Trump Delivers Midterms Warning to House GOP, Admin Wants to Buy Greenland, DHS in MN: AM Update 1/7

7 Jan 2026 · 17 min · 6 chapters

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The Megyn Kelly Show: Episode Summary

Episode Title

Trump Delivers Midterms Warning to House GOP, Admin Wants to Buy Greenland, DHS in MN: AM Update 1/7

Episode Description In this episode, Megyn Kelly discusses President Trump's warnings to House Republicans regarding the 2026 midterm elections, the unexpected passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa, the Trump administration's renewed interest in acquiring Greenland, and the actions taken by the Department of Homeland Security in Minnesota regarding allegations of widespread fraud.

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Key Topics Discussed

  1. Trump's Warning to House GOP
  2. Midterms Outlook: Trump addresses the House GOP, emphasizing that losing the House in the 2026 midterms could lead to another impeachment attempt by Democrats.
  3. Historical Context: The president points out that parties typically struggle in midterms following a presidential election, framing it as an opportunity for Republicans to capitalize on their past successes.
  4. Call to Action:
  5. Trump urges lawmakers to remind voters of key achievements like border security and drug pricing reforms.
  6. He strongly advocates for voter ID legislation, framing opposition to it as a tactic for electoral fraud.
  1. The Passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa
  2. Unexpected Death: Republican Congressman Doug LaMalfa dies at 65 due to an aneurysm and heart attack.
  3. Tributes: Other lawmakers and Trump express their condolences, highlighting LaMalfa's dedication to conservative values and his service in Congress.
  1. U.S. Interest in Greenland
  2. Acquisition Strategy: The Trump administration renews efforts to acquire Greenland, citing national security concerns related to Russian and Chinese military activity in the Arctic.
  3. Response from Denmark: Danish officials dismiss the idea of U.S. acquisition while the U.S. suggests military options may be considered for ensuring control and security in the region.
  4. Resource Significance: Greenland is highlighted for its natural resources and strategic location, reinforcing the U.S.'s interest.
  1. Department of Homeland Security Actions in Minnesota
  2. Fraud Allegations: DHS deploys 2,000 agents to Minneapolis and St. Paul amid allegations of significant fraud involving the Somali community, with estimates suggesting up to $9 billion in fraud.
  3. Local Response: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticizes the operation as an unnecessary show of force, emphasizing the need for coordination and questioning the use of taxpayer funds.

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Key Takeaways

  • Political Climate: Trump’s remarks reflect a sense of urgency and a strategic approach as the GOP prepares for upcoming elections.
  • Legislative Focus: The episode underscores the importance of voter ID laws and the ongoing discourse about election integrity amidst changing voting procedures.
  • Impact of LaMalfa's Death: His passing further tightens the Republican majority in the House, potentially shifting the political landscape as special elections loom.
  • Geopolitical Considerations: The renewed focus on Greenland highlights larger themes of national security and U.S. foreign policy in the Arctic, amidst rising tensions with Russia and China.
  • Fraud Investigation Fallout: The DHS operation illustrates the complexities of immigration and fraud issues within local communities, with varying perspectives on enforcement and community impact.

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Conclusion In this episode, Megyn Kelly provides a comprehensive overview of significant political events and discussions shaping the current landscape, from intra-party dynamics to international strategies. The commentary offers insight into how these issues may influence upcoming elections and policy directions.

Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.

Chapters

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Trump's Midterm Pep Talk

1:55 to 4:16

Discussion on Trump's strategies and messages to House GOP for upcoming midterms.

“President Trump yesterday delivering a start-of-the-year pep talk to House GOP members as the 2026 midterm season is officially underway.”

Election Integrity Discussions

4:18 to 6:05

Examination of election integrity and the proposed SAVE Act by Trump.

“As of now, each state sets its own requirements, deciding what, if any, ID is required to cast a vote.”

Tribute to Congressman Doug LaMalfa

6:11 to 8:08

Reflection on the unexpected passing of Congressman Doug LaMalfa and its impact.

