Evening Report — Trump vows to reshape global order

👨🏼‍⚖️Plus: Trump praises one judge, blasts another

View Online Evening Report Tuesday, Jan. 7 © AP Trump promises a global shakeup PRESIDENT-ELECT TRUMP on Tuesday vowed to upend the global order, promising big changes between the U.S. and its strategic partners abroad during his second term in office.   Speaking at press conference at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, Trump ticked through the ways he intends to rattle cages around the globe in pursuit of his "America first" agenda:   • Trump accused Panama of violating its canal treaty with the U.S. by allying with China, saying he'd cut off the money spigot to the Central American country if they don't acquiesce to his demands.   "Panama charges us more than other countries, because they think we're stupid. Well we're not stupid anymore," Trump said.   The president-elect also took a shot at former President Jimmy Carter, whose body is lying in repose at the Capitol Rotunda.    "The Panama Canal is a disgrace… Jimmy Carter gave it to them for $1, and they were supposed to treat us well... The deal was they have to treat us fairly," he said. "They don't."   Trump has said he plans to attend Carter's state funeral this week.   • Trump has mused about buying Greenland from Denmark. Donald Trump Jr. is currently in Greenland, further stoking speculation about the idea.   Trump was asked by a reporter Tuesday if he'd promise not to use economic or military force to control Greenland or the Panama Canal.   "No, I can't assure you on either of those two. But I can say this: We need them for economic security," Trump said.   Denmark reiterated Tuesday that Greenland is not for sale.   • Trump said he'd rename the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America." Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) said a bill for the name change is coming "ASAP."   • Trump has talked about making Canada the 51st state. He said Tuesday he intends to use "economic force" to make that a reality.   Canada is in a period of political turbulence, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing his resignation this week, dragged down by miserable domestic polling and an ascendant conservative faction.   Trudeau swung back at Trump over X:   "There isn't a snowball's chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States," he said. "Workers and communities in both our countries benefit from being each other's biggest trading and security partner." TRUMP ANNOUNCES NEW FOREIGN INVESTMENTS IN U.S. Trump's Mar-a-Lago press conference was ostensibly about announcing a new investment in the U.S. by the Emirati development company DAMAC Properties, which will plow $20 billion into proposed facilities in Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan.   It's one of several U.S. investments that foreign business leaders have announced since Trump won the presidency.   There are also signs that corporate America is warming to Trump after many CEOs sided with resistance liberals during his first term.   • Ultimate Fighting Championship boss Dana White, a close ally of Trump, has joined the board at Meta.   • Meta founder Mark Zuckerberg announced Tuesday that his company will end its fact-checking program, believing it has gone too far with politically motivated censorship.   "The recent elections…feel like a cultural tipping point towards, once again, prioritizing speech," Zuckerberg said. "So we're going to get back to our roots and focus on reducing mistakes, simplifying our policies and restoring free expression on our platforms."   Trump responded: "I think they've come a long way." TRUMP TAKES AIM AT BIDEN'S LAME-DUCK ACTIONS Trump on Tuesday promised to undo some of President Biden's final actions in office, including the move to block new offshore drilling projects.   "I'm going to have it revoked on day one," Trump said.   Trump also fumed over a federal rule to phase out some gas-powered water heaters, and other Biden actions pertaining to the environment.   The Biden administration on Tuesday finalized a guidance that expands tax credits for wind and solar power.   "We're going to try and have a policy where no windmills are being built," Trump said, adding "they don't work without subsidy… You don't want energy that needs subsidy." 