U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania arrive for the premiere of the documentary film "Melania" at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, recently renamed to include U.S. President Donald Trump's name, in Washington, D.C., U.S., January 29, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper
President Donald Trump appeared to throw his border czar under the bus on the black carpet of the first lady's documentary premiere at the Kennedy Center on Thursday.
As the Trumps walked the carpet, a reporter asked Trump if he planned to start "pulling back" in Minneapolis. Trump shook his head and said, "No, not at all," and walked away.
The comments come at a time when the Trump administration has signaled it is willing to shift gears in Minneapolis following the deaths of two U.S. citizens. Most recently, a 37-year-old ICU nurse named Alex Pretti was gunned down by a swarm of immigration agents during a protest, which has sparked a firestorm of outrage toward the administration.
In response, Trump removed Customs and Border Patrol commander Greg Bovino from the city and replaced him with border czar Tom Homan.
Reports indicate Homan has struck a "conciliatory" tone with local leaders like Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, which suggests the Trump administration may de-escalate the situation.
Homan told reporters earlier in the day the federal government is working on a plan to reduce the number of federal immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota.
Q: So you're not pulling back in Minnesota?
TRUMP: No no. Not at all. pic.twitter.com/JfSkzClHci
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 30, 2026