Trump News for Monday, January 12, 2026

Minnesota officials sue to block Trump's immigration crackdown as enforcement intensifies

Sergio Martínez-Beltrán, NPR

More than 2,000 federal immigration agents are in Minnesota, and that number is expected to increase. On Monday, an NPR reporter witnessed multiple instances where immigration agents drove around Minneapolis — and in parking lots of big box stores — and rando…

Some of the military options Trump could consider on Iran over protests

Anne Flaherty, Mariam Khan, ABC News

President Trump is expected to meet with top national security advisers on Tuesday to consider action against Iran over its crackdown on protesters.

Kristi Noem: ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Says ICE Can Legally Thwart Congressional Oversight

Tim Cushing, Techdirt

Whatever the stated reasons for doing this, we all know what this really is: another effort from the Trump regime to put as much distance between it and accountability. Even before DHS head Kristi Noem decided it’s now suddenly legal to force congressional ov…

Former NASA astronaut Mark Kelly sues Pentagon, Pete Hegseth over censure campaign

mwall@space.com (Mike Wall) , Mike Wall, Space.com

"His unconstitutional crusade against me sends a chilling message to every retired member of the military: if you speak out and say something that the President or Secretary of Defense doesn't like, you will be censured, threatened with demotion or even prose…

Meta Reportedly Cutting About 1,500 VR and AR Jobs Amid Renewed Push to Become an AI Juggernaut

Mike Pearl, Gizmodo.com

AI infrastructure will provides Meta with a "strategic advantage," Zuckerberg said. He once said almost the exact same thing about the metaverse.

Minnesota Sues to Stop ICE ‘Invasion’

Dell Cameron, Wired

The state of Minnesota, along with the Twin Cities, have sued the US government and several officials to halt the flood of agents carrying out an Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation.

Some Other Things Donald Trump Will Probably Try to Buy

Alexandra Petri, The Atlantic

The president is considering buying Greenland. What else might be on the list?

Zuck forms Meta Compute to pave the planet with 'hundreds of gigawatts' of AI datacenters

Tobias Mann, Theregister.com

No wonder he's going nuclear Meta has formed a new initiative called “Meta Compute” to oversee the planning, deployment, and operations of its growing fleet of AI datacenters.…

Trump says any country doing business with Iran will be hit with a 25% tariff

Kelsey Vlamis, Business Insider

President Donald Trump said he'll impose a 25% tariff on any country doing business with Iran, effective immediately.

Experts push back against cancellation of NASA's Mars sample return project

Leonard David, Space.com

Exploration advocates are pushing back against the planned cancellation of NASA's Mars sample return project, saying it could potentially find evidence of Red Planet life.

Grok’s Sexual Deepfakes Will Become Illegal in the UK This Week

Matt Novak, Gizmodo.com

"The content which has circulated on X is vile," the UK technology secretary Liz Kendall said Monday.

US withdraws policy expressly barring lending bias against immigrants

By David Hood-Nuño, Yahoo Entertainment

By David Hood-Nuño WASHINGTON, Jan 12 (Reuters) - The U.S.

Why the attack on Fed Chair Jerome Powell follows Donald Trump's typical playbook — and isn't going to stop there

Peter Kafka, Business Insider

The Federal Reserve is supposed to be independent from the president. The Justice Department investigation into Jerome Powell could change that.

PBS weekend newscasts shut down due to funding cuts, replaced by single-topic programs

DAVID BAUDER, Yahoo Entertainment

PBS will premiere separate programs on science and foreign affairs next weekend after shutting the doors on its Saturday and Sunday breaking newscasts...

The controversy behind Jerome Powell's Senate testimony, from the VIP dining room to the special elevators

Jacob Shamsian,Natalie Musumeci, Business Insider

Jerome Powell says the criminal investigation centers on a June Senate hearing, where he got into a heated exchange over the Fed's renovation plans.

Flu shot recommendation for kids dropped just as the illness rages

Rob Stein, NPR

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention dropped its advice that kids get an annual flu shot at a time when flu cases and hospitalizations are surging.

Will budget cuts force NASA to withdraw from Europe's next Venus mission?

tereza.pultarova@futurenet.com (Tereza Pultarova) , Tereza Pultarova, Space.com

"We are in constant contact with NASA."

