Trump Backs Noem, Shifts Minnesota Plan | Balance of Power: Early Edition 01/27/2026

In the early edition of "Balance of Power," Bloomberg's Washington Correspondent Joe Mathieu discusses President Donald Trump's evolving strategy in Minnesota. The segment features interviews with former Acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, Stonecourt Capital Partner Rick Davis, Harvard Kennedy School's Ash Center Visiting Democracy Fellow Jeanne Sheehan Zaino, and Cohen Group Senior Advisor Jen Gavito. The key points covered include President Trump's decision to back South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, and his shifting focus on Minnesota, a state he narrowly lost in the 2020 election. The panel discusses the potential implications of these moves, as well as the broader political landscape leading up to the 2026 midterm elections. The discussion provides insights into the strategic considerations and shifting dynamics within the Republican Party, as well as the ongoing efforts to sway critical swing states like Minnesota. The article highlights the importance of political analysis and the role of expert commentary in understanding the evolving political landscape.