Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff
Episode: 1,500 Active Duty Troops on Standby for Minneapolis
Date: January 19, 2026
Host: Paul Rieckhoff
Episode Overview
In this Martin Luther King Jr. Day episode, Paul Rieckhoff delivers a solo, rapid-fire analysis of the week’s most urgent news, focusing on threats to American democracy, the continued militarization of domestic events, Trump’s unpredictable foreign and domestic maneuvers, and the meaning of patriotism and leadership in turbulent times. Rieckhoff spotlights troubling developments in Minneapolis, presses for non-violence and accountability, and draws inspiration from MLK’s legacy for positive masculinity and civil resistance.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Trump’s Expanding Use of Military Power
- Opening Monologue ([00:00]):
- Rieckhoff underscores the gravity of Trump’s power over the military:
"The most important story in the world, remember this, is that Trump can do anything he wants with the most powerful military the world has ever seen. He can try to take Greenland, he can activate National Guard troops, he can send active duty troops into Minneapolis, and nothing is stopping him."
- The episode opens with Rieckhoff marking MLK Day and reflecting on strong, principled leadership in contrast to the current administration.
- Rieckhoff underscores the gravity of Trump’s power over the military:
2. Trump Targets Greenland, NATO, and Allies ([02:05])
- Trump continues to mention "taking" Greenland, antagonizes Denmark, Norway, and NATO with tariffs and threats.
- Notably, Trump texted Norway’s Prime Minister Støre that he “no longer feels bound to...think purely of peace” after not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize ([03:00]).
- Quote:
"Considering your country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for stopping eight wars plus, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of peace...but can now think about what is good and proper for the United States of America." — Reported Trump text ([03:50])
- Quote:
3. Insurrection Act and Domestic Troop Deployments ([05:30])
- 1500 Active Duty Troops on Alert for Minneapolis:
- The 11th Airborne Division (an Arctic warfare force) has been activated for possible deployment to Minnesota, a significant and unprecedented use of frontline military troops in a domestic context ([06:15]).
- Quote:
"If I were going to invoke the Insurrection Act, this is the kind of shit I’d be doing first." — Rieckhoff ([06:50])
- Normalization of Troops in DC:
- The National Guard mission extended into 2026, with DC deployments being normalized ([07:45]).
- Rieckhoff warns, "Don't let them normalize it. This is not normal. This is un-American and it is completely unacceptable."
4. Minnesota National Guard and Tensions in Minneapolis ([09:40])
- National Guard activated to aid local law enforcement; will wear yellow reflective vests to differentiate from other agencies ([10:00]).
- Governor Tim Walz (a former Guard sergeant major) makes a point to prioritize safety, distinguishing Guard from ICE or federal agents.
- Quote:
"These Minnesota National Guardsmen live, work and serve in our state and are focused on protecting life, preserving property and ensuring Minnesotans can safely exercise their First Amendment rights." — Minnesota National Guard statement ([10:55])
5. Federal Investigations and Weaponization of DOJ ([12:40])
- DOJ launches criminal investigations into MN Governor Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, both Democrats, led by Kash Patel.
- Rieckhoff frames this as overt political weaponization:
"He’s targeting his political enemies. ...Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey are the latest targets." ([13:05])
6. Church Protest Incident and Don Lemon Under DOJ Scrutiny ([14:25])
- Protest at Minneapolis church (pastor is also local ICE director) leads to DOJ involvement.
- Notably, Don Lemon, present as a journalist, is now under potential DOJ investigation.
- Rieckhoff’s advice to activists:
"We've got to keep it peaceful, we've got to keep it respectful, and we've got to be smart. I don't think protesting a Sunday church service is a smart thing to do for your political objective." ([16:00])
- Fear that Trump administration will weaponize the incident to vilify protesters and journalists.
- Rieckhoff’s advice to activists:
7. ICE Overreach and Citizen Detention ([19:00])
- Citing the case of Nasra Ahmed, a U.S. citizen wrongfully detained by ICE for two days without charges, Rieckhoff warns:
"She went home traumatized, not eating, not talking, pissed off...She feels like she got kidnapped. The law is not protecting her. She was humiliated. This is an American citizen... This is the alarm bell." — MN State Sen. Sakamba Hussein ([19:45])
- Rieckhoff cautions, “It could be you. That is deeply, deeply un-American,” and reiterates the dangers of unchecked ICE authority.
8. FBI Civil Rights Probe into ICE Shooting; Chilling of Dissent ([22:10])
- FBI has opened a civil rights investigation into the ICE agent who killed Renee Good, but focus is already shifting to probing "extremism" of the victim and associates.
9. Press Freedom and Pentagon Stonewalling ([23:45])
- Pentagon withholding news briefings despite major military movements and decisions.
- Rieckhoff cites Washington Post reporter Dan Lamothe’s post marking over a month with no Pentagon press briefings ([24:25]).
