1A The News Roundup For January 23, 2026
Jan 23, 2026
Wendy Benjaminson, Bloomberg Washington senior editor who fact-checks economic and political claims. Arthur Delaney, HuffPost senior reporter covering national politics and legal fights. Matt Sepik, NPR Minneapolis correspondent reporting on ICE raids and protests. They discuss aggressive ICE operations in Minnesota, DOJ filings about social security data, congressional contempt votes, Davos tensions over Greenland, and shifting international alliances.
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Smith Says Evidence Met Prosecution Standard
- Former special counsel Jack Smith told Congress he found proof beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump engaged in criminal activity.
- Arthur Delaney noted Smith's public testimony reaffirmed the rule-of-law rationale behind prosecutions.
Fact-Checks Undermine Trump's Economic Claims
- Many of Trump's economic claims were factually incorrect, including inflation and drug price assertions.
- Wendy Benjaminson pointed to data showing inflation around 2.6% and disputed claims like $1.99 gas nationwide.
Court Balks At Firing Fed Officials
- The Supreme Court showed skepticism about Trump's claim he could fire Federal Reserve member Lisa Cook, protecting Fed independence.
- Anita Kumar said justices emphasized the historical importance of insulating the Fed from presidential removal.