Truth in the Barrel | This Week Unfiltered: Live from Greenland (01.29.26)

Overview

In this gripping episode, co-hosts Amy McGrath and Denver Riggleman delve into the shocking events surrounding the killing of a US citizen by ICE in Minnesota, examine the Trump administration’s escalating use of federal agencies as political instruments, and offer an unfiltered glimpse into Greenland—where Denver is reporting live. The episode weaves personal anecdotes, sharp political critique, and listener-accessible civics, all while highlighting the fraying bonds between America and its allies.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Live Atmosphere: Denver Reporting from Nuuk, Greenland

• Environmental & Sociopolitical Context
  • Denver describes Greenland as a “sobering and sad” place, meeting hospitable locals who express both admiration for Americans and frustration over US government actions ([01:12-02:09]).
  • Greenlanders “don't trust America” anymore, despite fondness for individual Americans.

2. ICE Killing of US Citizen: Facts, Fallout, and Framing

• Incident Breakdown

  • Amy details the killing of a 37-year-old VA nurse by ICE agents—shot ten times while trying to aid an unarmed woman who'd been violently shoved and pepper-sprayed by agents ([01:39-05:47]).
  • They strongly condemn the DHS and White House for framing the victim as a “domestic terrorist.”

• Quote | Amy McGrath ([02:43])

  • “You can see here, this is a man who loved veterans, who was caring, and the Department of Homeland Security, Denver, and the White House is trying to frame him as a terrorist. What are we doing?”

• Veterans Community Outrage

  • Denver shares how veterans knew the victim was a VA nurse before the media did (“the Bubba network”).
  • The co-hosts discuss how the victim’s action—helping a stranger—was rooted in his professional and personal ethos.

• Quote | Denver Riggleman ([05:47])

  • “The reason he went to the aid of that woman is because he was a VA nurse because his first order in his soul is to protect, is to fix, is to help. And he was killed for that as an American citizen.”

• Turning Point?

  • Denver argues: “Maybe we’re seeing massive fissures in the MAGA movement”—hinting at growing cracks and pushback among conservatives ([03:16-04:35]).

3. Disinformation, Government Overreach & Calls for Accountability

• Misleading Narratives & Officials

  • Amy slams officials like Kristi Noem and DHS head for “lying at the highest levels” to justify violence ([07:40-08:54]).

  • The hosts scrutinize claims that the victim was armed or dangerous, debunking the official report.

  • Quote | Amy McGrath ([12:00])

    • “Anytime that something like this, you know, happens… there needs to be an independent investigation.”

• Shifting Political Winds

  • Denver reads into new polling showing Trump’s favorability rapidly collapsing—even in red states ([08:54-09:41]).
  • High-profile Republicans like Ted Cruz and Lisa Murkowski are seen challenging administration actions.

4. Coercion Over Voter Rolls: An Emerging Scandal

• Amy reports that Trump loyalists (notably Pam Bondi) demanded Minnesota’s voter rolls in exchange for ending aggressive ICE operations—a tactic described as “manipulation… [that’s] criminal activity” and ripe for impeachment-level inquiry ([09:41-10:38]).

5. ICE, Funding, and Pathways Forward

• Spiraling Agency Power

  • Congress is considering another $10B for ICE atop a $19B baseline—three times past funding levels ([14:46-16:09]).

  • Amy advocates defunding ICE as structured today and tying any future funding to strict legal reforms (body cams, leadership overhaul).

  • Quote | Denver Riggleman ([16:09])

    • “Maybe we shouldn't be funding an internal police force that murders American citizens. It's that simple of a sentence.”

• Political Realities

  • Both co-hosts note that most GOP figures speaking up are not seeking reelection, limiting the potential for real intra-party change ([11:54-12:00]).

6. Life & Geopolitics in Greenland

• Geography and Life

  • Denver paints vivid pictures of remote settlements accessible only by air or boat, with traditional dog sleds and hunting as part of daily life ([17:58-18:53]).
  • Majority of population is concentrated in Nuuk (~21,000 people).

• Greenland’s View of America

  • Locals express readiness to defend their autonomy, even “take up arms” if the US attempts occupation, highlighting the damage to US-Danish relations and NATO trust ([18:55-23:58], [25:17-26:39]).
  • “We love America, but don't come here or you're going to pay… we will use our long rifles and we can hit seals from a moving boat at 200 meters.” — Denver relaying Greenlander sentiment ([23:58]).

