ABC News Live Prime: Jan. 21, 2026

Key Concepts

• President Trump’s continued pursuit of acquiring Greenland and its impact on international relations, particularly with NATO.
• A massive, potentially “catastrophic” winter storm impacting a large portion of the US, with significant risks of snow, ice, and extreme cold.
• Escalating tensions surrounding immigration enforcement, including raids, shootings, and protests.
• The rise of a right-wing political movement in the UK mirroring the US MAGA movement.
• Updates on the Oscar race, including predictions and potential snubs.
• Shifting religious demographics in Latin America, with a decline in Catholicism.

International Relations & Political Developments

President Trump reiterated his interest in US control of Greenland at the World Economic Forum in Davos, initially employing threats of force and tariffs against European allies. He later claimed a “framework of a deal” with NATO, though specifics were lacking. His rhetoric caused concern among NATO members regarding the alliance’s stability, with Lt. Gen. Doug Lute noting an erosion of trust. Trump’s statements and subsequent stock market fluctuations (a 2% drop) and potential EU tariffs were linked, according to Representative Carlos Himenez. Denmark’s Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed Greenland is “not for sale” but expressed willingness to discuss US security concerns in the Arctic.

In the UK, a radical right-wing movement, modeled after the US MAGA movement, is gaining momentum. Figures like Tommy Robinson are gaining prominence, advocating anti-immigrant sentiments and aligning with American conservatives like Elon Musk and Donald Trump. Nigel Farage, leading the Reform UK party, advocates for mass deportations, with rhetoric framing the UK as being “invaded” by Muslims (representing 6% of the UK population).

Severe Weather Event

A “catastrophic” winter storm spanning 2,000 miles is threatening over 70 million people across the US, from Oklahoma to the Northeast. The system, fueled by Gulf moisture and cold air, is expected to bring feet of snow, ice, and brutal cold. Windchills are already in the teens and 20s in several states. Airlines (Delta and United) have issued travel waivers, and the National Weather Service warns of potential power outages. Significant icing, potentially reaching half an inch in cities like Dallas, Atlanta, and Charlotte, is a major concern, potentially causing widespread damage and a slow recovery due to prolonged freezing temperatures (60-65 consecutive hours in Dallas). Forecasts predict 6+ inches of snowfall from the Southern Plains to the I-95 corridor, with potential for double-digit totals inland. Recent incidents include 60-vehicle crashes on Interstate 90 near Buffalo, NY, and a 100+ vehicle pileup in Zealand, Michigan. The American and European weather models diverge on the storm’s path, with the American model predicting the storm staying offshore and the European model suggesting potential snowfall along the coast.

Domestic Issues & Legal Cases

Shots were fired during a federal immigration raid near Compton, California, when a suspect attempted to ram officers with his car. The suspect, accused of human smuggling and in the country illegally, was apprehended. This incident followed a fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis, sparking protests where demonstrators confronted Border Patrol Commander Greg Bavino, leading to clashes and arrests. A video surfaced of a federal agent entering a restaurant with a gun, allegedly searching for someone. ICE is launching operations in Maine, targeting 1,400 individuals accused of various crimes, facing pushback from Portland city leaders.

A jury found Yalde School’s police officer Adrien Gonzalez not guilty on 29 felony counts related to the 2022 school shooting, focusing on his inaction during the event. This case may set a precedent for the case against Yuvalde police chief Peter Rodondo, currently paused due to a civil lawsuit.

Cultural & Other News

Clayton Davis predicted strong showings for Dune: Part Two (potentially 15 nominations) and Poor Things at the Oscars, with potential nominations for Leonardo DiCaprio, Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, and Jesse Buckley. He anticipates a possible snub for Ariana Grande. He also cautioned about Michael B. Jordan’s chances due to the genre of his film. He predicted “Sinners” would win Best Picture.

New data from the Pew Research Center revealed a decline in the Catholic population in six Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru) – a 9+ percentage point decline – with a corresponding rise in unaffiliated individuals (7+ percentage point increase) over the past decade.

Rebecca Hall discussed her role in the FX series “The Beauty,” exploring societal obsession with appearance and the influence of social media and cosmetic surgery. Conan O’Brien discussed his preparations for hosting the Oscars, emphasizing minimizing ego and maximizing spectacle, including potential appearances by Sandworm from “Dune” and Andy Richter.

Ford is recalling over 119,000 vehicles due to a potential fire risk related to the engine block heater. The House is advancing contempt of Congress proceedings against Bill and Hillary Clinton for refusing to comply with a subpoena related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Taylor Swift has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Conclusion

The broadcast highlighted a diverse range of pressing issues, from geopolitical tensions surrounding Greenland and the rise of right-wing movements to a severe weather event impacting millions and shifting religious demographics. The ongoing immigration debate and legal proceedings related to past shootings underscored domestic challenges. The segment also offered a glimpse into the cultural landscape, with updates on the Oscar race and new television series, demonstrating the breadth of current events and their impact on various facets of life. The overarching theme was one of instability and change, both domestically and internationally.