[Monday, January 26] US News Headlines from r/politics

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare January 26, 2026

Executive Summary

• A national crisis erupts over the fatal shooting of U.S. citizen Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis, forcing the administration to reverse its aggressive immigration surge.
• The White House narrative is collapsing amid contradictory video evidence and witness testimony, fueling a severe bipartisan backlash.
• Washington faces a government shutdown threat as Senate Democrats vow to block DHS funding, and a majority of House Democrats support impeaching Secretary Kristi Noem.
• The crisis is fracturing the GOP, with a Minnesota gubernatorial candidate quitting and public opinion shifting rapidly against the administration’s hardline immigration tactics.

1. National Crisis: The Minneapolis Shootings and Federal Response

1.1 Fatal Shootings and Disputed Narratives

The nation is grappling with a rapidly escalating crisis following the fatal shooting of U.S. citizen Alex Pretti, a VA Nurse, by a Border Patrol agent during protests in Minneapolis [1]. The Trump administration’s official narrative of the events is being directly contradicted by a growing body of evidence. Multiple reports indicate that video footage and witness accounts are at odds with official statements from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) [2]. Adding to the discrepancies, a doctor who attended to the victim alleged that agents were seen “counting bullet holes rather than administering CPR” as Pretti lay dying, a claim that has intensified public outrage [3].

[1] Who is Alex Pretti? VA Nurse Shot by Border Patrol During Minnesota Protest, https://www.military.com/daily-news/2026/01/25/who-alex-pretti-va-nurse-shot-border-patrol-during-minnesota-protest.html
[2] Videos of deadly Minneapolis shooting of Alex Pretti contradict Trump administration statements, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/videos-of-deadly-minneapolis-shooting-of-alex-pretti-contradict-trump-administration-statements
[3] Doctor who attended to shot protester says agents were counting bullet holes rather than administering CPR, https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/alex-pretti-minneapolis-shooting-doctor-bullet-holes-b2907313.html

1.2 Executive Response: From Defiance to De-escalation

The administration’s response has traced a sharp arc from defiance to damage control. Initially, President Trump blamed Democrats for the “chaos” [1] and dispatched “border czar” Tom Homan to take direct control of ICE operations in Minnesota [2]. However, facing intense political blowback, the White House has executed a significant reversal, signaling a de-escalation of the operation and reportedly withdrawing some top agents from the city [3]. This pivot includes a direct pledge from President Trump to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to “do things differently.” The de-escalation comes as DHS confirms the existence of body camera footage from the shooting, a disclosure that follows earlier reports the administration had sought to cut funding for such programs and reduce agency oversight [4].

[1] Trump, unbowed by backlash to Minneapolis shooting, blames Democrats for ‘chaos’, https://apnews.com/article/trump-minneapolis-shooting-immigration-deportation-e1f03e81c43176ba6f3dd960043ff626
[2] Trump sends Tom Homan to Minnesota to manage ICE after Alex Pretti killing, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/26/trump-tom-homan-minnesota-alex-pretti-ice.html
[3] Trump signals de-escalation of ICE ops in Minneapolis, https://www.axios.com/2026/01/26/trump-ice-minneapolis-walz-alex-pretti
[4] Trump moved to cut funding for ICE body cameras, pared back oversight, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-moved-cut-funding-ice-body-cameras-pared-back-oversight-2026-01-25/

1.3 Cross-Partisan Backlash and Shifting Alliances

The federal action has ignited a rare and potent cross-partisan firestorm, fracturing the President’s own coalition. A Reuters/Ipsos poll finds Trump’s approval on immigration has plummeted to a record low [1]. Key Republican figures are openly critical, with Texas Governor Greg Abbott stating ICE needs to “recalibrate” its mission [2]. Prominent conservative media outlets, including the Wall Street Journal and New York Post, have called the operation a “moral and political debacle” [3]. The backlash includes a rare show of bipartisan unity in the Senate to call for an investigation and condemnation from former Presidents Obama and Clinton, who called the events “a wake-up call to every American” [4].

