Morning Minute: Stay Calm Behind the Wheel!

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Monday, February 2, 2026

Good morning and welcome to RedState’s “Morning Minute.” Here, you’ll find a concise rundown of the stories making headlines and a preview of what’s on the horizon. Consider this your go-to source for jumpstarting your day with the latest news.

TOP O’ THE MORNIN’

Trending Topics at RedState

In a fiery response to the recent Grammys, former President Donald Trump has lashed out at the event and its host, Trevor Noah. Upset over comments linking him to Jeffrey Epstein, Trump is threatening legal action against the host, whom he dubbed a “talentless dope.”

Elsewhere, the political scene is abuzz as reactions pour in over Zohran Mamdani’s latest moves. The public and political commentators alike are beginning to voice their opinions as the realities of his policies start to unfold.

In other news, the Oklahoma political landscape is shaking following the resignation of Representative Ajay Pittman. Caught up in a scandal involving forged checks, Pittman’s departure was seen as an inevitable conclusion to the controversy. The incident adds another chapter to “The Essex Files,” detailing this dramatic episode in state politics.

Well, it looks like the honeymoon was a short one.

THE ESSEX FILES: Oklahoma Rep. Ajay Pittman’s Forged Check Scandal Ends in Resignation – Rightly So

Oklahoma and America deserve representatives who manage campaign funds with transparency, not schemes.

Trending Across Townhall Media

Gov. Abbott Makes Clear What Texas Law Says About Carrying Guns at Protests

People have the right to keep and bear arms. In states like Minnesota, there aren’t any laws preventing them from doing it on that level, either. Abbott is just making it clear here and now that it’s perfectly legal to carry a gun at a protest in the Lone Star State.

Anti-ICE ‘Activists’ Putting Up Checkpoints in Minneapolis

What is unclear to me about this latest tactic of putting up blockades is whether Frey will see this as a good escalation or a bad one for his own political future. Unlike riots that are localized in moderately bad neighborhoods, these could impact otherwise sympathetic upper-middle-class supporters of his.

That Must Have Been One Heck of a Phone Call

The regime’s actions, more political prisoners being released, Machado’s words after talking with Trump and Rubio multiple times — the only red flags I see so far are the ones in the ignorant MSM headlines. They just want to make this out to be some sort of disaster because….well, Trump. But I continue to trust that Trump and Rubio have it very much under control, especially after Thursday’s phone call, and the moment I don’t, I’ll be the first to let you know.

A Fox News Host Wasn’t Going to Allow This Dem Senator Get Away With This Lie About ICE

They claim Trump lied. No, they’re just trying to wreck the game because they know the criminal aliens are first, followed by everyone else who entered this country illegally, but also have not committed heinous crimes in the interim.

WOW WOW WOW: Nicki Minaj Cries HAVOC and Let’s Loose the Dogs of WAR on Dems in Post After DAMNING Post

WAKE UP she says.

Man, we wish more people would.

WHAT’S ON TAP?

Today on Capitol Hill…

The House is back in session today and will be trying to get a vote to reopen the government (fully) passed. The Rules Committee is set to meet on Monday afternoon to prepare a rule for the revised spending bill. Expect lots of moving and shaking over the next day or two. The Rules Committee will also be preparing a contempt citation for Bill and Hillary Clinton for failing to appear for depositions regarding the Epstein files.

White House What’s Up

President Trump is back at the White House after a brief visit to Mar-a-Lago (to attend the wedding of his deputy chief of staff, Dan Scavino). He’ll participate in “signing time” in the Oval Office on Monday afternoon.

Keeping Up With the Cabinet

Sec. Education – Linda McMahon — McMahon shared last week’s accomplishments for the Education Department:

What a week at @usedgov!

🎉 Celebrated National School Choice Week

⚖️ Concluded SJSU violated Title IX

🔍 Found CA schools in violation of law for hiding students’ gender transitions from parents

🇺🇸 Joined the School Choice Roundtable at the @WhiteHouse

— Secretary Linda McMahon (@EDSecMcMahon) January 30, 2026

Full Court Press…

Some notable court decisions were handed down over the weekend, including:

❌ Enviromental Defense Fund, Inc. v. Wright (rescission of previous EOs re: climate/environment) — Judge William Young (Massachusetts) enters JUDGMENT in favor of plaintiffs as to Dept. of Energy.
❌ LULAC v. Exec. Office of the President/DNC v. Trump/League of Women Voters v. Trump (election law) — Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly grants in part/denies in part/defers in part cross-motions for summary judgment.
✅ Minnesota v. Noem (Operation Metro Surge) — Judge Katherine Menendez (Minnesota) DENIES plaintiffs’ motion for preliminary injunction.

Supreme Court arguments will resume the week of February 23rd.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

Per White House Press Secretary, President Trump has a busy week ahead.

.@PressSec previews the week ahead: “The President’s going to have another busy week, as always. You’re going to hear from him — some more drug pricing announcements will be coming this week, as well as some other economic-related news.” pic.twitter.com/TcySLUDwOK

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 1, 2026

Also, the Winter Olympics start this week — events begin Wednesday, though the Opening Ceremony doesn’t take place until Friday.

MORNING MUSING

On this, Groundhog Day, despite my disappointment in Punxsutawny Phil for cursing us with six more weeks of winter, I feel compelled to share this evergreen Public Service Announcement. Just as Bill Murray warned the agitated rodent in the movie so many years ago (how has it been 33 years?!): Don’t drive angry.

It’s really just some solid advice when you think about it. Some people on the roads are real idiots, and it’s beyond annoying (and sometimes downright alarming). But don’t let them get the better of you — you drive smart and arrive at your destination safe and sound!