Rahm Emanuel, a longtime Democrat and former Obama White House chief of staff, sat down with NPR's Steve Inskeep in Washington, D.C., on January 20, 2026, to discuss the state of U.S. politics under President Trump. Emanuel positioned himself as a voice steering clear of both corporate 'monopolists' and far-left 'Marxists,' while critiquing his own party and the administration ahead of midterm elections that could shift control of Congress.
Background
Emanuel built a career in Democratic politics over decades. He served as mayor of Chicago from 2011 to 2019, handling budget crises and school reforms during tough times. Before that, he was Obama's top aide from 2009 to 2010, pushing through health care reform and economic recovery plans after the 2008 crash. Most recently, he wrapped up his role as U.S. ambassador to Japan, where he worked on trade deals and security ties in the Pacific.
Now back in the U.S., Emanuel is testing waters for a possible presidential run. He has appeared on podcasts and shows hosted by conservatives, like Megyn Kelly, to reach beyond his base. There, he addressed hot-button issues like transgender rights in a way that drew praise from the host. He even joked about needing 'witness protection' for crossing party lines. This interview with Inskeep marks his return to mainstream media, where he laid out a broader vision for Democrats and America.
The talk comes as Trump starts his second term. Immigration enforcement is ramping up, with ICE agents carrying out large-scale deportations. Global alliances are under strain, especially with the war in Ukraine testing U.S. commitments. Midterm elections loom large, with control of the House and Senate on the line. Emanuel sees these as make-or-break moments for the country.
Key Details
Emanuel opened by saying America is exporting its political problems abroad. He pointed to ICE, calling it a 'lawless mob' instead of a proper law enforcement agency. He said it lacks oversight and clear purpose, leading to disorder at the border and beyond.
'ICE as we know it, because it's not become it's not a law enforcement entity anymore. It's become a lawless mob. And you can see the action. And the American people agree with this conclusion.' – Rahm Emanuel
He referenced a specific case: an ICE agent who shot Renee Mlin, leaving the agent with physical, mental, and emotional scars. Emanuel argued this shows deeper issues like missing supervision. He called for Congress to add changes to ICE funding through appropriations bills.
On foreign policy, Emanuel warned that U.S. actions are eroding trust with allies. In Ukraine, partners question if American promises will last. He said the damage goes beyond economics to include freedom of the seas and other core interests. Fixing it would take more than a simple reset—fundamental reforms are needed.
Emanuel turned to his party next. He believes Democrats have lost focus by overemphasizing social issues at the expense of the economy and education. He pushes for community policing, starting with building trust in neighborhoods. 'The first word is community,' he said. 'It's working with the community. When you have a wall of distrust that breaks down everything.'
Midterm Strategy
For the midterms, Emanuel advised Democrats to hammer the Trump team on its risks. He called their approach 'massively dangerous and damaging' to America in the short, medium, and long term. At the same time, he urged his party to rethink priorities. A run for president could let him challenge old ideas within Democrats, pulling them toward the center.
He described his stance as avoiding extremes: the 'monopolists' on the corporate right who favor big business over workers, and the 'Marxists' on the left pushing radical changes that scare moderates. Emanuel wants practical fixes—strong borders with humanity, secure alliances, and jobs that pay well.
What This Means
Emanuel's words signal a potential shift in Democratic strategy. His critique of ICE and foreign policy gives opponents ammunition against Trump, especially if scandals grow. Polls show many Americans share his view that immigration handling is chaotic, which could sway independents in key races.
For Democrats, his call to refocus on bread-and-butter issues like jobs and schools might appeal in swing districts. Places like Pennsylvania and Michigan, hit hard by factory closures, could respond to less talk on culture wars and more on paychecks. If Emanuel runs for president, he positions as a fighter who knows Washington inside out.
Global partners are watching. Leaders in Europe and Asia want steady U.S. leadership. Emanuel's push for reforms suggests any new administration would face tough work rebuilding credibility. In Japan, where he served, trade tensions with China linger, and his experience there could shape future policy.
The midterms will test these ideas. Republicans hold slim majorities now, but turnout and turnout alone could flip seats. Emanuel's community policing pitch aims at cities with rising crime worries. His outsider-insider status—tough Chicago mayor meets D.C. strategist—might draw voters tired of gridlock.
Immigration remains a flashpoint. Deportations are up, with families split and agents overwhelmed. Emanuel's reform ideas, tying funding to oversight, could become a bipartisan bill if pressure builds. On Ukraine, his trust warning highlights risks if aid falters, potentially emboldening Russia.
Emanuel's path between extremes reflects a broader divide. Many in the middle want order without overreach, security without isolation. His interview lays out a roadmap: fix home first, then lead abroad. As campaigns heat up, his voice could grow louder, shaping debates on the trail and in Congress.
