Buster MacDonald: Welcome back to Nkahoot News, the only show where geopolitics feels like a board game—except the dice are loaded and the banker is under criminal investigation.

Today is January 14, 2026, and apparently, the new year didn’t get the memo about “fresh starts.”

Facts You Need to Know

• Foreign Policy Moves: Trump declared himself “acting president of Venezuela” after a U.S. military operation removed Nicolás Maduro. He also threatened to seize Greenland “one way or the other,” straining NATO relations.
• Federal Reserve Clash: DOJ launched a criminal investigation into Jerome Powell over testimony about building renovations. Trump continues pressuring the Fed to lower interest rates.
• Immigration Crackdown: ICE raids intensified, with 2,000 agents deployed to Minnesota. One raid turned deadly when a federal agent shot a 37-year-old mother, sparking outrage.
• Economic Approval: AP-NORC poll shows only 31% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of the economy—the lowest of his presidency.
• Midterms Loom: Republicans aim to retain Congress; Democrats focus on affordability and institutional integrity.

Pros (Supporters’ View)

• Strong Leadership Image: Trump’s decisive actions reinforce his “America First” brand, energizing his base.
• Economic Narrative: Despite low approval, Trump claims the economy is surging, appealing to loyal voters.
• National Security: Aggressive immigration enforcement resonates with law-and-order voters.
• Foreign Leverage: Controlling Venezuelan oil could be framed as an economic win for the U.S.

Cons (Critics’ View)

• Institutional Risk: Undermining the Fed’s independence could destabilize markets and erode trust in U.S. financial systems.
• Global Fallout: Threats to Greenland and NATO allies damage diplomatic credibility.
• Domestic Backlash: ICE raids and violent incidents fuel fear and unrest, especially in urban and minority communities.
• Economic Reality: Inflation concerns and affordability crisis overshadow Trump’s optimistic messaging.

Remarks from Officials

“The presidency has gone rogue. We haven’t seen this in this way before.” – Joanne B. Freeman, Yale Historian

“Wall Street doesn’t want to see this kind of fight.” – Maria Bartiromo, Fox Business Host

“Trump’s visit to Michigan highlights how he and House Republicans have failed to address affordability.” – Rep. Suzan DelBene (D)

“Voters elected Trump to put American lives first—and that’s exactly what he’s doing.” – Kiersten Pels, RNC Spokesperson

“Authoritarians don’t willingly give up power. When weakened and cornered, they lash out.” – Ezra Levin, Indivisible Co-Founder

Moral of the Story

If your leadership strategy looks like a season of Game of Thrones, don’t be surprised when voters start rooting for the dragon.