PBS News Hour full episode, Jan. 12, 2026

Key Concepts

• A criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is underway, raising concerns about the politicization of the Justice Department and the independence of the Federal Reserve.
• Escalating protests in Iran are met with violent suppression and an internet shutdown, while the U.S. threatens further action.
• The Trump administration is increasingly utilizing rhetoric and imagery associated with extremist ideologies, potentially normalizing dangerous beliefs.
• A new $50 million fund, led by the Mellon Foundation, aims to bolster the literary arts infrastructure and combat declining engagement with literature.
• The Mellon Foundation prioritizes Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and views literature as a crucial tool for fostering empathy and countering dehumanization.

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Political & Economic Conflicts (Part 1)

The segment begins with a focus on escalating conflicts surrounding the Trump administration. A criminal investigation, directed by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, has been launched into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, centering on potential false statements made during congressional testimony regarding the $2.2 billion renovation of the Federal Reserve headquarters. Powell himself stated the investigation appears to be a pretext for pressuring the Fed to lower interest rates, despite current economic conditions – inflation above 2% and a strong labor market. President Trump has repeatedly attacked Powell, even suggesting his dismissal. Former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen characterized the investigation as a weaponization of the Justice Department intended to intimidate the Fed and control monetary policy, warning of the dangers of losing central bank independence, potentially leading to hyperinflation.

Simultaneously, protests in Iran are intensifying, with over 500 protesters reportedly killed by security forces. The Iranian government attributes the unrest to “terrorists” and unnamed enemies. President Trump has threatened military action and new tariffs against countries doing business with Iran. The Iranian government has implemented an unprecedented internet shutdown to suppress information, with organizations like Psiphon attempting to provide uncensored access, though their funding has been cut by the Trump administration.

Rhetoric & Ideological Concerns (Part 1)

The segment also highlights concerns about the Trump administration’s rhetoric and imagery. The administration is employing language and visuals borrowed from right-wing and white nationalist circles, including the use of the 1870s painting "American Progress" by Homeland Security, an ICE recruitment ad featuring the phrase "We will have our home again" (linked to the Proud Boys), and the promotion of QAnon slogans. Cynthia Miller-Idriss of American University argues this rhetoric aims to confuse the public, undermine trust in institutions, and normalize extremist ideas, specifically citing the dangerous consequences of the “Great Replacement Theory,” which has motivated terrorist attacks. President Trump’s recent comments questioning the benefits of the Civil Rights Movement were also noted as indicative of a broader shift in rhetoric.

The Crisis in Literary Engagement & Mellon Foundation Response (Part 2)

Elizabeth Alexander, President of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, detailed her formative experiences in the literary world, emphasizing the importance of supporting artists and the infrastructure that enables their work. This personal history informs the foundation’s launch of a new $50 million, five-year literary arts fund, in partnership with six other foundations. The fund will support nonprofit organizations involved in supporting writers, small presses (including those focused on literature in translation), residencies, and literary centers, aiming to support “the spaces that…make these words make their way around.”

Alexander highlighted a “crisis” in national engagement with literature, citing declining rates in reading for pleasure and literacy, and a diminishing perception of leisure time for reading. She also pointed to the increasing prevalence of “book banning” as a significant threat, leading to the removal of diverse stories and experiences from libraries and school systems. This is compounded by federal funding cuts to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and the National Endowments for the Arts and Humanities.

Mellon Foundation’s Mission & DEI (Part 2)

To counteract these trends, the Mellon Foundation has also awarded a $15 million grant to the Federation of State Humanities Councils, supporting local initiatives. Alexander acknowledged criticism from conservative groups regarding the foundation’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), but reaffirmed the foundation’s mission: funding arts, humanities, higher education, libraries, and archives “with a social justice lens,” prioritizing access, equity, and the amplification of underrepresented voices.

The Power of Literature & Addressing Dehumanization (Part 2)

Alexander argued that the current “atmosphere of dehumanization” – characterized by “othering” and “coarseness of language” – represents the biggest crisis of our time. She believes literature possesses a unique “superpower” to foster empathy and understanding, enabling individuals to “see each other” and recognize the diversity of human experience. She emphasized that societal survival depends on the ability to “hear, respect and see each other.”

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Conclusion

The segments paint a picture of a politically charged environment marked by escalating conflicts, both domestically and internationally. Concerns about the politicization of institutions, the spread of extremist ideologies, and declining engagement with the humanities are central themes. The Mellon Foundation’s response, through significant investment in the literary arts, underscores the belief that literature holds a vital role in fostering empathy, countering dehumanization, and strengthening the foundations of a just and equitable society. The segments collectively highlight the fragility of democratic institutions and the importance of safeguarding both their independence and their ability to promote understanding and inclusivity.