Post Reports — "Trump’s Greenland ‘Deal,’ and Democrats’ Midterm Math"
Washington Post Politics Roundtable – January 23, 2026
Hosts: Colby Ekowitz, Dan Marika, Cleve Woodson
Episode Theme:
An in-depth look at President Trump's recent international maneuvers (notably his Greenland “deal” and tense Davos summit), his public messaging during the anniversary of his second inauguration, and the strategic positioning of Democrats heading into the 2026 midterms.
Main Topics Overview
- President Trump’s year-two messaging and chaotic White House press appearance
- His polarizing rhetoric and claims of accomplishment
- The global response to Trump’s Greenland ambitions and U.S. foreign policy as showcased at Davos
- The evolving landscape for Democrats ahead of the 2026 midterms, with opportunities in Senate races
- How Trump’s base-driven strategy affects his party’s prospects and Republican maneuvering
- Voter sentiment on immigration, with a focus on specific states expected to be key in November
Inside Trump’s White House Anniversary Briefing
(Segment Start: ~01:30)
Key Points
- This week marked a year since Trump’s second inauguration, prompting a rare appearance in the White House briefing room.
- The event was crowded with reporters hoping to question the president, notably about his “Greenland deal” and his trip to Davos.
“It took me 10 minutes to get to my seat, and my seat is six feet from the door. And it took me 10 minutes to just squeeze through the throng of reporters and photographers…”
— Cleve Woodson (02:04)
- Trump’s Opening Remarks: Lasted 80 minutes — before any questions — and handed out a “365 wins in 365 days” sheet, listing a dizzying variety of alleged achievements.
- The speech was highly rambling, covering everything from Little League to White House refurbishments to joking about renaming the Gulf of Mexico the “Gulf of Trump.”
“Trump's opening remarks lasted 80 minutes… I was just sitting there thinking, is he going to talk about all 365?”
— Cleve Woodson (03:19)
Memorable Trump Moments
- Boisterous, at-times-absurd self-promotion and scattered tangents, barely touching on Greenland until pressed.
- Notable quote:
“I was going to call it the Gulf of Trump, but I thought that I would be killed if I did.”
— Donald Trump (04:47)
The Substance (or Lack Thereof) in Trump’s Message
(Segment Start: ~04:11)
Highlights
- Trump oscillated wildly from subject to subject, eager to claim victories — but light on details.
- Cleve ticked off Trump’s boasts: improving DC safety, ending immigration concerns, bringing down inflation, increasing tax refunds. Many are contested or exaggerated.
“He touts how there's very, very few crossings at the southern border … presidents for decades have had a difficult time getting a handle on immigration, and now there's none whatsoever.”
— Cleve Woodson (09:53)
- Panel acknowledged: While Trump’s message plays well with his base, many claims are disputed or factually shaky.
“His accomplishments are also largely exaggerated, particularly around whether he's kept D.C. safe, whether or not he's brought down or leveled inflation…”
— Colby Ekowitz (10:50)
The Mood at Davos: Allies Push Back
(Segment Start: ~11:37)
High Tension at the World Economic Forum
- Trump arrived in Switzerland as global concern mounted over his Greenland threats and talk of more tariffs.
- Canadian PM Mark Carney delivered a notable speech warning that old security assumptions no longer hold, signaling a break from U.S. hegemony.
“Canadians know that our old comfortable assumptions that our geography and alliance memberships automatically conferred prosperity and security … That assumption is no longer valid.”
— PM Mark Carney, as recounted by Dan Marika (12:17)
- Trump’s rebuttal: dismissive, belittling, asserted U.S. primacy:
“Canada gets a lot of freebies from us, by the way. They should be grateful also, but they're not … Canada lives because of the United States.”
— Donald Trump (13:29)
Key Takeaways
- U.S.-allied relationships, especially with Canada, France, and the UK, are at a low point. Trump’s harsh rhetoric and threats around Greenland have prompted rare, forceful pushback.
“A real takeaway from just one day in Davos with the President was … real fractures between the United States and our longest time allies…”
— Dan Marika (13:48)
- The so-called “deal” over Greenland, announced by Trump as a win, remains vague — likely a messaging move rather than concrete policy.
“He gets to walk away from Davos saying, I got what I wanted from these European leaders … Even though … we don't know exactly what that victory or that win looks like.”
— Cleve Woodson (15:07)
Trump’s Rhetoric and the Domestic Political Audience
(Segment Start: ~19:56)
Points of Analysis
- World leaders’ confrontations at Davos serve their own domestic political interests as much as actual geopolitics.
- Trump’s aggressive posturing is pitched mainly to his core support.
“Trump is talking to Americans, but he's talking to a particular subset of Americans. Those that voted for him, those that are on his side, those that are part of the MAGA movement…”
— Cleve Woodson (22:35)
- Midterm electorates often focus on economic or “pocketbook” issues, and it is yet to be seen if voters reward or punish Trump’s international focus.
The Path to the 2026 Midterms: Democratic Optimism and Reality Checks
(Segment Start: ~25:03)
Why Democrats See an Opening
- Historical patterns: The party out of the White House often fares well in first-term midterms.
