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View / How Democrats can keep gaining on Trump as his economic approval sinks
Trump clan distances itself from Ellisons and Paramount
The World at a Glance
Updated 5:55pm EST
1
EU leaders meet Thursday to decide whether to unlock $246 billion in frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine’s war efforts, a momentous decision with political, legal, and military ramifications.
2Oracle’s stock plunged over funding concerns for a US data center project, elevating worries on Wall Street and in Washington about the billions pouring into AI infrastructure.
3China has prototyped a machine to produce powerful AI chips, Reuters reported, a major milestone in Beijing’s quest for semiconductor self-sufficiency.
4Google is seeking Meta’s help to hasten the adoption of its AI chips, as tech giants seek to compete with Nvidia.
5Meesho became India’s best-performing major IPO of 2025, while Zepto plans a $500 million IPO, reflecting Indian investors’ appetite for e-commerce and food delivery stocks.
6Bhutan is pledging up to 10,000 bitcoin to build a new mega-city, a reflection of how certain national governments have embraced cryptocurrency.
Trump and his party enter a winter of discontent
Republicans are cringing at the president’s digressions as they divide further on potential economic fixes.
Aaron Schwartz/ReutersAnduril CEO: Incumbent defense contractors are ‘fighting dirty’
Brian Schimpf is unfazed by allegations that Anduril’s technology is unreliable, as he considers an IPO and building out the future of autonomous warfare.
US orders blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers
The blockade announcement wiped out a recent drop in oil prices, which had fallen amid hopes for a peace deal in Ukraine.
Isaac Urrutia/ReutersUS, European officials offer Ukraine NATO-like security guarantees
The issue of security guarantees had been a major hurdle blocking the path to a Ukraine-Russia peace deal.
Lisi Niesner/Pool/ReutersAD
US limits entry for Nigerians in new travel restrictions
Nigeria is one of 12 additional African countries — which also include Angola, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia — that now face new limits on visiting the US.
Nathan Howard/ReutersDOJ antitrust chief faces political pressure over WBD bidding war
Members of both parties are urging scrutiny of Netflix’s deal and a competing bid from Paramount.
Gail Slater. Mattie Neretin/CNP/Sipa USA.Trump era opens banking license for fintechs
PayPal is the latest company to apply for a license to become a bank, after years of government resistance.
Kris Tripplaar/Semafor
Politics
Doug Mills/Pool via Reuters 
Kevin Lamarque/Reuters
Leonhard Foeger/Reuters
In speech to nation, Trump defends first year back in White House
The president highlighted his “big, beautiful bill,” promising that voters will feel its effects soon.
Doug Mills/Pool via Reuters How Democrats can keep gaining on Trump as his economic approval sinks
Democrats are closing the gap with voters who don’t like how the president is handling the economy, but they have work left to do.
Kevin Lamarque/ReutersTrump allies seek White House visit for Venezuelan opposition leader
Rick Scott is among those working behind the scenes to bring María Corina Machado to meet Trump.
Leonhard Foeger/ReutersTrump and his party enter a winter of discontent
Republicans are cringing at the president’s digressions as they divide further on potential economic fixes.
Broadcaster Tafoya weighs Minnesota Senate bid
Michele Tafoya met with National Republican Senatorial Committee officials last week.
Congressional row over aircraft safety spills into public
Some lawmakers argue language in the annual defense bill would make a repeat of the January crash at Reagan National airport more likely.
White House ramps up economic sales pitch
Vice President JD Vance is appearing in Pennsylvania Tuesday to talk up the administration’s economic policies.
US ends protections for Ethiopians as part of immigration crackdown
Around 5,000 Ethiopian immigrants have been granted TPS designation since 2022, and the new rule is triggering panic among them.
Trump eyes Hassett, Warsh as finalists for Fed chair
Hassett is the favorite, but experts worry he would be excessively deferential to the White House.
More Americans using AI at work, poll finds
The share of US employees who said they used AI at work at least “a few times a year” rose to 45%.
US shutdown deadline could merge with ACA fight — again
Open enrollment for the Obamacare marketplaces ends on Jan. 15 — and a swath of government funding expires on Jan. 30.
Business
Trump clan distances itself from Ellisons and Paramount
David Ellison had counted on the Trump family’s support. Now, they’re out of the deal and out of his corner.
AI’s frontmen are blowing it
Mixed messages and rookie mistakes from Silicon Valley execs are fueling concerns of an AI bubble, giving the sense that the technology isn’t ready for primetime.
DOJ antitrust chief faces political pressure over WBD bidding war
Members of both parties are urging scrutiny of Netflix’s deal and a competing bid from Paramount.
Trump era opens banking license for fintechs
PayPal is the latest company to apply for a license to become a bank, after years of government resistance.
Activist investors are losing the Big Three
Activists complain that index funds don’t show them love, even when CEOs underperform. Data suggests that’s overwhelmingly true.
Technology
Oleksandr Oleksiienko/Kordon.Media/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images.
Startup uses AI to recycle scraps into new fabrics
The company’s AI model uses a processing machine to tweak and alter the fibers within the scrap materials.
Oleksandr Oleksiienko/Kordon.Media/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images.Anduril CEO: Incumbent defense contractors are ‘fighting dirty’
Brian Schimpf is unfazed by allegations that Anduril’s technology is unreliable, as he considers an IPO and building out the future of autonomous warfare.
Companies seeking government backing race to SPAC
Critical materials and nuclear energy companies are hoping a quick public listing will attract the attention of the Trump administration.
AI’s frontmen are blowing it
Mixed messages and rookie mistakes from Silicon Valley execs are fueling concerns of an AI bubble, giving the sense that the technology isn’t ready for primetime.
