Davos Gets Trumped & Jack Smith Faces Congress | 1.22.26

Summary

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Morning Wire – "Davos Gets Trumped & Jack Smith Faces Congress"

Date: January 22, 2026 | Hosts: Georgia Howe & John Bickley

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Episode Overview

This episode centers on three major political headlines: President Trump’s confrontational appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, his renewed push to acquire Greenland, the resulting diplomatic fallout, and the evolving situation in Minnesota politics with Michelle Tafoya’s Senate bid amid corruption scandals. It closes with Special Counsel Jack Smith’s testimony before Congress about his Trump investigation, including explosive new allegations.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Davos Speech & Greenland Push

Guest: Cabot Phillips (Daily Wire Senior Editor)

• Trump’s Approach in Davos

  • Trump challenged European leaders’ consensus, pushing "America First" and denouncing globalism.
  • Emphasized U.S. interests above multinational cooperation typically advocated at Davos.
  • Criticized Europe’s commitment to mass migration and green energy, arguing it made the continent vulnerable to Russia and China.
  • [03:38] Trump:

    “In recent decades, it became conventional wisdom in Washington and European capitals that the only way to grow a modern Western economy was through ever increasing government spending, unchecked mass migration, and endless foreign imports. Quite frankly, many parts of our world are being destroyed before our very eyes, and the leaders don’t even understand what’s happening. And the ones that do understand aren’t doing anything about it.”

• Greenland Diplomatic Gambit

  • Trump reaffirmed his pursuit of acquiring Greenland, claiming it would benefit NATO and the U.S.

  • NATO allies conducted joint military drills in Greenland, signaling resistance.

  • He clarified the U.S. would not use force but asserted only America could secure Greenland.

  • Announced a possible framework agreement after productive talks with NATO Secretary General.

  • Repealed a threatened 10% tariff on eight EU nations, touting a "great deal" for the U.S. and NATO.

  • [05:20] Trump:

    “We probably won’t get anything unless I decide to use excessive strength and force where we would be, frankly, unstoppable. But I won’t do that. Okay, now everyone’s saying, oh, good, I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force. I won’t use force.”

  • [05:45] Trump:

    “Every NATO ally has an obligation to be able to defend their own territory. And the fact is, no nation or group of nations is in any position to be able to secure Greenland other than the United States. And that’s the reason I’m seeking immediate negotiations to once again discuss the acquisition of Greenland by the United States.”

• Strategic Implications

  • The episode frames Trump’s actions as both a challenge to European unity and a demonstration of America’s leverage on the global stage.

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2. Minnesota Politics: Michelle Tafoya’s Senate Run

Interviewee: Michelle Tafoya (Former NFL Reporter, Republican Senate Candidate)

• Context of Her Candidacy

  • Tafoya cites Minnesota’s "crisis of leadership," surging crime, falling test scores, and taxpayer fraud.
  • Positions herself as advocating for common sense and restoring integrity across party lines.
  • [08:30] Tafoya:

    “I’ve lived here for over 30 years, raised my family here and I know the Minnesota that I moved into. And what I see now as a Minnesota in decline. Crime is up, test scores are down, we’ve got the fraud, we’ve got this landscape of violence toward law enforcement. And really that crisis of leadership doesn’t come down to right versus left really. It’s right versus wrong.”

• Views on State Leadership & Investigations

  • Criticizes Governor Walz, AG Keith Ellison, and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry for rhetoric and policy choices she believes fostered lawlessness and poisoned discourse on law enforcement.
  • Supports ongoing federal investigations into state-level corruption, arguing they are justified.
  • Points to specific failures, like the case of Renee Goode’s death and Sanctuary City policies impeding police.

• Welfare Fraud Scandal

  • Highlights $9+ billion in alleged fraud — funds meant for children repurposed by criminals.
  • Argues governor’s political withdrawal is proof the crisis is "unelectable" and demands systemic change.
  • [11:37] Tafoya:

    “We’re talking about, like you said, upwards of $9 billion of taxpayer money that was supposed to go to children and it went to these criminals instead. So they could buy lakefront property or expensive watches or, you know, lavish vacations that should make every Minnesotan sick to their stomach.”

