Trump's self-destructive Greenland crusade

And Lindsey Halligan quits hours after judge says she can no longer identify as U.S. attorney |

VIEW IN BROWSER MS NOW DAILY Understand today's news Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026   THE LATEST Trump's 'madman' approach to allies is a catastrophe for the U.S. By Zeeshan Aleem Trump's 'madman' approach to allies is a catastrophe for the U.S. By Zeeshan Aleem President Donald Trump is refusing to rule out using force to seize Greenland. He has announced that he's slapping tariffs on European countries that have opposed the U.S. taking over the Danish territory. And he recently implied in a text message to Norway's prime minister that he thinks him not winning the Nobel Peace Prize he believes he was due frees him up to attack the United States' allies.   In that head-spinning series of comments, Trump appears to be embracing madman theory hardball tactics in his imperialistic agenda. But while there is at least a debate on whether acting mad can be useful against one's foes, acting in such a way with one's friends is as alarming as it is foolish. Indeed, Trump's antics are bound to undermine his goal of U.S. primacy in the world.    Madman theory in foreign policy argues that unpredictability and an apparent willingness to use force aggressively can help a political leader intimidate his opponents and achieve his geopolitical goals. Trump has exhibited madman tendencies as he's alternated between apparent openness to negotiation and threats of extreme force when dealing with adversaries from North Korea to Iran to Hamas. Sometimes he has refrained from using force; other times he has not.   This is a preview of Zeeshan Aleem's latest column. Read the full column here. TOP STORIES FALLON GALLAGHER, SYDNEY CARRUTH & KEN DILANIAN  Lindsey Halligan quits hours after judge says she can no longer identify as a U.S. attorney The order came after a judge ruled in November that Halligan had been appointed to the position unlawfully. Read more. JORDAN RUBIN In Federal Reserve case, Trump meets a power that SCOTUS might not give him Even before the Powell investigation, the Supreme Court had signaled its intent to insulate the central bank from Trump's consolidation of agency power. Read more. HAYES BROWN The new DHS budget puts the flimsiest handcuffs on ICE It's clear that the bill negotiated between GOP and Democratic negotiators is better than no bill — but not by much. Read more.  ANTONIA HYLTON & KAY GUERRERO How a drive to school became a violent chase and a snapshot of immigration agents' tactics Far from the border, a father and son met Border Patrol tactics. They haven't seen each other since. Read more. TOP VIDEOS WAY TOO EARLY Trump set to deliver speech in Davos today WATCH NOW THE WEEKNIGHT Hennepin County attorney responds to Trump DOJ targeting her office, other officials WATCH NOW THE BRIEFING WITH JEN PSAKI 'He's not going to be president forever': Pritzker vows accountability for Trump officials WATCH NOW WAY TOO EARLY House Democrat on why he plans to vote against holding Bill Clinton in contempt of Congress WATCH NOW MORE FROM MS NOW Today, the Supreme Court hears oral arguments regarding President Trump's attempted firing of Fed Governor Lisa Cook. Special coverage begins today at 10am Eastern on MS NOW. Listen to all of Rachel Maddow's chart-topping original podcast series in one place with "Rachel Maddow Presents," a podcast feed where you can binge Rachel's latest series, "Burn Order," which tells the story of one of the most shocking decisions in American history, as well as "Bag Man," seasons one and two of "Ultra" and all episodes of "Déjà News." Each of these untold stories of our country's past helps us understand the state of our country today. Search for "Rachel Maddow Presents" and follow to listen to the entire catalogue for free. Subscribe to MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts for ad-free listening. 229 West 43rd St. New York, NY 10036 PRIVACY | CONTACT | UNSUBSCRIBE