Washington, D.C. – January 28, 2026 – President Donald Trump’s administration is pushing aggressive actions on multiple fronts today, from domestic election probes in Georgia to foreign policy maneuvers in Venezuela and renewed nuclear threats against Iran. The New York Times live blog highlights escalating interventions abroad, ongoing domestic controversies, and high-stakes international brinkmanship.
FBI Raid on Georgia Election Center
FBI agents conducted a search warrant execution at the Fulton County Election Hub and Operation Center in Union City, Georgia, targeting records related to the 2020 elections. This move intensifies the Trump administration’s focus on baseless 2020 election claims in a key jurisdiction. About a dozen agents were involved, with no arrests reported.
The action follows a DOJ lawsuit for access to old ballots and the prior removal of the FBI’s Atlanta office head. Democratic state Sen. Josh McLaurin called it “extremely alarming” and an attempt to disrupt election administration due to Trump’s lingering grievances.
Secretary Rubio’s Senate Testimony on Venezuela
Secretary of State Marco Rubio testified before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, detailing U.S. control over Venezuela’s oil-funded accounts after the military capture of Nicolás Maduro. Venezuela has agreed to submit monthly “budgets” for Trump administration approval. Rubio defended the gradual pace of change, comparing it to:
“This is not a frozen dinner you put in the microwave and in two and a half minutes it comes out ready to eat.” He expressed uncertainty about potential Iranian leadership succession if the regime falls, noting “no one knows who would take over” and that “I don’t think anyone can give you a simple answer as to what happens next.”
Trump Renews Threats Against Iran
President Trump escalated rhetoric on Truth Social, demanding Iran negotiate nuclear terms or face a “massive Armada” including the USS Abraham Lincoln, destroyers, bombers, and F-15E fighters. He warned: “The next attack will be far worse! Don’t make that happen again,” referencing last year’s U.S.-Israel strikes on Iranian facilities during a 12-day war.
Demands include permanently ending uranium enrichment, ballistic missile limits, and cutting support for proxies like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected threats, stating diplomacy cannot succeed “through military threats” and warning of a “messy, ferocious” response if pushed. Regional allies (Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Israel) urged de-escalation and mediation.
Iraq Prime Minister Nominee Rejects U.S. Pressure
Nuri Kamal al-Maliki, nominee for Iraq’s prime minister, dismissed Trump’s threats to withdraw U.S. support if nominated, calling it “blatant American interference” and a sovereignty violation. Trump had criticized al-Maliki’s past term for causing “poverty and total chaos,” claiming Iraq has “ZERO chance of Success, Prosperity, or Freedom” without U.S. aid.
Broader Domestic and International Fallout
- National Guard Costs: Deployments since June 2025 exceed $500 million, with 2026 projections topping $1 billion if extended to cities like Minneapolis amid immigration enforcement tensions.
- Germany’s Travel Advisory: Upgraded warning urges avoiding large gatherings in the U.S. due to potential violence, tied to domestic unrest.
- Trump Accounts Initiative: Trump announced “Trump Accounts” providing $1,000 stock investments for children born 2025-2028, potentially growing to $200,000 by age 18.
Political Reactions
Democrats criticized lack of congressional consultation on Venezuela and expressed alarm over election interference. Some Republicans, like Sen. Rand Paul, questioned characterizations of foreign operations. Iranian officials denied recent U.S. contacts and emphasized mutual respect in any dialogue. The blog’s tone reflects heightened scrutiny of Trump’s emboldened foreign and domestic policies, with risks of prolonged conflict and overreach.
This story is developing rapidly across multiple theaters. For the latest, refer to The New York Times live coverage. Stay tuned as negotiations, investigations, and threats continue to unfold.
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