Trump’s First Vetoes of Term Two + SNAP Soda Ban Begins + Minnesota Fraud Scandal (Walz Under Fire)

It’s Thursday, January 1, 2026—and we’re starting the new year with standards, not slogans.In today’s episode of Patriot Switchboard, Harlan Mercer breaks down three stories that set the tone for 2026: President Trump uses the veto pen for the first time in his second term, drawing a hard line on cost and priorities. Then we look at the SNAP rule changes taking effect today in multiple states—tightening what benefits can be used to buy at the checkout and putting nutrition back at the center of “nutrition assistance.” Finally, House Oversight turns up the heat on Minnesota’s fraud scandals, demanding answers and accountability for public dollars that were treated like an open register.If you’re tired of excuses, bureaucratic doublespeak, and endless spending with no consequences—this one’s for you.