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1. USAID Shutdown Looms

• Here's what happened: President Donald Trump and Government Efficiency lead Elon Musk are taking steps to dismantle the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and shift its remaining functions under the State Department. USAID’s funding has been frozen, and dozens of employees have been placed on leave. Musk stated in an X Spaces conversation on February 3 that he and Trump agreed the agency should be shut down. (Jonathan Landay, Steve Holland, and Daphne Psaledakis, Reuters).

• Here's why it matters: Trump’s efforts to scale back government agencies have gained momentum, with Republican lawmakers rallying behind his push to eliminate the Department of Education as well. The freeze on USAID aligns with a broader strategy to consolidate executive branch operations, particularly those seen as inefficient or misaligned with Trump’s policy objectives. (Elizabeth Elkind, Fox News).

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Conservative outlets highlight how the USAID website has gone dark amid Trump’s reported plans to shift the agency under the State Department. Some argue this move aligns with broader efforts to cut bureaucratic waste and eliminate agencies that don’t directly serve U.S. interests. (Tyler Durden, ZeroHedge).

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Liberal sources focus on Musk’s direct involvement in the decision, noting his claim that Trump agreed USAID should be “shut down.” Reports highlight concerns from officials who see the agency’s closure as a disruption to U.S. foreign aid and diplomacy efforts. (Jennifer Hansler, Alex Marquardt, and Lex Harvey, CNN).

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2. Trump’s Gaza Plan

• Here's what happened: President Donald Trump suggested that the U.S. should “take over” the Gaza Strip while speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday. Trump proposed that the U.S. could clean up and redevelop Gaza, describing it as a “hellhole” that could be transformed into the “Riviera of the Middle East” after Palestinians are resettled elsewhere. (Laura Kelly, The Hill).

• Here's why it matters: Trump’s proposal raises questions about the feasibility, legality, and geopolitical implications of a U.S. occupation of Gaza. Critics argue the idea diverts attention from the core issue of Israeli-Palestinian conflict resolution and could escalate regional tensions. Experts note that such a move could face significant international opposition and logistical challenges. (Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News).

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Conservative sources highlight Trump's remarks about the U.S. potentially using military force in Gaza. Supporters see his proposal as a bold vision for stabilizing the region, though some question its practicality. (Mallory Wilson and Jeff Mordock, The Washington Times).

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Left-leaning sources focus on Trump’s characterization of Gaza and his assertion that the U.S. would "own" it. Critics argue that the plan disregards Palestinian sovereignty and could inflame tensions in the Middle East. (Al Jazeera, Al Jazeera).

3. Bondi’s DOJ Overhaul

• Here's what happened: Pam Bondi was sworn in as Attorney General in the Oval Office on February 5, following a contentious confirmation process. Despite strong Democratic opposition, Bondi’s nomination passed the Senate with a 54-46 vote, gaining the support of only one Democrat, Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania. On her first day, Bondi announced initiatives to combat what she called the "weaponization" of the justice system, enforce the death penalty more aggressively, and target cartels. (Brett Samuels, The Hill).

• Here's why it matters: Bondi has ordered a full review of cases against Trump, a move that could have significant implications for ongoing legal battles involving the former president. Her appointment signals a shift in the Justice Department’s priorities, aligning more closely with Trump’s vision of law enforcement, including strict immigration policies and challenges to federal oversight of local jurisdictions. (Alanna Durkin Richer and Eric Tucker, AP).

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Conservative outlets emphasize Bondi’s immediate action to halt federal funding for sanctuary cities, a key campaign promise of Trump’s reelection bid. Supporters argue that this move reinforces the rule of law and protects communities from crime linked to illegal immigration. (Spencer Lindquist, The Daily Wire).

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Liberal sources highlight Bondi’s swift and sweeping policy changes, particularly her directive to ban federal funds from going to sanctuary cities. Critics argue that her approach could increase tensions between the federal government and local jurisdictions, undermining protections for immigrant communities. (Kelly Rissman, The Independent).

4. Nationwide Anti-Trump Protests

• Here's what happened: Protests erupted in cities across the U.S. on Wednesday as demonstrators voiced opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies, Elon Musk’s influence, and the conservative policy agenda known as Project 2025. Protesters gathered in front of state capitol buildings and city halls in at least 14 states and Washington, D.C., calling Trump’s administration “fascist” and urging people to take action to “save democracy.” (Morgan Lee, AP).

