18th Jan - Politics News

Politics

ARCTIC Jan 18: Trump Imposes 10% Tariffs on Europe Over Standoff Concerning Greenland Control

President Trump has announced a 10% tariff on eight European nations, escalating a diplomatic row over Greenland's sovereignty. Experts suggest Trump has yet to "show his hand" fully, using trade levies as leverage to force negotiations. Meanwhile, thousands of Greenlanders have marched in Nuuk, protesting against what they describe as an unwanted Arctic takeover and asserting their right to self-determination.
POLICY Jan 18: Abolish ICE Movement Gains Record Momentum Amid Intensified Federal Deportation Operations

Public support for abolishing ICE has reached an all-time high as the agency ramps up enforcement in major American hubs. While activists demand structural overhaul, political analysts question whether the Democratic party can effectively channel this energy into legislative change. The movement faces hurdles as the White House doubles down on its deportation machine, framing the agency as essential for national security.
VIRGINIA Jan 18: Governor Abigail Spanberger Delivers Urgent Address to Virginia General Assembly

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger addressed the state's General Assembly today, outlining a rapid policy overhaul focused on education and economic reform. The address, watched live by thousands, signaled a significant shift in state priorities as she moves to restructure university boards. The Governor emphasized bipartisan cooperation but faced immediate scrutiny from opposition leaders regarding the speed of her executive actions.
REFORM Jan 18: Massive Student Protests Errupt in Serbia Over Systemic University Corruption

Thousands of university students have taken to the streets in Serbia, staging a large-scale rally against deep-seated corruption within the higher education system. The demonstrators are calling for increased transparency in grading and administration, as well as the resignation of top academic officials. The protests have disrupted major city centers, with student leaders promising to continue their "endurance" until reforms are enacted.
CONGRESS Jan 18: AP Analysis Reveals Ten Percent of US House Members Forgo Reelection

A new analysis by the Associated Press confirms that 10% of U.S. House members have officially declined to seek reelection in the upcoming cycle. This wave of departures points to a significant turnover in Congress, driven by partisan gridlock and the intense political climate. The mass exit is expected to trigger highly competitive primary battles as both parties vie for control of the chamber.
DOMESTIC Jan 18: Trump Accuses Walz and Omar of Using ICE Protests to Mask Fraud

President Trump has launched a verbal offensive against Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Representative Ilhan Omar, accusing them of orchestrating ICE protests to distract from alleged "massive state fraud." The President's comments have heightened tensions in the Midwest, where local leaders are already grappling with civil unrest. Critics argue the administration is using inflammatory rhetoric to discredit political opponents and divert attention from federal policies.
GLOBAL Jan 18: Former Political Prisoner Sees Opportunity for Change in Iran Under US Pressure

A prominent former Iranian political prisoner has stated that the current U.S. administration's "maximum pressure" leadership style creates a rare window for democratic change in Iran. Speaking at a forum, he argued that internal dissent, combined with international isolation, has weakened the regime's hold. However, he warned that the path to reform remains perilous as the Tehran government continues its violent crackdown on protesters.
INFRA Jan 18: Lessons from the Panama Canal: A Call for American Resilience and Ambition

Political commentators are pointing to the historical success of the Panama Canal as a vital lesson for modern America: "never quit" on massive infrastructure projects. Amid debates over national border security and Arctic expansion, the canal is being cited as proof that bold engineering and long-term commitment can redefine global trade. Proponents argue that a similar spirit of determination is needed to solve current logistical crises.
MINNESOTA Jan 18: Controversy Erupts Over ‘No-Go Zones’ Allegations in Minnesota’s Somali Communities

A heated debate has emerged following claims from conservative commentators regarding "Somali-run no-go zones" in Minnesota. Specifically targeting State Senator Omar Fateh, critics have voiced strong opposition to what they perceive as separatist pockets. Local officials and community leaders have vehemently denied these characterizations, labeling them as xenophobic misinformation designed to incite division within the state's diverse population.
GOP Jan 18: Trump Endorses Primary Challenger to Senator Bill Cassidy in Republican Rift

In a move that further divides the GOP, President Trump has endorsed a primary challenger to Republican Senator Bill Cassidy. This endorsement follows Cassidy’s historical breaks with the President on key issues. The move is viewed as a "loyalty test" for the party, as Trump continues to use his influence to reshape the Republican bench ahead of the next major election cycle.
MILITARY Jan 18: Unconventional Supply Chain Linked to US Airstrike Intelligence in Nigeria

New investigative details reveal that a small-scale vendor, previously selling hardware tools like screwdrivers, played an instrumental role in the supply chain fueling U.S. airstrikes in Nigeria. The report raises serious questions about the transparency of military procurement and the vetting of local sources in counterterrorism operations. The revelation has sparked calls for an audit of how the Pentagon utilizes non-traditional contractors in foreign theaters.
IRAQ Jan 18: Jewish Family Files Claim Over French Embassy Property in Baghdad

A Jewish family has filed a formal legal claim alleging that the French Embassy in Iraq is built on property seized through antisemitic policies. The family seeks restitution or compensation for the land, which they claim was stolen decades ago. The case has become a flashpoint for discussing the restoration of property rights for displaced minorities in Iraq and the accountability of international diplomatic missions.
HEALTH Jan 18: Trump Resets US Nutrition Policy Prioritizing Whole Fats and Animal Proteins

The Trump administration has officially overhauled U.S. dietary guidelines, marking a major shift by reintroducing foods like whole milk, red meat, and eggs as central to a healthy diet. The new "Real Food" policy, influenced by Health Secretary RFK Jr., explicitly targets "highly processed" products and added sugars for the first time. Critics warn of health risks from saturated fats, but the USDA maintains the reset follows "gold standard science."
EUROPE Jan 18: European Leaders Warn of Dangerous Downward Spiral Over Trump Greenland Tariffs

The UK, France, Germany, and five other nations have issued a joint statement warning that President Trump’s 10% tariff threat over Greenland "undermines transatlantic relations." Leaders like Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer called the move "completely wrong" and "blackmail." The dispute stems from Trump’s demand to acquire the territory, leading to fears of a trade war that could spiral out of control by February 1st.
MEDIA Jan 18: White House Press Secretary Threatened to Sue CBS Over Trump Interview Edits

Leaked audio reveals White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told CBS News the administration would "sue your ass off" if an interview with Donald Trump was not aired in full. This follows a previous $16 million settlement between Paramount and Trump over editing controversies. CBS eventually aired the 13-minute segment unedited, maintaining it was their plan all along to provide full transparency to the public.
MINNESOTA Jan 18: Pentagon Places 1,500 Soldiers on Standby for Possible Minnesota Deployment

Approximately 1,500 active-duty troops from the 11th Airborne Division in Alaska are on "prepare-to-deploy" orders for Minnesota. The move follows President Trump’s threat to invoke the Insurrection Act to quell clashes between protesters and federal immigration agents. Tensions in Minneapolis peaked after the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen by an ICE agent, leading to widespread civil unrest and legal battles over federal authority.
IMMIGRATION Jan 18: Border Patrol Vows Continued Use of Tear Gas Despite Minnesota Court Order

A federal judge in Minnesota has ruled that ICE and Border Patrol agents cannot tear gas or detain peaceful protesters who are not obstructing authorities. Despite this, federal commanders insist they will continue using all authorized tools to protect personnel during the ongoing "largest deportation drive" in U.S. history. The ACLU argues the tactics violate constitutional rights, while the administration maintains it is enforcing the law.
CALIFORNIA Jan 18: Dramatic Rooftop Chase Caught on Camera During California Border Patrol Raid

Video footage captured several migrant workers leaping across rooftops in Montebello, California, to escape a U.S. Border Patrol operation at a construction site. The DHS confirmed that five individuals from Mexico and Guatemala were ultimately arrested. The incident highlights the intensity of the Trump administration's localized enforcement efforts, which have sparked intense backlash in "sanctuary cities" and Democratic-led jurisdictions across the country.
SYRIA Jan 18: US Retaliatory Strike in Syria Eliminates Operative Linked to Deadly Ambush

U.S. Central Command announced the death of Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, an al-Qaeda-affiliated leader, in a drone strike in northwest Syria. Al-Jasim was directly tied to the December ambush that killed three Americans. Part of "Operation Hawkeye Strike," the mission underscores President Trump's resolve to target "ISIS thugs" regrouping in the region. CENTCOM emphasized that there is no safe haven for those plotting against American forces.
TEXAS Jan 18: Texas Hospital Costs for Illegal Immigrants Surpass $1 Billion in FY 2025

New data from the Texas Health and Human Services Commission shows that hospitals incurred over $1.05 billion in costs for treating individuals not lawfully present in the U.S. during fiscal year 2025. These figures, collected via an executive order by Governor Greg Abbott, account for over 313,000 visits. Officials warn the total is likely higher as the reporting period missed the first two months of the fiscal year.
IRAN Jan 18: Lindsey Graham Calls for Military Action to Stop Iranian Protester Executions

Senator Lindsey Graham has urged the U.S. to use "any means necessary," including cyber and military attacks, to prevent the execution of Iranian protesters. Graham’s hawkish stance comes as President Trump claims to have "good authority" that the killings have stopped, though Graham disputes this. The Senator called for the destruction of infrastructure used by the Iranian regime to carry out what he termed "massacres" of dissidents.
ELECTIONS Jan 18: RNC Chair Responds to James Carville’s Prediction of 2026 GOP Wipeout

The RNC Chairperson has dismissed veteran strategist James Carville’s prediction of a Republican "wipeout" in the 2026 midterms, calling President Trump the party's "secret weapon." While Carville cites economic dissatisfaction and tariff blowback as catalysts for a Democratic comeback, GOP leadership insists their base is energized by the administration's aggressive policy shifts on immigration and trade. Both parties are already positioning for the high-stakes 2026 cycle.
CONGRESS Jan 18: Cori Bush Faces Sharp Criticism for Hypocrisy Amid House Comeback Bid

Former Representative Cori Bush is facing renewed scrutiny as she campaigns for a House return, with critics highlighting "jaw-dropping" hypocrisy regarding her security spending versus her "defund the police" rhetoric. Opponents argue that her past policy stances do not align with her current campaign platform. The controversy has become a focal point in the primary race, with both local and national commentators weighing in on her viability.
POLITICS Jan 18: Trump Vows to Target Indiana GOP Leader Over Redistricting Dispute

President Trump has publicly threatened to "take out" a prominent Indiana GOP leader following a heated dispute over the state's redistricting maps. Trump accused the official of failing to protect the interests of the MAGA movement. This internal party strife underscores the ongoing tension between the Trump administration and establishment Republicans at the state level, as the President continues to demand absolute loyalty across all levels of government.
NATO Jan 18: GOP Rep. McCaul Warns US Invasion of Greenland Means War With NATO

Republican Representative Michael McCaul issued a stark warning on Sunday, stating that any military intervention by the U.S. to seize Greenland would effectively trigger a war with NATO. McCaul emphasized that such an action would turn Article 5 on its head and likely lead to the total collapse of the alliance. He noted that while Greenland is strategically vital, the U.S. already possesses sufficient treaty-based military access.
TARIFFS Jan 18: Trump Slaps 10% Tariffs on Eight European Allies Over Greenland Standoff

President Donald Trump has announced a 10% tariff on goods from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland starting February 1. The levy is set to rise to 25% in June unless a deal is reached for the "complete and total purchase" of Greenland. Trump argued that ownership is necessary for his "Golden Dome" defense project, accusing allies of playing a dangerous game by opposing him.
EUROPE Jan 18: EU Diplomats Convene Crisis Talks to Address Trump's Greenland 'Blackmail'

European ambassadors are holding an emergency session following what they describe as "commercial blackmail" from Washington. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen and Council President Antonio Costa pledged full solidarity with Denmark, warning that tariffs risk a "dangerous downward spiral." Leaders like Emmanuel Macron are urging the activation of the EU’s anti-coercion instruments to retaliate against the hostile economic measures, while diplomats decry the move as a violation of the North Atlantic Treaty.
SYRIA Jan 18: US Forces Kill Al-Qaeda Leader Linked to Deadly ISIS Ambush in Syria