US tech stocks slide as bubble concerns mount
AI leader Oracle has lost almost half its value since its September peak, which briefly saw its founder become the world’s richest man.
Why high-quality content can thrive in an AI world
The Disney–OpenAI licensing deal is the latest example of a media company making a savvy move in the fog of AI economics.
Energy
Mike Blake/File Photo/Reuters
An Aramco oil field in Saudi Arabia. Hamad I Mohammed/Reuters.
Benoit Tessier/Reuters
Western carmakers reverse on EV plans amid China competition
Ford dropped plans for an all-electric truck, while Volkswagen is expected to extend its investment in gas-powered cars.
Mike Blake/File Photo/ReutersIEA raises prediction for global oil demand in 2026
The agency pointed to an improving macroeconomic and trade outlook for the changing picture, as well as reduced crude flows from sanctions-hit Russia and Venezuela.
An Aramco oil field in Saudi Arabia. Hamad I Mohammed/Reuters.Exxon plans to cut low-carbon spending by a third
It’s the latest sign of a pullback on decarbonization across most big oil companies.
Benoit Tessier/ReutersGulf
Courtesy of the Louvre Abu Dhabi
Gulf museum boom faces scrutiny over outsourcing to Western consultants
International consulting firms are deeply embedded in strategy, staffing, and delivery, Artnet reported.
Courtesy of the Louvre Abu DhabiSaudi hotels are seeking bartenders amid loosening alcohol curbs
The job advertisements come as signs are mounting that the kingdom could further ease restrictions around alcohol sales.
UAE seeks backing for US aluminum smelter
Emirates Global Aluminium is talking to potential investors about building an aluminum smelter in Oklahoma.
Mubadala accelerates private credit push
The real estate debt fund will focus on the Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the US, in the latest sign of Emirati funds’ continued appetite for private credit.
Saudi’s development fund plans bond debut
The National Development Fund is ramping up financing for the kingdom’s rapidly changing economy, the governor says.
Africa
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Henry Nicholls/Pool via Reuters.
Monicah Mwangi/File Photo/Reuters
UK launches new Africa strategy focused on investment over aid
Africa Minister Jenny Chapman said Britain — which this year cut its aid budget by 40% — was “moving from donor to investor.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Henry Nicholls/Pool via Reuters.British drinks maker Diageo to sell stake in East African Breweries
The deal marks the company’s second major divestment from the continent in as many years.
Monicah Mwangi/File Photo/ReutersPan-African mobile operator Airtel inks deal with Starlink
Airtel seeks to use satellite technology to enhance voice and text messaging services in its African markets.
African Development Bank raises record $11 billion for key fund
The African Development Fund lends money to 37 low-income nations on the continent.
US limits entry for Nigerians in new travel restrictions
Nigeria is one of 12 additional African countries — which also include Angola, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zambia — that now face new limits on visiting the US.
MoneyGram bets on cash advantage in Africa
The company’s CEO says physical money remittances and new digital products give it an advantage.
Security
Flavio Brancaleone/Reuters
A strike earlier this month in the Eastern Pacific. US Southern Command/Handout via ReutersLisi Niesner/Pool/Reuters
Spate of violent attacks sparks fears of Islamic State revival
The Islamic State group is a shadow of its mid-2010s heyday but remains a threat, The Telegraph reported.
Flavio Brancaleone/ReutersVenezuela conflict looms as US strikes more boats in Pacific
The latest strikes represent an escalation in the White House’s campaign on what it alleges are boats operated by drug traffickers.
A strike earlier this month in the Eastern Pacific. US Southern Command/Handout via ReutersUS, European officials offer Ukraine NATO-like security guarantees
The issue of security guarantees had been a major hurdle blocking the path to a Ukraine-Russia peace deal.
Lisi Niesner/Pool/ReutersMedia
Isabel Infantes/File Photo/Reuters
Trump sues the BBC for $10B over defamation claim
The edit of Trump’s Jan. 6, 2021 speech at the US Capitol gave the impression that the president called for violence.
Isabel Infantes/File Photo/ReutersAndy Richter on late night’s decline, Dancing With the Stars, and new media
The comedy veteran and longtime Conan O’Brien sidekick joins Mixed Signals for an existentially funny conversation about surviving three decades in entertainment.
David Remnick on 100 years of the New Yorker, Netflix, & meeting Trump
The New Yorker’s longtime editor-in-chief joins Mixed Signals for a candid conversation about the magazine.
Trump’s war on public media, with PBS CEO Paula Kerger
The chief executive of America’s public broadcaster joins Mixed Signals at a moment when public broadcasting is facing its most existential threat in decades
Hong Kong activist and media tycoon Jimmy Lai convicted
Lai has been found guilty of colluding with foreign forces to undermine national security, a further sign of the city’s shrinking tolerance for dissent.
CEO Signal
Courtesy of Lyft/Joey Pfeifer/Semafor
Courtesy of ServiceNow/Joey Pfeifer/Semafor
The Manufacturing Institute/Joey Pfeifer/Semafor
How Lyft’s David Risher seized his ‘wet cement’ moment
The CEO of the No. 2 in US ridesharing says there’s more to growth than catching ‘the other guys.’
Courtesy of Lyft/Joey Pfeifer/SemaforHow Bill McDermott’s ‘underdog desire’ drives ServiceNow
The enterprise software CEO sees AI creating ‘chaos’ inside some companies — and opportunities for his own.
Courtesy of ServiceNow/Joey Pfeifer/SemaforHow Saint-Gobain is getting US students to prize factory work
North America CEO Mark Rayfield says young Americans who visit its plants see that “it’s not your 1950s manufacturing job.”
The Manufacturing Institute/Joey Pfeifer/SemaforAD