President Trump Disputes "Assassin" Narrative, Heads to Iowa for Midterm Push

Video Description

President Trump spoke with reporters on the South Lawn Tuesday before departing for Clive, Iowa, to deliver remarks on the economy. The gaggle was dominated by questions regarding the fatal shooting of ICU nurse Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis. Key moments from the departure: Disputing the "Assassin" Label: When asked if he agreed with deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller’s characterization of Pretti as an "assassin," the President explicitly said "No." Investigation Promised: Trump called the shooting a "very sad situation" and pledged a "big" and "honorable" investigation that he would oversee personally. Backing Noem: He confirmed that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem would not be resigning, despite mounting pressure. Midterm Message: Attempting to pivot to his Iowa agenda, he briefly touted the economy, stating, "The economy is good... prices are coming way down." On January 27, 2026, President Trump held a press gaggle on the South Lawn of the White House before departing for a rally and economic speech in Clive, Iowa. The session focused on domestic unrest following a fatal shooting by federal agents in Minneapolis and foreign policy updates regarding the Middle East. Key Remarks and Topics Minneapolis Shooting & Investigation: Trump stated he wants a "very honorable and honest investigation" into the death of Alex Pretti, a U.S. A citizen and an ICU nurse were killed by federal agents. He emphasized he would be "watching over it" personally. Personnel & Resignations: Kristi Noem: Trump defended Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, stating she is doing a "very good job" and will not be stepping down despite calls for her resignation from Congressional Democrats. Tom Homan: He confirmed that Border Czar Tom Homan was sent to Minneapolis to meet with Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey to oversee operations. Greg Bovino: He noted that acting Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino and some other federal agents would be leaving Minnesota starting that day. Foreign Policy (Syria): Trump reported a "great conversation" with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, remarking that regional developments were "working out very, very well". Rebuttal of "Assassin" Label: When asked about the "assassin" description previously used by Deputy Chief of staff Stephen Miller to describe Alex Pretti, Trump distanced himself from the term, saying "not as an—no". Event Context The president then departed via Marine One for Joint Base Andrews to travel to Iowa. His subsequent speech in Clive was intended to pivot his administration's focus toward affordability, energy prices, and the economy ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Join this channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKBNaxsFV4hpGVc8QOUmsFg/join Defense Now | January 2026 https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLe95fdmDwNk8TAkbmuPiMHtezFlT0xowE&si=KbKT5CD8NZMx-11- Members-only videos https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=UUMOKBNaxsFV4hpGVc8QOUmsFg President Trump Gaggles with Press Before Departing the White House, Jan. 27, 2026 Film Credits: White House Communications Agency Trump Disputes "Assassin" Claim in Pretti Case Before Iowa Departure Departure Gaggle: Trump Calls Minneapolis Shooting "Very Sad," Backs Noem President Trump Addresses Minneapolis Fallout Before Leaving for Iowa Trump Rejecting "Assassin" Label for Alex Pretti During WH Departure Midterm Pivot: Trump Heads to Iowa to Talk Economy Amid Crisis Trump Defends Noem, Touts Economy Before 2026 Kickoff in Clive Departure Remarks: Balancing the Minneapolis Investigation and Midterm Strategy "It’s All Good": Trump Pivots to Economy as He Departs for Iowa Trump: "No" to Assassin Claim Departure Gaggle: Trump on Minneapolis & Noem Trump’s Final Words Before Iowa