This quick briefing highlights several U.S. political and policy developments: the Clintons declined closed‑door depositions in a House probe related to Jeffrey Epstein; President Trump ruled out talks with Iranian officials and posted a stark message aimed at Minnesotans after an ICE‑related killing. New BLS data showed consumer prices rose 2.7% year‑over‑year (2.6% excluding food and energy). The report also covers a Pentagon strike using a covert civilian‑style aircraft that killed 11 people, a Labor Department misconduct inquiry that put two senior aides on leave, falling ACA enrollments, and the resignation of Nebraska State Sen. Dan McKeon.
Tuesday Mini‑Report — Jan. 13, 2026: Clintons Decline Depositions, Trump Cuts Off Iran Talks, Inflation Eases
Today’s quick-hits roundup of major U.S. political, policy and corporate developments.
Clintons Decline Closed‑Door Depositions
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said they will not attend closed‑door depositions this week related to a House committee probe tied to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, declining the scheduled testimony.
Trump Rules Out Talks With Iran
President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he is cutting off the possibility of talks with Iranian officials amid a harsh crackdown on protests and urged Iranians that “help is on its way.” The administration signaled it will not pursue diplomatic engagement while the protest response continues.
Inflation Slows As Tariff Impacts Ease
New Bureau of Labor Statistics data showed consumer prices rose 2.7% year‑over‑year in December, or 2.6% when excluding volatile food and energy items. Economists noted that a wave of 2025 tariffs has largely worked through to retail prices, helping to restrain inflationary momentum at year end.
Pentagon Used Covert Civilian‑Style Aircraft In Fatal Strike, Officials Say
Officials briefed on a recent investigation said the Pentagon used a covert aircraft painted to resemble a civilian plane in a September strike on a vessel the Trump administration said was smuggling drugs. The strike reportedly killed 11 people. Those officials said the aircraft carried munitions inside the fuselage rather than as external stores under the wings.
Minnesota Sues To Block Immigration Operation After ICE‑Related Death
The state of Minnesota and the cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul filed suit seeking to block a Trump administration immigration‑enforcement operation following the killing last week of Renee Good by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer.
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 20: Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton (L) and former President Bill Clinton arrive on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol on January 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. In today's inauguration ceremony Donald J. Trump becomes the 45th president of the United States. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)(Win McNamee / Getty Images)
Trump Posts Threatening Message To Minnesotans
On Tuesday morning, former President Trump posted on his social platform a message directed at Minnesotans in all caps: “THE DAY OF RECKONING & RETRIBUTION IS COMING!” The post drew immediate attention and criticism from some local leaders.
Labor Department Officials Placed On Leave Amid Misconduct Probe
The Labor Department’s chief of staff and deputy chief of staff were placed on administrative leave Monday while the department’s inspector general opens an investigation into allegations of professional misconduct involving Secretary Lori Chavez‑DeRemer. The administrative leaves followed media reports that a formal complaint alleged abuse of office and an inappropriate relationship with a subordinate.
Fewer Americans Enrolling In ACA Plans
Federal enrollment data show fewer Americans are signing up for Affordable Care Act plans this year. Analysts point to expiring subsidies and other cost pressures as reasons many households are finding health‑care expenses increasingly unaffordable.
Nebraska Senator Resigns Ahead Of Expulsion Vote
State Sen. Dan McKeon resigned from the Nebraska Legislature on Tuesday, stepping down tearfully ahead of a scheduled debate on his expulsion after allegations he made a sexually charged remark to a legislative staffer and touched her inappropriately at a session‑end party.
Corporate Note: Dina Powell McCormick Joins Meta
Dina Powell McCormick, a former adviser to Donald Trump, was named Meta’s president and vice chair on Monday. The appointment reportedly pleased the former president.
See you tomorrow.
Help us improve.
