Evening Wire: SCOTUS Considers Trump Tariffs & DOJ’s Major Minnesota Bust | 1.16.26

Summary

Morning Wire: Evening Wire – SCOTUS Considers Trump Tariffs & DOJ’s Major Minnesota Bust | 1.16.26

Date: January 16, 2026
Hosts: Georgia Howe & John Bickley (Daily Wire)
Podcast Theme:
This episode delivers comprehensive updates on key political, legal, and cultural events, with special focus on the Supreme Court’s pending decision regarding Trump-era tariffs, a significant DOJ arrest in Minneapolis, foreign policy maneuverings, crime, and shifts in business and media leadership.

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Episode Overview

The hosts present fast-moving coverage of the day’s biggest news stories, including Supreme Court deliberations over Trump’s controversial tariffs, a high-profile law enforcement bust involving gang-related theft from the FBI, and notable developments in technology, foreign relations, and sports. The tone is brisk, direct, and factual, typical of Morning Wire’s style.

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Key Segment Breakdowns

1. Supreme Court Weighs Trump Tariffs

[00:26–01:08]

• Discussion:

  • The Supreme Court heard oral arguments addressing former President Trump’s unilateral implementation of tariffs under the Emergency Economic Powers Act.
  • The key legal question: whether the Act—as it lacks specific mention of tariffs—permitted such broad executive authority, as challenged under the “major questions doctrine.”
  • Trump administration’s defense: the law’s text is the “practical equivalent of a tariff.”
  • The justices’ decision could define the scope of executive foreign policy powers.

• Notable Quote:

  • “Plaintiffs told the court that Trump’s decision to unilaterally impose his steep import duties violates the major questions doctrine, since the Emergency Economic Powers Act does not explicitly mention the word tariffs.”

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2. Trump Threatens Tariffs Over Greenland

[01:08–01:21]

• Discussion:

  • President Trump threatens tariffs on countries opposing U.S. acquisition of Greenland—an assertion tied to national security interests.
  • Follows European military support for Danish sovereignty over the territory, despite longstanding U.S. military presence on the island.
  • No specifics on targeted countries were given.

• Notable Quote:

  • Trump: “I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland because we need Greenland for national security, so I may do that.” ([01:16])

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3. Major US-Taiwan Trade Deal

[01:46–02:56]

• Discussion:

  • Taiwan and the United States seal a $250B investment deal; Taiwan lowers certain tariffs from 20% to 15%.
  • Arizona to gain new semiconductor factories through TSMC investment, moving toward U.S. self-sufficiency in chip manufacturing.
  • Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick touts the deal as fulfillment of Trump’s campaign promises on technology and manufacturing.

• Notable Quote:

  • Howard Lutnick: “We’re going to bring it all over so we become self-sufficient in the capacity of building semiconductors. This is exactly what Donald Trump said he was going to do and he is doing it today.” ([02:56])

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4. Iran Protests Suppressed

[02:56–03:56]

• Discussion:

  • Following an apparent pause in executions, Iranian authorities use overwhelming force to control dissent, leaving residents “hostage in their homes.”
  • Witnesses report streets filled with tanks and armed patrols—Tehran gripped by fear ([03:27]).
  • Over 2,600 officially dead, with local sources citing as many as 12,000.

• Notable Quote:

  • Anonymous source: “There’s tanks everywhere…There’s trucks that are covered with 10 people inside with machine guns just aiming them at everyone on the street.” ([03:27–03:30])

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5. The Renee Nicole Goode Incident in Minneapolis

[03:56–05:01]

• Discussion:

  • Incident reports describe chaos during the shooting involving ICE agents and Renee Nicole Goode.
  • Dispatch transcripts reveal law enforcement’s struggle with an increasingly aggressive crowd.
  • Disputed narratives: authorities claim self-defense after being struck by a vehicle; protesters allege unnecessary use of force.

• Details:

  • Protesters accuse ICE agents of excessive force: “They shot her…because she wouldn’t open her car door.”
  • Goode sustained multiple gunshot wounds.

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6. DOJ’s Major Minnesota Gang Bust

[05:01–05:32]

• Discussion:

  • DOJ announces the arrest of a Latin Kings member in Minneapolis for theft of FBI body armor and weapons, amid claims that local policies enable lawbreaking.
  • Attorney General Pam Bondi calls the suspect “a perfect example” of daily law enforcement dangers under permissive local leadership.

• Notable Quote:

  • Pam Bondi: “The criminal is a perfect example of what our brave federal law enforcement agents are up against every day as Minnesota leadership encourages lawbreaking.” ([05:32])

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7. California’s ICE Controversy – Shapiro vs. Newsom

[06:20–07:27]

• Discussion:

  • Governor Gavin Newsom concedes—on Ben Shapiro’s podcast—that “ICE are not domestic terrorists,” despite previous statements from his own press office.
  • Newsom defends the state’s actual cooperation with ICE and prison transfers.

