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What Happened Today – January 29, 2026

The president is suing us again, this time for $10 billion.

Last October he demanded $230 million from DOJ for investigating him. Now he wants $30 from every man, woman, and child because of a leak someone is already serving five years for. He controls both agencies and appointed their leadership. His Treasury Secretary canceled Booz Allen’s contracts over this three days ago.

His grievances have no expiration date, and his grift has no ceiling.

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🟠 GovBrief Intensity Score 116
Elevated Activity. Watch for distractions.
Volume: Low (11)
Severity: High (2.64)
Defining Moments: 1
Previous 5 Days
🚨232|🚨168|🚨224|🟡109|🔴139
100 = normal day. Volume is headline count. Stories weighted by significance. Defining Moments are the ones history remembers.
Today's Quote
No other military in the world could’ve executed the most sophisticated, powerful raid — not just in American history — I would say in world history.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaking on January 29, 2026 about the U.S. raid in Venezuela.
Yesterday's Most Read

Framed photo of Trump and Putin from Alaska summit now hangs in White House visitor lobby, part of Palm Room renovation.

Today’s GovBrief News


Extremism 1 of 11

Man who sprayed Rep. Ilhan Omar with vinegar using a syringe at Minneapolis town hall charged with federal assault and state terroristic threats.

3 prior criminal convictions

Source: Reuters

January 29, 2026

Foreign Relations 2 of 11

Trump declares national emergency over Cuba, creating mechanism to impose tariffs on any country that sells oil to the island as he says it "will not be able to survive."

Decades-old embargo already in place

Source: UPI

January 29, 2026

Foreign Relations 3 of 11

Trump says he ordered Venezuelan airspace reopened for commercial travel, with American Airlines announcing plans to resume flights after seven-year suspension.

State Dept warning still says "Do not travel"

Source: The Associated Press

January 29, 2026

Voting Rights 4 of 11

House Republicans unveil election reform bill requiring photo ID to vote, citizenship verification to register, and banning ranked choice voting and universal mail-in ballots.

98% of ballots already cast on paper

Source: The Hill

January 29, 2026

Courts 5 of 11

Appeals court affirms Noem illegally ended temporary protected status for Venezuelans and Haitians, finding "ample evidence of racial animus," though Supreme Court stay keeps termination in effect for now.

Supreme Court allowed termination to proceed in October

Source: NBC News

January 29, 2026

Courts 6 of 11

Trump, his two eldest sons, and the Trump Organization sue the IRS and Treasury for $10 billion over tax records leaked to ProPublica and the New York Times.

Leaker began 5 year sentence in 2023

Source: CNBC

January 29, 2026

Immigration 7 of 11

Homan announces plan to draw down federal forces in Minnesota after state agrees to honor ICE detainers at county jails, says he's "staying 'til the problem's gone."

Maine also ending enhanced operations

Source: CBS Minnesota

January 29, 2026

Immigration 8 of 11

Noem was not called on to report during Trump's televised Cabinet meeting, the first since two Americans were killed by immigration agents in Minneapolis.

Meeting ran more than 1 hour

Source: The Hill

January 29, 2026

Oversight 9 of 11

Ethics watchdog asks Energy Department inspector general to investigate whether assistant secretary violated rules by appearing in jewelry ad featuring $22,700 ring with her official title.

Photo shoot occurred before confirmation

Source: Government Executive

January 29, 2026

Congress 10 of 11

White House and Senate Democrats reach deal to pass five spending bills and punt DHS funding two weeks, but Graham blocks quick passage over immigration agent restrictions.

Partial shutdown likely through weekend

Source: Roll Call

January 29, 2026

Fighting Back 11 of 11

Carney urges Trump administration to stop meeting with Alberta separatists seeking $500 billion U.S. loan to leave Canada, as BC premier calls outreach "treason."

Group needs 178,000 signatures by May 2

Source: Politico

January 29, 2026

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