President Donald Trump has considered using the Insurrection Act to address unrest in Minnesota. However, Vice President JD Vance stated that they currently do not find it necessary to use this measure.
Key Facts
President Trump has thought about using the Insurrection Act in Minnesota.
The Insurrection Act allows the President to use the military for domestic law enforcement.
Vice President JD Vance mentioned in Minneapolis that they don't need to use the Act right now.
The Act is rarely invoked and often opposed by state governors.
President Trump has previously mentioned using this Act in various situations.
The Insurrection Act helps address significant unrest or disturbances within the U.S.
President Donald Trump's disapproval rating is increasing according to recent polls, including one from Emerson College. The latest data shows Trump's approval at 43% and disapproval at 51%, indicating potential challenges ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating is 43%, while his disapproval rating is 51%, based on a recent Emerson College poll.
The poll was conducted with 1,000 likely voters from January 17 to January 19 and has a 3% margin of error.
Trump's disapproval rating has been growing since January 2025 when it was 41%.
Another poll by the American Research Group shows Trump's lowest approval rating of his second term at 35%, with a 63% disapproval rating.
Economic perceptions are varied, with 39% of respondents feeling financially worse than a year ago, 31% about the same, and 30% better.
President Trump criticized polling organizations, calling their results "fake and fraudulent" on social media.
CNN's Harry Enten noted that Trump's economic approval is at a historic low, with a net approval of –19 points.
Former Justice Department special counsel Jack Smith testified before Congress, defending his investigations into President Donald Trump. He asserted that his actions, including charging Trump, were based on law rather than politics. The hearing focused on Smith's investigations related to the 2020 election and handling of classified documents.
Key Facts
Jack Smith is a former special counsel for the Justice Department.
He investigated President Trump for actions related to the 2020 election and handling of classified documents.
Smith testified publicly to defend his investigations and actions.
He stated that no one, including a former president, should be above the law.
Smith mentioned collecting phone records of Trump associates to understand a conspiracy related to the Capitol riot.
The hearing was divided, with Republican lawmakers criticizing Smith and Democrats supporting him.
President Trump commented on the hearing, criticizing Smith through social media.
Seven House Democrats voted to support funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) during a committee meeting about a Department of Homeland Security budget plan. This vote went against the views of some other Democrats who were opposed to funding ICE. The vote took place with one Republican, Rep. Thomas Massie, voting against the funding.
Key Facts
Seven House Democrats voted for ICE funding.
The vote occurred during a Homeland Security spending bill discussion.
The Democrats who voted for it are from New York, Texas, North Carolina, Maine, and Washington.
Rep. Thomas Massie from Kentucky was the only Republican to vote against the funding.
Some Democrats were strongly against increasing funds for ICE.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas mentioned being ready to oppose the funding by possibly shutting down the process.
Vice President JD Vance stated that President Donald Trump does not currently plan to use the Insurrection Act in Minnesota despite recent unrest. President Trump had mentioned the possibility of invoking the act, which would allow military involvement, but later said it wasn't necessary at the moment.
Key Facts
Vice President JD Vance spoke in Minneapolis about the Insurrection Act.
He stated that President Trump currently does not see the need to invoke the act.
The Insurrection Act allows the President to use the military or federalize the National Guard.
President Trump mentioned invoking the act due to unrest and protests in Minnesota.
Trump later said there was no immediate need to use the act.
Vance mentioned that federal officers are currently handling the situation.
Rep. Troy Nehls said during a hearing that the leadership of the U.S. Capitol was responsible for the events on January 6, not President Donald Trump. He made these comments while speaking to Capitol police officers and law enforcement during a discussion about investigations into Trump.
Key Facts
Rep. Troy Nehls is a congressman from Texas.
He spoke about the January 6 events during a hearing.
Nehls stated that U.S. Capitol leadership is to blame, not President Trump.
The remarks were directed at law enforcement officers present at the hearing.
The hearing was related to investigations into Trump’s handling of classified documents and the January 6 attack.
Three people were arrested during a protest against immigration enforcement at a Minnesota church, including a well-known civil rights lawyer. The incident happened during a church service where an ICE official is a pastor.
Key Facts
Three people were arrested during a protest at a church in Minnesota.
A well-known civil rights attorney, Nekima Levy Armstrong, was among those arrested.
The protest was against immigration enforcement.
The church where the protest happened has a pastor who works with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Announcements of the arrests were made by Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel.
The protest took place on a Sunday in St. Paul.
Vice President JD Vance was visiting Minnesota at the time.