[1] Trump’s immigration approval drops to record low, Reuters/Ipsos poll finds, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trumps-immigration-approval-drops-record-low-reutersipsos-poll-finds-2026-01-26/
[2] Texas Gov. Abbott says ICE needs to ‘recalibrate’ mission after deadly Minnesota shooting, https://www.expressnews.com/politics/texas/article/abbott-ice-minneapolis-shooting-21315704.php?utm_source=reddit
[3] ‘Moral and Political Debacle’: Right-Wing Media, CEOs Urge Trump to Stop Deadly ICE Crackdown: “The American people didn’t vote for these scenes and you can’t continue to order them to not believe their lying eyes,” the New York Post editorial board wrote., https://www.commondreams.org/news/conservative-pushback-alex-pretti
[4] ‘A wake-up call to every American’: Former presidents Obama, Clinton blast Trump administration after Minneapolis deaths, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/-wake-call-every-american-former-presidents-obama-clinton-blast-trump-rcna255860

1.4 Congressional Confrontation and Legal Challenges

The crisis is pushing Washington toward a fiscal and constitutional showdown. The odds of a government shutdown by the end of this week have hit 77%, with the conflict centered on funding for the Department of Homeland Security [1]. Senate Democrats have declared they will block the funding bill in direct response to the Minneapolis shooting, threatening what they describe as “doubled dollars for ICE” [2]. The legislative battle runs parallel to a growing impeachment push against Secretary Kristi Noem, which now has the support of more than two-thirds of the House Democratic caucus [3]. Simultaneously, the administration faces legal challenges, including a federal judge’s order blocking DHS from “destroying or altering” any evidence related to the investigation [4].

[1] Government shutdown odds by the end of this week hit 77% as Capitol Hill fractures over Minnesota shooting, https://fortune.com/2026/01/26/government-shutdown-odds-capitol-hill-funding-fractures-shooting/
[2] Funding deal begins to unravel as Senate Democrats vow to oppose DHS bill over Alex Pretti shooting in Minnesota, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/funding-deal-begins-to-unravel-as-senate-democrats-vow-to-oppose-dhs-bill-over-alex-pretti-shooting-in-minnesota
[3] Two-Thirds of House Democrats Have Now Signed On to Impeach Kristi Noem, https://www.notus.org/democrats/house-democrats-kristi-noem-impeach-resolution-sign
[4] Federal judge blocks DHS from ‘destroying or altering’ evidence after fatal Minneapolis shooting, https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5705220-judge-blocks-destroying-altering-evidence-minneapolis-shooting/amp/

1.5 Public Opinion and Broader ICE Controversies

Public sentiment is shifting against the administration’s hardline immigration tactics. For the first time, polling shows more Americans support than oppose abolishing ICE, a movement that includes a notable “surge” in support among Republican voters [1]. As the crisis unfolds, broader ICE controversies are gaining attention, including a “secret bid” to deploy agents to the Olympics [2] and reports of plummeting morale within the agency itself [3]. Resistance at the state level is also growing, with the governors of Maine and New Jersey demanding ICE’s removal from their states following federal actions [4].

[1] Support for abolishing ICE surges among Republicans, https://www.newsweek.com/abolish-ice-republican-support-minnesota-11414059?utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=reddit_influencers
[2] Trump Sparks Fresh Outrage With Secret Bid to Send ICE to the Olympics | Lawmakers are calling for Trump’s “thugs” to be denied entry to the Olympics’ host country., https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-sparks-fresh-outrage-with-secret-bid-to-send-ice-to-the-olympics/
[3] Morale is plummeting among ICE agents over long hours, quotas and public hatred: reports, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/ice-agents-morale-reports-minneapolis-shooting-b2907742.html
[4] Governor Mills seeks meeting with Trump to demand ICE withdrawal from Maine, https://wgme.com/news/local/governor-mills-seeks-meeting-with-trump-to-demand-ice-withdrawal-from-maine