Trump calls for a 10% cap on credit card interest rates

Stephan Bisaha, NPR

With credit card interest rates near modern highs, President Trump says he wants to cap the rates for one year.

Trump to meet Venezuelan opposition leader Machado at the White House

BBC News

Machado, the winner of 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, had offered to share the honour with Trump, an award the president has long coveted.

The ICE Agent Who Killed Renee Good Disregarded Traffic Stop Guidelines

Jacob Sullum, Yahoo Entertainment

Jonathan Ross positioned himself in front of Good's car and continued firing even after he was no longer in its path.

Tether Freezes $182 Million in Stablecoins as Reports Point to Heavy Crypto Use by Venezuela

Kyle Torpey, Gizmodo.com

There's a new spotlight on crypto that's used to avoid sanctions after the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

Chevron asks Supreme Court for rematch in Louisiana wetlands case

Nolan Mckendry, The Center Square

(The Center Square) – A Louisiana jury last April determined oil giant Chevron owed $744 million for environmental damage to the state's coastline. Chevron, ...

Paramount Not Giving Up On Buying Warner Bros., Launches Lawsuit

Eddie Makuch, GameSpot

Despite multiple rejections of its bids, Paramount remains intent on buying Warner Bros. Discovery and has now launched a lawsuit against the company over the matter. What's more, Paramount said it will seek to nominate its own team of directors at the WBD 20…

WATCH: Drivers turn around to avoid big waves on Italian coastal road

ABC News

Motorists were forced to turn around as monster waves smashed onto a coastal road in Italy’s Calabria region.

Trump says 'WE'RE SCREWED!' if the Supreme Court overturns his tariffs

Bryan Metzger, Business Insider

"It would be a complete mess, and almost impossible for our Country to pay," Trump said of potential tariff refunds.

Americanswers...On 5 Live! What do Americans really think of Donald Trump?

BBC News

And does Trump have a plan for Iran?

WATCH: Big wins, surprises highlight the 2026 Golden Globe Awards

ABC News

ABC News contributor Kelley Carter reacts to the night’s biggest moments, including top prizes for “Hamnet” and “One Battle After Another” and the rise of “KPop Demon Hunters.”

Mark Zuckerberg says Meta will build 'hundreds of gigawatts' of AI capacity over time

Pranav Dixit, Business Insider

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg launches Meta Compute, a major AI infrastructure initiative led by executives Santosh Janardhan and Daniel Gross.

DOJ probe into Powell sparks backlash from some Republicans, former Fed chairs

Elizabeth Schulze, Benjamin Siegel, Fritz Farrow, Allison Pecorin, ABC News

A bipartisan group of top economic officials called the DOJ probe into Jerome Powell an "unprecedented attempt" to undermine the Fed's independence.

A judge orders HHS to restore children's health funding as a lawsuit continues

The Associated Press, NPR

The judge ordered the restoration of nearly $12 million in funding to the American Academy of Pediatrics, including money for rural health care and the identification of disabilities in children.

Trump Administration Takes Stake in Major Critical Mineral Firm

Bruce Gil, Gizmodo.com

The Pentagon is investing in Atlantic Alumina in a bid to boost U.S. gallium and alumina production and reduce reliance on China.

Right-Wing Influencers Have Flooded Minneapolis

Makena Kelly, Wired

Clips from creators in Minnesota have become primary evidence in attempts from the right-wing to justify ICE's surge on American cities.

Democrats should reject tech influence to win elections, Warren says

Lauren Feiner, The Verge

The path forward for the Democratic party after its 2024 defeat includes less tech influence and more populist policies, according to Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). Warren delivered this message in a speech at the National Press Club in Washington, DC on Monda…

Trump’s latest troll post angers Democrats: ‘The dumbest of times’

Howard Koplowitz, AL.com

"Trump’s posting about being 'Acting President of Venezuela' when he’s not even acting like a president at home."

Opinion - Mainstream media lies about ICE shooting video of Renee Good

Robby Soave, opinion contributor, The Hill

By now, everyone has had an opportunity to review the footage of the shooting death of Renee Good, who was killed by an ICE officer while in her car in...

