Squawk Pod: "Minneapolis: Officer Training, DHS Funding, & the American Brand" (January 26, 2026)
Hosts: Becky Quick, Andrew Ross Sorkin (Joe Kernan off)
Guests: Eamon Javers, Emily Wilkins, Walter Isaacson, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy

Episode Overview

This episode centers on the aftermath of a second fatal shooting by a federal ICE officer in Minneapolis, examining the local and national responses, a brewing funding crisis at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the role of corporate America in moments of national turmoil, and the effects of these events on America’s global reputation. The show also addresses how winter storms are affecting travel nationwide. Notable guests bring insight into the political, business, and operational implications.

Key Discussion Points

1. The Minneapolis Shooting: What Happened and Why It Matters

• Incident Summary (03:07–04:02):
  Eamon Javers recaps a distressing incident in which Alex Pretty, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was fatally shot by ICE officers during an attempted arrest in Minneapolis. Video showed a scuffle, with a gun taken from the holster and then multiple shots fired as Pretty lay on the ground.
  Quote (Eamon Javers, 03:07):

  "This video is extremely difficult to watch...as the officers move away from the man on the ground, as many as nine more shots ring out."

• Escalating Tension & Official Responses (03:07–04:46):
  The death quickly becomes a national flashpoint. Administration officials blamed Democrats and the victim; local and state leadership blamed ICE and President Trump. Minneapolis Police Chief and Gov. Tim Walz highlight contrast with local law enforcement’s recent record of zero firearm discharges in the prior year, despite hundreds of dangerous arrests.

• Political Fallout (04:48–05:13):
  President Trump blamed “left wing agitators” and “Democrat chaos” for the turmoil in a Truth Social post.

2. Corporate America’s Response

• MN Chamber of Commerce Letter (05:13–11:08, 22:22–23:45):
  Over 60 Minnesota CEOs called for calm and cooperation among officials, without explicitly criticizing any side. National business leaders, including Business Roundtable CEO Josh Bolten, echoed the sentiment. Quote (Andrew Ross Sorkin, 05:13):

  “...it was really the first time we've seen the business community say anything about this thus far...there's a larger question...when the business community can and should speak out about things that they believe and are seeing with their own eyes as deeply troublesome.”

• Role & Limitations of Corporate Advocacy:
  The statement is characterized as "flattened out" to achieve wide consensus, lacking sharp criticism or policy demands. Sorkin draws an analogy to “pressing the pause button” in business when processes lead to repeated failures.

3. CEO Voices and Fear of Retribution

• Jamie Dimon Example (08:07–09:27):
  When Jamie Dimon publicly called for moderation and criticized “five grown men beating up little women,” he faced apparent government retaliation—a $5 billion lawsuit. Quote (Andrew Ross Sorkin, 09:27):

  "I recognize that there's a lot of CEOs who don't want to raise their hand, but my prayer is that at some point they do."

• Culture of Caution:
  Sorkin and Javers highlight a climate of risk for CEOs who speak out, reinforcing the instinct to “flatten” their statements and avoid specifics.

4. Systemic Issues: Training, Accountability, and Law Enforcement Culture

• Training Lapses (11:08–13:13):
  Sorkin and Javers point repeatedly to training as a process business leaders understand, drawing parallels between recurring tragedies and business process failures. Javers points out the contrast with local Minneapolis police—who managed hundreds of arrests with no fatal shootings for a year. Quote (Eamon Javers, 11:44):

  “...the decision point where an officer is drawing their weapon and pointing at the protester at the ground? That’s...the point of no return, beyond which it gets very difficult to avoid a tragedy.”

5. Capitol Hill Standoff Over DHS Funding

• DHS Funding at Risk (13:18–15:47):
  Emily Wilkins explains congressional gridlock: Senate Democrats now oppose DHS funding over ICE’s conduct; Republicans refuse to separate the funding from other critical bills, raising partial government shutdown risks. Democrats demand reforms, such as mandatory body cameras, before approving more funding. Quote (Emily Wilkins, 13:27):

  "Senate Republican leadership...are not planning to remove DHS funding from this larger package. That increases the chances of a partial government shutdown."

• Historic Context:
  This standoff follows the longest shutdown in U.S. history, further straining political nerves.

6. America's Global Brand and the Role of Business Leaders

• Walter Isaacson Interview (25:21–34:38):
  Author and Tulane professor Walter Isaacson situates the crisis within the broader context of America’s global image and the responsibilities of business leaders. Quote (Walter Isaacson, 25:55):

  “This is affecting America around the world....You're seeing an administration...exploiting the tensions and the backlash about immigration to do things that are clearly against the spirit of the Constitution.”

