If you walked past the north fence of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue this morning, things might look quiet, but inside, the West Wing is basically a beehive of high-stakes financial threats and media warfare. Honestly, it’s a lot. Between a looming deadline for the nation’s biggest banks and a brewing legal fight with 60 Minutes, the vibe is less "Sunday rest" and more "war room."
The big question everyone is asking about what's happening at the white house today centers on your wallet. President Trump has set a hard line for January 20—just two days away—for credit card companies to cap interest rates at 10%. If you’ve looked at your statement lately and seen 24% or 29%, you know why this is a massive deal. Wall Street is currently panicking, and the White House is doubling down.
The 10% Cap: Trump’s Credit Card Ultimatum
The National Economic Council, led by Kevin Hassett, has been grinding away on an executive action that would essentially force banks to slash rates. It’s a move that has the financial sector in a full-blown meltdown. JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Citigroup have already used their earnings calls this past week to warn that this will "constrict credit." Basically, they’re saying if they can't charge high interest, they just won’t give cards to lower-income folks.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt isn't buying it. She’s framed this as a "demand," not a request. The administration is even considering easing some bank liquidity standards to sweeten the deal, but the core message is clear: the 10% cap is the goal.
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It's a wild gamble. On one hand, you've got millions of Americans drowning in debt who would see immediate relief. On the other, you have economists like Rob Nichols from the American Bankers Association warning that this could "devastate" small business lending.
The 60 Minutes Legal Threat
While the bank fight brews, there’s a separate fire burning in the communications office. You might have seen the headlines about a leaked audio recording where Leavitt reportedly told CBS News, "We’ll sue your ass off" if they edited the President’s recent interview.
60 Minutes is airing a report tonight, January 18, 2026, titled "Inside CECOT," focusing on the deportation of gang members to El Salvador. The White House is already on the offensive. Spokeswoman Abigail Jackson has been vocal, telling the network they should spend more time on "Angel Parents" instead of the due process of deported MS-13 members.
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This isn't just a standard press spat. It’s part of a broader strategy to control the narrative without the "filter" of traditional editing. CBS says they planned to air the Jan. 13 interview in full anyway, but the threat of a lawsuit—and the $16 million Paramount already paid toward the Trump library to settle a previous dispute—shows just how much leverage the White House thinks it has right now.
Military Movements and the Insurrection Act
There’s also a heavy shadow hanging over the Midwest. The Pentagon has put 1,500 active-duty soldiers on standby for potential deployment to Minnesota. This follows the President’s threat to invoke the Insurrection Act.
Governor Tim Walz has already mobilized the National Guard, but the White House is signaling that federal intervention is on the table if local law enforcement can't keep a lid on things. It’s a "wait and see" situation, but the 1,500 troops are ready to move at a moment's notice.
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The Greenland Campaign and NATO Tariffs
Meanwhile, the "America First" trade desk is busy. Today, U.S. senators are wrapping up a trip to Denmark, but the real story is the pressure campaign for Greenland.
The President has announced new tariffs against NATO members, using trade as a hammer to get what he wants. It’s a move that has European leaders scrambling. It’s not just about land; it’s about Arctic resources and strategic positioning. The White House view is simple: if you want U.S. protection, you have to play ball on trade and territory.
What You Should Watch For
If you're trying to keep track of what's happening at the white house today, keep an eye on these specific movements:
- The 60 Minutes Broadcast: Watch how the administration reacts to the "Inside CECOT" report at 7:00 PM EST. Expect a flurry of Truth Social posts if the framing doesn't go their way.
- Bank Negotiations: The Jan. 20 deadline is nearly here. Watch for any last-minute "liquidity swaps" offered to banks in exchange for the 10% cap.
- The Minnesota Standby: Any movement of the 1,500 troops from the Pentagon will be a massive escalation in domestic policy.
The administration is currently juggling a "DOGE" (Department of Government Efficiency) audit alongside these major policy shifts. It's a chaotic, high-energy environment that aims to disrupt the status quo before the upcoming anniversary of the inauguration.
Actionable Insights for You
- Check your card rates: If the 10% cap goes through, you need to know your current APR to see how much you’ll save. Don't assume the bank will automatically notify you of the "Trump Cap" immediately.
- Monitor the news cycle: With the 60 Minutes situation, the "Media Offenders" list on the White House website is likely to be updated. It’s a good way to see which outlets the administration is currently targeting.
- Prepare for travel shifts: If you're in the Midwest or have family in Minnesota, the potential invocation of the Insurrection Act could lead to road closures or increased security presence.
The White House today is essentially a focal point for a massive restructuring of how the U.S. handles its money, its media, and its borders. It’s fast-moving, and by tomorrow morning, the landscape could look entirely different.