2. Congressional Affairs and 2026 Midterm Outlook

The political fallout from the Minneapolis crisis is directly shaping the 2026 midterm election landscape. In Minnesota, Republican gubernatorial candidate Chris Madel abruptly ended his campaign, stating he could not support federal “retribution” against his state and that the GOP “Can’t Win” in the current environment [1]. More broadly, Democrats reportedly see a potential path to retaking the Senate amid the shifting political climate [2]. Within the GOP, there are signs of tension. Senator Ted Cruz reportedly warned President Trump of a potential midterm “bloodbath,” a warning that was met with anger from the President [3]. The looming elections are also reportedly “cracking Mike Johnson’s grip on House votes,” suggesting the Speaker’s ability to maintain party discipline is weakening as members grow sensitive to the changing political winds [4].

[1] Minnesota Republican Quits Governor Race, Says GOP Can’t Win, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-26/minnesota-republican-quits-governor-race-on-crackdown-disaster
[2] Democrats See Path to Senate Control. Here Are the Key Races to Watch, https://time.com/7357434/democrats-2026-elections-senate-races-donald-trump-texas-maine-michigan/
[3] Cruz reportedly says Trump yelled and cursed over warning of midterm election ‘bloodbath’, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jan/26/ted-cruz-trump-midterm-elections
[4] The midterms are cracking Mike Johnson’s grip on House votes, https://www.axios.com/2026/01/23/mike-johnson-absences-gop-majority

3. Executive Governance and Presidential Affairs

3.1 Federal Agency Integrity and Data Controversies

Beyond the immediate crisis, the administration is facing intense scrutiny over the integrity of federal agencies and the management of public data. An alarming report from 404 Media claims that dozens of CDC health databases have “gone dark” under the administration, with a source warning the public health consequences “will be dire” [1]. Following the leak of President Trump’s tax data, the U.S. Treasury has taken the major step of terminating all its contracts with consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton [2]. In a separate development, a ProPublica report states the administration “plans to write regulations using artificial intelligence,” signaling a potential move toward “government by AI” [3].

[1] Dozens of CDC Health Databases Have Gone Dark Under Trump: ‘The Consequences Will Be Dire’, https://www.404media.co/dozens-of-cdc-health-databases-have-gone-dark-under-trump-the-consequences-will-be-dire/
[2] US Treasury Department ends contracts with Booz Allen Hamilton after Trump tax leak, https://apnews.com/article/trump-bessent-treasury-irs-tax-38a873423b75f67d5e67351bbb651245
[3] Government by AI? Trump Administration Plans to Write Regulations Using Artificial Intelligence, https://www.propublica.org/article/trump-artificial-intelligence-google-gemini-transportation-regulations

3.2 Presidential Conduct and Internal Conflicts

Amidst the national crisis, the President’s personal conduct and administration conflicts are drawing media attention. Reports highlight a contrast between the severity of the situation and the President “ranting online” about his personal ballroom [1]. The Daily Beast suggests DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is on “Thin Ice With Trump & Miller Over Bovino ‘Miscalculation’,” pointing to internal fallout over the Minneapolis operation [2]. The President’s friction extends to the business community, with a lawsuit against JPMorgan seen as underscoring his “growing clash with Wall Street” [3].

