Swamp Notes Trump’s immigration climbdown. Plus, a new Fed chair?
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Jan 30, 2026 
Claire Jones, U.S. economics editor at the FT, explains Kevin Warsh’s nomination for Fed chair. Lauren Fedor, Deputy Washington bureau chief, and James Politi, Washington bureau chief, unpack the political upheaval after a deadly border enforcement incident. They discuss the viral footage, shifting White House rhetoric, scaled-back immigration tactics, and what the policy pivot means for the administration’s final months.
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Video Turned Local Raid Into National Crisis
- Viral video of Alex Preddy's killing forced national outrage and reframed the enforcement story.
- The footage made many view the raids as overreach rather than targeted deportations.
Early Official Labeling Escalated Tensions
- Kristi Noem publicly labeled Alex Preddy a domestic terrorist hours after he was shot.
- Her rapid characterization contrasted with later more cautious White House comments.
Outrage Cut Across The Political Spectrum
- Public outrage crossed party lines, including independents and some Republicans.
- That broad discomfort created a political crisis for the White House over enforcement tactics.