Trump 2.0

Monday, Jan 20th, 2025

World Events — Welcoming Trump 2.0 

The Economists

The upcoming second Trump inauguration in January 2025 presents striking contrasts to his first in 2017. Due to frigid temperatures, the ceremony will be held indoors for the first time in 40 years, with J.D. Vance, a relatively inexperienced but loyal figure, replacing Mike Pence as vice president. Unlike his first term, Trump now enjoys broader international support, with leaders from Argentina, Italy, and representatives from China and India planning to attend. The public reaction has been notably different as well, with smaller protests and even former critics like Snoop Dogg and tech billionaires showing support.

While Trump appears to be at the peak of his power, he faces both opportunities and challenges in implementing lasting change. He has shown more strategic coordination with Congress, working closely with House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, though Senate approval of his cabinet nominees may prove challenging. While the Republican Party outwardly embraces MAGA principles on issues like tax cuts, immigration, and energy production, many pre-Trump conservative orthodoxies remain influential in Congress. The administration plans to begin with executive orders on immigration and trade, but creating a lasting legacy will require successfully navigating congressional relationships and winning tougher battles of persuasion.

Technology — Instagram Unveils New Features After TikTok Banned 

Meta

In a strategic move amid TikTok's temporary shutdown due to a federal ban, Instagram announced its new video editing app, Edits, which will launch in February 2025. The app will offer comprehensive creative tools for video editing, including green screens, overlays, and transitions. The timing coincided with TikTok's brief service interruption following a new national security law, though service was restored after President-elect Trump paused the ban's enforcement. While TikTok's future remains uncertain with requirements for ByteDance to sell 50% of its US operations, Instagram positioned itself to capitalize on the situation by promoting its platform to TikTok users through App Store advertisements and potentially attracting creators looking for alternative platforms for their content creation and editing needs.

Economics — Bank of Japan Raises Rates 

Bank of Japan Deputy Governor Ryozo Himino has indicated that the central bank may raise interest rates at next week's monetary policy meeting (January 23-24, 2025), going beyond recent comments from BOJ Governor Kazuo Ueda. In his speech to business leaders in Yokohama, Himino emphasized the importance of timing and confirmed the board will discuss whether to raise policy rates based on their upcoming economic outlook. While noting various risks and uncertainties, including 2025 wage hikes and U.S. economic policy under the incoming Trump administration, Himino expressed confidence in solid wage increases for the year, citing labor shortages and minimum wage increases. Markets are currently pricing in a 60% chance of a rate hike next week and an 82% chance by March, with BOJ officials also likely to discuss raising their inflation outlook due to rising rice costs and a weakening yen.

Health — What is Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

Cleveland Clinic 

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of PMS that affects up to 10% of women and people assigned female at birth, causing both physical symptoms and serious psychological effects in the weeks before menstruation. While sharing common PMS symptoms like bloating and headaches, PMDD also triggers severe anxiety, depression, mood swings, and in some cases, suicidal thoughts. The condition, which is listed in the DSM-5 as a depressive disorder, may be linked to changing levels of estrogen, progesterone, and serotonin, though experts aren't certain of the exact cause. Risk factors include having anxiety, depression, PMS, or a family history of mood disorders. Treatment options include SSRIs (antidepressants), hormonal birth control, dietary changes, exercise, and stress management techniques, with most people finding relief through treatment and experiencing a reduction in symptoms after menopause.

Baking — Manju 

Spruce Eats

A classic Japanese dessert that is a steamed cake with red bean fillings. Enjoy! 

Song Recommendation — I Will Always Love You (Dolly Parton) 

Quote of the Day 

If a problem can be solved, then it’s not worth worrying about. If a problem can’t be solved, then it is useless to worry about it. — Dalai Lama 

Are you still having your Americano?