Don Lemon arrested by federal agents, Trump says he wants to drive housing prices up?, Homan vows to draw down ice presence in MN pending local cooperation, + More | 1.30.26 - Rising Recap

Podcast: Rising

Published: 2026-01-30

Duration: 1 hr 10 min

Summary

This episode covers major political and social events, including Don Lemon's arrest during an anti-ICE protest, Trump's comments on housing prices, and Tom Homan's strategy to reduce ICE presence in Minnesota. It also explores topics like the FBI raid on the Fulton County election center and concerns over declining fertility rates.

What Happened

Don Lemon, former CNN host, was arrested by federal agents during an anti-ICE protest at a church, sparking debates about First Amendment rights, as his attorney, Abby Lowell, criticized the arrest as an attack on press freedom.

The FBI conducted a raid on the Fulton County election center, linked to the 2020 election, raising criticisms from figures like Senator John Ossoff, who sees it as an extension of Trump's efforts to challenge the election results. Despite claims, no evidence of widespread fraud was found.

Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, announced a potential reduction of ICE officers in Minnesota, contingent on local cooperation, stirring discussions about immigration enforcement and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry's stance against federal immigration law enforcement.

President Trump made controversial remarks about wanting to increase housing prices to maintain homeowner wealth, suggesting lower interest rates as a solution. This drew criticism from figures like Senator Elizabeth Warren, who finds the notion of blaming individuals for not affording homes due to lack of effort ridiculous.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz declared he will not pursue future political office, citing his controversial role as a 'political lightning rod' amid a backdrop of a fraud scandal and the deaths of protesters by federal officers.

Bruce Springsteen released a song titled 'Streets of Minneapolis' criticizing ICE operations following the death of Alex Pretti, while Hillary Clinton warned of the rise of Christian Nationalism and criticized the MAGA movement's policies and moral stance.

The episode also delves into demographic shifts, highlighting that counties with higher Trump support have elevated fertility rates compared to those with lower support. This is set against a global backdrop of declining fertility rates, with conservatives in developed countries maintaining higher birth rates than progressives.

Key Insights

• Federal agents arrested former CNN host Don Lemon during an anti-ICE protest at a church, raising concerns about First Amendment rights and press freedom, as his attorney criticized the move as an attack on journalism.
• The FBI's raid on the Fulton County election center is linked to ongoing investigations into the 2020 election, despite no evidence of widespread fraud being found, drawing criticism from Senator John Ossoff.
• Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, proposed reducing ICE presence in Minnesota if local authorities cooperate, sparking debate over immigration enforcement and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry's opposition to federal immigration laws.
• Counties with higher Trump support have elevated fertility rates compared to those with lower support, contrasting with the global trend of declining fertility rates, particularly among progressives in developed countries.