• On Speaking Out vs. Retribution:
  Isaacson draws parallels to the Soviet era and Mark Carney's “Davos window” speech, suggesting that widespread "servility" could crumble quickly once challenged. Quote (Walter Isaacson, 27:58):

  "...You have people lining up looking like vassals at Davos behind a rope, hoping to shake hands with President Trump...when that type of servility...recedes, I think it'll happen quickly."

• Necessity of Accountability:
  Isaacson affirms the legitimacy of immigration enforcement, but insists on “accountability in our law enforcement officers. That is fundamental to the American system." (29:21)

• Why Minneapolis?:
  Isaacson notes Minneapolis’ tradition of protest, but also highlights the specific challenge posed by people protesting with weapons and the need for training/methods to disarm peacefully.

• Social Media & Tech Leadership’s Silence:
  Isaacson laments that tech leaders and platforms like X amplify rage and seldom foster reasoned discourse, compounding societal division.

7. Winter Storms: Impact and Federal Response

• Travel Disruptions (16:12–18:56, 37:32–41:32):
  Phil LeBeau and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy describe how massive storms caused tens of thousands of flight cancellations, widespread power outages, and severe delays. Airlines and DOT responded with advance planning and resource deployments.

• Secretary Duffy on Recovery (38:37–41:32):
  Duffy explains the logistical response to storm impacts, praising linemen and truck drivers, and suggesting most operations (especially air travel) should normalize by midweek.

8. Secretary Duffy on Minneapolis and ICE Training

• Duffy's Stance (43:23–51:29):
  Duffy says protesters should not impede ICE actions, blames Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Democrats for failing to partner with federal authorities, and insists the President is only “going after the violent element.” He advocates for leadership to calm tensions but resists pausing enforcement operations for additional officer training. Quote (Sean Duffy, 46:12):

  "The question should not be should we take a pause and give additional training?... the real question is, Tim Walsh, what are you doing?"

• Accountability and Investigations: Both Duffy and Sorkin agree on the need for investigations. Duffy clarifies, "The President said we should investigate these, and I agree with him." (50:51)

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• Eamon Javers on the shooting video
  "The video is extremely difficult to watch...officers wrestle the man to the ground...then shots...nine more shots ring out..." (03:07–04:02)

• Andrew Ross Sorkin on business leadership
  "Most business leaders stand up and they press the pause button and they say we need to rethink how we're doing it." (06:30)

• Walter Isaacson on business and global reputation
  "This is affecting America around the world...we have to also look at the larger perspective." (25:55)

• Walter Isaacson on accountability
  "You can believe in accountability, having some decency as you do it, and still believe you have to have immigration law enforcement. Not that hard to believe both things." (29:21)

• Sean Duffy on ICE and protests
  "These are ICE officers, these are not riot controlled police...should Tim Walls partner in this effort? Absolutely." (46:12)

• Emily Wilkins on shutdown risk
  "Senate Republican leadership...they are not planning to remove DHS funding from this larger package. That increases the chances of a partial government shutdown." (13:37)

Key Timestamps Guide

• 03:07 – Recap of Minneapolis ICE shooting incident
• 05:13 – Business community calls for calm; Sorkin on CEO responsibility
• 08:07 – Jamie Dimon’s public statement and lawsuit fallout
• 13:27 – Emily Wilkins: DHS funding and shutdown risk
• 22:22 – Walter Isaacson interview: national brand and business responsibility
• 25:55 – Isaacson: America’s global image and immigration
• 38:37 – Secretary Duffy updates on storm response
• 43:23 – Duffy on protests, ICE enforcement, and Minnesota partnership
• 46:12 – Debate over the need for ICE training vs. blame at state level

Episode Tone & Takeaways

The episode is sobering and serious, with moments of direct debate. Multiple perspectives are aired: business leaders’ discomfort with speaking out, political leaders trading blame, and the challenge for both law enforcement and activists on the ground. While calls for accountability and process improvement are repeated, there is no consensus on a path forward. The episode’s language is urgent but civil, with guests pushing for investigations, more responsible government leadership, and a measured business response. The winter storm update stands as a practical counterpoint to the heated political climate.

In summary:
Squawk Pod delivered a multi-faceted analysis of the Minneapolis shooting, examining the balance between law enforcement, protest, business leadership, and America's foundational values. The call for improved training, transparent investigation, and responsible action—alongside recognition of the complex risks for those who speak out in today's political environment—thread through the entire discussion.