Politics
Biden and Trump Strive to Strengthen Coalitions in Battleground Georgia
The headwinds facing President Joe Biden’s reelection bid are as evident in Georgia as in any battleground state. Equally apparent are the challenges Donald Trump faces in leveraging these headwinds.
The president and his predecessor are set to face off in a historic CNN debate Thursday night in Atlanta — the first for either man since the 2020 election. This debate is taking place in one of the nation’s most competitive swing states and is a notable example of a Republican electorate that did not fully support Trump as he sought to penalize those who did not endorse his false claims of widespread election fraud.
“President Trump still has to earn these Republican voters,” said Kelvin King, a prominent Black supporter of Trump in Georgia during the 2016 and 2020 elections. “He can win, but he’s got to earn it.”
King, who engaged with Republicans across Georgia’s 159 counties during an unsuccessful bid for the US Senate in 2022, emphasized that Trump should focus more on presenting his future plans rather than revisiting past controversies. Georgia is among the battlegrounds Trump is aiming to reclaim, alongside Arizona, while also targeting Nevada, which he lost twice. Biden could lose all three and still secure reelection if he maintains the “blue wall” of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, as well as a single electoral vote in Nebraska.
To keep all pathways open, Democrats are heavily investing in Georgia. Over a dozen campaign offices have opened in the state, including one recently inaugurated by Vice President Kamala Harris.
“Through this office right here, we will gather, we will organize, we will build community, we will build a coalition,” Harris said. “There is power in the collective and in our unity.”
The challenge of maintaining this coalition is one of the most pressing issues facing the Biden campaign.
The emergence of Chinese AI app DeepSeek has triggered shockwaves across the US tech industry, leading to a significant drop in stock prices for major companies. AI chipmaker Nvidia saw its value plummet by 16%, losing $500 billion in market capitalization. Rival Broadcom also suffered a sharp decline, with shares falling 17.8%, while other tech giants like Microsoft and Meta experienced notable losses.
DeepSeek has quickly risen to become the most downloaded free app in the United States, overtaking popular rivals like ChatGPT. Its reported development cost of just $6 million has sent ripples through the industry, challenging the traditional notion that groundbreaking AI technology requires multibillion-dollar investments.
In stark contrast, companies like Microsoft and Meta have committed vast sums to AI development, with investments of $80 billion and $60–65 billion, respectively. DeepSeek’s meteoric rise suggests that a lower-cost, open-source approach may disrupt existing business models and redefine what is possible in AI.
The sudden market turmoil underscores concerns about America’s dominance in artificial intelligence. Investors are now questioning whether US tech companies can maintain their competitive edge against cheaper, innovative alternatives like DeepSeek.
Nvidia, a key player in AI chip manufacturing, experienced the most significant blow, as the app’s success has called into question the scalability and profitability of existing AI strategies reliant on expensive infrastructure.
DeepSeek’s rise highlights the potential for more cost-effective, innovative solutions in AI development. While its reported $6 million development budget remains disputed by some industry experts, it has already shifted perceptions of what achieving AI breakthroughs might cost.
This development could pave the way for smaller companies and governments to explore AI without the need for massive financial resources. In the UK, where the government is banking on AI to drive economic growth and reduce public service costs, such advancements could serve as inspiration for future projects.
Despite its success, DeepSeek’s rapid rise also raises questions about its long-term sustainability, data privacy, and the technology underpinning its platform. As researchers and analysts delve deeper into its model, the app’s low-cost development claims may face scrutiny.
The DeepSeek phenomenon has upended the AI market, challenging entrenched economic assumptions and sparking uncertainty for US tech giants.
On his first day back in office, President Donald Trump signed an array of executive actions aimed at swiftly implementing his administration’s priorities. These measures reflect his campaign promises and address a wide range of domestic and international issues.
Key Executive Actions
1. Withdrawal from Paris Climate Agreement
The U.S. has officially begun the process of exiting the global accord, which aims to combat climate change through collective international efforts.
2. Initiating Exit from WHO
Trump has directed steps to formally withdraw from the World Health Organization, citing concerns about its handling of global health crises.
3. Border National Emergency
A national emergency has been declared at the southern border, signaling heightened measures to address immigration and security concerns.
4. Gender and Federal Policy
The administration enacted measures to “defend women from gender ideology” and promote what Trump referred to as “biological truth” in federal governance.
5. Pardons for January 6 Participants
Individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riots have been pardoned, a move Trump framed as addressing what he called injustices in their prosecution.
6. Election Accountability
An order was signed to investigate and hold “former government officials accountable for election interference.”
7. Free Speech Protections
Trump ordered federal agencies to “restore freedom of speech” and prevent government censorship, emphasizing a commitment to First Amendment rights.
8. Establishment of Department of Government Efficiency (Doge)
An advisory board was created to streamline government operations, although it does not hold the status of a formal department.
9. Regulatory Freeze
A temporary freeze on the issuance of new regulations has been implemented, giving the administration time to assert control over federal rule-making processes.
10. Addressing Cost-of-Living Crisis
All federal departments and agencies were directed to prioritize measures addressing inflation and economic strain on Americans.
11. TikTok Ban Suspension
An action was signed to halt the implementation of a potential ban on TikTok, citing further review requirements.
On the eve of his inauguration, President-elect Donald Trump pledged a flurry of executive actions to set his administration’s agenda in motion immediately after taking office. Speaking to a packed “Victory Rally” in Washington, D.C., Trump vowed to move with “historic speed and strength” to reverse policies from the previous administration and implement his own vision for the nation.
A Sweeping Agenda
Trump announced plans to sign over 200 executive actions on his first day, including:
- Mass Deportations: Initiating large-scale operations targeting undocumented immigrants.
- Environmental Rollbacks: Slashing regulations to boost industrial growth.
- AI Advancements: Expanding federal artificial intelligence programs.
- Iron Dome Defense: Directing the military to develop a missile defense system akin to Israel’s Iron Dome.
- DEI Elimination: Removing diversity, equity, and inclusion policies from the military.
- Transgender Sports Restrictions: Prohibiting transgender women from competing in female sports categories.
- Education Reform: Returning control of education to state governments.
- Government Efficiency: Establishing a Department of Government Efficiency (Doge).
He also pledged to release records related to the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Trump emphasized his intention to swiftly dismantle executive orders from the Biden administration, framing his actions as a course correction for the country. “Every radical and foolish executive order of the Biden administration will be repealed within hours of when I take the oath of office,” he declared.
While executive orders allow presidents to bypass Congress on certain issues, the sheer volume and breadth of Trump’s planned actions are expected to face significant legal scrutiny. Many could be challenged in court, potentially delaying their implementation.
Trump’s rally speech drew cheers from supporters eager to see immediate changes. “You’re going to have a lot of fun watching television tomorrow,” he promised the crowd, signaling a dramatic and controversial start to his presidency.
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