2WAY Tonight with Mark Halperin Trump Says He's "Deescalating" Standoff in Minneapolis as Tom Homan Takes Over, CBP's Bovino Departs
Jan 28, 2026
Hans Nichols, Axios political correspondent offering Capitol reporting, and Rikki Schlott, New York Post columnist giving sharp political commentary. They discuss Trump's decision to deescalate in Minneapolis, Tom Homan's role as a conciliatory pick, internal White House debates including Stephen Miller, and the political calculations around credibility, turnout, and funding fights.
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Trump Publicly Pivoted To De‑escalation
- Mark Halperin reports Trump publicly shifted to "de-escalate" and replaced a divisive Border Patrol leader to calm Minnesota tensions.
- The president watched TV commentary and was persuaded by advisers and media voices to change tone quickly.
Homan Viewed As A Bridge To Democrats
- Halperin says Tom Homan pitched himself to the president and was chosen because he can engage Democrats and defuse tensions.
- The White House values Homan's bipartisan contacts to "diffuse things, deescalate."
White House Authored Noem's Statement
- Halperin reports Kristi Noem's weekend statement was authorized and essentially written by White House staff.
- That shifts responsibility and helps explain why Noem appears likely to keep her job.