confrontational Diplomacy Targets Europe and Domestic Foes

The administration’s assertive posture extended to personalized critiques of allied leaders and domestic political opponents. Secretary Bessent publicly labeled California Governor Gavin Newsom “’economically illiterate’” at the forum [1]. President Trump reportedly “roasted” French President Emmanuel Macron for his “‘beautiful’ sunglasses” and also signaled that Representative Ilhan Omar will be a future focus of his attention [2].

References:
[1] Treasury Secretary Bessent calls Newsom ’economically illiterate’ at Davos, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/bessent-mocks-newsom-davos-patrick-bateman-meets-sparkle-beach-ken
[2] ‘PURE GOLD!’ At Davos, Trump Roasted French President Macron and Let Rep. Ilhan Omar Know What’s Coming, https://twitchy.com/dougp/2026/01/21/pure-gold-trump-roasts-french-president-macron-at-davos-n2424194

3. National Security & Geopolitical Flashpoints

The international landscape is dominated by heightening U.S.-Iran tensions and the emergence of new, urgent crises in the Western Hemisphere and the Indian Ocean.

3.1. Iran in Turmoil: U.S. Weighs ‘Decisive’ Military Option Amid Brutal Internal Crackdown

President Trump is reportedly pressing his national security aides for a “‘decisive’ military option” against Iran as U.S. military assets are repositioned toward the Middle East [1]. This consideration comes as the Iranian regime violently suppresses severe internal unrest. An Iranian soldier has been sentenced to death for refusing to fire on protesters [2], and witnesses have provided accounts of “‘No-Mercy Killings’” and seeing “‘Bodies Behind Every Car’” in central cities [3]. As the U.S. weighs its options, President Trump has revealed he left “‘firm instructions’” for a response should Iran attempt to assassinate him [4].

References:
[1] Trump pushes aides for ‘decisive’ military option against Iran as assets approach Middle East, https://www.jpost.com/international/article-884048
[2] Iranian soldier is sentenced to death for refusing orders to shoot protesters, https://www.foxnews.com/world/iranian-soldier-sentenced-death-refusing-fire-protesters-nationwide-unrest
[3] ‘Bodies Behind Every Car’: Witnesses Recount No-Mercy Killings In Iran’s Central Cities, https://www.rferl.org/a/killings-iran-isfahan-protests/33655787.html
[4] Trump reveals ‘firm instructions’ he left on how to respond if Iran attempts to assassinate him, https://www.reddit.com/r/Conservative/comments/1qipe9i/trump_reveals_firm_instructions_he_left_on_how_to/

3.2. Cuba Reportedly Declares ‘State of War’ Near U.S. Shores

A highly alarming report alleges that Cuba has declared a “‘State of War’ as the country runs out of time” [1]. While details remain scarce in today’s headlines, the prospect of a state collapse or major conflict just 90 miles from the U.S. coast presents an urgent and immediate national security concern.

References:
[1] Cuba Declares a ‘State of War’ as the Country Runs Out of Time, https://hotair.com/john-s-2/2026/01/20/cuba-declares-a-state-of-war-as-the-country-runs-out-of-time-n3811057

3.3. ‘Chagos Chaos’: U.S. Condemns UK Policy Shift on Diego Garcia Military Base

Termed “Chagos Chaos” in one headline, a policy shift by the United Kingdom concerning the Chagos Archipelago has provoked sharp criticism from Washington [1]. President Trump and Senator John Kennedy have condemned the move, which affects the vital U.S. military base on Diego Garcia, claiming it actively “sabotages our national security” [2].

References:
[1] Chagos Chaos - Trump Has Rightly Kicked Up a Hornet’s Nest, https://hotair.com/tree-hugging-sister/2026/01/21/chagos-chaos-trump-has-rightly-kicked-up-a-hornets-nest-n3811083
[2] Trump, Sen. Kennedy Excoriate Bad UK Move on Diego Garcia That Sabotages Our National Security, https://www.reddit.com/r/Conservative/comments/1qii2mi/trump_sen_kennedy_excoriate_bad_uk_move_on_diego/

4. Immigration and Border Enforcement

The administration’s immigration agenda continues to be a central focus, characterized by aggressive enforcement actions, the rollout of new policy tools, and a sharp debate over its efficacy and media portrayal.