Donald and Melania Trump Marriage Bombshells — Report

Joel Lefevre, Reality Tea

Donald and Melania's marriage is reportedly in limbo. The post Donald and Melania Trump Marriage Bombshells — Report appeared first on Reality Tea.

Lyse Doucet: Iran's rulers face biggest challenge since 1979 revolution

BBC News

The authorities are responding to protests with a ferocious security crackdown and near total internet shutdown.

Tom Homan: If Democrats Don’t Stop Calling Us Murderers, We’re Just Going To Be Forced To Keep Murdering You

Mike Masnick, Techdirt

The murder of Renee Nicole Good by ICE officer Jonathan Ross has certainly created quite the divide between the reality-based majority of the population who doesn’t want masked unaccountable federal law enforcement goons invading cities they have no business …

Nintendo Asked About Spiraling RAM Costs As Fans Worry About A Switch 2 Price Increase

Jeffrey Rousseau, Kotaku

Nintendo isn't ready to comment on hypotheticals The post Nintendo Asked About Spiraling RAM Costs As Fans Worry About A Switch 2 Price Increase appeared first on Kotaku.

Mexican president tells Trump that US intervention against cartels is 'unnecessary'

Associated Press, Yahoo Entertainment

Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum said she had “a very good conversation” with U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday and that their two governments will...

Meta's new president is a former Trump advisor — 3 things to know about Dina Powell McCormick

Henry Chandonnet, Business Insider

Meta named Dina Powell McCormick as its president and vice chairman. She previously advised President Donald Trump and worked at Goldman Sachs.

Job cuts for every federal agency

Nathan Yau, Flowingdata.com

Based on November data released by the Office of Personnel Management, the federal workforce is 220,000 workers fewer in this administration. For the New York Times, Emily Badger, Francesca Paris, …

Same-Sex Behavior Likely Predates Humanity Itself, New Study Suggests

Jim Vorel, Jezebel

More than 59 different primate species have been observed participating in some kind of same-sex behaviors, making it extremely common.

The Trevor Project receives $45M from MacKenzie Scott after difficult years and federal funding cuts

THALIA BEATY, Yahoo Entertainment

The Trevor Project, known for its hotline for LGBTQ+ youth, received $45 million from billionaire and author MacKenzie Scott at the end of 2025, the...

Supreme Leader Posts Shocking Cartoon of Crumbling Trump

Yahoo Entertainment

Turkey cautions against foreign intervention in Iran

Reuters, Yahoo Entertainment

ANKARA, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Turkey said on Monday that any foreign intervention in neighbouring Iran would lead to greater crises in the country and the...

Kristi Noem Declares 'Every Single Situation Is Going to Rely on the Situation' in Mind-Numbing Interview

Danielle Han, Jezebel

ICE Barbie has been working overtime to work outside the law and rewrite reality.

US judge blocks Trump administration from canceling pediatrics group's grants

By Nate Raymond, Yahoo Entertainment

By Nate Raymond Jan 12 (Reuters) - A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from terminating nearly $12 million in grant funding awarded to the...

'Sell America' is back: All the biggest moves today as Trump whips up fresh market turmoil

jsor@businessinsider.com (Jennifer Sor), Business Insider

Stocks, bonds, and the dollar fell amid the DOJ's investigation into Powell. Credit card stocks plunged after Trump said interest should be capped.

Republican Strikes Bombshell Blow Against Trump’s Petty Revenge Plot

Ewan Palmer, Daily Beast

Republican North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis has said he will oppose any of President Donald Trump’s future nominees to the Federal Reserve Board of Governors ...

Watch the 2-minute address Jerome Powell gave after the Fed received grand jury subpoenas

Mary Hanbury, Business Insider

In a rare video message, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell called the subpoenas an "unprecedented action."

Mexico’s Sheinbaum says had 'good conversation' with Trump on security, drugs

Reuters, Yahoo Entertainment

MEXICO CITY, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Monday she had a “good conversation” with U.S. President Donald Trump on security...

Stocks fall after Trump's DOJ opens criminal probe into Fed Chair Powell

Max Zahn, ABC News

Powell rebuked the probe as an effort to undermine the Fed's independence.

Trump’s Desperate Attempt to Bully the Fed

Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic

A criminal investigation of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will test whether Republican loyalty to the president has any limits.

