The Greenland Standoff, Maduro’s Capture, and a Tense MLK Day (Jan 19, 2026)

Meta Description: Get the latest USA trending news for January 19, 2026. From the escalating Greenland diplomatic crisis and Trump’s EU tariffs to the capture of Nicolás Maduro and federal troops in Minnesota, we break down today's biggest headlines.

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While much of the country is observing Martin Luther King Jr. Day today, the news cycle in the United States is anything but quiet. From a major shift in foreign policy regarding South America to a brewing "Arctic Cold War" over Greenland, January 2026 is already proving to be a transformative month for the nation.

In this deep dive, we’re looking at the four major stories dominating the headlines today, January 19, 2026.

1. The Greenland Diplomatic Crisis: Tariffs and Tensions

The biggest story on the global stage remains President Trump’s aggressive push for the United States to acquire Greenland. This weekend, the administration upped the ante by announcing a new wave of tariffs targeting several European allies—including Norway and Italy—in response to their refusal to negotiate a deal for the semi-autonomous Danish territory.

• The Military Angle: The Pentagon has reportedly solicited bids for a $25 million upgrade to the Pituffik Space Base, signaling that the U.S. is preparing for a long-term presence regardless of the diplomatic fallout.

• The Global Response: European leaders, including British PM Keir Starmer, have called the tariff threats "completely wrong," while Greenlandic citizens have taken to the streets in sub-zero temperatures to protest, chanting "Greenland is not for sale."