1. White House plans to allow 401(k) withdrawals for home down payments: The Trump administration is preparing a proposal that would let Americans tap their 401(k) retirement accounts without penalty to fund home down payments. The plan, expected to be unveiled at the World Economic Forum in Davos, could give first-time buyers a boost, though details are still being finalized.
2. Kevin Hassett likely staying close to the White House, not the Fed: Despite speculation that Kevin Hassett could be headed for the Federal Reserve, signals from the president suggest Hassett will remain a trusted economic adviser inside the White House. While he was reportedly interested in the Fed chairmanship, his candid style may have ultimately kept him out of contention.
3. Iranian protests crushed as regime escalates violence: Reports indicate the Iranian Revolutionary Guard has violently suppressed protests, with thousands allegedly killed. While the president has suggested executions were halted, protesters appear to have been gunned down instead, extinguishing hopes that outside pressure would materialize.
4. New polling shows immigration is Trump's weakest issue: Voters increasingly believe immigration enforcement has become overly aggressive, particularly following the Renee Good shooting and deportations involving non-violent individuals. Independents and Hispanic voters want deportations prioritized toward criminals and gang members, while broader economic anxiety is now being tied directly to the GOP heading into the midterms.

Erick Erickson breaks down the four major stories you need to know before the day ends. From political power plays in Washington to breaking developments the mainstream media is ignoring, this rapid-fire update cuts through the noise.

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1. Allies warn against U.S. strikes on Iran amid regional instability: Israel, Arab nations, and European partners are urging President Trump not to launch military strikes on Iran, warning of dangerous spillover effects. Protests inside Iran have slowed after hopes of U.S. intervention faded, raising concerns that thousands of demonstrators were killed while waiting for help that never came.
2. NATO responds to Greenland tensions as impeachment talk emerges: NATO allies, including Britain, have symbolically deployed assets to Greenland in response to U.S. pressure on Denmark. While Denmark is open to expanded U.S. military cooperation, aggressive rhetoric has strained alliances, with some Republicans warning that any invasion could trigger impeachment proceedings.
3. Democrats consider government shutdown over ICE funding: With the Department of Homeland Security budget unresolved, Democrats are pushing to defund or radically reform ICE. Republicans are refusing to concede, even as bipartisan negotiations continue over long-overdue FEMA reforms within DHS.
4. U.S. expands financial pressure on Iran's shadow banking system: The Trump administration has imposed new sanctions targeting international shell companies used to funnel money to the Iranian regime. Several major Iranian banks have collapsed amid tightening restrictions, signaling an aggressive non-military strategy to undermine Tehran's leadership.

Erick Erickson breaks down the four major stories you need to know before the day ends. From political power plays in Washington to breaking developments the mainstream media is ignoring, this rapid-fire update cuts through the noise.

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1. U.S. military prepares for possible strikes on Iran: The USS Roosevelt has been repositioned in the Persian Gulf as U.S. personnel evacuate bases across the Middle East.
2. Home sales surge as interest rates fall, but affordability worsens: Home sales jumped 5%, the strongest increase in two years, signaling renewed economic activity. However, rising median home prices and limited inventory continue to push first-time buyers and retirees out of the market.
3. Greenland tensions strain U.S. relations with Denmark and Europe: Denmark and European allies are reinforcing defenses on Greenland amid concerns over U.S. intentions.
4. Major Verizon network outage raises concerns nationwide: Verizon experienced widespread service disruptions across multiple regions, including the East Coast, West Coast, and major metro areas. The cause remains unknown, with speculation ranging from equipment failure to potential cyber intrusion.

Erick Erickson breaks down the four major stories you need to know before the day ends. From political power plays in Washington to breaking developments the mainstream media is ignoring, this rapid-fire update cuts through the noise.

Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson.

Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.

1. ICE and Border Patrol employees targeted in major data leak: Sensitive personal information tied to roughly 4,500 ICE and Border Patrol employees has been leaked, allegedly by someone inside DHS.
2. Republicans move to block welfare benefits for illegal aliens: The Republican Study Committee is drafting legislation to bar illegal aliens from receiving state or federal welfare benefits.
3. U.S. signals imminent action against Iran: The president is urging Americans to leave Iran immediately while the national security team weighs military and non-kinetic options.
4. Jamie Dimon warns against targeting the Federal Reserve: JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon cautions that pressure on Fed Chair Jerome Powell could destabilize bond yields and interest rates.

Erick Erickson breaks down the four major stories you need to know before the day ends. From political power plays in Washington to breaking developments the mainstream media is ignoring, this rapid-fire update cuts through the noise.

Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson.

Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.

1. White House weighs strikes on Iran: The administration is considering military action against Iranian assets as Tehran quietly seeks renewed nuclear talks.
2. Top federal prosecutor fired amid Comey controversy: Robert K. McBride, the first assistant U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia, has been ousted amid tensions over stalled confirmations, judicial intervention, and pressure to revive the James Comey case, an indictment that continues to go nowhere.
3. Republicans push back on targeting the Fed: Senior GOP lawmakers are denouncing President Trump's push to criminally investigate Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell.
4. Mark Kelly sues Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth: The senator alleges retaliation over political speech after his military pension was cut. The lawsuit highlights growing dysfunction in Washington as both parties escalate provocations instead of restoring adult leadership.

