Welcome back to your daily memorandum talking tech, business, AI, markets, and more. 🗞️

In today’s edition we are tackling the following:

🇺🇸 Trump signs executive order challenging birthright citizenship.
📱 Meta attracts TikTok creators with $5K bonuses and content deals for Reels.
💼 Netflix reports record 19 million new subscribers and revenue growth.
⚔️ Israeli military chief resigns after failing to prevent the October 7 Hamas attack.
💥 Trump’s meme coin faces ethical concerns and sharp price fluctuations.

TECH

•  Trump revokes Biden executive order addressing AI risks

  • President Trump repealed a Biden-era executive order focused on AI risk management, citing regulatory overreach.

  • Critics argue the move weakens AI safety measures, while supporters claim it will spur innovation and competitiveness.

  • Industry leaders are calling for alternative frameworks to ensure responsible AI development without stifling progress.

• WhatsApp to introduce login status sharing across Meta’s apps

  • Meta is testing a new feature to sync login status across WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook via the Accounts Center.

  • Users can control which apps share their active status, raising privacy concerns amid Meta's ongoing data scrutiny.

  • The update aims to create a more unified experience across platforms while addressing interoperability challenges.

• Meta lures TikTok creators with $5K bonuses and content deals

  • Meta is offering TikTok creators up to $5,000 in bonuses, content deals, and free verification to attract them to Reels.

  • The company aims to strengthen its short-form content ecosystem by incentivizing high-profile creators to switch platforms.

  • Analysts see this move as part of Meta's broader strategy to compete with TikTok’s dominance in the creator economy.

BUSINESS

• Executive order signed to formalize Musk’s Doge Commission

  • Trump signed an order renaming the U.S. Digital Service as the U.S. DOGE Service, led by Elon Musk, aiming to cut federal spending.

  • Agencies must form ‘DOGE Teams’ within 30 days to modernize IT systems and implement Trump's efficiency agenda.

  • The move faces legal challenges, with lawsuits arguing it violates transparency laws and could exceed its authority.

• Netflix shares soar as company reports surging revenue

  • Netflix added a record 19 million subscribers in Q4, surpassing 300 million paid memberships and exceeding Wall Street expectations.

  • The company reported revenue of $10.25 billion, beating estimates and projecting 2025 revenue between $43.5 billion and $44.5 billion.

  • Netflix plans to discontinue quarterly subscriber counts, focusing instead on a bi-annual engagement report starting in 2025.

• Trump administration axes EV subsidies, shifts focus to oil and gas

  • The White House ended key electric vehicle subsidies, citing a need to prioritize American energy independence.

  • Automakers warn the decision could slow EV adoption and shift investment away from the U.S. market.

  • Trump officials argue the move will boost domestic oil and gas production while reducing reliance on foreign minerals.

CONTENT

• Memecoins, and What to Expect from the New Administration

  • Jason and Alex discuss the political influence of tech leaders at Trump's inauguration and the economic impact of his policies.

  • Topics include AI regulation, energy production, and the effect of Trump's administration on mergers and acquisitions.

  • The episode also covers crypto investment risks, entrepreneur wellness, and potential regulatory changes affecting startups.

• Jensen Huang Shocked by Mark Zuckerberg's AI Vision for Meta

  • Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang reacts to Mark Zuckerberg’s ambitious AI-driven plans for Meta.

  • The discussion touches on Meta’s focus on generative AI, personalized content, and future applications.

  • Insights into how Meta's AI roadmap could shape the tech landscape.

• TSMC (Remastered)

  • A deep dive into the history and growth of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC).

  • Explores TSMC’s role in producing chips for leading tech firms like Nvidia, Apple, and Intel.

  • Remastered episode offers fresh insights into the company's strategic innovations and leadership.

WORLD

• Trump takes aim at birthright citizenship with new executive order

  • Trump signed an executive order challenging birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants, sparking legal debates.

  • Critics argue the move conflicts with the 14th Amendment, while supporters claim it reinforces national security.

  • The order is expected to face immediate legal challenges, with courts likely to determine its enforceability.

• Israeli military chief of staff resigns over failure to prevent attack

  • Lieutenant Herzi Halevi announced his resignation, citing responsibility for the military’s failure to prevent the October 7 Hamas attack.

  • The resignation follows intense political pressure and an internal investigation into security lapses that led to heavy casualties.

  • Netanyahu thanked Halevi for his service but has not taken personal responsibility, stating accountability discussions will happen post-war.

• UK introduces tougher terrorism laws after Southport attack

  • The UK government is implementing stricter anti-terror measures in response to the Southport attack, increasing penalties.

  • The new laws aim to address radicalization and prevent future attacks by tightening law enforcement capabilities.

  • Prime Minister Starmer stressed the importance of national security, despite concerns over potential infringements on civil liberties.

AND MORE…

• Fire Breaks Out at Turkish Ski Resort Hotel

  • A major fire erupted at a popular ski resort forcing guests and staff to evacuate.

  • At least 76 people were killed and several others injured in a blaze that broke out overnight at the Grand Kartal Hotel in Kartalkaya, Turkey.

  • Authorities are investigating the cause, with early speculation pointing to an electrical fault.

• OpenAI’s ‘Agent’ Tool May Be Nearing Release

  • OpenAI is reportedly preparing to launch its much-anticipated ‘Agent’ tool, aimed at automating complex workflows.

  • The tool is expected to integrate with existing AI services to enhance productivity for enterprises and developers.

  • Analysts believe this release could position OpenAI as a leader in the autonomous agent market, competing with major tech firms.

• Trump’s meme coin sparks ethical concerns and volatility

  • President Trump launched a meme coin just days before his inauguration, raising concerns about conflicts of interest.

  • The Trump Organization holds 80% of the coin's supply, leading to criticism that the project disproportionately benefits insiders.

  • The token saw extreme volatility, surging to $75 before dropping below $40, as experts warn of the risks associated with meme coins.