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the death of Bilal Hasan al-Jasim, a senior militant linked to a December ambush that killed three Americans. The precision strike, carried out in northwest Syria, is part of "Operation Hawkeye Strike." CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated the operation demonstrates American resolve in pursuing those who target U.S. personnel, following a series of large-scale strikes against over 100 terrorist infrastructure sites across the region.
ENERGY Jan 18: Syrian Army Seizes Omar Oil Field Depriving Kurdish Forces of Revenue

Syrian government troops, backed by Arab tribal fighters, have captured the Omar oil field—the country's largest—and the Conoco gas field from U.S.-backed Kurdish forces. The advance along the Euphrates River marks a significant blow to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), stripping them of essential revenue. Despite U.S. calls to halt the offensive, the Syrian army has moved deeper into Arab-populated areas, seizing major dams and strategic territory near the Iraqi border.
ICE Jan 18: Minneapolis Protests Erupt After Fatal ICE Shooting of US Citizen

Thousands of demonstrators marched through snowy Minneapolis streets following the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a U.S. citizen, by an ICE agent. The city is locked in a tense standoff with the federal government as Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz demand the immediate withdrawal of nearly 3,000 newly deployed immigration agents. Tensions escalated further after a second incident involving the shooting of a Venezuelan immigrant by federal officers.
COURT Jan 18: Federal Judge Restricts ICE Response to Peaceful Protesters in Minneapolis

A federal judge in Minnesota has issued an order preventing ICE and DHS agents from retaliating against peaceful protesters. The ruling prohibits the use of pepper spray or other crowd dispersal tools against non-obstructive demonstrators. This legal blow to the administration comes as federal officers reportedly used tear gas to clear crowds near City Hall, highlighting the deepening rift between local judicial oversight and federal enforcement tactics during the ongoing civil unrest.
GREENLAND Jan 18: Mass Protests Sweep Nuuk and Copenhagen Against American Annexation Plans

Thousands of Greenlanders gathered outside the U.S. Consulate in Nuuk to protest President Trump’s annexation demands. Similar demonstrations erupted in Copenhagen’s City Hall Square, with citizens waving Greenlandic flags and denouncing the threat to their sovereignty. Political leaders in Greenland have reiterated that the territory is not for sale "under any circumstances," while recent polling shows that 86% of Americans also oppose any attempt to seize the island through military force.
UK Jan 18: PM Keir Starmer Slams Trump’s Greenland Tariffs as 'Completely Wrong'

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has joined other European leaders in criticizing the newly announced U.S. tariffs, calling the move "completely wrong" for an ally. Starmer intends to take the matter up directly with the White House, as the UK faces a 10% levy on exports. Even Trump’s traditional UK allies, including Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, have voiced concern, noting that these tariffs will harm the British economy and undermine transatlantic cooperation.
REAL ESTATE Jan 18: Trump Defends Greenland Purchase Citing Need for 'Title and Ownership'

In a social media post, President Trump defended his push to acquire Greenland using real estate terminology, stating that the U.S. needs "title" to ensure the efficiency of its Arctic defense systems. He dismissed existing treaties as insufficient for his long-term strategic vision. Trump’s insistence on a "complete and total purchase" has baffled international observers, as he continues to view the autonomous territory through the lens of a commercial property acquisition.
SOCIETY Jan 18: Far-Right Influencer Scuffles With Counter-Protesters During Minneapolis Rally

Jake Lang, a far-right influencer recently pardoned for his role in the January 6 Capitol riot, led a small "anti-fraud" rally in Minneapolis that ended in scuffles with counter-protesters. The group attempted to infiltrate the larger demonstrations against ICE presence, leading to minor altercations. Local authorities have struggled to manage the competing narratives as the city becomes a flashpoint for both anti-immigration enforcement activists and pro-administration supporters.
ECONOMY Jan 18: Global Markets Brace for Volatility as Greenland Tariff War Looms

Investors are shifting toward safe-haven assets like gold and silver as the standoff over Greenland threatens to ignite a broader trade war. Financial analysts warn that the proposed tariffs on European allies could complicate the global inflation outlook and disrupt supply chains. While the U.S. Supreme Court is still weighing the legality of Trump’s use of emergency economic powers, the mere threat has already injected fresh uncertainty into equities markets worldwide.