The News Agents - USA

The deadline to release the Epstein files is now over a month old. Last night, a congressional committee confirmed Ghislaine Maxwell would appear before it in a hearing on February 9th. Although she may choose to say little. The vote in Congress last November created a legal obligation on the government to release the Epstein files. So what happens now if the justice department refuses to comply?
Later, how Gavin Newson rose through the Democrat ashes to lead the polls as the front runner in 2028. What has he discovered in how to deal with Trump?
The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

It's a week since Renee Nicole Good was shot by an ICE agent whilst in her car in Minnesota. Since then, protests have erupted around the country, schools in Minneapolis have closed, and last night saw a second shooting by an ICE agent.
Is the immigration law enforcement now just a political weapon? And, as Trump threatens martial law, is ICE deliberately trying to provoke conflict in Minnesota? We're joined by Semifore's Ben Smith.
The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

The plan to taken down Venezuelan leader, Nicolas Maduro, was months in the making. And yet, when it did finally happen, it not only took Caracas by surprise but even Washington was stunned by the speed of the incursion.
What does the operation in Venezuela tell us about how Trump might be planning to take over other territories? Why has he got his eyes on oil tanks, and is he prepared to go battle with Putin? We speak to The Crisis Room's Marc Polymeropoulos.
Later, Tim Walz has ended his campaign to run for Minnesota governor after ongoing fraud accusations became the focus of Republicans. Are fraud claims a new effective weapon for MAGA to attack the Democrats?
The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/

If you love The News Agents USA, then we think you'll love The Ex Files with Christiane Amanpour, where she and her ex-husband Jamie Rubin - a former US State Department official - unpack today’s defining global crises. Drawing on decades of insider experience in global affairs, reporting from conflict zones and grilling world leaders, they explain how we ended up where we are – and where we might be going.
In this episode they discuss why Trump thinks he can force Ukraine to accept a 'surrender document' that hands Putin almost everything he wants. Plus Trump and Mamdani's first meeting in the Oval Office and how tech bros have muscled their way into US politics.
Listen to Christiane Amanpour Presents The Ex Files with Jamie Rubin at globalplayer.com

Trump's inner circle may be wondering this week why they gave Vanity Fair exclusive access and close up photos for the magazine. The portrait is unflattering to say the least. And highly revelatory. Will it change how Trump sees those around him? And why is the MAGA aesthetic so central to the brand?
Also - Trump speaks to the nation about the economy. Why’s he had to make up all his figures?
The News Agents USA is brought to you by HSBC UK - https://www.hsbc.co.uk/