4.1. Violent Confrontations Mark Federal Operations; ‘Self-Deportation’ App Gains Traction

Federal immigration enforcement has been marked by violent encounters. In California, a DHS agent reportedly discharged their weapon after an alleged “criminal illegal alien” from El Salvador “‘rammed law enforcement’” with a vehicle [1]. In a separate Los Angeles incident, a federal agent was injured by gunfire during an “immigration enforcement chase” [2]. Amid these operations, traffic to the DHS website has reportedly surged by 68% as the administration’s “self-deportation app” gains usage [3].

References:
[1] DHS alleges criminal illegal alien ‘rammed law enforcement’ in California operation, agent fired weapon, https://www.foxnews.com/us/dhs-alleges-criminal-illegal-alien-rammed-law-enforcement-california-operation-agent-fired-weapon
[2] Federal agent injured after gunfire during LA immigration enforcement chase, https://nypost.com/2026/01/21/us-news/federal-agent-injured-after-gunfire-during-la-immigration-enforcement-chase
[3] DHS website traffic surges 68% as self-deportation app gains popularity, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/dhs-website-traffic-surges-68-thousands-use-trumps-self-deportation-app-voluntary-departure

4.2. Administration Touts Policy Success Amid Partisan Media and Legal Debates

The administration is promoting data points as evidence of its policies’ success, highlighting a nationwide “plummet” in drug overdose deaths [1]. Supporters accuse news networks of issuing a “Fatwa on ICE” with “93% Negative Coverage” of the agency [2], even as a recent poll cited in headlines claims that “57 Percent of American Voters Back Trump Immigration Policies” [3].

References:
[1] U.S. Drug Overdose Deaths Plummet as Trump Administration Cracks Down on Border, https://www.breitbart.com/pre-viral/2026/01/20/u-s-drug-overdose-deaths-plummet-as-trump-administration-cracks-down-on-border/
[2] Nolte: Networks Issue Fatwa on ICE with 93% Negative Coverage–Including CBS, https://www.breitbart.com/the-media/2026/01/21/nolte-networks-issue-fatwa-ice-93-negative-coverage-including-cbs/
[3] 57 Percent of American Voters Back Trump Immigration Policies, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/21/poll-57-percent-of-american-voters-back-trump-immigration-policies/

5. U.S. Governance and Judicial Battles

The administration is moving aggressively on the domestic policy front through executive action, while the judiciary is weighing in on critical matters of constitutional rights, executive power, and the foundational rules of American elections.

President Trump has signed a significant executive order intended to “block Wall Street from buying single-family homes” [1]. A separate executive order aims to bring “Back Mental Institutions,” with the President stating the goal is to “‘Get The People Off the Streets’” [2]. Meanwhile, a notable personnel change is underway, as Lindsey Halligan, a former attorney for President Trump, is leaving her “controversial” post as a U.S. Attorney following “weeks of judicial scrutiny” [3].

References:
[1] Trump signs order to block Wall Street from buying single-family homes, https://nypost.com/2026/01/21/business/trump-signs-order-to-block-wall-street-from-buying-single-family-homes
[2] Trump Says He Signed Executive Order to Bring Back Mental Institutions: ‘Got to Get The People Off the Streets’, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/20/trump-says-he-signed-executive-order-to-bring-back-mental-institutions-got-to-get-the-people-off-the-streets/
[3] Former Trump attorney Lindsey Halligan leaving controversial DOJ post, https://nypost.com/2026/01/21/us-news/trump-appointed-prosecutor-lindsey-halligan-who-pursued-indictments-against-presidents-foes-leaving-post-as-us-attorney

5.2. Supreme Court Delivers Key Rulings and Weighs Executive Power

The Supreme Court has delivered two significant rulings. In a Second Amendment case, the justices were reportedly “stunned” by Hawaii’s use of “outdated, racist laws” in defending its gun restrictions [1]. A separate “knockout SCOTUS ruling” reportedly forced New York to abandon its mandate that “nuns and churches to fund abortion” [2]. Concurrently, the court is deliberating on the scope of executive power and reportedly “appears inclined to prevent Trump from firing Fed governor” [3]. The judiciary itself remains a political battlefield, with one headline questioning if the left can “Finally Admit Justice Jackson Was a Terrible DEI Hire?” [4].