• Here's why it matters: The scale and coordination of these protests signal a growing resistance movement against Trump’s second term. Organizers say the demonstrations reflect deep concerns over policy shifts on immigration, civil rights, and the role of government under Project 2025. Protesters believe that grassroots action is necessary to counter Trump’s agenda. (John Bacon, Karissa Waddick, and Jorge L. Ortiz, USA TODAY).

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Conservative outlets emphasize how the protests were fueled by online organizing, including the hashtag #50501, which stood for 50 protests in 50 states on one day. Some voices on the right dismiss the demonstrations as overblown outrage, arguing that Trump's policies were mandated by his reelection. (Greg Wehner, Fox News).

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Progressive sources argue that public opinion alone will not stop Trump’s agenda and that direct action—such as protests, strikes, and activism—is the only way to prevent the erosion of democratic norms. Some commentators view this moment as a crucial test of resistance against Trump’s policies. (Anat Shenker-Osorio, Rolling Stone).

Sponsored by Masterworks

Over the last seven elections, this asset class has outpaced the S&P 500

Instead of trying to predict which party will win, and where to invest afterwards, why not invest in an ‘election-proof’ alternative asset? The sector is currently in a softer cycle, but over the last seven elections (1995-2023) blue-chip contemporary art has outpaced the S&P 500 by 64% even despite the recent dip, regardless of the victors, and we have conviction it will rebound to these levels long-term.

Now, thanks to Masterworks’ art investing platform, you can easily diversify into this asset class without needing millions or art expertise, alongside 65,000+ other art investors. From their 23 exits so far, Masterworks investors have realized representative annualized net returns like +17.6%, +17.8%, and +21.5% (among assets held longer than one year), even despite a recent dip in the art market.*

It's easy to get started at Masterworks, and our readers can SKIP THE WAITLIST HERE.

The content is not intended to provide legal, tax, or investment advice. No money is being solicited or will be accepted until the offering statement for a particular offering has been qualified by the SEC. Offers may be revoked at any time. Contacting Masterworks involves no commitment or obligation. 

“Net Annualized Return” refers to the annualized internal rate of return net of all fees and expenses, calculated from the offering closing date to the date the sale is consummated. IRR may not be indicative of Masterworks paintings not yet sold and past performance is not indicative of future results. For additional information regarding the calculation of IRR for a particular investment in an artwork that has been sold, a reconciliation will be filed as an exhibit to Form 1-U and will be available on the SEC’s website. Masterworks has realized illustrative annualized net returns of 17.6% (1067 days held), 17.8% (672 days held), and 21.5% (638 days held) on 13 works held longer than one year (not inclusive of works held less than one year and unsold works).

Contemporary art data based on repeat-sales index of historical Post-War & Contemporary Art market prices from 1995 to 2023, developed by Masterworks. There are significant limitations to comparative asset class data. Indices are unmanaged and a Masterworks investor cannot invest directly in an index.

5. Google Ends DEI Hiring

• Here's what happened: Google announced on Wednesday that it will no longer set diversity-based hiring targets, citing a recent executive order from President Donald Trump. The company sent a memo to employees stating that it remains committed to equal opportunities but will no longer use target diversity numbers in its hiring process. The memo also suggested that other diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs may be scaled back. (Kenrick Cai, Reuters).

• Here's why it matters: Google’s move marks a significant shift in corporate hiring policies, reflecting broader changes in the tech industry following Trump’s executive order banning DEI practices among federal contractors. Other companies, like Meta, have already taken similar steps to eliminate DEI initiatives, sparking debates over the role of diversity in corporate hiring. (Britney Nguyen, Quartz).

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Conservative sources praise Google’s decision, viewing it as a step toward merit-based hiring and the elimination of what they see as discriminatory DEI policies. Some argue that diversity initiatives have led to hiring decisions based on identity rather than qualifications. (Madeline Leesman, Townhall).

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Liberal sources frame the rollback as a direct result of Trump’s executive order and a broader push to dismantle workplace diversity efforts. Critics warn that removing DEI initiatives could reduce opportunities for historically underrepresented groups in tech and corporate leadership. (Nico Grant, The New York Times).

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