Erick Erickson breaks down the four major stories you need to know before the day ends. From political power plays in Washington to breaking developments the mainstream media is ignoring, this rapid-fire update cuts through the noise.

Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson.

Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.

1. Job creation collapses in 2025: The U.S. sees its worst year for job growth since COVID, driven by federal layoffs and weak manufacturing.
2. New York pushes January 6 education mandates: State lawmakers want schools to teach January 6 despite ongoing failures in reading, writing, and math.
3. Iran on the brink of revolution: Protests intensify as police side with demonstrators, regime figures seek exits, and symbols of the Islamic Republic are torched.
4. Escalating rhetoric against ICE: Progressive activists label ICE agents as Nazis while calling for armed resistance.

Erick Erickson breaks down the four major stories you need to know before the day ends. From political power plays in Washington to breaking developments the mainstream media is ignoring, this rapid-fire update cuts through the noise.

Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson.

Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.

1. Supreme Court signals surprise rulings: The Court unusually announces decisions will be issued tomorrow, fueling speculation over major cases involving presidential emergency powers, tariffs, and Louisiana redistricting that could reshape national political strategy.
2. U.S. eyes Greenland and Venezuela for critical minerals: The administration pushes rare earth mineral investments to counter China, with Greenland open to mining partnerships and Venezuela emerging as another strategic resource target.
3. Minnesota blocks ICE investigation: State officials complain about federal limits on cooperation after an ICE shooting, despite Minnesota's own restrictions on local law enforcement working with federal authorities.
4. Political hypocrisy on immigration enforcement: Tim Walz threatens National Guard involvement while Seattle's mayor moves to halt welfare and daycare fraud investigations, highlighting deep contradictions on federal authority and law enforcement.

Erick Erickson breaks down the four major stories you need to know before the day ends. From political power plays in Washington to breaking developments the mainstream media is ignoring, this rapid-fire update cuts through the noise.

1. Trump targets defense contractors: The president announces plans to restrict executive compensation, dividends, and stock buybacks at publicly traded defense companies unless they invest in modernizing weapons manufacturing and improving maintenance and delivery timelines.
2. Minnesota ICE shooting controversy: A deadly encounter involving ICE agents sparks debate after video shows a suspect vehicle lunging forward before shots were fired, raising questions about self-defense and law enforcement accountability.
3. U.S. moves to control Venezuelan oil sales: Energy Secretary Chris Wright says the U.S. will oversee Venezuelan oil exports indefinitely, selling at market rates while directing proceeds back to the Venezuelan people instead of the Maduro regime.
4. White House moves to block institutional home buyers: President Trump signs an executive order aimed at limiting large investors from buying and renting homes, though questions remain about legality and whether tariffs and regulations are the real drivers of rising housing costs.

Erick Erickson breaks down the four major stories you need to know before the day ends. From political power plays in Washington to breaking developments the mainstream media is ignoring, this rapid-fire update cuts through the noise.

Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson.

Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.

1. Ukraine Peace Deal Framework Lacks Real Buy-In: Steve Witkoff claims a framework for a Ukraine peace deal is in place, with Britain and France even willing to deploy peacekeeping troops. But behind the scenes, European leaders do not believe Vladimir Putin wants peace and are deeply skeptical of Witkoff's role.
2. Venezuela Halts Oil Shipments to China: Venezuela has suspended oil shipments to China, cutting off roughly 4% of China's supply while continuing limited exports to the United States. The bigger impact may be on Cuba, which relied heavily on Venezuelan oil. With Iran also facing unrest, global energy dynamics are shifting rapidly.
3. Iranian Police Turn on the Regime: Protests in Iran have escalated as police in key cities, including Isfahan, begin siding with demonstrators.
4. Allies Alarmed by Greenland Rhetoric: U.S. allies are pushing back hard against Stephen Miller's aggressive rhetoric on Greenland, warning it is damaging NATO unity.

Erick Erickson breaks down the four major stories you need to know before the day ends. From political power plays in Washington to breaking developments the mainstream media is ignoring, this rapid-fire update cuts through the noise.

Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson.

Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.

1. Maduro Faces Federal Charges: Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro has pleaded not guilty in U.S. federal court to drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges, claiming he is the lawful president and a kidnapping victim.
2. Tim Walz and Minnesota Welfare Fraud Fallout: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz faces growing political backlash over massive welfare fraud schemes tied to the Somali community, including funds allegedly redirected to terrorism abroad.
3. Cuba on the Brink as Venezuela Weakens: With Venezuela no longer supplying oil, Cuba is becoming increasingly unstable.
4. U.S. Scales Back Childhood Vaccine Recommendations: The federal government has reduced the number of vaccines it actively recommends for children, leaving more decisions to families.

Erick Erickson breaks down the four major stories you need to know before the day ends. From political power plays in Washington to breaking developments the mainstream media is ignoring, this rapid-fire update cuts through the noise.

Text ERICK to 33-777 for "Show Notes" and to stay updated on all things Erick Erickson.

Stay grounded, stay informed, and keep the faith.