As live coverage draws to a close, here is a detailed recap of the pivotal events that unfolded today in US politics, highlighting a mix of presidential theatrics, international tensions, and domestic legal manoeuvres.
Trump's Marathon Press Briefing on Inauguration Anniversary
On the first anniversary of his second inauguration, Donald Trump made a notable appearance alongside White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt at a press briefing. The event quickly escalated into a lengthy, two-hour-long address, during which Trump meandered through a prepared binder touting his administration's so-called "accomplishments" over the past year.
Controversial Remarks and Greenland Ambitions
Amid his rambling speech, Trump touched on sensitive topics, including referring to Renee Nicole Good's death as a "tragedy" after learning her parents were supporters of his administration. More strikingly, he hinted at aggressive foreign policy moves, stating the world will "find out" how far he is willing to go to acquire Greenland. This was underscored by a spree of Truth Social posts overnight, where Trump shared an altered image depicting himself planting a US flag in Greenland, flanked by JD Vance and secretary of state Marco Rubio.
When pressed during a press conference about the potential risks his Greenland plan poses to the NATO alliance, Trump offered a cryptic response: "Something is going to happen which will be very good for everybody." Meanwhile, at the Davos forum, California governor Gavin Newsom criticised Europeans for their "complicity" in failing to challenge Trump's demands, adding an international dimension to the day's discourse.
Legal and Political Developments Across the States
In a significant legal move, the justice department subpoenaed several top officials in Minnesota as part of an investigation into whether Minneapolis officials have conspired to impede federal immigration efforts. The subpoenas were served to a group of prominent Democrats, including Minneapolis mayor Jacob Frey, Minnesota's governor Tim Walz, state attorney general Keith Ellison, Hennepin county attorney Mary Moriarty, and St Paul's mayor Kaohly Her.
Homeland Security Funding and Policy Rulings
Adding to the political friction, a federal judge in Washington DC ruled that the homeland security department (DHS) can continue to require lawmakers to provide a week's notice before inspecting immigration facilities, despite blocking a similar policy last month. Concurrently, multiple Democrats have declared they will not vote to fund the Department of Homeland Security, following the release of the Homeland Security funding bill text by the Appropriations Committees.
Election Bids and Party Maneuvres
In election-related news, Louisiana congresswoman Julia Letlow officially announced her bid for the Senate after receiving a "complete and total" social media endorsement from Donald Trump over the weekend. Letlow, a Republican, is mounting a primary challenge against two-term GOP incumbent Bill Cassidy, signalling ongoing intra-party dynamics.
Elsewhere, Lindsey Halligan, Trump's former personal lawyer who was appointed interim US attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia in September, has left her position, as confirmed by attorney general Pam Bondi. On the West Coast, the California Republican Party has petitioned the state supreme court to block a redistricting measure approved by voters in November, which could shift up to five House seats in favour of Democrats.
Executive Action on Housing Affordability
Rounding out the day's events, Trump signed an executive order aimed at "stopping Wall Street from competing with Main Street homebuyers." This move follows recent social media posts from the president addressing housing affordability concerns, highlighting his administration's focus on economic issues amid the broader political landscape.