• Notable Quote:

  • Shapiro: “Your press office tweeted out that it was state-sponsored terrorism, which… makes our politics worse.”
  • Newsom: “…Our ICE officers obviously are not terrorists. A tragic situation is not state-sponsored terrorism. Yeah, I think that’s fair.” ([07:10])

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8. Trump Awarded Nobel Peace Prize

[07:27–08:30]

• Discussion:

  • Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado personally gives her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump, “for his decisive support of our cause.”
  • Trump responds warmly on Truth Social, calling Machado “a wonderful woman who has been through so much.”

• Notable Quote:

  • Machado: “[Trump deserves the prize] as recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom.” ([07:56])
  • Trump: “Maria presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect.” ([08:09])

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9. Lawsuit Against Kyrsten Sinema

[08:30–09:12]

• Discussion:
  • Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema sued under North Carolina’s “homewrecker” law, accused of knowingly interfering with the marriage of a former security staffer.
  • Lawsuit alleges romantic and possibly sexual communications and meetings during and outside professional contexts.

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10. U.S. Copper Output and Amazon’s Data Centers

[09:12–09:50]

• Discussion:
  • America resumes domestic copper production for the first time in over a decade, with Amazon striking a deal for 14,000 metric tons.
  • Demand propelled by new data center construction amidst the AI boom; copper prices hit record highs.

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11. Sports & Entertainment News

[09:50–11:29]

• NFL & College Playoffs:
  • Divisional round features top-seed matchups on both Saturday and Sunday.
  • College playoffs see Indiana Hoosiers aiming for a historic undefeated season.
• Star Wars Franchise Shakeup:
  • Kathleen Kennedy exits as Lucasfilm president after 13 tumultuous years.
  • Dave Filoni (of "Clone Wars" fame) expected to lead a “new hope” for the franchise.
  • Host joke: “Too much? Probably too much.” ([11:28])

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Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Trump on Greenland Tariffs:
  “I may put a tariff on countries if they don’t go along with Greenland because we need Greenland for national security.” ([01:16])
• Newsom on ICE:
  “Our ICE officers obviously are not terrorists. A tragic situation is not state-sponsored terrorism. Yeah, I think that’s fair.” ([07:10])
• Commerce Secretary Lutnick on Taiwan Deal:
  “250 billion and 250 billion. This is the kind of scale that Donald Trump operates in.” ([02:56])
• Star Wars Leadership Change:
  “Many from the Star Wars alliance are expressing a new hope that the franchise will return to once again being a force to reckon with under the new order. Too much? Probably too much.” ([11:28])

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Important Timestamps

• Trump tariffs at SCOTUS: 00:26–01:08
• Greenland tariff threat: 01:08–01:21
• US-Taiwan chip deal: 01:46–02:56
• Iran protest suppression: 02:56–03:56
• Minneapolis shooting incident: 03:56–05:01
• Latin Kings arrest: 05:01–05:32
• ICE terrorism controversy: 06:20–07:27
• Nobel Peace Prize to Trump: 07:27–08:30
• Sinema lawsuit: 08:30–09:12
• Copper for Amazon data centers: 09:12–09:50
• NFL/College Football & Star Wars: 09:50–11:29

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Tone & Style

The reporting is brisk, with a clear and fact-driven delivery. The hosts and correspondents use direct language, with frequent expert attributions and a focus on delivering concise context for each story. The episode is structured to keep listeners moving quickly through national and international news, with a touch of cultural commentary and humor.

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For further details and original reporting, visit dailywire.com.

Transcript

[A]

The nation's highest court is poised to rule soon on Trump's tariff use. A Latin King's gang member is busted in Minneapolis, and the much anticipated divisional round of the NFL playoffs kicks off this weekend, with the college playoffs not far behind. I'm Georgia Howe with Daily Wire executive editor John Bickley. It's Friday, January 16th, and this is Evening Wire.

[B]

The Supreme Court is set to rule soon on Trump's tariffs Daily Wire D.C. bureau Chief Tim Rice has the latest Oral arguments over Trump's tariffs began in November, with justices focused on the major questions doctrine, which is designed to allow courts to limit the power of executive agencies on actions with vast economic and political significance. Plaintiffs told the court that Trump's decision to unilaterally impose his steep import duties violates the major questions doctrine, since the Emergency Economic Powers act does not explicitly mention the word tariffs. Lawyers for the Trump administration countered that the text of the law is, quote, unquote, the practical equivalent of a tariff. The tariff case is also, to some degree a foreign policy issue in which executives enjoy a higher level of deference from the court. More on this as it develops.