The Weirdest Gadgets We Saw at CES 2026

James Pero, Gizmodo.com

As usual, the biggest consumer electronics show in the world did not disappoint in the wacky gadget department.

Standard Chartered’s $8 XRP Target Looks Conservative as Q1 2026 Catalysts Align—Here’s the Bull Case

Sam Daodu, 24/7 Wall St.

This XRP price prediction 2026 begins with a bold institutional call that may actually be understated. Standard Chartered’s $8 target reflects measured...

California wants to mix hydrogen with gas to cut climate pollution. Critics say that poses risks

DORANY PINEDA, Yahoo Entertainment

Alma Figueroa began to worry when she learned that her gas provider wanted to test a controversial solution to curb global warming: blend hydrogen with...

It’s Tariff Week! *

Barry Ritholtz, Ritholtz.com

* Hopefully…   This is likely the week the Supreme Court issues a ruling on the IEEPA tariffs in place since April 2025 (excluding the 90-day suspension, and other sundry modifications, revisions, pauses, exemptions, etc.). As I noted from the start, this is …

Trump’s Shrinking Coalition

Jonathan Chait, The Atlantic

The president can no longer present himself as anti-system, because he has become the system.

DOJ Serves Fed With Grand Jury Subpoenas

Bloomberg, Yahoo Entertainment

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the US central bank had been served grand jury subpoenas from the Justice Department threatening a criminal...

More federal agents head to Minnesota. And, U.S. Figure Skating announces Olympic team

Brittney Melton, NPR

The Trump administration will send hundreds of additional federal agents to Minnesota. And, here are the figure skaters who will represent Team USA in the Olympics.

Powell Vows to Stand Firm as Fed Served With DOJ Subpoenas

Bloomberg, Yahoo Entertainment

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Sunday in a video statement the US central bank had been served grand jury subpoenas from the Justice Department...

Earnings season is here, and there's one big wild card

Dan DeFrancesco, Business Insider

The biggest things to watch from Wall Street this earnings season.

Trading houses beat US majors to first deals for Venezuelan oil

By Dmitry Zhdannikov, Marianna Parraga and Shariq Khan, Yahoo Entertainment

By Dmitry Zhdannikov, Marianna Parraga and Shariq Khan LONDON, Jan 12 (Reuters) - Global oil trading houses have emerged as early winners in the race to...

The White House Is Amplifying Fake Accounts of 'Sonic Weapons' in Venezuela

Jim Vorel, Jezebel

The U.S. media is happy to launder White House sci-fi lies about sonic weapons, if they get to use phrases like "vomiting blood."

Smithsonian Swaps Trump’s Portrait and Changes Caption Following Pressure From Administration

Matt Growcoot, PetaPixel

Official White House photographer Daniel Torok's portrait of Donald Trump with his fists on the Oval Office's Resolute Desk is now hanging in the National Portrait Gallery along with an altered caption below. [Read More]

WATCH: Guide dog and vision-impaired owner are on a travel mission

ABC News

ABC News' Danny New reports on two best pals who are turning heads at National Parks across the country -- one on two legs.

During Meeting With Oil Execs, Trump Flaunted a Ballroom That Doesn’t Yet Exist

Danielle Han, Jezebel

He also said the ballroom was both under budget and ahead of schedule—neither of which is true.

Marc Andreessen says being controversial gives his VC firm an 'incredible competitive advantage'

Henry Chandonnet, Business Insider

Marc Andreessen said that his VC firm benefits "the more outspoken we are." Startup founders are drawn to their candid messaging, he said.

I Was in Greenland the Last Time Donald Trump Made Noise About Taking Over. This Time Feels Far Different.

Imogen West-Knights, Slate Magazine

“Trump,” a lifelong Greenlander said. “No good.”

Iranian leader, Trump trade threats as activists say protest deaths rising

David Brennan, ABC News

Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Sunday hit back against U.S. President Donald Trump's threats of military action in Iran in support of mass protests.

Trump says weighing tough response to Iran crackdown, Tehran says ready for war but also dialogue

By Jana Choukeir, Nayera Abdallah and Tala Ramadan, Yahoo Entertainment

By Jana Choukeir, Nayera Abdallah and Tala Ramadan DUBAI, Jan 12 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said the U.S. may meet Iranian officials and was in...

