Dictator Donny - January 15, 2026 - young-turks Recap

Podcast: young-turks

Published: 2026-01-16

Duration: 2 hr 15 min

Guests: Sharon Reed

Summary

Donald Trump threatens to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota amid rising protests, and signals potential military action against Iran while expressing doubts about holding upcoming elections. Kristi Noem's comments on proof of citizenship add to domestic tensions.

What Happened

Donald Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota, allowing military deployment on U.S. streets, following protests triggered by the killing of Renee Goode and an ICE-related shooting. This move has sparked significant backlash from figures like Governor Tim Walls, who accused the federal government of heavy-handed tactics including tear gas and flashbangs that hospitalized children.

Alongside these domestic tensions, Trump has indicated a desire for 'swift and decisive' military action against Iran, although internal and international dynamics, including pressure from Netanyahu and four Arab leaders, have postponed such plans. Polls suggest that the American public largely opposes military action against Iran, with 70% of registered voters, including a substantial portion of Independents and Democrats, disapproving.

Kristi Noem, the DHS Secretary, has raised alarm by suggesting U.S. citizens may need to show proof of citizenship to immigration agents. Reports of ICE agents conducting roving patrols and detaining citizens despite them proving their citizenship have intensified fears about civil liberties under Trump's administration.

Trump's musings about the possibility of not holding the midterm elections have been met with widespread criticism, as federal election timing is determined by Congress, not the President. His comments reflect growing frustration within the Republican Party over potential losses in upcoming elections.

ICE's approval rating continues to fall, with a significant portion of the public calling for its abolition. The agency's practices, including aggressive recruitment and questionable operational tactics, have contributed to its negative perception.

The episode also touches on economic issues, including the Trump administration's use of private military contractors in Venezuela, a controversial move given past allegations of war profiteering. This strategy aims to protect U.S. energy interests without deploying regular troops.

Gen Z's disapproval of Trump has risen sharply, reflecting broader demographic shifts toward the Democratic Party. This trend is part of a wider decline in Trump's approval ratings across various policy areas, including immigration, foreign policy, and the economy.

Key Insights

• The Insurrection Act, last invoked in 1992 during the Los Angeles riots, is being considered by Donald Trump for military deployment in Minnesota, sparking significant political backlash and concerns over civil liberties.
• A recent poll indicates that 70% of registered American voters oppose military action against Iran, with opposition cutting across party lines, including a substantial portion of Independents and Democrats.
• Reports of ICE agents conducting roving patrols and detaining U.S. citizens despite proof of citizenship have raised alarms about civil liberties, contributing to ICE's declining approval rating and calls for the agency's abolition.
• The Trump administration's use of private military contractors in Venezuela aims to protect U.S. energy interests without deploying regular troops, a strategy that has drawn criticism due to past allegations of war profiteering.