MAGA wants to be a colonial power

Plus, a shooting in Minneapolis and the GOP's Christian convert fantasy

Alex Galbraith
January 08, 2026

Your morning update from Salon.

“Get the f**k out of Minneapolis”: Frey demands ICE leave city after fatal shooting
Frey's comments drew immediate scorn from the Trump administration. Read more.
“Brazen attack on our children”: Trump admin freezes billions in funding for blue states
Five Democratic-led states lose access to essential childcare funds following Minnesota welfare fraud scandal. Read more.
GOP’s anti-Obamacare push helps overturn Wyoming abortion ban
A state constitutional amendment responding to Obamacare helped overturn Wyoming abortion bans. Read more.
“Criminals on notice”: Trump administration defends seizure of Russian oil tanker
A recent seizure of a Russian-flagged tanker was met with criticism internationally. Read more.
“We want to take action”: France gears up for Greenland showdown with Trump
France meets with allies to determine next steps as Trump threatens Greenland. Read more.
Judge demands that Halligan explain why she’s still calling herself US attorney
Halligan's appointment to the role was found to be unlawful last year. Read more.

First Venezuela, now Greenland: Trump is promoting an international Manifest Destiny updated for the 21st century. Read more.

"The only thing she practices is grift": Meet Trump's nominee for Surgeon General

Casey Means’ promotion of supplements and pseudoscience worry medical professionals

2026 begins with an increasingly autocratic United States rising on the global stage

What does this transition from a liberal America in the world to an autocratic U.S. look like?

Why Trump treated Venezuela like must-see TV

It was his latest move in a quest to revive monoculture — in his own image.

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Republicans are betting the midterms on mass conversions that aren't happening. Read more.

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