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3. Jack Smith Faces Congress

Guest: Tim Pierce (Daily Wire Reporter)
Key Lawmaker: Jim Jordan (House Judiciary Committee Chair)

• Smith’s Testimony and Allegations

  • Special Counsel Jack Smith summoned to address his investigation tactics into Trump.
  • Focus on his use of confidential informants and phone record subpoenas targeting GOP legislators.
  • Trump himself offered harsh, off-the-cuff critiques of Smith and other prosecutors.
  • [13:42] Trump:

    “A sick son of a — they gave me the worst of the worst and here I am. How did that happen? How did that happen? He’s a sick guy and Letitia James is sick and Alvin Bragg is sick. They’re sick people.”

• Confidential Sources & Payments

  • Republicans focus on Smith allegedly paying confidential sources, questioning the necessity and legality.
  • [14:45] Jim Jordan:

    “The fact that Jack Smith had paid with your tax money, your viewers and listeners, tax money, had paid money to a confidential human source. One payment we know of, $20,000. How many more payments were there?...You can subpoena anybody. You can go get the phone records of members of Congress, but you got to pay a confidential human source in your quest...to try to put the president in prison. So I’m sure that will come up today.”

• Framing the Narrative

  • Jordan and GOP hosts argue Smith is part of a decade-long, politically motivated campaign to stop Trump.

  • [15:46] Jim Jordan:

    “Jack Smith was no different than Fani Willis and Alvin Bragg and the impeachment against President Trump, the impeachments and Bob Mueller, it was all driven by politics. It was all designed to stop President Trump from having we the people make him president twice now.”

  • Any formal accountability for Smith, Jordan concedes, would need to come through DOJ — not Congress.

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Notable Quotes & Moments (with Timestamps)

• Trump on Globalism:
  [03:38] “Quite frankly, many parts of our world are being destroyed before our very eyes, and the leaders don’t even understand what’s happening.”

• Trump on Greenland:
  [05:20] “But I won’t do that. Okay, now everyone’s saying, oh, good, I don’t have to use force. I don’t want to use force.”

• Michelle Tafoya on MN Leadership:
  [08:30] “This crisis of leadership doesn’t come down to right versus left really. It’s right versus wrong.”

• Trump’s Insult of Prosecutors:
  [13:42] “A sick son of a — they gave me the worst of the worst...He’s a sick guy and Letitia James is sick and Alvin Bragg is sick. They’re sick people.”

• Jim Jordan on Smith’s Payments:
  [14:45] “The fact that Jack Smith had paid with your tax money...had paid money to a confidential human source. One payment we know of, $20,000. How many more payments were there?”

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Timeline of Key Segments

• [00:42] — Trump Takes Davos by Storm: Show intro, teaser of Trump's Greenland remarks.
• [02:27] — Detailed Davos Breakdown (Cabot Phillips)
• [04:45] — Greenland Q&A & Fallout
• [08:00] — Michelle Tafoya Interview
• [13:01] — Jack Smith Faces Congress (Tim Pierce & Jim Jordan insights)
• [16:24] — Summary and Wrap-up

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Overall Tone & Style

The episode’s tone is combative and direct, reflecting both Trump’s rhetoric and The Daily Wire’s editorial slant. Hosts push for accountability in government, challenge media/establishment consensus, and blend political analysis with pointed criticism.

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Useful for Listeners Who Missed the Episode

This comprehensive summary covers the core topics, context, and key statements from all major segments of this Morning Wire episode, making it easy to grasp the latest in U.S. political drama, international maneuvering, and statehouse turmoil—even if you missed the broadcast.

Transcript

[Host (Georgia Howe)]

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[Donald Trump]

After the war, we gave Greenland back to Denmark. How stupid were we to do that? But we did it.

[Host (Georgia Howe)]

I'm Georgia Howe with Daily Wire Executive editor John Bickley. It's Thursday, January 22nd, and this is Morning Wire.

