Why Trump's speech felt so ominous

And Sen. Adam Schiff, Jan. 6 committee member, reacts to Trump pardoning insurrectionists

VIEW IN BROWSER MSNBC DAILY Understand today's news Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025 THE LATEST Trump's first executive orders preview his second administration's chaos and cruelty By Michael A. Cohen Just hours after taking the oath of office as America's 47th president, Donald Trump signed dozens of executive orders putting his stamp on the federal government he now leads. While they signal a dramatic change in governing priorities, most are highly symbolic, and many are ultimately meaningless. Still, they provide a disquieting preview of the shambolic, lawless and cruel four years ahead of us.    Take, for example, the most prominent of these inauguration day moves — an executive order ending birthright citizenship, a right enshrined in the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. Imagine if a Democrat came into office, said they'd no longer recognize the Second Amendment and began confiscating guns. That's akin to what Trump is doing with birthright citizenship.   As much as Trump might want to ignore the country's founding document and govern like an autocrat, he can't simply wave away a constitutional right with his signature. His order will almost certainly be challenged in court, and it is highly unlikely to be upheld.    This is a preview of Michael A. Cohen's latest article. Read the full column here. TOP STORIES ZEESHAN ALEEM Trump's inaugural address was no 'American carnage.' But it was arguably more ominous. Trump's inauguration speech was closer to a campaign rally. That's what made it so grim. Read more.  AUSTIN SARAT Trump's pardons of Jan. 6 insurrectionists turn the Founders' vision on its head As one of the first acts of his presidency, it certifies his view that we are two nations, not one. Read more.  GLENN KIRSCHNER Joe Biden shouldn't have pre-emptively pardoned these innocent people Let's hope Donald Trump isn't inspired by one of Joe Biden's final acts as president. Read more.  ANTHEA BUTLER When mass deportations begin, remember the clergy who prayed with Trump MAGA clergy and religious figures standing with Trump may get more than they bargained for. Read more.          TOP VIDEOS INSIDE WITH JEN PSAKI Sen. Adam Schiff, Jan. 6 panel member, reacts to Trump pardoning insurrectionists WATCH NOW RACHEL MADDOW Authoritarianism 101: Maddow explains how Trump's embrace of violence follows a blueprint WATCH NOW MSNBC Trump signs several executive orders, including withdrawal from Paris Climate Treaty WATCH NOW THE REIDOUT Trump blasts DEI on MLK Day —  and Martin Luther King, III fires back WATCH NOW MORE FROM MSNBC As President Donald Trump's White House agenda takes shape, follow along with a new MSNBC newsletter, "Trump's First 100 Days." You'll receive weekly updates and expert insight on the key issues and figures defining this second term, all sent straight to your inbox. Sign up now at msnbc.com/trump100.  Subscribe to MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts for ad-free listening to Rachel Maddow's chart-topping original series and all MSNBC original podcasts. Plus, listen to new episodes of your favorite MSNBC shows like Morning Joe and The ReidOut, all ad-free. And, get bonus content and early access to select shows. Subscribe now: apple.co/msnbcpremium   MSNBC INSIGHTS Have you ever wanted to provide MSNBC with your opinion about their TV programs, documentaries, and digital products, such as MSNBC.com, newsletters, and podcasts? Now is your chance! Join the MSNBC Insights Community.   Download the MSNBC App: 30 Rockefeller Plaza New York, NY 10112 PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE