Morning Wire – Trump’s Economic Line & Minnesota Tactic Shift | 1.28.26

Podcast: Morning Wire
Hosts: John Bickley, Georgia Howe
Date: January 28, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of Morning Wire centers on President Trump's aggressive economic messaging and his evolving approach to immigration enforcement, particularly in Minnesota following recent unrest. Other key topics include shifting U.S. trade dynamics with allies, fallout from Trump’s tariff policies, and a looming partial government shutdown centered on Homeland Security funding. The episode features in-depth reporting, notable quotes from Trump and key players, and reactions from both domestic and international perspectives.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Trump’s Economic Message and Iowa Rally

[02:47 – 04:37]

• President Trump continues his nationwide campaign, focusing on economic achievements and advocating for Republican Senate control in upcoming midterms.
• Trump’s economic pitch includes touting booming growth, rising incomes, and the implementation of aggressive tariffs.
• He positions current economic skepticism as a "messaging problem" rather than a fundamental issue.

Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump [03:44]:
  “Just after one year of President Trump, our economy is booming, incomes are rising, investment is soaring, inflation has been defeated. Our border is closed, totally closed.”

• Donald Trump [04:09]:
  “We recently issued $12 billion in farm relief … because you were screwed by other countries. …We have so much money from the tariffs coming in. So you couldn't have done that before. We're a rich country now.”

• Senior Editor Cabot Phillips emphasizes Trump’s bullish stance on tariffs, intended to spur domestic manufacturing, reduce reliance on China, and force allies into more favorable deals.

2. Global Trade Shakeups: The EU & Canada Respond

[04:37 – 07:34]

• Europe:
  • The EU, frustrated by Trump’s tariffs and hardball tactics on issues like Greenland, NATO, and Ukraine, has announced a major trade agreement with India to diversify away from U.S. dependency.
  • The agreement is described by EU head Ursula von der Leyen as the “mother of all deals,” reducing tariffs on key goods and enabling entry into India’s car market.
• India-EU Partnership:
  • Emphasized on shared pluralism and strategic partnership.
  • Seen as a clear alternative to U.S. unilateralism.

Notable Quotes:

• Ursula von der Leyen [05:55]:
  “The European Union and India are natural strategic partners because we have so much in common. …Unity in diversity is the motto on your side and on our side.”

• Cabot Phillips [06:18]:
  “Von der Leyen went on to say that … we are showing a fractured world that another way is possible. Again, maybe a veiled shot there at Trump.”

• Canada:

  • Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a ‘strategic partnership’ with China, further lowering tariffs and opening markets for Chinese electric vehicles—prompting Trump to threaten 100% retaliatory tariffs.

Notable Quotes:

• John Bickley [07:29]:
  “Well, Trump told us for years now that his favorite word is tariff, so not surprised to see that response.”

3. Minnesota Immigration Tactic Shift after Shooting

[08:42 – 13:34]

• In the aftermath of the fatal shooting of Alex Preddy by federal agents in Minneapolis, the Trump administration is recalibrating personnel and messaging for immigration enforcement in Minnesota.
• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is under fire for aggressive raids and public statements. Trump stands behind her leadership.
• Tom Homan, the new border czar, initiates dialogue with Minnesota’s governor for ongoing coordination.

Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump [09:50]:
  “I think [Secretary Noem is] doing a very good job. The border is totally secure. …Now we have a border where no one is coming through.”

• Protests erupt at the state Capitol ("ICE out now!") reflecting opposition to federal enforcement.

• Judicial pushback: Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz demands ICE leadership appear in court, accusing the administration of violating due process.

Notable Quotes:

• Chief Judge Patrick Schiltz (quoted by Tim Pierce) [11:57]:
  “This court has been extremely patient with respondents, even though respondents decided to send thousands of agents to Minnesota…without making any provision for dealing with the hundreds of habeas petitions and other lawsuits that were sure to result.”

• Discussion around the case of Juan Hugo Tobia Robles underscores tensions over due process rights and mandatory detention.

4. Approaching Government Shutdown Over DHS Funding

[14:10 – 17:24]

• A partial government shutdown looms as Senate Democrats hold up a House-passed budget, pressing for restrictions on Homeland Security funding due to recent events in Minneapolis.
• Negotiations are tense, with Democrats seeking to separate DHS funding for ICE/Border Patrol controls while Republicans resist.

Notable Quotes:

• John Bickley [15:04]:
  “So we could see votes as early as tomorrow. Have there been any negotiations at this point?”

• Cameron Arcan [15:10]:
  “Well, things are looking bleak, and it's simply because there's a debate over whether or not that funding should be included and lumped in with other funding bills that already exist.”

• The possible impact of a shutdown would affect agencies beyond immigration, notably FEMA and TSA, with both sides using these as leverage.

• Bipartisan calls for investigation into the Minneapolis shooting, and ongoing debate over the administration’s executive authority on deportation.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (Chronological with Timestamps)

• Donald Trump on Economic Success [03:44]:
  “Our economy is booming, incomes are rising, investment is soaring, inflation has been defeated. Our border is closed, totally closed.”

• Donald Trump on Tariffs and Farm Relief [04:09]:
  “We have so much money from the tariffs coming in. …We're a rich country now.”

• Ursula von der Leyen on Partnership (as quoted) [05:55]:
  “Pluralism and respect for human dignity is at our core… unity in diversity is the motto on your side and our side.”

• Donald Trump on Noem and the Border [09:50]:
  “I think he's done a very good job. …Now we have a border where no one is coming through.”

• Protesters at Minnesota State Capitol [11:11]:
  (Chanting) “ICE out now.”

• Judge Schiltz on Due Process [11:57]:
  “This court has been extremely patient with respondents…without making any provision for dealing with the hundreds of habeas petitions…”

• Cameron Arcan on Shutdown Dynamics [15:10]:
  “…There's a debate over whether or not that funding should be included and lumped in with other funding bills…”

Structural Timeline of Major Segments

| Time | Segment | Speaker(s) | |----------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------| | 02:47–04:37 | Trump touts economic wins and tariffs | Trump, Cabot Phillips | | 04:37–07:34 | Europe and Canada pursue trade deals in reaction to tariffs | Cabot Phillips | | 08:42–13:34 | Minnesota tactic shift, ICE controversy, legal developments | Tim Pierce, Trump, Howe | | 14:10–17:24 | Looming government shutdown over DHS funding | Cameron Arcan, Bickley |

Tone and Language

The discussion is factual but clearly slanted towards a conservative perspective. Hosts maintain an authoritative newsroom style, guided by direct reporting and attributed statements. Trump’s quotes directly spotlight his trademark brash confidence, while the reporting on protests and judicial actions contextualizes the political turmoil and resistance his policies have spurred.

Summary Conclusion

This episode offers a fast-moving look at how Trump’s aggressive economic and immigration policies are shaping both domestic politics and America’s global standing. With rising trade tensions, evolving alliances, intensifying protests, and a potential government shutdown, the stakes for policy, law, and public opinion are high. For listeners, the episode delivers facts and voices straight from the frontlines of America's political fights as the midterms approach.