On this episode of The Brief, host Patrick Gunnels covers the geopolitical excitement as foreign leaders vie for a seat at Trump’s historic second inauguration. Explore the implications of Biden's rumored preemptive pardons, Jack Smith’s resignation, and the power shifts shaping the National Security Council. Dive into the LA water chief scandal, Elon Musk’s battles with the EU, and Saudi Arabia’s call for lifting sanctions on Syria. Packed with sharp insights and compelling commentary, this episode dissects the narratives shaping today’s headlines.