January 15, 2026

January 15, 2026

Letters from an American | Heather Cox Richardson | Substack nation

Key Points:

  • The Department of Justice has released less than 1% of the Epstein files despite the Epstein Files Transparency Act mandating full disclosure by December 19, with Republicans shifting blame toward Bill and Hillary Clinton amid partisan disputes and subpoenas.
  • Controversy surrounds the killing of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minnesota, with Trump and officials labeling her and her wife "domestic terrorists," sparking widespread public disapproval and protests against ICE's enforcement tactics.
  • Despite claims by the Trump administration that the Tren de Aragua gang poses a terrorist threat, U.S. intelligence records indicate the group is involved in low-level crime, challenging the justification for increased federal enforcement actions in Minnesota.
  • Following violent clashes between federal agents and protesters in Minneapolis, President