The News Agents A year of Trump: terror, territory and tariffs
35 snips
Jan 20, 2026 
Nick Benson, a dedicated plane-spotter and community observer, dives deep into the chilling world of 'dark flights'—deportation flights leaving Minneapolis-St. Paul. He shares how he meticulously tracks these unlisted flights, exposing the troubling reality of individuals being deported in shackles, most of whom are legal residents. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of Trump's presidency, probing mental health concerns, shifting global alliances, and the impact on US civil society amid rising fears over citizenship and accountability.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Trump's Actions Threaten Western Alliances
- Hosts argue Trump's foreign actions in year one of the second term are shredding long-standing alliances and norms.
- They warn the unpredictability and personal urges driving policy risk destabilising NATO and the wider Western order.
A Rapid Rethink Of Transatlantic Policy
- The presenters say European and UK leaders face a rapid challenge to adapt after Trump publicly undermined NATO ties.
- They suggest the crisis may force a long-term rethinking of the transatlantic relationship and Britain's global role.
Witnessing Dark Deportation Flights
- Nick Benson documents 'dark flights' at Minneapolis-St. Paul by watching charter planes and convoys at the private jet terminal.
- He counts detainees boarding in shackles and tracks destinations like El Paso to keep a public record when authorities hide details.