Full Episode: Sunday, January 11, 2026 - abc-world-news-this-week Recap
Podcast: abc-world-news-this-week
Published: 2026-01-11
Duration: 50 minutes
Guests: Tina Smith, Rand Paul
Summary
The episode focuses on the political and military implications of recent international and domestic events, including tensions with Iran, Venezuela, and the aftermath of a controversial ICE shooting in Minneapolis.
What Happened
The episode opens with the critical situation in Minneapolis, where ICE agents fatally shot Renee Good, a mother of three. This incident led to widespread protests and accusations from Minnesota Senator Tina Smith that the Trump administration is covering up the details by labeling Good a domestic terrorist.
The discussion shifts to international affairs, where President Trump is focusing on Venezuela's oil interests and expressing a desire for U.S. ownership of Greenland. Trump's foreign policy is characterized by interventionist actions, causing bipartisan concern. Senator Rand Paul argues for the Senate's war powers legislation, which would require Trump to seek congressional approval for military actions in Venezuela.
Rand Paul also warns against potential military action in Iran, suggesting that bombing could unify support for the Iranian regime rather than destabilize it. Despite this, President Trump has publicly supported Iranian protesters and hinted at military intervention.
Domestically, former Vice President Mike Pence criticizes a new White House website for portraying the January 6th events as orderly and blaming Capitol Police for escalations. This revisionist narrative has sparked further political debate.
Stephen Miller supports the idea of a U.S. takeover of Greenland, citing strategic interests related to NATO and Arctic security. However, there is skepticism about the feasibility and international support for such a move.
David Sanger, interviewing President Trump, discusses the president's belief that his morality serves as the only check on his global power. This reflects broader concerns about Trump's unilateral approach to foreign policy decisions.
Key Insights
- ICE agents fatally shot Renee Good, a mother of three, in Minneapolis, sparking protests and accusations of a cover-up by the Trump administration, which labeled her a domestic terrorist.
- President Trump's foreign policy includes a focus on acquiring Venezuela's oil interests and expressing a desire for U.S. ownership of Greenland, raising bipartisan concerns over interventionist actions.
- Former Vice President Mike Pence criticized a new White House website for portraying the January 6th events as orderly and blaming Capitol Police for escalations, leading to political debate over revisionist narratives.
- Stephen Miller supports the idea of a U.S. takeover of Greenland for strategic interests related to NATO and Arctic security, though there is skepticism about the feasibility and international support for such a move.