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Twelve Conversational Headlines From The Past Week:
- TRUMP OVERHAULS KENNEDY CENTER LEADERSHIP, NAMING HIMSELF AS BOARD CHAIR: This move involved the dismissal of existing board members, including Chairman David Rubenstein, and the appointment of Trump’s allies, such as Usha Vance and Susie Wiles. Trump cited dissatisfaction with the Center’s programming, particularly events like drag shows, as a primary reason for the overhaul.
- GRIMES CALLS OUT ELON MUSK FOR TAKING SON X Æ A-XII TO OVAL OFFICE WITHOUT TELLING HER: This incident highlights ongoing tensions between Grimes and Musk regarding the public exposure of their children. The former couple, who separated in 2022, share three children and have been involved in legal disputes over parental rights since October 2023.
- TRUMP MOVES TO IMPOSE RECIPROCAL TARIFFS ON NEARLY EVERY NATION, ESCALATING TRADE WAR: The plan involves a comprehensive review of existing tariff and non-tariff barriers imposed by U.S. trading partners, with the goal of setting equivalent U.S. tariff rates. The administration’s strategy may utilize various trade laws, including the Trade Act of 1974 and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, to implement these new tariffs.
- ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME 2025 NOMINEES INCLUDE OASIS, MARIAH CAREY, AND BILLY IDOL: The final inductees will be selected by an international voting body of over 1,200 artists, historians, and music industry professionals, with the results announced in late April. The induction ceremony is scheduled for the fall in Los Angeles.
- KENDRICK LAMAR DISSES DRAKE WITH “NOT LIKE US” AT SUPER BOWL HALFTIME SHOW: Notably, Lamar censored the word “pedophile” during the performance, but the audience filled in the omitted lyrics. The show featured appearances by SZA and Serena Williams, the latter of whom had a past relationship with Drake, adding another layer to the performance.
- GOVERNMENT LAYOFFS START FOLLOWING DOGE’S WORKFORCE REDUCTION REQUEST: The initial phase targets probationary employees—those with less than a year of service—affecting approximately 200,000 individuals out of the 2.4 million federal workforce. The administration has signaled that more extensive reductions are forthcoming, with plans to limit hiring to one new employee for every four departures, exempting roles critical to national security, public safety, law enforcement, and immigration enforcement.
- TRUMP SAYS HE DOESN’T SEE JD VANCE AS HIS SUCCESSOR IN 2028: In a recent interview with Fox News, President Donald Trump was asked whether he views Vice President J.D. Vance as his successor for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination. Trump responded, “No, but he’s very capable. I think you have a lot of very capable people. So far, I think he’s doing a fantastic job. It’s too early. We’re just starting.”
- DOJ SEEKS TO DISMISS FEDERAL CHARGES AGAINST NYC MAYOR ERIC ADAMS: This directive led to the resignation of several top prosecutors, including Acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney Danielle Sassoon, who refused to comply, asserting the charges were legitimate and dismissing them would compromise legal integrity. Critics argue that the dismissal raises questions about potential political interference within the Justice Department.
- TRUMP AND PUTIN AGREE TO START UKRAINE CEASEFIRE NEGOTIATIONS: U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to initiate negotiations aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The U.S. negotiation team will be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and CIA Director John Ratcliffe. However, concerns have been raised by European leaders and Ukraine about being sidelined in these negotiations, emphasizing that any agreement should not compromise Ukraine’s sovereignty or security.
- FEMA EMPLOYEE’S DIRECTIVE TO BYPASS PRO-TRUMP RESIDENCES DEEMED HATCH ACT VIOLATION: In October 2024, Marn’i Washington, a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) supervisor, instructed her team to avoid homes displaying Trump 2024 campaign signs during Hurricane Milton relief efforts in Florida. The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) investigated and determined that Washington’s directive violated the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from engaging in partisan political activities while on duty. As a result, Washington was terminated from her position in November 2024.
- SCARLETT JOHANSSON URGES ACTION ON AI AFTER DEEPFAKE VIDEO MISREPRESENTS HER: The AI-generated video featured over a dozen celebrities, including David Schwimmer, Jerry Seinfeld, and Mila Kunis, wearing T-shirts with provocative imagery related to West. Johansson, emphasizing her zero tolerance for antisemitism, expressed concern that AI’s potential to amplify hate speech poses a significant threat.
- TULSI GABBARD AND RFK JR. BOTH CONFIRMED BY SENATE IN MAJOR APPOINTMENTS THIS WEEK: Tulsi Gabbard was confirmed as Director of National Intelligence on February 12 with a 52–48 vote. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services on February 13, 2025, also by a 52–48 vote. Former Senate GOP leader Mitch McConnell opposed both nominations, reflecting his willingness to break party lines on these appointments.
Special Thanks To The Conversation Project Partners:
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