Democracy on ICE? The mood turns in America - The Intelligence from The Economist Recap

Podcast: The Intelligence from The Economist

Published: 2026-01-30

Duration: 27 minutes

Guests: Charlotte Howard, Noah Snyder, Anne Rowe

Summary

The episode discusses growing discontent in America over President Trump's immigration policies, particularly ICE's aggressive tactics. It also touches on North Korea's leader positioning his daughter as a successor and remembers BBC correspondent Mark Tully.

What Happened

This episode highlights increasing disapproval of President Trump's immigration agenda, particularly following the fatal shootings of Alex Predi and Renee Goode by federal agents in Minneapolis. The Democrats have managed to temporarily halt the funding for ICE, showcasing a rare sign of Congressional pushback against the administration's policies. The episode underscores that three in five Americans believe ICE's operations are excessively forceful, and that there is a deeper issue at play, beyond immigration, reflecting on the health of American democracy.

In Minneapolis, a shift in leadership has occurred with Greg Bovino being replaced by Tom Homan, who aims to deport individuals with criminal records, though this does not signify a major policy change. Despite a temporary de-escalation, the Trump administration continues to push for increased ICE funding and a broader immigration crackdown. The episode also notes the importance of citizen protests in Minneapolis, which have driven some of the administrative changes and highlight the power of organized civil action.

Charlotte Howard from The Economist's Checks and Balance podcast discusses the limited effectiveness of Congress and the courts in checking President Trump's power. With the administration ignoring court orders and pursuing extensive expansions in ICE's power, there are significant concerns about the robustness of America's democratic checks and balances.

The episode also explores North Korea, where Kim Jong-un is increasingly positioning his daughter, potentially named Kim Ju-ae, as his successor. Her frequent appearances at significant events, such as military gatherings, suggest she might be groomed to lead despite North Korea's traditionally patriarchal society.

The potential for a female leader in North Korea raises questions about societal acceptance, though women have taken on more prominent roles under Kim Jong-un. Her appearances align with the regime's focus on continuity of power rather than external threats, emphasizing internal stability.

The episode concludes with a tribute to Mark Tully, a veteran BBC correspondent in India, who was known for his unbiased reporting during significant events such as the Bhopal disaster and the assassination of Indira Gandhi. Tully's work was widely respected in India, where he was considered a voice of truth and integrity.

Key Insights