• High-Profile Tension

  • Instances of MAGA-aligned Americans conducting influence campaigns in Greenland—handing out hats and dollars—are met with local hostility and the emergence of “Make America Go Away” hats ([25:17-26:39]).

• History with the US

  • Amy recounts the Cold War incident of US bombers losing nuclear weapons over Greenland, underscoring a long, complex relationship ([28:59-30:22]).

7. Wildlife & Culture

• Notable Anecdote
  • Denver addresses the President’s viral penguin post, clarifying that Greenland has no penguins; local game includes seals, reindeer, and occasional whales ([26:39-28:34]).
  • Uniquely, hunting is a skilled way of life, not just a sport.

8. Final Reflections: Damage at Home and Abroad

• Denver and Amy agree the administration’s actions are “madness,” with Denver warning of “sepsis” in MAGA: “The combination of the domestic unrest, the incompetence domestically and the incompetence internationally has caused an infection in maga. I think there is sepsis.” ([30:22])

• The episode closes with Amy offering a heartfelt tribute to America’s real allies in Denmark and Greenland, recalling Denmark’s sacrifices alongside US forces in Afghanistan ([31:36-33:01]).

  • Quote | Amy McGrath ([31:36])
    • “It's such a slap in the face to those in Denmark who are our allies who fought alongside you. And I, I say I'm sorry for that remark and, and I thank you for being there with us when we fought after 9/11.”

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “The Department of Homeland Security, Denver, and the White House is trying to frame him as a terrorist. What are we doing?” — Amy ([02:43])
• “The reason he went to the aid of that woman is because he was a VA nurse … he was killed for that as an American citizen.” — Denver ([05:47])
• “Maybe we’re seeing massive fissures in the MAGA movement.” — Denver ([03:16])
• “If you just hand over these voter rolls, we'll take ICE out of Minnesota. … They're using the tactics as intimidation tactics.” — Amy ([09:41])
• “Maybe we shouldn't be funding an internal police force that murders American citizens. It's that simple of a sentence.” — Denver ([16:09])
• “[Greenlanders] said, it's much harder than you think to separate our hate of the American government from Americans that are here.” — Denver ([22:04])
• “We love America, but don't come here or you're going to pay. … We don't want to be Minneapolis. … If they come here, we will fight. And if we die, we die.” — Greenland local relayed by Denver ([23:59-24:45])
• “It's such a slap in the face to those in Denmark who are our allies who fought alongside you. … I say I'm sorry for that remark and, and I thank you for being there with us when we fought after 9/11.” — Amy ([31:36])

Highlighted Segments & Timestamps

| Segment | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------------|----------------| | Denver’s arrival and local context in Nuuk | 01:04-02:09 | | Amy recounts killing of VA nurse by ICE | 01:39-05:47 | | “Massive fissures” in MAGA | 03:16-04:35 | | ICE killing and military/veteran outrage | 05:47-07:40 | | Federal disinformation and calls for accountability | 07:40-12:00 | | Voter roll coercion by Trump admin | 09:41-10:38 | | ICE funding and agency critique | 14:46-16:09 | | Life & resistance in Greenland | 17:58-23:59 | | “Make America Go Away” hats, US-MAGA in Greenland | 25:17-26:39 | | Wildlife & food in Greenland | 26:39-28:34 | | Historical US presence, nuclear mishaps | 28:59-30:22 | | Tribute to Denmark, NATO partnership | 31:36-33:01 |

Tone and Style

The conversation is passionate, candid, and fiercely patriotic while being unafraid to criticize the current US administration and its enablers. Denver’s reporting brings a world-weary, soldier’s frankness; Amy maintains a moral, constitutional perspective. Their dialogue mixes somber seriousness with wry humor and deep sadness about America’s global standing.

For Listeners

This episode provides a panoramic look at how domestic policies ripple overseas, the cost of government overreach, and the importance of personal action, truth, and alliance. It is especially relevant for anyone concerned about American democracy, veterans' issues, or US global credibility. Listeners finish with a sense of urgency—and a window into Greenland seldom glimpsed on American airwaves.