“The Butte County Sheriff's Office in Northern California responding to a 911 call from his home in Richvale on Monday night.”

Trump's Focus on Oil and Greenland

9:53 to 13:12

Discussion on Trump's plans regarding Venezuelan oil and the acquisition of Greenland.

“The Wall Street Journal reporting that Mr.”

DHS Operations in Minnesota

13:18 to 14:02

Overview of DHS's operation in Minnesota responding to fraud allegations.

“military is always an option at the commander-in-chief's disposal.”

DHS Operations in Minnesota: Addressing Fraud Allegations

14:02 to 16:44

Explore the extensive DHS operation in Minnesota targeting alleged fraud within the Somali community.

“Denmark and Greenland yesterday requesting a meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, yet another job for the busy top diplomat.”
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Transcript

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0:28Good morning, everyone. It's so strategic. The Trump administration accelerates its push to acquire Greenland one way or another. And the Department of Homeland Security surges 2 ,000 agents to Minneapolis and St. Paul following rampant fraud allegations among the Somali community. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update.

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1:37Consider making right now your first time to buy gold and take advantage of a rebate up to$10 ,000 when you buy before January 30th. Text MK to the number 989898. Claim your eligibility today. Again, text MK to 989898. President Trump yesterday delivering a start-of-the-year pep talk to House GOP members as the 2026 midterm season is officially underway. The president openly acknowledging a hard political reality, the party in power almost always struggles in the midterms following the presidential election, often stalling the president's agenda. Rather than downplaying the risk, President Trump framing it as an opportunity to make history, arguing that his first year in office has created momentum he believes can lead to victory if Republicans deliver on core priorities.

2:29And I want to wish everybody a happy new year, the most successful House Republican majority in decades. And we did it with not a big majority. So together we had 12 months of unprecedented success in 2025. And now we're going to make history and break records with the epic midterm victory that we're going to pull off. It just doesn't seem to happen for people that win the presidency. It's an amazing phenomenon. And we sure as hell are having a successful presidency. I will say that. But even if it's successful, they don't win. I don't know what it is. It's something psychological. President Trump urging lawmakers to focus on reminding voters of critical White House wins, like securing the border and delivering most favored nation drug pricing, which lowers the cost of prescription medications.

3:17Mr. Trump also imploring House members to bring a vote on federal voter ID legislation. But we have to have voter ID. And you know, when you confront a Democrat about voter ID, like in a debate or something, they're very embarrassed when they say, we want voter ID, voter identification. The only reason somebody doesn't want that is because they want to cheat our elections are crooked as hell and you can win not only win elections over that and not only win future elections but you'll win every debate because the public is really angry about it and you ought to you ought to pass the safe act or whatever you're going to call is are we going to save act or the save america act i think we're going to change the name a little bit you're going to put that up for a vote i think everybody in this room certainly should do it And it's a bad vote for them.

4:10But when somebody says, no, we don't want voter ID, that means they're crooked. And the public understands it. You win elections with that. Concerns about election integrity growing in recent years, fueled by COVID-era changes to voting procedures, including expanded mail-in balloting. As of now, each state sets its own requirements, deciding what, if any, ID is required to cast a vote. The SAVE Act would require voters to provide proof of U.S. citizenship in order to vote in federal elections rather than simply attesting to being a citizen. The president concluding his remarks with a warning about what's likely to come if Democrats retake the House.

4:47You got to win the midterms because if we don't win the midterms, it's just going to be, I mean, they'll find a reason to impeach me. I'll get impeached. They are mean and smart, but fortunately for you, they have horrible policy. We have great, solid common sense policy. They have horrendous policy. What they do is they stick together. They never have a no vote. They impeached me. I never knew I was going to be impeached. I get a phone call. You just got impeached. I said, what does that mean? It took them 10 minutes. They impeached the president of the United States. Who did a damn good job?