- Quote:
"Middle fingers to the press, middle fingers to the public, middle fingers to the military families who need to know about their sons and daughters who are being put in harm's way..." ([24:50])
- Quote:
10. International Updates: U.S. Out of Iraq; Ukraine War Update; Iran Protest Crackdown ([26:00])
- U.S. completes formal withdrawal from a major Iraqi base, ending most military presence in federal Iraq ([26:10]).
- Ongoing severe casualties in Iran amid protest suppression:
"At least 16,500 to 18,000 people have been killed...and at least 700 to 1,000 people have lost an eye because they're firing into crowds with rubber bullets." ([27:15])
- Brief on Ukraine’s ongoing resistance: "Grueling confrontations" on day 1429 of Russia’s invasion ([28:45]).
11. Independent Movement and Political Trends ([29:30])
- Latest polling: 45% of Americans identify as political independents — an all-time high.
- Rieckhoff encourages independent veterans to run for office and plugs independentveteransofamerica.org ([29:45]).
12. NFL Playoffs & Sports Recap ([30:44])
- Recaps dramatic divisional NFL playoff weekend and college football national championship preview.
- Playfully contrasts the escapist joy of football with the ever-encroaching politics of the era:
"Football is a nice escape, especially since Trump hasn't gotten involved and fucked it up. But we knew that was only a matter of time, right?" ([33:25])
- Trump’s latest executive order proposal: an exclusive broadcast window for the Army-Navy game, which Rieckhoff calls "un-American" propaganda ([34:17]).
13. Manosphere Monday: Rethinking Manhood and MLK as Role Model ([36:30])
- Ties the day’s theme back to positive masculinity — MLK as "no better example of good, strong American men" in a time of toxic and divided politics.
14. Something Good: Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. ([38:20])
- Rieckhoff closes by urging listeners to embrace MLK’s example for “innovative, creative, powerful, unifying, peaceful protests.”
- Quote:
"If there is one person I know would be standing up loudly, proudly and smartly against Donald Trump...it would be Martin Luther King, Jr." ([39:16])
- Quote:
- Encourages nonviolence, independent thinking, and constant vigilance for freedom and democracy.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
[00:00] — "Trump can do anything he wants with the most powerful military the world has ever seen. He can try to take Greenland, he can activate National Guard troops, he can send active duty troops into Minneapolis, and nothing is stopping him."
[03:50] — Trump’s (reported) text to Norway’s PM:
"Considering your country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for stopping eight wars plus, I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of peace...but can now think about what is good and proper for the United States of America."
[06:50] — "If I were going to invoke the Insurrection Act, this is the kind of shit I’d be doing first."
[10:55] — MN National Guard (via Rieckhoff):
"These Minnesota National Guardsmen live, work and serve in our state and are focused on protecting life, preserving property and ensuring Minnesotans can safely exercise their First Amendment rights."
[16:00] — "We've got to keep it peaceful, we've got to keep it respectful, and we've got to be smart. I don't think protesting a Sunday church service is a smart thing to do for your political objective."
[19:45] — State Sen. Sakamba Hussein:
"She went home traumatized, not eating, not talking, pissed off...She feels like she got kidnapped."
[24:50] — "Middle fingers to the press, middle fingers to the public, middle fingers to the military families..."
[33:25] — "Football is a nice escape, especially since Trump hasn't gotten involved and fucked it up. But we knew that was only a matter of time, right?"
[39:16] — "If there is one person I know would be standing up loudly, proudly and smartly against Donald Trump...it would be Martin Luther King, Jr."
Important Timestamps
| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|---------------------------------------------------| | 00:00 | Opening: The scope of Trump’s unchecked power | | 02:05 | Trump’s fixation on Greenland & NATO tensions | | 05:30 | Insurrection Act warning & Minneapolis focus | | 06:15 | 1,500 paratroopers on alert for Minnesota | | 09:40 | Minnesota National Guard’s role and differentiation| | 12:40 | DOJ goes after MN Democratic leaders | | 14:25 | Church protest, ICE, Don Lemon under scrutiny | | 19:00 | Nasra Ahmed ICE detention case | | 22:10 | FBI probe into ICE shooting, narrative shift | | 23:45 | Pentagon stonewalling press briefings | | 26:00 | U.S. withdrawals in Iraq, Iran protest crackdown | | 29:30 | 45% of Americans now independents; veteran politics| | 30:44 | NFL playoff recap and sports as cultural outlet | | 34:17 | Trump’s Army-Navy game executive order | | 36:30 | MLK, positive masculinity, and Manosphere Monday | | 38:20 | Something Good: Martin Luther King, Jr. |
Conclusion & Call to Action
Rieckhoff urges listeners to stay vigilant, engaged, and inspired by the example of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.—especially in times of turmoil and division. He encourages independent thinking as a remedy to hyper-partisan politics, and closes with a rally to "declare their independence" and stand up for democracy and justice.
Tone: Candid, urgent, passionate, and frequently combative—Rieckhoff pulls no punches in warning about authoritarian encroachment, misuses of military power, and the distortion of American values. Yet he seeks to inspire hope and action, celebrating moments of resilience, positive masculinity, and civic courage.