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1. Trump’s Return

• Here's what happened: President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance took the oath of office on Monday, marking the start of Trump’s second term in the White House. In his inaugural speech, Trump pledged to restore America to a “golden age” and an era of common sense. He emphasized policies aimed at curbing immigration and ending initiatives like the Green New Deal and electric vehicle mandates. (Brooke Singman & Adam Shaw, Fox News)

• Here's why it matters: Shortly after inauguration, Trump signed several executive orders, including a ban on birthright citizenship and a national emergency declaration at the southern border. He also delayed the TikTok ban and issued pardons for Jan. 6 defendants, signaling his administration’s immediate focus on immigration and national security. (NBC News)

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Some commentators on the right view Trump’s inauguration as a clear rebuke to his critics, framing the outrage it sparked as a sign of his political impact. They argue that offending “the worst people” underscores Trump’s commitment to policies and rhetoric aimed at reshaping the Washington establishment. (Brady Leonard, Washington Examiner)

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Left-leaning observers criticize the president’s speech for pledging national unity while simultaneously attacking political opponents. They highlight Trump’s past legal troubles and question his claims of ushering in a “golden age,” suggesting his promises are undercut by his divisive rhetoric and criminal convictions. (Rex Huppke, USA Today)

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2. January 6 Pardons

• Here's what happened: As one of his first actions in office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order granting clemency to nearly 1,600 people charged in connection with the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Trump described their treatment as “very unfair,” comparing their sentences to those of convicted murderers, who he claimed can receive lighter penalties. The president argued these individuals had already spent significant time behind bars. (Tristan Justice, The Federalist)

• Here's why it matters: Experts worry these pardons could legitimize political violence and embolden extremist groups. They point to the potential for renewed support of violent behavior if perpetrators receive leniency for actions tied to political unrest. (Ali Swenson & Lindsay Whitehurst, AP)

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Some on the right caution that the rationale behind these pardons may be perilous, warning that granting clemency for politically motivated offenses sets a risky precedent. They argue it blurs the line between exercising executive power and endorsing anti-democratic behavior. (Dan McLaughlin, National Review)

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Critics on the left emphasize that judges have denounced the pardons as based on a “revisionist myth” of the January 6 events. They contend the clemency ignores established facts about the riot and undermines the judiciary’s role in holding perpetrators accountable. (Adam Gabbatt, The Guardian)

3. Palestinian Detainees Released

• Here's what happened: While international attention focused on Israeli hostages freed under a recent Israel-Hamas ceasefire, Israel also released 90 Palestinian detainees. The group included 69 women and 21 children, who returned home a day after the Israelis were freed. Israel is expected to release 30–50 Palestinian prisoners for every Israeli hostage freed, signaling an ongoing exchange. (Wafaa Shurafa, Samy Magdy, Melanie Lidman & Sam Mednick, AP)

• Here's why it matters: Palestinians have celebrated the return of these detainees, many of whom were reportedly held without formal charges. Observers say the release may influence broader perceptions of the conflict, reflecting the complex dynamics of prisoner exchanges in regional negotiations. (Al Jazeera Staff, Al Jazeera)

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Commentary on the right highlights concerns about the United Nations’ involvement, suggesting that international bodies often extend sympathy or support to groups with ties to terrorism. Critics argue such actions may inadvertently bolster organizations that threaten Israel’s security. (Zachary Faria, Washington Examiner)

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Released Palestinian prisoners have denounced what they describe as unjust or illogical arrests, questioning the legal grounds for their detention. Their stories highlight human rights concerns and raise questions about Israel’s judicial processes amid the ongoing conflict. (Lorenzo Tondo & Sufian Taha, The Guardian)

4. Congress Passes Laken Riley Act

• Here's what happened: On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Laken Riley Act, which requires the detention of undocumented immigrants for certain nonviolent crimes such as theft or shoplifting. The vote was 263–156, with 46 Democrats in favor; the Senate previously passed the measure 64–35, with support from 12 Democrats. The bill now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature, marking the first major legislative initiative of the new GOP-controlled Congress. (Elizabeth Elkind, Fox News)

• Here's why it matters: This legislation’s focus on mandatory detention for specific nonviolent offenses signals a tougher approach to immigration enforcement. Supporters emphasize that it aims to close perceived loopholes, while critics argue it may lead to overdetention of individuals who pose minimal risk. Its passage sets the tone for forthcoming immigration debates under the new administration. (Adriana Gomez Licon, AP)

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Right-leaning voices frame the Laken Riley Act as a “commonsense” measure, praising the bipartisan support that will deliver an early win for the Trump administration. They note it fulfills campaign promises to crack down on illegal immigration and enhance border security efforts. (Ramsey Touchberry & Mabinty Quarshie, Washington Examiner)

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Some left-leaning commentators criticize the bill as a “racist immigration bill,” highlighting the 46 Democrats who joined Republicans in passing it. They argue it unjustly targets vulnerable groups and risks criminalizing individuals who pose no real threat to public safety. (Hafiz Rashid, The New Republic)

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.*

“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. Birthright Citizenship Order Blocked

• Here's what happened: President Donald Trump issued an executive order restricting birthright citizenship, prompting lawsuits from 18 Democratic state attorneys general who contend it violates the 14th Amendment. On Thursday, a federal judge called the order “blatantly unconstitutional” and granted a temporary restraining order, pausing its enforcement for 14 days. The measure aimed to end automatic U.S. citizenship for children born on American soil if their parents lack lawful status or are only temporarily authorized. (Tierney Sneed, CNN)

• Here's why it matters: This judicial intervention highlights the constitutional hurdles of redefining birthright citizenship and underscores the broader legal battle that the Trump administration faces on immigration. Legal experts note that the 14th Amendment’s language and historical interpretation will be central in forthcoming arguments. (Mike Catalini & Gene Johnson, AP)

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Supporters of the order maintain that Trump’s interpretation of the 14th Amendment aligns with the Founders’ original intent, arguing the current practice of birthright citizenship is overly broad. They believe restricting automatic citizenship for children of unauthorized parents is both logical and legally justifiable. (Matthew Raymer, The Federalist)

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Critics assert that nearly every component of the executive order is inaccurate or unconstitutional, challenging Trump’s interpretation of the 14th Amendment. They argue that the administration’s stance ignores long-standing legal precedents and misrepresents the core principles behind birthright citizenship. (Elie Mystal, The Nation)

Sunday Sneak Peak

⛳ 800 rounds, a putting green, and a presidential passion—Eisenhower didn’t just play golf; he redefined it. What drove this White House golfer to change the game?

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