5:28I rebuilt our military, Space Force. I got everything. I did a lot. They impeached me for nothing, twice for nothing. Some Democrats, including U.S. Congressman from New York, Dan Goldman, this week calling to impeach the president over his arrest of Nicolas Maduro. A few Democrats also pushing last year to impeach Secretary of War Pete Hegseth for ordering strikes on alleged drug vessels. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries at the time saying he did not back the effort as Democrats did not control the House. The midterm election is set for Tuesday, November 3rd. U.S. Congressman from California, Republican Doug LaMalfa, passing away unexpectedly yesterday at age 65.

6:13The Butte County Sheriff's Office in Northern California responding to a 911 call from his home in Richvale on Monday night. Political reporting, the congressman suffered an aneurysm and a heart attack after being taken into emergency surgery. Republicans close to Mr. Lamalfa, reportedly unaware of any prior health issues and shocked by the sudden passing of their colleague. The Butte County Sheriff's Office releasing a statement, quote, in accordance with standard protocols, the coroner's unit is conducting an investigation to determine the cause of death. The congressman, a fourth-generation rice farmer, sat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Agriculture Committee, and Natural Resources Committee.

6:54Congressman Tim Burchett of Tennessee, a Republican, posting this tribute to his colleague on X. I mean, this guy, salt of the earth, he was the epitome of what a true conservative was. I can't tell you how devastating a blow this will be to his family and just Congress and all of us. Anyway, say a prayer for his family, for some peace. President Trump yesterday morning echoing a similar sentiment. I want to express our tremendous sorrow at the loss of a great member, a great, great, great member, Congressman Doug LaMalfa. He was the leader of the Western Caucus, a fierce champion on California water issues and a true defender of American children.

7:43He was a defender of everybody. And our hearts go out to his wife, Jill, and his entire family. You know, he voted with me 100 % of the time. Representative LaMalfa is survived by his wife, Jill, and four children, and recently became a grandfather. LaMalfa's passing brings the already narrow GOP House majority to an even tighter margin, Republicans now at 218 to Democrats 213. Under California law, Governor Gavin Newsom has two weeks to call a special election to fill the seat held by Congressman LaMalfa since 2013. Once announced, the election must be held within 140 days, potentially placing the election in June.

8:24The recent passage of California's new congressional maps will likely make it harder for a Republican to retain the seat in November's elections. Coming up, President Trump is ready to take Greenland for real. And DHS surges agents into Minneapolis following reports of extensive fraud allegedly perpetrated by its Somali community.

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10:11The president saying the oil will be sold at market price and that the proceeds will, quote, be controlled by me as president of the United States of America to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the U.S. The Wall Street Journal reporting that Mr. Trump will meet with representatives from Chevron, ConocoPhillips, and ExxonMobil, among others at the White House Friday to, quote, discuss making significant investments in Venezuela's oil sector. President Trump has his eye not only on Venezuelan oil, but also on Greenland. European leaders shuddering as President Trump once again renews his focus on acquiring the Arctic territory.

10:52After the Venezuela operation and the White House's new embrace of the Don Roe Doctrine, or the right to control the strategic direction of the Western Hemisphere, the Trump administration showing it will not hesitate to act on matters it considers a priority. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating it plainly in the press conference following the Maduro mission. We have a president. The 47th president of the United States is not a game player. When he tells you that he's going to do something, when he tells you he's going to address a problem, he means it. He actions it. President Trump throughout the weekend putting a number of countries like Colombia, Cuba and Mexico on notice while adding this Sunday night aboard Air Force One.

11:31I will say this about Greenland. We need Greenland from a national security situation. It's so strategic. Right now, Greenland is covered with Russian and Chinese ships all over the place. We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security. And Denmark is not going to be able to do it, I can tell you. You know what Denmark did recently to boost up security in Greenland? They added one more dog sled. It's true. They thought that was a great move. We need Greenland from the standpoint of national security. And the European Union needs us to have it. And they know that. Greenland, the world's largest island and semi-autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, sits at a strategic crossroads between North America and Europe, directly across the Arctic Ocean from Russia.