- Trump’s international focus and domestic struggles (inflation, economy) leave him vulnerable.
“President Trump … did not run on a ton of international affairs issues. And that has been the main focus of his first year … voters just don't think he's [improved the economy] … The electorate that backed him in 2024 … has largely fallen apart.”
— Dan Marika (25:39/25:40)
Senate Map Shifts
- Some Senate races are drawing unexpectedly competitive Democratic candidates:
- North Carolina: Roy Cooper, popular ex-governor, leads in early polls/fundraising.
- Alaska: Mary Peltola, popular Democratic Congresswoman, brings new energy.
- Ohio, Iowa, Texas: Once longshots, now on the outer edge of plausibility.
- Democratic strategy: Focus funds on the most winnable races; “don’t expect national money until the very end” in tougher states.
“There’s a chance. It's been described to me as still a long shot.”
— Colby Ekowitz (28:11)
Cautionary Perspective
- The panel debates the risk of overconfidence, noting the unpredictable political climate and the volatility of Trump’s brand of politics.
“We're a long way out. … We don't really know what the most. The biggest issue will be in November. It could change. It likely will change.”
— Dan Marika (32:35)
Key Issues: Immigration, State Races & GOP Maneuvering
(Segment Start: ~33:13 & ~37:08)
The “ICE Factor” & Trump’s Immigration Focus
- Voter reaction to visible, aggressive ICE enforcement is rising — especially in states with large immigrant communities (highlighted: Minnesota, Maine).
- Maine's Senate race may become the national bellwether for the impact of Trump-era immigration policy.
“Now in city after city after city, you are seeing ICE in the headlines, ICE on the news, … and seeing them literally as an extension of Donald Trump's policy…”
— Cleve Woodson (33:37)
Republican Moderates: Why Aren't More Standing Up to Trump?
Listener Question (Layla Khan): Why don’t more Republicans, especially in swing districts, stand up to Trump?
- Trump’s loyalty among primary voters gives him enduring leverage, even as national popularity dips.
“He remains popular with his base. And in primaries, those are the people who vote … that's why the president has been so successful … in the last decade, the Trump backed candidate in a primary is the candidate who wins that primary.”
— Dan Marika (37:41)
- Breaking with Trump is politically perilous, as evidenced by intra-party challenges or loss of endorsements for dissenters like Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor Greene.
“Trump has the ability to, as my mom would say, to put you on blast really quickly and to put your name in the national spotlight as somebody that is antithetical to the MAGA movement…”
— Cleve Woodson (39:25)
- Real test: Will vulnerable GOP incumbents try to distance themselves post-primary? Opposition ads—and Trump’s retribution—likely if they pivot too sharply.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Trump's opening remarks lasted 80 minutes… I was just sitting there thinking, is he going to talk about all 365?” — Cleve Woodson (03:19)
- “Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements.” — Donald Trump (13:29)
- “I do think the bigger the map gets. It's great news for Democrats, but it also means they've gotta make some strategic decisions when it comes to [spending].” — Dan Marika (29:56)
- “Now in city after city, you are seeing ICE in the headlines … seeing them literally as an extension of Donald Trump's policy…” — Cleve Woodson (33:37)
- “He remains popular with his base. And in primaries, those are the people who vote … the Trump backed candidate in a primary is the candidate who wins…” — Dan Marika (37:41)
- “Standing up to Trump, quote, unquote, may seem easy for somebody Democrat or even independent, but if you are a Republican trying to win Republican voters, that is a difficult calculus.” — Cleve Woodson (39:25)
- “We don't really know what the ... biggest issue will be in November. It could change. It likely will change.” — Dan Marika (32:35)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- White House Briefing Room Chaos/Staging: 01:31–03:19
- Trump’s Rambling, Defensive Achievements List: 03:19–06:22
- Panel on Presidential Credit & Public Distrust: 06:22–08:44
- Trump’s Anti-Somali Rhetoric / Polarization: 08:44–10:50
- Moving to Davos/Global Diplomatic Fallout: 11:37–15:45
- What’s in (or not in) the Greenland Deal: 15:04–15:41
- Alliances & “Middle Powers” Uniting: 18:37–19:56
- Impact of Trump’s Foreign Focus on Voters: 19:56–24:05
- Democratic Hopes & Senate Opportunities: 25:03–30:41
- How Dems Could Overreach / Uncertainties: 30:41–32:35
- Immigration & Voter Sentiment by State: 33:13–36:46
- Listener Q&A: GOP and Trump’s Intraparty Grip: 37:08–41:39
Conclusion
This episode vividly captures the volatility and high stakes of the current U.S. and global political climate, the challenges Trump faces in solidifying both his legacy and voter support, and how Democrats are strategizing around those weaknesses. The panel’s nuanced discussion surfaces the genuine anxiety, inside both parties, about the unpredictable forces shaping 2026—and underlines how much could still change.
Overall Tone:
Conversational, slyly humorous, but deeply analytical, with the correspondents drawing richly on Washington Post reporting access and on-the-ground insights.