Maine's Governor Janet Mills requested federal immigration officials to provide information about recent arrests in a state-wide immigration operation. Governor Mills stated that people are scared because they don't know the details, and she has not received responses to her inquiries, including from President Donald Trump's office.
Key Facts
Governor Janet Mills of Maine is seeking arrest warrants and information about detainees from immigration officials.
Mills expressed concerns about fear spreading in immigrant communities due to the lack of information.
The federal operation in Maine targets about 1,400 people, with approximately 50 arrests on the first day.
Maine has 1.4 million residents, with 4 percent being foreign-born.
Governor Mills has not received a response from President Trump's office regarding the situation.
The American Worker Rebate Act, proposed by Senator Josh Hawley, aims to give $600 rebate checks to Americans from tariff revenues under President Trump's new tariff policy. Six months into its proposal, the bill has not gained significant support or progress in Congress.
Key Facts
Senator Josh Hawley proposed the American Worker Rebate Act to provide $600 checks to Americans.
The proposal ties these checks to funds raised from tariffs introduced under President Trump's policy.
The bill has not gained any co-sponsors in Congress after six months.
In June, Hawley's office reported $30 billion in monthly tariff revenue, with expectations of over $150 billion in 2025.
The rebate includes $600 per adult and dependent child, potentially giving $2,400 to a family of four.
Some experts argue about the feasibility of using tariff funds for rebates, considering the ongoing debate on their legality.
There is disagreement in Congress on whether to use tariff revenues for rebates or to reduce the national deficit.
Senator Amy Klobuchar filed paperwork to start a campaign committee for the 2026 Minnesota governor race. This step indicates she plans to announce her candidacy officially later.
Key Facts
Senator Amy Klobuchar is a U.S. politician.
She has filed paperwork to form a campaign committee.
This committee is for the 2026 Minnesota governor race.
Filing paperwork is an early step before officially announcing a run for office.
A formal announcement from Klobuchar is expected in the future.
Many schools in several U.S. states will cancel classes on Friday due to a severe winter storm and extremely cold temperatures. School closures have been announced in Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Texas. The storm may cause long-lasting power outages and dangerous travel conditions.
Key Facts
Schools in Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Texas are closing due to a winter storm and cold weather.
Extremely cold temperatures can reach wind chills of minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas.
The storm could cause power outages and difficult travel conditions.
AccuWeather's meteorologist suggests schools might stay closed for several days.
In Texas, schools have planned early dismissals to avoid snow and ice.
Chicago Public Schools closed due to wind chills predicted to reach -35 degrees.
Residents in affected areas should check local weather and school district announcements for updates.
Angie Katsanevas, known from the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, testified before the House Committee on Small Business. She discussed the role of franchises in helping people, especially women, become business owners. During the hearing, Representative Hillary Scholten humorously referenced a Real Housewives episode.
Key Facts
Angie Katsanevas testified before Congress on the importance of franchises.
She is the first person from the Real Housewives franchise to do so.
Katsanevas owns Lunatic Fringe Salons, which has multiple franchise locations.
She emphasized how franchises can help women achieve financial independence.
Representative Hillary Scholten made a joke referencing a Real Housewives episode during the hearing.
Scholten highlighted the confusing nature of franchising rules.
The hearing was held by the House Committee on Small Business.
Vice President JD Vance explained the situation involving a 5-year-old boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, who was temporarily held by federal agents. ICE intended to detain the boy's father, who they say was in the U.S. illegally, and they took care of the child to ensure his safety while the father was in custody.
Key Facts
A 5-year-old boy named Liam Conejo Ramos was taken by ICE agents along with his father.
ICE's action targeted the boy's father, who was reportedly in the U.S. illegally.
Vice President JD Vance stated that the boy was not arrested but was temporarily cared for by agents.
Officers found the boy in his driveway and took him with his father to a Texas detention facility.
The incident marks the fourth similar case in the district reported in recent weeks.
Local schools and advocates raised concerns about the impact of such enforcement on children and school communities.
Mary Trump, President Donald Trump's niece, claimed in a blog post that he fears being seen as a loser. She has been a vocal critic of his leadership capabilities. The White House has dismissed her critiques, asserting that President Trump is in good health and mentally fit for office.
Key Facts
Mary Trump, President Trump's niece, posted on her Substack about his fear of being perceived as a loser.
She has previously written a book critical of President Trump and his leadership.
The Trump administration denies claims of his mental or physical decline.
Recently in Davos, President Trump was seen with a bruise, explained as an accidental injury at an event.
President Trump claims to be in perfect health following a cognitive examination.
Some Democrats have suggested invoking the 25th Amendment regarding President Trump's mental fitness.
