Category: Authoritarian

Federal Prosecutors Subpoena Minnesota Democrats on Immigration

Federal prosecutors issued subpoenas on Tuesday to at least five Minnesota Democratic officials, including Governor Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, State Attorney General Keith Ellison, and Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty. The subpoenas demanded documents related to their policies on immigration enforcement and represent an expansion of the Department of Justice investigation into their response to the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement operations in the state.

The investigation centers on whether elected officials in Minnesota conspired to impede federal immigration agents who have been deployed to the state since last month. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche accused Frey and Walz of “encouraging violence against law enforcement” and referred to their actions as “terrorism,” though there is no evidence either man incited violence or engaged in terrorist activity. The subpoenas do not cite a specific criminal statute, but prosecutors are examining the officials’ public statements and conduct regarding the federal crackdown.

The investigation follows the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Good, an unarmed mother of three, by a federal immigration agent in Minneapolis this month. The shooting triggered sustained protests against federal agents in the city, prompting Frey to publicly demand that agents leave and Walz to criticize their conduct. The Justice Department has vowed to arrest anyone impeding the agents’ mission.

The inquiry into the Minnesota officials’ speech and conduct targeting federal immigration enforcement directly examines political expression protected by the First Amendment. The investigation’s expansion to include state and county prosecutors suggests the Trump administration intends to use federal law enforcement to punish Democratic officials for criticizing immigration operations. The Department of Justice has previously initiated investigations into Walz and Frey regarding allegations they conspired to impede Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations through public statements.

(Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/20/us/politics/subpoena-minnesota-democrats-immigration.html)

Trump Appeals Judge’s Ban on ICE Retaliation Against Protesters

President Trump’s administration appealed a federal court order issued by U.S. District Judge Kate Menendez that restricts Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from retaliating against peaceful protesters in Minneapolis. The order prohibits federal agents from arresting protesters engaged in peaceful demonstration, using crowd-dispersal weapons like pepper spray, or detaining drivers without reasonable suspicion of obstruction. The appeal was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, with the administration seeking relief from the Eighth Circuit, a panel dominated by Republican-appointed judges.

Judge Menendez, a Biden appointee, issued the protective order following escalating protests over ICE operations in the city and multiple incidents in which federal agents killed or seriously injured people. The ruling specifically addressed the fatal shooting of 37-year-old Renee Nicole Good, who was shot by a federal agent while attempting to drive around agents attempting to box in her vehicle. The order explicitly bars agents from retaliating against persons observing or documenting federal operations designated “Operation Metro Surge.”

Trump responded to the court order with a False statement on Truth Social, praising Menendez as a “highly respected judge” while simultaneously misrepresenting her ruling by claiming she had “declined to block ICE operations.” In reality, the judge imposed significant restrictions on federal agent conduct, directly contradicting Trump’s characterization. This occurred one day after Trump claimed Menendez had delayed her decision to allow the Justice Department time to respond, framing her judicial independence as a favor to his administration.

The appeal reflects the Trump administration’s resistance to judicial oversight of federal law enforcement tactics during immigration enforcement operations. By appealing to the Eighth Circuit, Trump’s Justice Department seeks to overturn protections for peaceful protesters that federal courts determined were necessary following documented harm. The move demonstrates the administration’s pattern of challenging state and local criticism of ICE operations, including investigating state officials who have publicly opposed the deployment.

(Source: https://www.rawstory.com/trump-2674908994/)

Trump Posts AI Map Adding Greenland Canada Venezuela to US

President Trump posted an AI-edited image on Truth Social depicting a map of North America that incorporates Greenland, Canada, and Venezuela as U.S. territory, taken during a meeting with European leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in August 2025. The image reinforces Trump’s stated intent to annex these territories, which he has publicly pursued since returning to office in January 2025.

Trump has repeatedly demanded U.S. acquisition of Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory, citing national security concerns regarding Russian and Chinese threats to the Arctic. He has threatened escalating tariffs on eight European nations—10 percent starting February 1, rising to 25 percent on June 1—unless Denmark agrees to what he calls a “Complete and Total purchase of Greenland.” Trump has declined to rule out military force to achieve this objective and has threatened additional tariffs on European allies resistant to the annexation plan.

Trump has directed military planners to develop invasion contingencies for Greenland, following the U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. The timing reflects Trump’s broader pattern of territorial expansion rhetoric, which now extends to claims that the United States should absorb Canada as a 51st state and control Venezuela.

Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen publicly rejected the annexation proposal, stating “Greenland does not want to be governed from the United States. Greenland does not want to be part of the United States.” Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Canada have deployed military personnel to Greenland in response to Trump’s annexation threats, with multiple European nations issuing joint statements affirming solidarity with Denmark and Greenland.

The European Union has convened emergency ambassadorial meetings to discuss retaliatory trade measures against U.S. tariffs, signaling deepening transatlantic fracture over Trump’s unilateral territorial ambitions and coercive economic threats directed at NATO allies.

(Source: https://www.newsweek.com/trump-shares-map-of-us-including-greenland-canada-venezuela-11384438)

Trump Says Elections Unnecessary After Accomplishments

President Donald Trump stated in a Reuters interview published Thursday that “we shouldn’t even have an election,” expressing frustration over the possibility that Republicans could lose control of the House or Senate in the 2026 midterm elections. Trump acknowledged that a president’s party typically experiences midterm losses following a presidential victory, framing this as a “deep psychological thing,” but argued his administration had accomplished enough that elections should not occur.

Trump dismissed a Reuters/Ipsos poll showing only 4% of Americans support his plan to absorb Greenland as “fake,” insisting he follows his own instincts rather than public opinion on major policy decisions. He stated, “A lot of times, you can’t convince a voter. You have to just do what’s right,” claiming that controversial actions he has taken, including a criminal probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, ultimately proved correct when results materialized.

During the same interview, Trump addressed Iran, where authorities have killed thousands of demonstrators. He previously pledged “help” to anti-government protesters but became noncommittal when discussing future administration plans, telling Reuters: “We have to play it day by day.” Trump’s equivocation drew backlash from members of his own party after he suggested the killing was “stopping.”

The president’s assertion that elections should not occur reflects a pattern of rejecting democratic constraints, consistent with administration positions claiming presidential authority above legal and constitutional limits. His dismissal of public opinion on major foreign policy decisions and rejection of electoral processes demonstrates a disregard for democratic principles and popular consent governing authority.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/trump-tells-reuters-we-shouldnt-even-have-an-election-ahead-of-midterms/)

A dozen right-wing influencers posted identical messages to give Trump congressional powers

A dozen right-wing influencers posted nearly identical and frequently false attacks against semiconductor export legislation over a 27-hour period on Thursday, according to reporting by The Midas Project on X. The coordinated campaign targeted a bill most social media users had not previously encountered, suggesting organized messaging rather than organic political discussion.

The synchronized nature of the posts—featuring similar language and timing across multiple accounts—indicates coordinated amplification of a specific policy attack. The Trump administration has invested over $10 billion in taxpayer funds to acquire minority ownership stakes in semiconductor companies, creating potential financial incentives for selective messaging on chip-related legislation.

The inaccuracies in the influencers' posts underscore the deliberate nature of the campaign, as fact-checking would have readily corrected the false claims being distributed. The bill itself remains largely unknown to the general public, yet received concentrated negative attention from this coordinated network.

This episode demonstrates how right-wing media figures can rapidly amplify messaging on specific policy issues through synchronized social media campaigns, regardless of factual accuracy. Trump has previously announced a 100% tariff on imported computer chips, linking his administration directly to semiconductor policy outcomes and potential financial interests.

(Source: https://x.com/TheMidasProj/status/2012589823014371357)

DOJ Investigates Walz, Frey Over ICE Criticism Allegations

The Department of Justice has initiated an investigation into Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey regarding allegations they conspired to impede Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations through public statements. Federal prosecutors are examining whether their criticism of the deployment of nearly 3,000 ICE and Border Patrol agents to the region violates 18 U.S.C. § 372, a statute that criminalizes conspiracies to obstruct federal officers through force, intimidation, or threats, according to CBS News sources.

The investigation follows an ICE agent’s fatal shooting of Minneapolis resident Renee Nicole Good, which triggered local protests and confrontations between demonstrators and federal law enforcement. Walz and Frey have publicly stated that the federal operation fuels instability rather than enhancing public safety, with Frey warning the situation was “not sustainable,” while both leaders repeatedly called for peaceful demonstrations.

Public criticism of federal policy typically receives constitutional protection unless prosecutors demonstrate coordination or direct incitement to physically obstruct law enforcement. CBS News noted that the rare statute under review requires evidence of conspiracy to use force, intimidation, or threats—a high legal threshold that distinguishes criminal obstruction from protected speech.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem accused Walz and Frey on social media of “encouraging impeding and assault against our law enforcement,” characterizing their statements as federal felonies. Noem’s public allegation preceded the DOJ inquiry by one day, linking criticism of the federal operation to an incident in which an ICE agent fired a weapon after being attacked by three individuals with snow shovels and broom handles.

A DOJ spokesperson declined to comment on the investigation to CBS News. Trump has previously amplified unfounded conspiracy theories targeting Walz, establishing a pattern of using federal agencies to pursue political opponents.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/doj-reportedly-investigating-tim-walz-and-jacob-frey-over-alleged-conspiracy-to-impede-federal-agents/)

Miller Claims Minnesota Police Stand Down to ICE

Stephen Miller, Trump’s senior adviser, declared on social media that local and state law enforcement in Minnesota have been “ordered to stand down and surrender” to federal immigration officers, claiming only federal agents are “upholding the law.” Miller’s assertion followed escalating anti-ICE protests in the state and came days after he characterized demonstrators as conducting “an insurgency against the federal government.”

Miller’s statement amplified rhetoric from New York Post columnist Miranda Devine, who claimed local police had “gone AWOL.” The post targeted Minneapolis residents protesting the fatal shooting of 37-year-old poet Renee Good by an ICE officer during the Trump administration’s largest immigration enforcement operation, which deployed approximately 2,100 federal agents to the city.

On The Charlie Kirk Show, Miller framed Minneapolis protesters as an insurgency, stating they “describe the federal government as an occupying force.” This rhetoric preceded Trump’s threats to invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy military forces against U.S. citizens in Minnesota, effectively weaponizing federal authority against domestic dissent and civilians exercising constitutional rights.

Miller’s false claim about law enforcement stand-down orders contradicts reporting from Minneapolis officials and protest documentation. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed protester grievances over Good’s death, while Vice President JD Vance falsely claimed the ICE shooter enjoys “absolute immunity” from prosecution, misrepresenting federal law.

Miller’s inflammatory language—labeling citizens exercising First Amendment rights as an “insurgency”—normalizes federal suppression of dissent. The combined effect of federal militarization, false stand-down claims, and immunity assertions for lethal force signals an administration consolidating control over local governance while silencing opposition to its mass deportation agenda.

(Source: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/stephen-miller-says-mn-authorities-ordered-to-stand-down-and-surrender-to-federal-officers-as-anti-ice-protests-intensify/)

Germany, Other NATO Allies Sending Troops to Greenland Amid Trump Threats

Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Canada are deploying military personnel to Greenland in response to Trump’s repeated threats to annex the Danish territory. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced that Swedish Armed Forces officers arrived Wednesday as part of a multinational operation at Denmark’s request, framed as strengthening regional security under Operation Arctic Endurance. Germany confirmed deployment of over a dozen reconnaissance troops on Thursday, while France has also engaged diplomatically though without formal announcement.

Trump declared on Truth Social that U.S. control of Greenland is “vital” for national security and the “Golden Dome” missile defense system, stating “Anything less than that is unacceptable.” He has repeatedly threatened military action, saying he will acquire Greenland the “easy way” or “hard way” regardless of consent, and warned that U.S. military planners have prepared invasion scenarios for the NATO ally territory.

Greenland, a self-governing territory within Denmark’s kingdom since 1979, maintains Danish authority over foreign policy and defense. Both Danish and Greenlandic leaders have categorically rejected U.S. sovereignty claims, with Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen stating at a press conference: “If we have to choose between the United States and Denmark here and now, we choose Denmark.” The Danish government reaffirmed that “Greenland’s future is for Greenlanders alone to decide.”

NATO allies are framing the troop deployments as political solidarity with Denmark and Arctic security strengthening, directly contradicting Trump’s annexation demands. The Danish government stated the increased military presence aims to “train the ability to operate in Arctic conditions and strengthen the Alliance’s footprint” for European and transatlantic security. European leaders view the coordinated deployments as demonstrating NATO unity against Trump’s unilateral pressure.

The escalating conflict exposes fundamental divisions between Washington and European capitals over the legitimacy of U.S. global ambitions and threatens NATO cohesion. Trump’s assertion that he is constrained only by his “own morality” and not international law underscores the severity of the geopolitical rupture as diplomatic tensions continue ahead of scheduled U.S.-Danish meetings on Arctic security.

(Source: https://www.newsweek.com/greenland-germany-sending-troops-nato-donald-trump-threats-11361535)

Trump Links His Push for Greenland to Not Winning Nobel Peace Prize – The New York Times

President Trump sent a text message to Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store on Sunday, stating that he is pursuing Greenland acquisition partly because Norway did not award him a Nobel Peace Prize. In the message, Trump claimed he had “stopped 8 Wars PLUS” and said that failing to receive the prize means he no longer feels obligated to prioritize peace, instead focusing on “what is good and proper for the United States of America.” Trump also disputed Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland, asserting “There are no written documents” supporting Danish claims and demanding “Complete and Total Control of Greenland” for global security.

The text message escalates Trump’s campaign to seize Greenland, an Arctic territory that has been part of the Danish Kingdom for over 300 years. Trump’s claim that lack of a Nobel Prize justifies shifting away from peace-focused policy to territorial acquisition contradicts his stated commitment to peaceful resolution. Trump has previously threatened to acquire Greenland through either an “easy way” or “hard way,” rejecting questions about financial incentives or local consent.

Trump has directed military planners to prepare an invasion plan for Greenland, with advisers accelerating efforts following operations against Venezuela. Trump has declared his commander-in-chief powers are constrained only by his “own morality,” rejecting international law as binding on military action.

World leaders have condemned Trump’s push to acquire Greenland, viewing it as a violation of international law and Danish sovereignty. The message to Norway’s prime minister reveals Trump’s willingness to weaponize personal grievances—in this case, not receiving an international peace prize—to justify geopolitical aggression and abandonment of stated principles.

(Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/19/world/europe/trump-norway-greenland-nobel.html)

Trump Pardons Puerto Rico Ex-Governor Vázquez in Campaign Finance Case

President Donald Trump intends to pardon former Puerto Rico Governor Wanda Vázquez, who pleaded guilty in August 2025 to a campaign finance violation involving acceptance of a promised campaign contribution from a foreign source that was never received. Vázquez was set for sentencing later in January, with federal prosecutors seeking one year in prison, though her attorneys argued the sentence violated a prior guilty plea agreement that had resulted in dismissal of bribery and fraud charges.

A White House official stated that Trump views the case as political prosecution, citing the timing of the investigation's initiation approximately ten days after Vázquez endorsed Trump in 2020. The official, speaking anonymously without authorization to disclose the pardon plan publicly, characterized the prosecution as retaliatory rather than justified. Vázquez is a Republican aligned with Puerto Rico's pro-statehood New Progressive Party.

According to authorities, Vázquez allegedly accepted a bribery offer from Venezuelan banker Julio Martín Herrera Velutini and former FBI agent Mark Rossini between December 2019 and June 2020 while serving as governor. In exchange, she demanded the resignation of Puerto Rico's financial institutions commissioner and appointed a new commissioner of Herrera's choosing, actions authorities documented as occurring after the alleged bribery agreement was made.

Pablo José Hernández, Puerto Rico's congressional representative and member of the opposition Popular Democratic Party, condemned the planned pardon, stating that "impunity protects and fosters corruption" and that the pardon undermines public integrity and faith in justice. Vázquez was the first former Puerto Rico governor to plead guilty to a federal crime and served as the territory's second female governor before losing her party's 2020 primary.

The pardon decision demonstrates Trump's use of executive clemency to benefit political allies, circumventing sentencing for federal prosecutors' recommended penalty. Vázquez's case involved foreign-sourced campaign funding and an abuse of gubernatorial authority to benefit a foreign banker, violations Trump's administration has now chosen to erase through presidential pardon rather than allow judicial process to conclude.

(Source: https://abc7.com/post/trump-pardon-ex-puerto-rico-governor-vzquez-campaign-finance-case-official-says/18417246/)

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