💡Perspectives: • The Hill: Democrats still underestimate Trump. • The Financial Times: Canada's political 'prince' bows out. • The Hill: With Trudeau out, can Canadians get their free speech back? • The Hill: Will Trump stand up to Russia and China? • The Hill: Ukraine isn't fighting a 'forever war.' The US shouldn't forsake it. Read more:  • The populist vying to lead Canada and end a decade of liberalism. • 5 things to know about Canada's political crisis. • What to know about Biden's new offshore drilling restrictions. • War or peace? Trump inherits turbulent US-China ties. • More Americans say immigration a top priority: Survey. Welcome to Evening Report! I'm Jonathan Easley, catching you up from the afternoon and what's coming tomorrow. Not on the list? Subscribe here. CATCH UP QUICK The House passed its first bill of the new Congress, an immigration measure named after Laken Riley. Forty-eight Democrats joined all Republicans in backing the legislation, which is named after the student who was killed by an immigrant with a criminal record living in the country illegally. Minneapolis approved a federal oversight plan for its police force that was spurred by the murder of George Floyd. The U.S. transferred 11 prisoners out of Guantanamo Bay, the latest batch of inmates to leave Cuban prison that once held around 780 detainees.  NEWS THIS AFTERNOON ©  TIMOTHY A. CLARY / POOL / AFP Trump praises one judge, blasts another The investigations and prosecutions into President-elect Trump hang in the balance with less than two weeks to go before he's inaugurated.   U.S. District Court Judge Aileen Cannon on Tuesday temporarily blocked the Justice Department from releasing special counsel Jack Smith's report on his election interference and classified documents cases against Trump.   The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals could still decide differently, but Cannon argued her ruling would "preserve the status quo" and "prevent irreparable harm."   Cannon had previously dismissed Smith's classified documents case.   Trump praised Cannon, calling her "a brilliant judge who showed great courage" while speaking at his press conference Tuesday. He also blasted Smith, calling him "a deranged individual."   The president-elect still faces sentencing Friday over his hush money convictions, although Judge Juan Merchan has made clear Trump will not be sentenced to jail.   Trump's lawyers filed an emergency appeal to dismiss the sentencing altogether, but a New York appellate judge ruled Tuesday that the sentencing can move forward.   Trump on Tuesday called Merchan "a very crooked judge."   "Even to this day they're playing with the courts and the judges who try to make everyone happy on the Democratic side," he said. "It's called lawfare, it's called weaponization of justice and it's happened at a level no one has ever seen before."   Trump also reiterated his promise to pardon many of those convicted of crimes pertaining to the Jan. 6, 2021 riots on Capitol Hill, although he indicated he may not pardon those convicted of violent crimes.   "We'll be looking at the whole thing but I'll be making major pardons, yes," Trump said. Read more:  • Free speech legal group to defend Iowa pollster Selzer in Trump lawsuit. • Judge holds Giuliani in contempt in Georgia election workers case. IN OTHER NEWS ©  Greg Nash Washington roundup: Dems under fire over Biden • Democrats are under scrutiny for defending President Biden's cognitive state before he dropped out of the presidential race.   Via The Hill's Alexander Bolton: "A handful of Democratic senators are now warning there will be more calls for answers and accountability given that Biden's condition became a glaring problem after he muddled through the first presidential debate against Donald Trump in June."   • One bill or two? Trump's conflicting signals over how Congressional Republicans should implement his agenda are dividing the GOP before he even takes office.   Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has talked about one comprehensive bill, while Senate GOP Leader John Thune (S.D.) has mapped out a two-bill strategy that would require separate votes on the immigration and tax cuts portions of Trump's agenda.   Via The Hill's Al Weaver and Mychael Schnell: "The president-elect's ambiguity is making the debate over strategy even messier on Capitol Hill, where top lawmakers are openly recognizing the effort will be an uphill climb, no matter what path they choose."   Trump will meet with Senate Republicans on Wednesday.   • Nippon Steel is refusing to back down from its proposed $15 billion offer to acquire U.S. Steel, despite Biden's efforts to block the merger.   The Japanese firm has taken legal action to push the acquisition through, accusing Biden of a politically motivated ploy to reward his union supporters. Biden's move has angered Japan, a key U.S. ally in Asia. 💡Perspectives: • The American Prospect: Trump opts for one big bill. • USA Today: Republicans are off to a strong start. • The Hill: DOGE is unconstitutional. • The Hill: Dems need an overhaul. • The Hill: For Democrats, strategic and bipartisan cooperation is necessary. Stay Engaged Did I miss a story? Drop me a line. Follow TheHill.com for the latest and recommend us to others: TheHill.com/Evening. See you next time. Privacy Policy  |  Manage Subscriptions  |  Unsubscribe  Sign Up for Other Newsletters 400 N Capitol Street NW Suite 650, Washington, DC 20001 © 1998 - 2025 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved.

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