[A]

President Trump is threatening countries with tariffs over Greenland. Speaking at the White House today, the president said he'd use tariffs to acquire the Arctic country.

[B]

I may put a tariff on countries if they don't go along with Greenland because we need Greenland for national security, so I may do that.

[A]

Trump did not specify which countries would be affected, but this follows French Prime Minister Emmanuel Macron launching Operation Arctic Endurance, a mission that sent 15 soldiers to the island nation in order to show support for Danish ownership. Germany, France, Sweden and Norway also have plans to send similarly small military groups, despite the presence of the US base in Petufkin, which houses 200 of our own.

[B]

Trump reels in another big win as Taiwan is pledging $250 billion in US investment in exchange for lowering their rate. Daily Wire senior editor Virginia Kruta has more. The United States and Taiwan signed a trade deal on Thursday. Under the agreement, Taiwan's tariff rates will drop from 20% to 15%. In exchange, Arizona will see several new semiconductor factories built by the company Taiwan semiconductor manufacturing, or TSMC, as well as a double investment of $250 billion into the U.S. the first comes from TSMC and similar companies and and then will be matched by the government of Taiwan. So effectively half a trillion dollars is headed to the US as well as the means to produce these advanced processing chips in country, US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick told CNBC about the deal. So we're going to bring it all over so we become self sufficient in the capacity of building semiconductors. This is exactly what Donald Trump said he was going to do and he is doing it today. 250 billion and 250 billion. This is the kind of scale that Donald Trump operates in.

[A]

The ruthless slaughter of anti government protesters in Iran appears to have stopped, but only because residents are being held hostage in their homes. Daily Wire reporter Amanda Presto Giacomo has more.

[B]

Rather than celebration after Iran backed down from the mass execution of protesters as well as a hanging, reports from the Muslim nation detail something closer to an eerie silence. A mass mobilization of security forces has suppressed the demonstrations, leaving many in their homes too afraid to walk outside. A source in the country claimed, quote.

[A]

There were tanks out, there's tanks everywhere.

[B]

There's trucks that are covered with 10 people inside with machine guns just aiming them at everyone on the street. Others say that Tehran is gripped in fear as Capitol police patrol and routinely conduct security stops. More than 2,600 people have been confirmed dead since the start of the demonstrations, though locals on the ground told the New York Post, quote, there are no protests anymore because of massive killings. With 12,000 dead, people are terrified. Incident reports of the January 7 shooting of Renee Nicole Goode have been released, revealing that law enforcement allegedly begged for help in dealing with the aftermath. Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce has the details. Transcripts released late Thursday paint a chaotic picture with one officer saying that the, quote, crowd is getting hostile. Minutes later, another report called for crowd control and to block off the surrounding area. At 10:07am authorities said, quote, contact who is in charge of feds and have them leave scene. But roughly an hour later, transcripts show those same officers, quote, being surrounded. 911 dispatch calls show the other side with protesters saying, quote, there's 15 ICE agents and they shot her like because she wouldn't open her car door. Another caller begged for an ambulance. First responders observed two gunshot wounds on the right side of Good's chest, one on her left forearm and one with, quote, protruding tissue on the left side of the patient's head. The Department of Homeland Security maintains the agent opened fire in self defense following being struck by Good's vehicle.

[A]

The Department of Justice has arrested a Latin Kings gang member accused of stealing an FBI weapon and body armor. In Minneapolis, an incident caught on video. Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on social media yesterday that an arrest warrant was executed on a Latin Kings gang member who allegedly stole FBI armor and weaponry and had a long list of violent crimes she continued, quote, the criminal is a perfect example of what our brave federal law enforcement agents are up against every day as Minnesota leadership encourages lawbreaking.

[B]