References:
[1] Supreme Court stunned over mention of outdated, racist laws in defense of Hawaii’s ‘vampire’ gun restrictions, https://nypost.com/2026/01/20/us-news/supreme-court-stunned-by-arguments-in-hawaiis-vampire-rule/
[2] Christians win BIG: New York caves on forcing nuns and churches to fund abortion after knockout SCOTUS ruling, https://www.theblaze.com/news/christians-win-big-new-york-caves-on-forcing-nuns-and-churches-to-fund-abortion-after-knockout-scotus-ruling
[3] Supreme Court appears inclined to prevent Trump from firing Fed governor, https://www.scotusblog.com/2026/01/supreme-court-appears-inclined-to-prevent-trump-from-firing-fed-governor/
[4] Can the Left Finally Admit Justice Jackson Was a Terrible DEI Hire?, https://pjmedia.com/matt-margolis/2026/01/20/can-the-left-finally-admit-justice-jackson-was-a-terrible-dei-hire-n4948543

5.3. High-Stakes Legal Fights Unfold Over National Election Maps

Major legal battles over the composition of electoral maps are underway. The California Republican Party has filed an “Emergency Application With SCOTUS” in a redistricting challenge [1]. In a separate case, a judicial panel in Maryland has backed a new map explicitly “aimed at an all-Democratic delegation” [2]. The debate extends to election laws, with Virginia Democrats pursuing changes to extend mail-in ballots and ban hand counts [3].

References:
[1] CAGOP Files Emergency Application With SCOTUS in Redistricting Challenge, https://redstate.com/jenvanlaar/2026/01/20/cagop-files-emergency-application-with-scotus-in-redistricting-challenge-n2198348
[2] Maryland panel backs new map aimed at all-Democratic delegation, https://rollcall.com/2026/01/20/maryland-redistricting-democrats-midterm-elections/
[3] Extending Mail Ballots, Banning Hand Counts, And 3 Other Radical Election Changes VA Dems Have Planned, https://thefederalist.com/2026/01/20/extending-mail-ballots-banning-hand-counts-and-3-other-radical-election-changes-va-dems-have-planned/

6. Domestic Politics & Cultural Discourse

6.1. Congressional Standoffs and Intra-Party Tensions

In Congress, House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer has publicly “dared Democrats to hold the Clintons in contempt” after rejecting their “‘ridiculous offer’” for an unofficial interview in an ongoing investigation [1]. Within the Democratic party, tensions are reported as some “fume” over former Vice President Kamala Harris’s new $8 million Malibu mansion [2]. Separately, a state-level controversy is brewing over New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed $260 billion budget, which critics have assailed as “reckless” [3].

References:
[1] James Comer dares Democrats to hold the Clintons in contempt, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/comer-dares-democrats-advance-clinton-contempt-congress-resolutions-be-exposed-hypocrites
[2] Dems fume as Kamala Harris bunkers down in new $8 million Malibu mansion, https://nypost.com/2026/01/20/us-news/dems-fume-as-kamala-harris-hunkers-down-in-new-8m-malibu-mansion/
[3] Hochul’s reckless $260B budget plan: Spend now, worry later, https://nypost.com/2026/01/20/opinion/hochuls-reckless-260b-budget-plan-spend-now-worry-later

6.2. Cultural Notes: Debates on Public Figures and Identity

Several cultural topics made headlines. A video of former First Lady Michelle Obama stating she is “mindful to try to avoid white-owned brands” has circulated widely [1]. A study examining the political affiliation of professional athletes reportedly found a stark partisan divide between different sports leagues [2]. On a personal note, Barron Trump is credited with having “‘saved’ friend’s life by calling cops” during an alleged domestic assault incident [3].

References:
[1] Video: Michelle Obama says she is mindful to try to avoid white-owned brands and others also should be, https://x.com/endwokeness/status/2013356579802767412
[2] Study of Pro Athlete Party Affiliation Reveals Shocking Results: NBA and WNBA players are almost all Democrats or independents, while Major League Baseball players are mostly Republicans, https://www.breitbart.com/sports/2026/01/21/study-pro-athlete-party-affiliation-reveals-shocking-results/
[3] Barron Trump ‘saved’ friend’s life by calling cops while she was being beaten by ex-boyfriend, she says, https://nypost.com/2026/01/21/us-news/barron-trump-saved-friends-life-by-calling-cops-while-she-was-being-beaten-by-ex-boyfriend/