[1] As America implodes, Trump is ranting online… about his $300m ballroom, https://inews.co.uk/news/world/america-implodes-trump-rants-online-ballroom-4194076
[2] ICE Barbie on Thin Ice With Trump & Miller Over Bovino ‘Miscalculation’, https://www.thedailybeast.com/dhs-ice-barbie-kristi-noem-thin-ice-donald-trump-stephen-miller-gregory-bovino-miscalculation/
[3] Trump’s JPMorgan lawsuit underscores his growing clash with Wall Street, https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/trumps-jpmorgan-lawsuit-underscores-his-growing-clash-with-wall-street-2026-01-25/

4. Foreign Relations and International Trade

The administration’s trade and diplomatic posture continues to create friction with key allies. On the trade front, President Trump is threatening to hike tariffs on South Korean goods to 25% over “inaction on trade deal” [1]. This follows threats of 100% tariffs on China, which prompted Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to state Canada is not currently pursuing a free trade deal with Beijing [2]. The tariff policies are having tangible effects, with German automaker Volkswagen reportedly considering the cancellation of its U.S. factory plans [3]. In defense, the U.S. envoy to Ottawa warned the foundational “NORAD pact would change if Canada pulls back from F-35 order,” tying decades of cooperation to a specific procurement decision [4].

[1] Trump threatens to hike tariffs on South Korean goods to 25% over inaction on trade deal, https://apnews.com/article/trump-south-korea-tariffs-trade-deal-3c5accc4bb4585837d670d44e1acf8e2
[2] Carney says Canada not pursuing free trade deal with China as Trump threatens 100% tariffs, https://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/26/canada-china-trade-deal-tariffs-trump.html?__source=androidappshare
[3] Volkswagen considers pulling out of US factory plans over tariffs, https://www.semafor.com/article/01/26/2026/volkswagen-considers-pulling-out-of-us-factory-plans-over-tariffs
[4] NORAD pact would change if Canada pulls back from F-35 order, warns Trump envoy to Ottawa, https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/norad-canada-us-f35-9.7059800

5. Justice, Security, and the Judiciary

5.1 Supreme Court Developments

The Supreme Court is set to hear a significant case with major implications for privacy and education policy, which could decide “whether to turn teachers into informants against their students” [1]. Separately, legal analysis in Slate argues that a past Supreme Court decision on qualified immunity directly contributed to the current crisis, under the headline: “How the Supreme Court Made Alex Pretti’s Killing More Likely”[2].

[1] The Supreme Court will decide whether to turn teachers into informants against their students, https://www.vox.com/politics/476237/supreme-court-religious-right-public-schools-mirabelli-bonta-mahmoud
[2] How the Supreme Court Made Alex Pretti’s Killing More Likely, https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2026/01/supreme-court-alex-pretti-killing-qualified-immunity.html?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=social&utm_content=dahlia_pretti&utm_campaign=&tpcc=reddit-social--dahlia_pretti

5.2 Threats and Surveillance

Federal law enforcement is facing scrutiny over its surveillance methods and handling of political threats. The Cato Institute argues that ICE is purchasing private data as a method to “Buy Its Way Around the Fourth Amendment” [1]. This comes as The Independent reports on an AI surveillance firm whose data is being “fed to ICE” [2]. On the investigative front, a report reveals the Justice Department began an examination into the finances of Rep. Ilhan Omar during the prior Biden Administration, while a Kansas man has been accused of threatening to kill the congresswoman [3].

[1] ICE Buys Its Way Around the Fourth Amendment, https://www.cato.org/commentary/ice-buys-its-way-around-fourth-amendment
[2] Inside the AI surveillance firm whose data is being fed to ICE, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/ice-ai-cameras-surveillance-flock-safety-b2903365.html
[3] Legally blind Kansas biker accused of threatening to kill Rep. Ilhan Omar, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/ilhan-omar-death-threat-kansas-biker-charged-b2908013.html

6. Notable Obituaries

6.1 Passing of George Cabot Lodge

George Cabot Lodge has died at the age of 98. A New York Times headline remembered him as the “Last of His Family to Battle a Kennedy,” noting the end of an era for a storied American political dynasty [1].

[1] George Cabot Lodge, Last of His Family to Battle a Kennedy, Dies at 98, https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/25/obituaries/george-cabot-lodge-dead.html

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