Trump Signs Executive Orders Reshaping Military Policies

President Trump signed multiple executive orders on Monday night addressing military policies on diversity, transgender service members, and those discharged for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. One order reinstates service members who were dismissed for refusing the vaccine, affecting about 8,200 personnel, though the mandate was rescinded in 2023, and some have already rejoined. Another order directs the Pentagon to reassess policies for transgender service members, though it does not implement an immediate ban. Trump also signed an order banning race and gender-based preferences in military recruitment and training, aiming to eliminate DEI initiatives. Additionally, he issued an order to begin developing an "American Iron Dome," a missile defense shield for the U.S., inspired by Israel’s system.

Source: CBS News

Attorney General Fires Prosecutors Who Investigated Trump

Acting Attorney General James McHenry fired more than a dozen prosecutors involved in the criminal investigations of former President Donald Trump, citing concerns that they would not "faithfully implement" the president’s agenda. Supporters of the firings argue that they are necessary to restore political neutrality and accountability within the Justice Department, which they believe was weaponized against President Trump. Other legal experts and Justice Department veterans criticized the move as unprecedented and unlawful, as career prosecutors are typically shielded from politically motivated dismissals. The shake-up comes amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to restructure the Justice Department, with several senior officials being reassigned or resigning.

Source: The New York Times

Stock Market Takes a Hit Amid DeepSeek AI Concerns

The stock market took a significant hit on Monday, with concerns over the emergence of DeepSeek, a Chinese-developed AI model, potentially triggering a broader market correction. The S&P 500 fell 1.5%, while the Nasdaq Composite dropped over 3%, led by steep losses in tech giants like Nvidia (-16%) and Broadcom (-17%). Despite earlier resilience in 2024, investors may now be acting on long-standing concerns about high valuations, inflation, and Federal Reserve policy. Defensive stocks, including healthcare and consumer staples, saw gains as investors sought stability. Nvidia emphasized that DeepSeek’s success actually highlights the ongoing need for its chips in China. The company pointed out that DeepSeek relied on 2,000 H800 chips, which comply with U.S. export restrictions, and that continued AI expansion in China will require even more of its hardware.

Sources: Barron’s, Reuters

Displaced Palestinians Return to Northern Gaza Under Ceasefire Agreement

For the first time in 15 months, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians returned to northern Gaza on Monday as part of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The Netzarim Corridor, which bisects the Gaza Strip, was opened after Israeli troops withdrew to buffer zones along the territory’s edges. Many families walked for miles, carrying their belongings, to find their homes in Gaza City and Jabalya reduced to rubble. The return of civilians was a key demand of Hamas in ceasefire negotiations, although reports suggest that Hamas fighters are also moving northward. The ceasefire, which began on January 19, has already seen the release of several Israeli hostages, though disputes remain over future exchanges and the fate of the remaining captives. The long-term future of Gaza remains uncertain, as discussions on rebuilding and governance are set to take place only if the ceasefire holds beyond early March.

Notes: Since the ceasefire began, seven of 25 living Israeli hostages have been released.

Source: The Washington Post