Deepa Shivaram

He called the protesters, quote, professional agitators and insurrectionists.

and he said he could use the Insurrection Act to put an end to the backlash against ICE.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said that if Trump had invoked the act, he would challenge it in court.

Now, though, Trump says he doesn't think he needs to use that rarely utilized power anymore, but added, quote, if I needed it, I'd use it.

Deepa Shivaram, NPR News, the White House.

Despite Trump's historically low approval ratings on his handling of the economy, he continues to insist that the country is experiencing economic success.

Things like gas prices have decreased, but high prices of things like groceries and electricity remain a top concern for voters in this midterm election year.

For most of his speech, the president didn't even talk about the economy.

Instead, Trump touted military recruitment numbers, attacked Somali immigrants and former President Joe Biden, and encouraged protesters in Iran to, quote, take over your institutions.

Deepa Shivaram, NPR News.

on January 13, 2026.

I know.

That is awesome.

I feel like I was going to say I remember it like it was yesterday, but actually I don't.

Like I have totally blocked that period out completely.

I know.

That was awesome.

Hey there.

It's the NPR Politics Podcast.

I'm Myles Parks.