This episode is sponsored by Brickhouse Nutrition. By the time the average person reaches 60, they've likely cycled through numerous fad diets like juice cleanses, the cabbage soup diet and raw food regimens, collectively losing and regaining several hundred pounds over the years. You've probably done it without even knowing that there's a name for it. It's called weight cycling. Half of Americans are stuck in this frustrating cycle and doctors are now seeing it's not just disappointing, it can actually be dangerous. That's where Lean comes in. Unlike those expensive GLP1 injections, Lean is a non prescription supplement created by doctors specifically for this problem. And the science behind it is rock solid. I used to be that guy in the kitchen here at work loading up on snacks more than a few times a day. But with Lean, I spend less time snacking and more time focused in on work. You know the executives love to hear that one. If you want to lose meaningful weight at a healthy pace and keep it off, add lean to your diet and exercise lifestyle. Get 20% off when you enter [e-mail] that's code [e-mail] Today, California Governor Gavin Newsom conceded in a sit down with Ben Shapiro that ICE are not domestic terrorists. And even though his press office tweeted out that allegation, Shapiro appeared on Newsom's podcast this week and clips from it are going viral. Here's the moment when Shapiro pressed Newsom on claims his own social media team made your press office tweeted out that it was state sponsored terrorism, which I mean, Governor, I do have to ask you about that. That sort of thing makes our politics worse. Yeah, and it does. And our ICE officers obviously are not terrorists. A tragic situation is not state sponsored terrorism. Yeah, I think that's fair. Newsom also claimed that despite California's sanctuary policies and just months after violent anti ICE riots in the state, that his state cooperates with the agency. We work very directly with ICE as it relates to CDCR state prison. California has cooperated with more ICE transfers probably than any other state in the country.

[A]

President Trump has ended up with the Nobel Peace Prize after all. Daily Wire senior editor Joel Niedler explains.

[B]

Venezuela opposition leader Maria Corina Machado gifted her 2025 Nobel Peace Prize to President Trump at the White House Thursday. Machado met with the president a day after Trump spoke with Venezuela's acting president Delsey Rodriguez over the phone. Machado had previously dedicated her award to Trump last year, quote, for his decisive support of our cause. She told reporters yesterday that Trump deserved the prize, quote, as recognition for his unique commitment with our freedom. Trump thanked Machado for the award and complimented the opposition leader in a post on Truth Social. He wrote of Machado that she is, quote, a wonderful woman who has been through so much, adding, quote, maria presented me with her Nobel Peace Prize for the work I have done. Such a wonderful gesture of mutual respect. Former Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema is being sued under North Carolina's homewrecker law over alleged interference in the marriage between a former member of her security detail and is now ex wife. Daily Wire political reporter Cameron Arkin reports. The lawsuit accuses Cinema of, quote, intentional and malicious interference in a marriage between Heather and Matthew Amal, who separated in November 2024. Amal joined Cinema's security team in 2022, and the lawsuit alleges that Cinema had numerous lengthy conversations with the man through multiple platforms, including in person and over texts that were, quote, romantic or sexual in nature. The lawsuit also alleges that the center met with him regularly outside of professional settings, including meetings that were, quote, emotionally or physically romantic or sexual in nature, and that Sinema was encouraging him to leave his wife. The Daily Wire has reached out to both individuals for comment.

[A]

America is outputting copper for the first time in over a decade and Amazon is first in line. The tech and e commerce giant will apparently put the copper to use in its ever expanding data centers. The deal was struck with a recently reopened copper mine in Arizona, securing a promise of 14,000 metric tons of copper cathode over the next two years. New data centers have massive copper requirements for wiring, circuit boards and power systems which have put a strain on the market, driving copper to all time high prices at around $6 per pound. As market demands for metal increases in part due to the AI boom, Amazon has opted to secure materials directly from the source.

[B]

The NFL and college football playoffs continue. Here with a preview is Crane and Cone host David Cohn. The divisional round of the NFL playoffs is this weekend with two games on Saturday and two more on Sunday. First, Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills will head to Denver to take on the AFC's number one seed Broncos. That's at 4:30pm Eastern. Then the Seattle Seahawks, the number one seed in the NFC, will host the 49ers in an All NFC west divisional matchup at 8pm Sunday. The Houston Texans head to Foxborough to face the Patriots at 3pm Eastern, followed by the Chicago Bears hosting the LA Rams at 6:30. More football will follow Monday when the Indiana Hoosiers and Miami Hurricanes face off for the College Football Playoff national championship. Indiana seeks to become the first team in the modern era to complete a perfect 160 season and the embattled reign of Kathleen Kennedy is officially over as Star wars is getting a new leader to head up the franchise. After a rocky 13 year stretch on the big screen and mostly misses on TV that includes the widely blasted Acolyte series, Kennedy is hanging up the lightsaber as president of Lucasfilm. Taking her place is George Lucas Padawan Dave Filoni. Filoni was hired by the Hollywood legend back in 2005 to helm the popular Clone wars animated series. While Disney has touted Kennedy's legacy on the way out, many from the Star wars alliance are expressing a new hope that the franchise will return to to once again being a force to reckon with under the new order. Too much? Probably too much.

[A]

Those are your drive home updates. To learn more about these stories, go to dailywire.com and in case you missed it, earlier today we covered some major stories, including Trump threatening to invoke the Insurrection act in Minneapolis, the latest on Trump's Iran strategy, and we talked with Senator Bill Cassidy about a key abortion hearing. Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with a weekend edition of Morning Wire.

[B]

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