Podcast Summary: The Headlines — January 9, 2026

Episode Title: Border Patrol Agents Shoot 2 in Oregon, and Trump Says, ‘I Don’t Need International Law’
Host: Traci Mumford
Produced by: The New York Times

Overview

This episode of The Headlines delivers a tightly packed update on major US and global news stories, focusing primarily on a controversial Border Patrol shooting in Portland, Oregon, and President Trump’s striking comments about international law and presidential power. The episode also includes coverage of Congressional pushback against military action in Venezuela, escalating protests in Iran, and a look at the growing phenomenon of political betting markets. The tone is urgent, factual, and, at times, incredulous, reflecting the gravity and volatility of the news cycle.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Portland Border Patrol Shooting

• Incident Details
  • Two people (a man and a woman) were shot and injured by federal Border Patrol agents in Portland, specifically the Hazelwood neighborhood.
    "[Yesterday, Border Patrol agents fired on a man and a woman during a traffic stop just a day after an ICE officer fatally shot a woman in Minneapolis.]" (00:50)
  • Homeland Security claimed the car tried to run over the agent—an assertion previously contradicted by video in a similar Minneapolis incident.
• Political & Community Response
  • Portland’s mayor called for ICE to halt all federal operations in the city, declaring federal immigration enforcement "out of control."
    • "Portland is not a training ground for militarized agents. We stand with Minneapolis. We stand with Chicago. We stand with LA." (01:39)
  • The injured man called 911 after fleeing the scene; paramedics found the victims two miles from the incident, and local police only learned of the shooting from that 911 call.
  • Federal agents allegedly left the scene before local authorities or medical personnel arrived.
• Federal Law Enforcement Climate
  • An internal ICE email, obtained by the Times, warned agents of increased protests and threats, urging them to be "prepared to take appropriate and decisive action" if faced with imminent danger.
    • "I have full faith and confidence that each of you possess the training and knowledge to exercise the appropriate response." (02:24)

2. Trump’s Stance on International Law and Executive Power

• Exclusive NYT Interview
  • When asked about checks on presidential power, Trump responded:
    • "Yeah, there's one thing. My own morality, my own mind. It's the only thing that can stop. And that's very good." (Donald Trump, 03:04)
  • Trump openly dismissed international law and treaties, emphasizing complete presidential freedom in foreign affairs:
    • "I don't need international law." (Donald Trump, 03:13)
  • He argued that only his personal judgment limits the commander-in-chief, not external regulation or alliance structures.
  • Trump credited his military build-up with inspiring global fear:
    • "NATO is not feared by Russia or China at all, not even a little bit. We're tremendously feared because of the fact that I built the military." (Donald Trump, 03:31)
• Political Analysis
  • Trump relies on unpredictability and quick military action as diplomatic strategy.
  • He views previous presidents as too restrained in wielding American force.

3. Congress Pushes Back on Presidential War Powers

• Bipartisan Action Against Venezuela Intervention
  • The Senate advanced a measure (52 votes, including a handful of Republicans) to curb Trump’s authority to conduct military operations in Venezuela without Congressional approval.
  • The catalyst was Trump’s assertion that US presence in Venezuela could last "for years," after launching a "snatch and extract" operation to remove Nicolás Maduro with no Congressional input.
  • Likelihood of passage is slim in the House, but the move signals rare, bipartisan concern over presidential overreach.
  • Trump publicly rebuked dissenting Republicans, calling their vote "stupidity" and urging voters to oust them.

4. Escalating Protests in Iran

• Civil Unrest Details
  • Widespread demonstrations erupted across Iran, sparked primarily by severe economic decline (inflation over 40% last month) and general anger at authoritarian rule.
  • The government’s attempts to placate the public—including a $7 monthly stipend to most citizens and internet blackouts—have not stemmed the unrest.
  • Protesters chanted: "Death to the dictator", and "Iranians, raise your voice. Shout out for your rights."
  • Human rights groups report dozens killed in clashes with security forces.
• Eyewitness Accounts
  • Interviews with over a dozen witnesses describe large, diverse crowds undeterred by government threats.

5. Polymarket and the Meaning of ‘Invasion’

• Betting on World Events
  • The decentralized betting platform Polymarket hosted wagers on whether the US would "invade" Venezuela.
  • Controversy arose when US forces seized Maduro in a "snatch and extract"—but Polymarket ruled that did not meet the technical definition of an invasion, disappointing betters.
    • "Everyone is calling it an invasion.” – Unnamed user, cited by NYT (06:47)
  • The Commodities Futures Trading Commission declined to clarify, leaving the community in debate.
• Gambling on Global Politics
  • Polymarket processes vast sums on everything from Super Bowl outcomes and celebrity engagements to questions like "Will the US acquire Greenland?"

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Border Agent Accountability:
  NYT Reporter: "There was a time when we could take them at their word. That time is long past." (01:23)
• On Portland’s Defiance:
  Portland Official: "Portland is not a training ground for militarized agents. We stand with Minneapolis. We stand with Chicago. We stand with LA." (01:39)
• On Trump’s Self-Described Limits:
  Donald Trump: "Yeah, there's one thing. My own morality, my own mind. It's the only thing that can stop. And that's very good." (03:04) Donald Trump: "I don't need international law." (03:13)
• On US Global Dominance:
  Donald Trump: “NATO is not feared by Russia or China at all, not even a little bit. We're tremendously feared because of the fact that I built the military…” (03:31)
• On Congressional Authority:
  Political Analyst: “No provision in the Constitution provides such power to the presidency.” (04:26)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• Portland Border Patrol Shooting & Fallout: 00:45 – 02:57
• Leaked ICE Memo and Officer Empowerment: 01:48 – 02:57
• Trump NYT Interview (International Law): 03:04 – 03:46
• Analysis of Trump’s Foreign Policy Approach: 03:46 – 04:26
• Congress Rebukes Presidential War Powers (Venezuela): 04:41 – 05:36
• Protests and Economic Crisis in Iran: 05:36 – 06:47
• Polymarket Betting Controversy: 06:47 – 08:57

Additional Stories

• Greenland Acquisition and Quiz: (08:57 – 10:39)
  • Trump administration reaffirms desire to acquire Greenland from Denmark, sparking reactions from international partners and a light-hearted quiz about Greenland’s stats.
• Updated Dietary Guidelines and Blue Zones: (10:39 – 11:08)
  • Dr. Mehmet Oz discusses US dietary guidelines; new stance on alcohol: moderation, no specifics.
• Sports Legacy: Glenn Hall, Hockey Innovator: (11:08 – end)
  • Remembering NHL goalie Glenn Hall, the pioneer of the "butterfly style."

Tone & Style

• The reporting throughout is brisk, direct, and at times cutting, with clear skepticism regarding government statements and actions.
• The episode maintains an urgent, fact-checked tone fitting both the subject matter and The New York Times’ journalistic style.

For Listeners Who Missed It

Whether you’re catching up on the stateside debate over immigration enforcement, global geopolitics under President Trump, or the newest trend in betting on world events, this episode synthesizes everything you need for a well-rounded understanding of the day’s most significant headlines. The inclusion of on-the-scene details, direct quotes from interviews, and explanations of policy and political maneuvers makes it both informative and compelling.