[Michelle Tafoya]

I'm not going to stay on the sidelines any longer. Starting today, I'm running for the United States Senate.

[Interviewer / Daily Wire Host]

Former NFL reporter Michelle Tafoya throws her hat in the ring for Minnesota Senate, calling the current state of the state a crisis of leadership.

[Host (Georgia Howe)]

And former special counsel Jack Smith testifies before a congressional committee today in his first public hearing since his investigation into President Trump.

[Jim Jordan]

I think what we'll point out is just the extremes he went in his quest to get President Trump. I mean, he got the phone records of multiple members of Congress.

[Interviewer / Daily Wire Host]

Thanks for waking up with MORNING wire. Stay tuned. We have the news you need to know.

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[Interviewer / Daily Wire Host]

President Trump gave a highly anticipated speech Wednesday at the World Economic Forum slamming European leaders and Reiterating his desire to acquire Greenland, which he now says he has a framework agreement.

[Host (Georgia Howe)]

On Daily Wire, senior editor Cabot Phillips is here to break down the speech and the fallout. So, Cabot. The White House promised there would be fireworks with President Trump's speech, and he did not disappoint. So where should we start?

[Cabot Phillips]

Yeah. Before his arrival in Switzerland, European leaders had really banded together, offering a unified front against the United States. And Trump came out swinging, essentially telling members there that you need us a lot more than we need you. The World Economic Forum is typically a venue for heads of state to wax poetic about global cooperation and push for policies that they say will offer equal benefit to every country. But in a wide ranging 90 minute speech and Q and A session, the President reiterated what he's been saying for years on the campaign trail and from the bully pulpit. His number one priority is benefiting the American people, not the global order. Call it America first in Action. Here he is, for example, taking aim early on at globalism, one of the core foundations of the World Economic Forum.

[Donald Trump]

In recent decades, it became conventional wisdom in Washington and European capitals that the only way to grow a modern Western economy was through ever increasing government spending, unchecked mass migration, and endless foreign imports. Quite frankly, many parts of our world are being destroyed before our very eyes, and the leaders don't even understand what's happening. And the ones that do understand aren't doing anything about it.

[Cabot Phillips]

Now, Trump spent much of his address touting America's economic success over the last year and really slamming Europe for embracing mass migration and green energy policies, which he says have left them beholden to Russia and China. But there were also some points where he offered friendly advice of sorts. We'll call it tough love. Have a listen.

[Donald Trump]

The United States cares greatly about the people of Europe, we really do. And we believe deeply in the bonds we share with Europe as a civilization. I want to see it do great. That's why issues like energy, trade, immigration, and economic growth must be central concerns to anyone who wants to see a strong and united West.

[Host (Georgia Howe)]

Now, one of the most anticipated points was President Trump's stance on Greenland. What did he say?

[Cabot Phillips]

Yeah. We mentioned yesterday that Trump had been threatening new tariffs on Europe if they did not go along with his plan to acquire the island that roiled global markets and caused the EU to begin formally withdrawing from a trade deal they signed with the US Last summer. And as evidence of how strongly they opposed the US Taking Greenland, several NATO states, including France, Germany and Switzerland, actually sent military personnel for joint military exercises in Greenland last week. But on Wednesday, Trump made clear that he had no intention of seizing the island by force.

[Donald Trump]

We probably won't get anything unless I decide to use excessive strength and force where we would be, frankly, unstoppable. But I won't do that. Okay, now everyone's saying, oh, good, I don't have to use force. I don't want to use force. I won't use force.

[Cabot Phillips]

However, don't expect the President to drop his pursuit of Greenland, which he says is not being properly defended by Denmark right now.

[Donald Trump]

Every NATO ally has an obligation to be able to defend their own territory. And the fact is, no nation or group of nations is in any position to be able to secure Greenland other than the United States. And that's the reason I'm seeking immediate negotiations to once again discuss the acquisition of Greenland by the United States. This would not be a threat to NATO. This would greatly enhance the security of the entire alliance.

