1. Justice Department Releases Millions of Epstein Documents: More than three million pages tied to Jeffrey Epstein are made public, reigniting scrutiny of his powerful connections.
2. Gold and Silver Plunge After Kevin Warsh Fed Nomination News: Precious metals drop sharply as markets react to President Trump's Federal Reserve Chair nominee, Kevin Warsh.
3. DOJ Opens Civil Rights Investigation Into Alex Pretti Shooting: The Justice Department launches a civil rights probe following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti.
4. Nationwide Strike Fizzles as Schools and Small Businesses Feel Pressure: A heavily promoted nationwide strike largely fails to materialize, with only scattered business closures and limited student walkouts.

Erick Erickson breaks down the four major stories you need to know before the day ends. From political power plays in Washington to breaking developments the mainstream media is ignoring, this rapid-fire update cuts through the noise.

Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson.

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Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.

1. Senate Close to Deal to Keep Government Open: Lawmakers are nearing a continuing resolution that would fund the government for another month while negotiations continue over the Department of Homeland Security budget. Democrats appear ready to pass 11 of the 12 appropriations bills, with DHS left for further talks. Republicans are open to limited bipartisan reforms on ICE and Border Patrol, but reject Democratic demands like banning masks and requiring judicial warrants for deportations already ordered by courts.
2. Tom Homan Signals ICE Drawdown in Minnesota — With Conditions: Tom Homan announces federal immigration agents could be reduced in Minnesota if Minneapolis agrees to cooperate with DHS. He also says mass roundups will end, shifting back to targeted enforcement focused on criminal illegal aliens, gang members, and recent arrivals. Homan criticizes the publicity-driven tactics previously pushed by Kristi Noem, emphasizing constitutional protections and a return to precision operations.
3. Trade Deficit Rises as Tariffs Drive Up U.S. Costs: The trade deficit rebounds due to a surge in imports from pharmaceutical companies and data centers. Erick explains how tariffs — especially on aluminum — are now making U.S. aluminum the most expensive in the world, pushing up housing, construction, car, and consumer goods costs. Foreign producers are prioritizing other markets, worsening shortages at home, while manufacturing continues to lag.
4. Cuba Down to Weeks of Oil as U.S. Pushes for Regime Change: Financial Times reports Cuba may have only 15–20 days of oil remaining. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirms the U.S. is pursuing regime change through economic pressure rather than military action. As fuel runs out, power outages and economic shutdown could accelerate internal resistance to the Cuban government.

Erick Erickson breaks down the four major stories you need to know before the day ends. From political power plays in Washington to breaking developments the mainstream media is ignoring, this rapid-fire update cuts through the noise.

Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson.

www.erickerickson.com

Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.

1. Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady: Jerome Powell says inflation remains the Fed's top concern, keeping rates unchanged despite pressure from President Trump. The central bank is signaling independence, with possible rate cuts pushed to June as inflation stays above target.
2. Trump Accounts Roll Out with Major Bank Support: Bank of America and JPMorgan announce participation in the new "Trump Accounts," giving eligible children investment accounts funded with starter money from the federal government and private companies. The program aims to help families build long-term savings for education or retirement.
3. Trump Escalates Pressure on Iran as Europe Acts: President Trump warns of major military consequences if Iran refuses talks, while reports surface of potential target lists. Saudi Arabia declines to assist militarily, and European nations move to designate Iran's Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization, opening the door to tougher sanctions.
4. Nearly Half of Voters Now Identify as Independent: New data shows 45% of Americans no longer align with either party, reflecting frustration with political extremism. Erick Erickson explains how this trend allows party primaries to be dominated by activist bases, leaving general election voters choosing between unpopular extremes.

Erick Erickson breaks down the four major stories you need to know before the day ends. From political power plays in Washington to breaking developments the mainstream media is ignoring, this rapid-fire update cuts through the noise.

Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson.

www.erickerickson.com

Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.

1. New reporting clarifies the Alex Pretti Border Patrol shooting: National outlets have now acknowledged that earlier narratives about the deadly confrontation were inaccurate.
2. UPS announces major job cuts despite strong earnings: According to the Wall Street Journal, UPS plans to cut roughly 30,000 operational roles this year as part of a broader restructuring effort, even while reporting higher profits and expecting revenue growth.
3. Democrats threaten Department of Homeland Security shutdown over immigration reforms: As Congress works through the remaining appropriations bills, Democrats are saying they will not pass the DHS funding package unless immigration enforcement reforms are included.
4. U.S. population growth slows to its lowest rate in years: New census estimates show the nation's population grew by just 0.5 percent over the last year, bringing it to approximately 341.8 million.

Erick Erickson breaks down the four major stories you need to know before the day ends. From political power plays in Washington to breaking developments the mainstream media is ignoring, this rapid-fire update cuts through the noise.

Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson.

www.erickerickson.com

Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith

1. Trump weighs scaling back Border Patrol in Minnesota amid standoff with state leaders: The president is considering reducing federal agents in Minnesota while sending Tom Homan to negotiate cooperation.
2. Gold surges above $5,000 as BRICS nations push away from the U.S. dollar: China is encouraging BRICS countries to abandon the U.S. dollar as the global reserve currency and move toward gold.
3. Republicans revive earmarks to move legislation through Congress: With a razor-thin House majority, Republican leadership is turning back to earmarks, inserting roughly $16 billion in targeted spending into appropriations bills to secure votes.
4. U.S. prepares aggressive response to Iran after mass killings of protesters: Human rights observers estimate up to 30,000 Iranians killed and hundreds of thousands wounded after the regime opened fire on demonstrators. The United States is reportedly assembling target lists of Iranian officials and military assets as warships move closer to the Persian Gulf.

Erick Erickson breaks down the four major stories you need to know before the day ends. From political power plays in Washington to breaking developments the mainstream media is ignoring, this rapid-fire update cuts through the noise.

Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson.

www.erickerickson.com

Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.

1. The Liam story collapses as media walk back false claims about ICE: Multiple national outlets falsely reported that a five-year-old named Liam was used as "bait" to trap his father.
2. Trump administration considers a Cuban naval blockade: The White House is reportedly weighing a naval blockade to cut off oil and imports to Cuba, believing the regime is nearing collapse.
3. Minnesota businesses and schools strike to protest ICE operations: Walkouts and strikes are spreading across Minnesota in opposition to ICE enforcement.
4. Major winter storm threatens much of the country: A significant winter storm is expected to impact large portions of the South and beyond, with another potentially larger system forecast for next week. Listeners are urged to stay informed through local radio, avoid unnecessary travel, charge devices, and prioritize safety. Hoarding is unnecessary, but preparation and caution are essential as conditions deteriorate.

Erick Erickson breaks down the four major stories you need to know before the day ends. From political power plays in Washington to breaking developments the mainstream media is ignoring, this rapid-fire update cuts through the noise.

Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson.

Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.

www.erickerickson.com

1. Greenland deal details remain murky as Denmark rejects sovereignty transfer: President Trump continues to promote a "great deal" involving Greenland, but Denmark and Greenland's leaders have firmly rejected any surrender of sovereignty or territory.
2. Trump unveils ambitious real estate vision for Gaza: The administration floated a sweeping redevelopment concept for Gaza featuring tourism, skyscrapers, and large-scale investment. While potentially transformative on paper, the plan faces major obstacles.
3. Federal arrests follow church protest as Minnesota refuses cooperation: Attorney General Pam Bondi announced arrests connected to the disruption of City's Church in Minneapolis, including individuals accused of coordinating and filming the incident.
4. J.D. Vance defends ICE while criticizing Minnesota's sanctuary policies: Vice President J.D. Vance acknowledged mistakes by ICE agents and promised discipline where warranted, while reaffirming support for enforcement officers acting in self-defense.

Erick Erickson breaks down the four major stories you need to know before the day ends. From political power plays in Washington to breaking developments the mainstream media is ignoring, this rapid-fire update cuts through the noise.

Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson.

www.erickerickson.com

Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.

1. Trump announces Greenland deal and cancels threatened tariffs: President Trump says the U.S. will not pursue sovereignty or territorial control over Greenland, acknowledging Denmark's position while opening negotiations with European allies. In exchange, Trump pulled tariff threats against U.S. allies, triggering a major market rally with the Dow jumping more than 700 points. .
2. Gavin Newsom blocked from Davos in political humiliation: California Governor Gavin Newsom attempted to position himself as the Democratic alternative to Donald Trump by traveling to Davos for a Fortune Magazine event. The Trump administration worked with World Economic Forum officials to block Newsom from speaking, effectively canceling his planned rebuttal to Trump's Davos remarks and leaving Newsom sidelined after flying to Switzerland on taxpayer dollars.
3. Trump and Zelensky expected to meet amid European frustration: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to meet with President Trump at Davos as U.S. officials push for renewed attention to Ukraine.
4. ICE expands operations to Maine amid fraud and immigration concerns: According to the New York Times, ICE is expanding enforcement operations into Maine, where allegations of welfare fraud and immigration violations involving the Somali immigrant population persist. The move is expected to provoke left-wing activists and Democratic candidates but reflects ICE enforcing federal law in states that refuse cooperation, a situation created by Democratic leadership rather than federal policy.

Erick Erickson breaks down the four major stories you need to know before the day ends. From political power plays in Washington to breaking developments the mainstream media is ignoring, this rapid-fire update cuts through the noise.

Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson.

Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.