Troops Stand By For Minnesota, Greenland NATO Tensions, Gaza Peace Board - Up First Recap

Podcast: Up First

Published: 2026-01-19

Duration: 13 minutes

Guests: Clay Masters, Barbara Sprunt, Daniel Estrin

Summary

The episode highlights rising tensions as federal troops prepare for potential deployment in Minnesota amidst immigration protests, increased strain between the U.S. and NATO allies over Greenland, and the unveiling of a 'Board of Peace' for Gaza led by President Trump.

What Happened

Minnesota is currently a hotspot for immigration protests, with up to 1,500 federal troops on standby as the Trump administration considers invoking the Insurrection Act. This comes after the Justice Department launched investigations into Minnesota's governor and Minneapolis' mayor, both of whom oppose increased ICE presence in the state. The situation is exacerbated by the shooting of Renee Macklin-Good by an ICE agent, leading to tensions between federal and state authorities over jurisdiction and response.

In Europe, President Trump is causing a stir among NATO allies by renewing his interest in acquiring Greenland from Denmark. This move has led to warnings of damage to transatlantic relations, with Denmark and other European nations expressing strong opposition. A recent congressional delegation to Denmark aimed to de-escalate the situation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong alliances.

The contentious proposal for the U.S. to buy Greenland has sparked protests in Denmark, with thousands marching peacefully against what they perceive as an aggressive and destabilizing move by the U.S. Demonstrators expressed concerns about the implications for NATO and the potential for worsening diplomatic relations.

Concurrently, President Trump is proposing a new 'Board of Peace' to address global conflicts, with a focus on Gaza. The board, chaired by Trump, seeks billion-dollar commitments from other nations for permanent membership. The charter of this board suggests a broader mandate than just Gaza, hinting at ambitions to rival the UN's peacekeeping efforts.

The plan for the Board of Peace has been met with skepticism, particularly from Israel, which opposes the inclusion of representatives from Turkey and Qatar in the board's leadership group. Israel views these nations as adversaries in the region, creating friction with Trump's administration.

Amid these geopolitical maneuvers, the U.S. administration is under scrutiny for its approach to global diplomacy, with critics arguing that Trump's transactional style could undermine long-standing international alliances. The episode underscores the complexity of these issues and the potential ramifications for international peace and security.

Key Insights