President Donald Trump shifted toward a more conciliatory approach with Democratic leaders in Minnesota on Monday (January 26, 2026), a sudden change in tack following an outcry over the second fatal shooting of a protester by federal agents this month during the administration's nationwide crackdown on undocumented immigrants.
The about-face comes after Saturday's (January 24, 2026) shooting death of Alex Pretti by federal agents raised doubts– including from some Republicans — over how the Trump administration has gone about aggressively deporting migrants and confronting protesters opposed to the policy.
Trump, unbowed by backlash to Minneapolis shooting, blames Democrats for ’chaos’
But it's just the latest in a string of moments where Mr. Trump has first taken a maximalist position only to appear to later retreat.
Earlier this month, Mr. Trump repeatedly threatened Iran with military action if his administration found the Islamic Republic was using deadly force to squelch recent anti-government protests.