White House Communications Director called Mary Trump a "loser" dismissing her views.
A verbal altercation occurred between former police officer Michael Fanone and conservative activist Ivan Raiklin during a congressional hearing. The hearing involved former DOJ Special Counsel Jack Smith's testimony about investigations into President Trump's actions. Police intervened to prevent the conflict from escalating further.
Key Facts
Michael Fanone is a former D.C. police officer who responded to the January 6, 2021, Capitol protest.
Ivan Raiklin is a conservative activist known as a supporter of President Trump.
The tense exchange happened during Jack Smith's testimony to the House Judiciary Committee.
Jack Smith led investigations into President Trump's conduct related to January 6 and classified documents.
Police officers stepped in to prevent Fanone and Raiklin's verbal clash from escalating.
Fanone accused Raiklin of threatening his family, but no charges were filed regarding threats.
The altercation was recorded and shared on social media by a reporter from Reuters.
President Donald Trump criticized polls that show his approval rating at its lowest point. He claims that these polls are deliberately misleading and plans to take legal action. Trump's remarks follow recent surveys showing a decrease in public approval, particularly on economic and immigration issues.
Key Facts
President Trump criticized what he calls "fake polls" showing low approval ratings.
Recent polls from The New York Times/Siena College and American Research Group show his approval rating around 35-40%.
Trump accused these polling organizations of bias and plans to include The New York Times in a lawsuit.
He claims other media and polling outlets also provide misleading data.
Analysts note consistent results across multiple polls, suggesting difficulty in dismissing them as biased.
Trump emphasizes his administration's achievements in the economy and border security.
Lower public confidence in these areas affects his approval ratings.
A new poll shows that President Donald Trump's support among white voters has decreased. The poll indicates this decline may impact Republican chances in the 2026 midterm elections. Trump criticized the poll's results, calling them fake.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval among white voters has dropped, according to a New York Times/Siena College poll.
The poll found that 47% of white voters approve of Trump, while 50% disapprove.
This marks a decline from a previous poll where 52% of white voters approved of Trump.
The new poll surveyed 1,625 registered voters between January 12-17, 2026.
Trump's overall approval rating is at 40%, with 57% disapproving of his first year in office.
The poll suggests issues like the economy, immigration, and corruption are top concerns for Americans.
Poll results could affect Republican strategies in the 2026 midterm elections.
In a hearing, former special counsel Jack Smith explained why President Donald Trump was the only defendant charged in the January 6 case. Although six co-conspirators were identified, Smith said Trump was considered the most responsible for the crimes.
Key Facts
Jack Smith investigated President Trump's role in the January 6 attack and the mishandling of classified documents.
Smith said Trump was the only person charged due to his high level of responsibility for the events.
Six co-conspirators were identified in the documents but not charged.
Smith suggested there was evidence to charge other people but the decision wasn't finalized.
Smith emphasized that charging decisions follow federal rules based on how responsible someone is.
Rep. Brad Knott questioned Smith about the decision in a congressional hearing.
Vice President JD Vance spoke in Minneapolis after a fatal shooting involving an ICE agent. The city has seen protests over immigration enforcement following the incident. Vance criticized the "far left" for opposing immigration actions.
Key Facts
Vice President JD Vance arrived in Minneapolis to speak about immigration issues.
A confrontation in Minneapolis led to an ICE agent fatally shooting Renee Good, a mother of three.
The city has experienced protests since this shooting event.
Vance blamed the "far left" for the unrest linked to deportation efforts.
He defended the ICE agent involved in the shooting, calling it a "tragedy of her own making."
Vice President Vance criticized opposition to immigration enforcement.
Vance's visit included meeting with ICE agents in Minneapolis.
The Supreme Court is discussing whether impeachment is a practical way to remove an independent official like Federal Reserve Board member Lisa Cook. Justice Brett Kavanaugh raised this question during a hearing about President Trump's authority to fire Cook over mortgage fraud allegations. The issue involves the limits of presidential power and how independent officials can be removed.
Key Facts
Justice Brett Kavanaugh asked about using impeachment to remove independent officials.
The Supreme Court is considering a case related to the presidential firing power.
President Trump attempted to remove Lisa Cook from the Federal Reserve due to allegations of mortgage fraud.
Lisa Cook denies the allegations against her.
Impeachment is described by attorney Paul Clement as a "backup" method for removal.
The discussion involves whether personal misconduct could lead to impeachment.
Justice Kavanaugh referenced previous arguments about impeachment not covering private conduct.
Lisa Cook is the first Black woman on the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors.