[Cabot Phillips]

And arguably the biggest news from yesterday came actually hours after the address. That is when Trump announced that there appeared to be movement on the topic of Greenland. We're still waiting for the full details, but the president posted on social media that after a, quote, very productive meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Ruta, we have formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland. And importantly, Trump also announced that he would not be imposing that 10% tariff that he had threatened for eight European nations, saying this new deal would be a, quote, great one for the United States and all NATO nations.

[Host (Georgia Howe)]

Well, we've learned not to count them out, but this seems like a long shot. We'll see. Kaby, thanks for reporting.

[Cabot Phillips]

Absolutely.

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[Host (Georgia Howe)]

The investigations into officials in Minnesota have shaken the state and shaken up its top line political races. Amid the turmoil, popular political commentator and former NFL reporter Michelle Tafoya is jumping into the race for Senate as Republican candidate.

[Interviewer / Daily Wire Host]

She joins us now to discuss her decision and the state of her state. Michelle, thanks for coming on the show.

[Michelle Tafoya]

Thanks for having me.

[Interviewer / Daily Wire Host]

So let's start with your announcement this week. It's been 20 years since Minnesota has elected a Republican. Why do you think this time is different?

[Michelle Tafoya]

I've lived here for over 30 years, raised my family here and I know the Minnesota that I moved into. And what I see now as a Minnesota in decline. Crime is up, test scores are down, we've got the fraud, we've got this landscape of violence toward law enforcement. And really that crisis of leadership doesn't come down to right versus left really. It's right versus wrong. Common sense built this state, it built this country. And so we can either go back to that or we can succumb to this corruption and craziness that is threatening to tear us apart. I think Minnesota is exhibit A and that's why I'm running for Senate.

[Interviewer / Daily Wire Host]

You've been sharply critical of Governor Walz and other state leaders. We have these federal investigations now looming over many of the big names in the state. Do you think these investigations are fair and do you expect those to actually lead to any consequences?

[Michelle Tafoya]

I do think they're fair. I think that what we've seen is the death of Renee Goode that happened here in Minnesota was an absolute tragedy. But when you step back and you look at how did we arrive at this climate where people felt that they should be parking their cars in front of throwing their bodies on top of cars, spitting directly in the faces of these officers. How did we get there? And you have to listen to the rhetoric of Tim Walls and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Fry and ask yourself, what were they doing? They were really ginning up this fear, this sense of ice is fascist and racist. Keith Ellison, our ag, has, has forgiven those people for going into a church, scaring children and getting in the faces of worshipers. Keith Ellison seems to think that's perfectly okay. So yes, I think if you look at the totality of the circumstances, you have to ask yourself, what were they doing? They certainly weren't trying to calm things down.

[Interviewer / Daily Wire Host]

What should change immediately at either the state or the federal level to prevent situations like the death of Renee?

[Tim Pierce]

Good.

[Michelle Tafoya]

Well, look, if there's misconduct, it should be looked at. There's no question about that. But honestly, and I've spoken with leadership in the rank and file police, we've got a number of organizations here, both in Minneapolis and St. Paul, and I've been privileged to speak with their leaders and ask about that same question. There is frustration that they are not allowed to help and that is part of Minneapolis's sanctuary policy, that their local police are not allowed to assist with these ICE enforcement missions. And really, that makes things all the tougher. I had one officer say to me, you know, we put life and limb on the line to go and arrest or detain a criminal and then we let them out and somebody else has to then go put life and limb on the line to arrest that same criminal. It doesn't make sense. It's inefficient. It isn't working and it's leading to utter chaos.

[Interviewer / Daily Wire Host]

You mentioned fraud and definitely want to ask you about that before we let you go. Multiple investigations already, some convictions on this. The numbers are completely stunning. At least 9 billion. I heard a far higher number recently. What have you seen personally in terms of the fraud and what do you hope to see in terms of these investigations?