12:24The U.S. currently operates a military base in Greenland, a key site for missile warnings and defense, as well as space surveillance. Greenland is also home to troves of natural resources, including untapped reserves of key rare-earth minerals, critical for developing sophisticated electronics and military equipment, and major oil and gas reserves. Last year, Denmark's prime minister offered to allow the U.S. to increase its military presence in Greenland as a compromise. Political reporting yesterday, the offer has gained little traction. A European defense official saying, quote, the White House is not interested.

12:58On Sunday, the Danish prime minister releasing a statement, quote, it makes absolutely no sense to talk about the need for the United States to take over Greenland. The U.S. has no right to annex one of the three countries in the Danish realm. Press Secretary Caroline Levitt releasing a statement yesterday, quote, The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilizing the U.S. military is always an option at the commander-in-chief's disposal. The clearest statement to date from the White House suggesting military force could be on the table.

13:33The Wall Street Journal reporting Secretary Rubio told lawmakers yesterday morning that there is no imminent invasion. Rather, the goal is to simply buy Greenland from Denmark. One official telling Reuters a number of ideas are in consideration, including purchasing the territory or forming what's known as a compact of free association with Greenland's government. The U.S. has similar agreements with several other small island nations, allowing them to retain sovereignty while the U.S. controls their defense policy and provides financial assistance. Denmark and Greenland yesterday requesting a meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, yet another job for the busy top diplomat.

14:142026, off to an exciting start. The Department of Homeland Security conducting its largest operation ever in Minnesota. On Sunday, DHS surging 2 ,000 additional ICE and Homeland Security investigations agents focused on transnational crimes to Minneapolis and St. Paul. The influx coming after weeks of reporting on what some are calling the largest fraud scheme in history, allegedly perpetrated largely by members of Minnesota's Somali community. Prosecutors estimating the fraud could amount to$9 billion, though President Trump earlier this week, suggesting the number might be far higher. A late December report by independent journalist Nick Shirley going mega-viral, exposing Somali-run daycare and health centers in Minneapolis, allegedly receiving millions in taxpayer funding while seemingly providing few, if any, services.

15:06The scandal reaching a fever pitch in Minnesota, prompting Governor Tim Walsh, a Democrat, to drop his bid for a third term. On Tuesday morning, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem rolling into Minnesota to personally oversee the operation, which is expected to last 30 days, per CBS News. DHS posting videos showing dozens of heavily armed agents rounding up suspected illegal immigrants for processing. The Daily Wire reports ICE is positioning planes to quickly fly detainees from Minnesota to other parts of the country that have available detention space for deportation. Governor Walz yesterday at a press conference on his decision to end his re-election campaign, slamming the operation.

15:47The war that's being waged against Minnesota, you're seeing it. We have a ridiculous surge of apparently 2 ,000 people not coordinating with us that are for a show of the cameras. We are under assault like no other time in our state's history because of a petty, vile administration that doesn't care about the well-being of Minnesotans. CBS News echoing additional criticism from Governor Walz, pressing Secretary Noem without a hint of irony on whether such a large operation is a responsible use of taxpayer dollars. 2 ,000 agents is enormous. It is. How do you justify that to the American taxpayer?

16:29The American taxpayer is grateful that that resource allocation has been put here. We've never seen this kind of fraudulent and abuse of programs before in recent history. News Nation reporting nearly 34 ,000 illegal immigrants in Minnesota have been given final orders of removal, meaning they've been ordered by a judge to get out, but they're still here. Approximately 11 ,000 of those have criminal convictions. And that'll do it for your AM Update. I'm Megan Kelly. Join me back here for the MK Show, live on SiriusXM's The Megan Kelly Channel, 111 at noon east, on youtube.com slash megankelly, and on all podcast platforms.

From the publisher

President Trump warns Republicans that losing the House in the 2026 midterms would almost certainly trigger another impeachment push from Democrats. Republican Congressman Doug LaMalfa of California dies unexpectedly at 65. The Trump administration escalates its push to acquire Greenland, citing urgent national-security concerns tied to Russia, China, and Arctic dominance. The Department of Homeland Security deploys 2,000 agents to Minneapolis and St. Paul amid explosive allegations of massive taxpayer fraud linked to the Somali community.


 

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