Here's what smart people in economics and business are saying about the DOJ's Fed probe

Huileng Tan, Business Insider

Powell described the move as a part of a broader effort to pressure the central bank on monetary policy.

Fabricated Trump quote on detained Philippine ex-leader misleads online

Ara Eugenio / AFP Philippines, Yahoo Entertainment

After Donald Trump launched a lightning operation to topple Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro, rumours surfaced online that the US president announced he would next...

Bank of America (BAC)’s Multiple is An Insult to Its CEO, Says Jim Cramer

Ramish Cheema, Yahoo Entertainment

We recently published 10 Stocks Jim Cramer Talked About. Bank of America Corporation (NYSE:BAC) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer talked about. Bank of...

KB Home (KBH) Price Target Cut is Due to High Rates, Says Jim Cramer

Ramish Cheema, Yahoo Entertainment

We recently published 10 Stocks Jim Cramer Talked About. KB Home (NYSE:KBH) is one of the stocks on Jim Cramer talked about. KB Home (NYSE:KBH), like other...

WATCH: Wildfires rage in Australia

ABC News

Nearly 900,000 acres have burned in the past days as the country bakes in a record-setting heatwave.

WATCH: Surfer rescued in Puerto Rico

ABC News

The surfer is safe and in stable condition after being missing for more than 24 hours.

The Latest: Trump says Iran proposed negotiations as hundreds killed in protests

The Associated Press, Yahoo Entertainment

U.S. President Donald Trump says Iran has proposed negotiations after his threat to strike the Islamic Republic as an ongoing crackdown on demonstrators has ...

Trump mulls 'very strong' military options as hundreds killed in Iran protests

BBC News

The US president says Iranian leaders have called "to negotiate", but adds the US "may have to act" before a meeting.

WATCH: The long, strange trip of the Grateful Dead's Bob Weir

ABC News

The founding member of the Grateful Dead died Saturday at age 78.

MAGA Senator Shockingly Advises Trump to ‘Kill’ World Leader

Erkki Forster, Daily Beast

MAGA Senator Lindsey Graham has suggested that President Donald Trump should just “kill” Iran’s supreme leader as the Islamic Republic continues to be...

DOJ subpoenas Federal Reserve in escalating pressure campaign

Scott Horsley, NPR

The Justice Department has subpoenaed the Fed over chair Jerome Powell's testimony over the central bank's headquarters renovation. Powell calls it part of a pressure campaign over interest rates.

Investors react as Trump-Fed feud escalates

Reuters, Yahoo Entertainment

SINGAPORE, Jan 12 () - Tension between the White House and the U. central bank sharply escalated over the weekend, with U.

US justice department opens criminal probe into Fed Chair Jerome Powell

BBC News

Powell called the probe "unprecedented" and came after his refusal to lower interest rates after demands by Donald Trump.

Powell says the Fed received DOJ subpoenas

Shubhangi Goel, Business Insider

"This is about whether the Fed will be able to continue to set interest rates based on evidence and economic conditions," Powell said on Sunday.

Trump Indicates He’s Really Not Into Netflix Buying WB, Wants To Stop The Streamer’s So-Called “Cultural Takeover”

Dominic Patten, Deadline

With everyone anticipating Donald Trump’s whims seemingly every second of his second term, the former Apprentice host just brought his thumb down hard on the...

Trump 'inclined' to keep ExxonMobil out of Venezuela after CEO response at White House meeting

SEUNG MIN KIM AND JULIA NIKHINSON, Yahoo Entertainment

President Donald Trump said Sunday that he is “inclined” to keep ExxonMobil out of Venezuela after its top executive was skeptical about oil investment...

Stock market today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq futures fall as markets react to DOJ investigation into Powell

Rian Howlett, Yahoo Entertainment

Major gauges made slight losses as Wall Street prepares for a week of major releases against a backdrop of global volatility.

US scientists push back as Trump eyes Greenland

Davide Castelvecchi, Nature.com

An open letter organized by US-based researchers working in Greenland opposes any takeover of the territory.

Fresh starts: how to thrive when you leave academia

Josie Glausiusz, Nature.com

Do your New Year resolutions include a plan to leave higher education? These researchers explain how to reinvent your career.