Trump’s imperialist ambitions

Plus, Fed Chair Powell confirms he is under DOJ criminal probe |

VIEW IN BROWSER MS NOW DAILY Understand today's news Monday, Jan. 12, 2026   THE LATEST Donald Trump wants to make imperialism great again By Hayes Brown Donald Trump wants to make imperialism great again By Hayes Brown The isolationism that President Donald Trump seemed to espouse in his first term has taken a backseat to an unbridled machismo on the world stage. Trump is still pulling back from non-military foreign engagement, as seen in this week's withdrawal from dozens of international agencies, but in the aftermath of the seizure of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, it is impossible to ignore the White House's heightened aggression.   This is the work of an unabashed empire. Journalist Spencer Ackerman marveled after Maduro's capture at how "rarely in the era of mass media has U.S. imperialism been as unsubtle or as blatant." There's been no need to hide behind claims of protecting human rights or safeguarding against threat to American lives. The pretense of needing to prevent the flow of drugs into America that justified the preceding attacks on drug boats swiftly melted away in favor of a naked grab for resources.   Trump might have convinced some of his supporters that he's a "peace president," but he plainly relishes the chance to put America's military front and center, as in last year's parade held on his birthday. And in a recent interview with The New York Times, he made clear that he sees the only one limit on America's global power, and by proxy his own: "My own morality. My own mind. It's the only thing that can stop me."   This is a preview of Hayes Brown's latest column. Read the full column here. TOP STORIES ZEESHAN ALEEM Trump's censorship machine is now cracking down on the Smithsonian The august institution is at risk of losing its federal funding if it doesn't adhere to Trump's conception of "American ideals." Read more. MYCHAEL SCHNELL 'Boneheaded': Democrats warn Trump's Venezuela gambit could lead to a showdown with China and Russia The Trump administration wants Venezuela to sever economic ties with China and Russia as a condition of pumping oil. Republicans support the idea. Democrats have some concerns. Read more. ERUM SALAM Trump administration to send 'hundreds more' federal agents to Minneapolis The announcement comes after an ICE agent shot and killed 37-year-old Renee Good in the city on Wednesday. Read more. LISA RUBIN When it comes to ICE encounters, what are the rules — and your rights? MS NOW legal reporters weigh in on government policies and guidance from civil liberties groups. Read more. TOP VIDEOS THE WEEKEND: PRIMETIME Fed Chair Jerome Powell confirms he is under investigation by Trump's DOJ WATCH NOW ALEX WITT REPORTS Iran intensifies crackdown on anti-government protests as Trump weighs options on intervening WATCH NOW THE WEEKEND: PRIMETIME Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar discusses DHS blocking lawmakers from entering ICE facility WATCH NOW ALI VELSHI 'This fight is not over': Abortion rights activist reacts to Wyoming Supreme Court ruling WATCH NOW MORE FROM MS NOW Subscribe to MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts for ad-free listening to all of MS NOW original podcasts, including "The Best People with Nicolle Wallace" and all of Rachel Maddow's chart-topping series, including her most recent podcast, "Burn Order." Plus, enjoy new episodes of your favorite shows like "Morning Joe" and "The Briefing with Jen Psaki," all ad-free. And, get bonus content and early access to select shows. Right now, we're offering a 3-month free trial for subscribers who sign up through the end of January. Sign up now. This week on "The Best People," Nicolle Wallace speaks with American historian Heather Cox Richardson to discuss a political era that adheres more to autocratic leaders like Vladimir Putin than it ever has before, and the need for "We The People" to harness our inherent power. Listen now, and subscribe to MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts for early access, ad-free listening and bonus content. 229 West 43rd St. New York, NY 10036 PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE