Letters from an American — January 25, 2026

Host: Heather Cox Richardson
Episode Date: January 26, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode, narrated by historian Heather Cox Richardson, explores the political and civic fallout following the killing of Alex Preddy, a VA ICU nurse, by federal officials in Minneapolis. Richardson places the incident in the broader context of tension between federal power, community solidarity, and political division, examining responses from government officials, media, and ordinary Americans. The episode further examines how these events are affecting President Donald Trump’s administration, Republican cohesion, and public opinion.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Killing of Alex Preddy and Immediate Political Context

• Federal Killing Sparks Outrage: The fatal shooting of Alex Preddy by federal agents in Minneapolis has ignited widespread grief and anger, with numerous officials and citizens disputing the official justification for the action.
• Presidential Priorities: On the same night as national mourning, President Trump attended a lavish White House screening of a documentary about First Lady Melania Trump, funded by Amazon, which recently secured exclusive rights after CEO Jeff Bezos met with Trump. (00:00)
• White House Controversy: Trump’s social media responded to a lawsuit about a new White House ballroom, labeling the National Trust for Historic Preservation as “radical left” and framing the construction as supported by the military and Secret Service. (01:03)

2. Official Defense of the Killing and Public Backlash

• Administration’s Stance:
  • U.S. Border Patrol Commander Greg Bevino insisted federal agents were the "true victims" and that those involved in the shooting remained on duty, albeit reassigned. (01:43)
  • FBI Director Kash Patel justified the killing by arguing Preddy’s legally-carried weapon indicated intent to cause harm, though he was part of an authorized responder network. (02:10)
• Public Rejection: Americans are “coalescing around the idea of the American people versus an out of control government.” (02:34)

3. Community Solidarity & Local Response

• Grassroots Organization: In response to federal actions, Minnesotans have ramped up mutual aid—patrolling streets, donating food, and providing legal help to their neighbors. Attorney General Pam Bondi suggested this high level of organization was suspicious. (03:02)
• Minnesota State Response: The state’s prison system launched a public website to counter misinformation from DHS, refuting claims about Preddy’s background and the federal targets. (03:38)
• Minneapolis Police Perspective: Police Chief Brian O’Hara lamented escalating violence and the strain on local law enforcement:
  • Quote (05:02): “People have had enough. This is the third shooting now in less than three weeks...This is not sustainable.”

4. Wider Solidarity and Dissent

• Visible National Guard Distinction: Minnesota National Guard wore neon vests to set themselves apart from federal agents and supported protestors with refreshments. (06:20)
• NBA Responds: The National Basketball Players Association issued a public statement defending free speech and condemning federal violence.
  • Quote (06:37): “Now more than ever, we must defend the right to freedom of speech and stand in solidarity with the people in Minnesota...”

5. Republican and MAGA Fractures Emerge

• Internal Dissatisfaction: Some Republican administration officials outside Secretary Kristi Noem’s circle expressed frustration at DHS’s narrative, calling it “catastrophic.” (07:20)
• Right-Wing Criticism: Even core Trump supporters and 2nd Amendment advocates were unsettled by federal statements suggesting lawful gun ownership at protests is criminal.
  • President Rob Dorr of MN Gun Owners Law Center:
    • Quote (08:15): “It shouldn’t be necessary to choose between exercising your First Amendment rights or your Second Amendment rights.”
• Former DHS Counsel Condemnation:
  • John Mitnick, former DHS general counsel:
    • Quote (09:04): “I am enraged and embarrassed by DHS’s lawlessness, fascism and cruelty. Impeach and remove Trump now.”

6. GOP Leadership Silence & Moderates Speak Out

• Leaders Stay Quiet: Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson did not comment.
• Moderate Rebuke: Vermont’s Republican Governor Phil Scott broke ranks—
  • Quote (09:42): “Enough. It’s not acceptable for American citizens to be killed by federal agents for exercising their God given and constitutional rights to protest their government... At worst, it’s deliberate federal intimidation... In the absence of presidential action, Congress and the courts must step up to restore constitutionality.”

7. Political Consequences & Changing Public Mood

• Declining Support for Trump:
  • Pollster G. Elliot Morris cites Rasmussen polls showing 59% public disapproval of Trump’s immigration handling.
  • Shifts in young, non-white, and low-turnout voters away from Trump’s coalition. (11:03)
• Conservative Media Breaks Ranks:
  • WSJ’s editorial board: “Ms. Noem and Mr. Miller aren’t credible spokesmen...This is backfiring against Republicans.” (11:45)
  • NY Post Board: “Swing voters see U.S. citizens dying at federal agents [sic] hands and recoil in horror...” (12:26)

8. Trump’s Defensive Posture

• Trump’s account doubles down, blames Democrats, and repeats false claims about his electoral majority. (13:02)

9. Remembering Alex Preddy

• The episode closes with the son of one of Preddy’s former VA patients sharing a moving video of Preddy at a deathbed, expressing the importance of safeguarding American freedom:
  • Quote (13:30): “Today we remember that freedom is not free... May we never forget and always remember our brothers and sisters who have served so that we may enjoy the gift of freedom.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• George Conway (02:34):

  “I just checked. It turns out that Article 2, Section 1 of the Constitution... does not say the executive power shall be vested in a bunch of sociopaths who think they can do whatever the f--- they want and make up as they go along.”

• Chief Brian O’Hara, Minneapolis Police (05:02):

  “This is the third shooting now in less than three weeks... we didn’t shoot anyone. And now this is the second American citizen that’s been killed... This is not sustainable.”

• John Mitnick, DHS Counsel (09:04):

  “I am enraged and embarrassed by DHS’s lawlessness, fascism and cruelty. Impeach and remove Trump now.”

• Governor Phil Scott, Vermont (09:42):

  “It’s not acceptable for American citizens to be killed by federal agents for exercising their God-given and constitutional rights to protest their government... In the absence of presidential action, Congress and the courts must step up to restore constitutionality.”

• Wall Street Journal Editorial Board (11:45):

  “Ms. Noem and Mr. Miller aren’t credible spokesmen... This is backfiring against Republicans. Mr. Miller’s mass deportation methods are... a political liability for Republicans in 2026.”

• Alex Preddy, remembered (13:30):

  “Today we remember that freedom is not free... May we never forget and always remember our brothers and sisters who have served so that we may enjoy the gift of freedom.”

Timeline of Key Segments

• 00:00–02:34: Intro, Trump’s activities, official response to Preddy’s killing, public backlash
• 03:02–04:40: Community response, state actions, police and National Guard reactions
• 06:20–08:32: NBA and gun rights groups’ reactions, right-wing tensions, DHS official dissent
• 09:42–12:26: Moderate Republican criticism, polling insights, conservative media statements
• 13:02–14:12: Trump’s defensive messaging, remembrance of Preddy

Tone & Concluding Reflection

Richardson’s narration remains measured, historically grounded, and civic-minded, interweaving political analysis with deep concern for constitutional rights and democracy. The episode captures a nation at a crossroads—where government overreach, local resistance, and fraying partisan lines converge in a moment of tragedy and reflection on American values.