[Michelle Tafoya]

Well, what we've seen is Tim Walls understand that his attachment to this fraud has made him unelectable for a third term. And so he's withdrawn. And that to me is very clear proof that he knows how bad this crisis is. We're talking about, like you said, upwards of $9 billion of taxpayer money that was supposed to go to children and it went to these criminals instead. So they could buy lakefront property or expensive watches or, you know, lavish vacations that should make every Minnesotan sick to their stomach. So we've got to root it out. We've got to get to the bottom of it and we've got to make it stop so that we can restore some integrity and trust in this leadership here in Minnesota.

[Interviewer / Daily Wire Host]

Let's hope we do see that. Thank you so much for joining us.

[Michelle Tafoya]

Michelletafoya.com if you want to help out. Thanks, guys.

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[Interviewer / Daily Wire Host]

Former special counsel Jack Smith is set to testify in front of the House Judiciary Committee today. His investigation into President Trump and the questionable tactics he used are expected to be front and center in lawmaker Daily.

[Host (Georgia Howe)]

Wire reporter Tim Pierce is here to talk about Smith's upcoming testimony. So, Tim, what can we expect from this hearing?

[Tim Pierce]

Yeah, expect fireworks. Smith has already been deposed once by the committee. It was closed to the public, but Republicans eventually released a transcript in front of the cameras, though Republicans will have plenty to question Smith about. And that includes some topics that have only come to light after Smith's deposition last month. President Trump had some unscripted remarks about Smith during a press conference on Tuesday.

[Donald Trump]

A sick son of a they gave me the worst of the worst and here I am. How did that happen? How did that happen? He's a sick guy and Letitia James is sick and Alvin Bragg is sick. They're sick people.

[Tim Pierce]

Now, there are a few people that Trump seems to particularly loathe, and Smith is one of them for his investigation into Trump's complaints and challenges about the 2020 election. In the course of time, it's also been revealed that Smith spied on the phone records of Republican lawmakers, which they say violated the Constitution's speech and debate clause, which specifically shields lawmakers from lawsuits and prosecution for their legislative duties.

[Host (Georgia Howe)]

So a big target for Trump and a number of Republicans for other personal reasons, it sounds like. What are we expecting them to ask about specifically?

[Tim Pierce]

Well, one of the big questions for lawmakers that was not addressed the last time they had a chance to grill Smith in December was over his use of confidential human sources. Morning Wire spoke to Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan about that.

[Jim Jordan]

Well, I think it just came out like a week and a half ago. The fact that Jack Smith had paid with your tax money, your viewers and listeners, tax money, had paid money to a confidential human source. One payment we know of, $20,000. How many more payments were there? How many sources were there, and why? The big question is, why do you have to pay them? You can subpoena anybody. You can go get the phone records of members of Congress, but you got to pay a confidential human source in your quest, your effort, your ridiculous approach to try to put the president in prison. So I think that's something that we didn't know when we had the deposition a month ago that we know now. So I'm sure that will come up. That will come up today.

[Tim Pierce]

So expect a lot of this hearing to be grilling Smith for the camera. But on this point, there may be some real news to be made. In general, Republicans want to use this chance to paint Smith as a political operative rather than an objective prosecutor. Here's Jordan again.

[Jim Jordan]

I think what the big takeaway will be. Jack Smith was no different than Fani Willis and Alvin Bragg and the impeachment against President Trump, the impeachments and Bob Mueller, it was all driven by politics. It was all designed to stop President Trump from having we the people make him president twice now. So I think that will be he was sort of the culmination of this now decade long effort to go after President Trump that we've seen from the left.

[Tim Pierce]

And while Republicans want some form of accountability for what they say is Smith's clear political actions, Jordan was clear that any accountability under the law would have to come from the Justice Department, not Congress.

[Host (Georgia Howe)]

So it'll be interesting to see what comes out about those confidential sources. Tim, thanks for reporting.

[Tim Pierce]

Good to be on.

[Interviewer / Daily Wire Host]

Thanks for waking up with us. And if you're listening to the show, you can now watch the show free on daily wireless. We'll be back this evening with more news you need to know.

[Cabot Phillips]

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[Host (Georgia Howe)]

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[Donald Trump]

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[Cabot Phillips]

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