Minnesota ICE, Iran Protests, DOJ Subpoenas Federal Reserve - Up First Recap

Podcast: Up First

Published: 2026-01-12

Duration: 14 minutes

Guests: Jason DeRose, Jackie Northam, Scott Horsley

Summary

The episode covers rising tensions in Minneapolis due to federal enforcement following an ICE shooting, escalating protests in Iran with potential U.S. intervention, and the DOJ's controversial subpoenas of the Federal Reserve.

What Happened

Tensions are escalating in Minneapolis as the Trump administration deploys additional federal agents following the shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent. This has sparked protests and calls for investigation by local officials like U.S. Representative Ilhan Omar, who was denied access to ICE detention centers.

In Iran, protests have intensified against the regime, with nearly 500 protesters reportedly killed. President Trump has warned of potential U.S. strikes if the crackdown continues, although Iran has not publicly acknowledged any negotiations with the U.S.

The Iranian regime faces internal strife after losing key leadership in a recent conflict with Israel, although it maintains a missile stockpile. Nader Habibi suggests the regime might seek negotiations due to its current vulnerabilities.

The Justice Department has subpoenaed the Federal Reserve, allegedly as a means to pressure the bank into lowering interest rates. Fed Chair Jerome Powell argues the probe is politically motivated and not related to the renovation cost overruns at the Fed's headquarters.

President Trump has historically pushed for lower interest rates to stimulate short-term economic growth, despite the Fed's mandate to make decisions based on long-term economic stability.

Some U.S. senators, including both Democrats and Republicans, have expressed concerns over the potential politicization of the Federal Reserve and the Justice Department, with Senator Tom Tillis threatening to oppose any Trump nominees to the Fed until the issue is resolved.

Key Insights