He's Back.

Hi Global Recap readers,

I usually mix up stories from all over the world to keep things balanced in our newsletters, but even social media and the mainstream news are packed with updates on President Trump’s return.

So today, we’re diving into his inauguration, but mostly about the memes that came with it.

Oh, and speaking of memes—Trump dropped a meme coin, and I’d love to hear what you think about it. 😬

What a night.

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
He’s Back

Donald Trump has officially been inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, marking the beginning of his second term in office.

🖊️ His first course of action? Signing a substantial list of executive orders. The total is expected to be around 100, with some estimates reaching as high as 200.

Here are some notable ones:

• Rescission of 78 Biden-era executive actions.

• Declaration of national emergency at the southern border.

• Pardoning of about 1,500 January 6 “hostages” as he calls them.

• Revocation of electric vehicle targets.

• Removal of “gender ideology guidance” recognizing only two genders—male and female.

• Delay of TikTok ban enforcement for at least 75 days.

• Withdrawal from the Paris agreement and World Health Organization.

Iconic Moments

As with anything Trump, the event was packed with iconic moments.👇🏻

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Biden’s Last Minute Pardons

Speaking of iconic and drama, as his final act, outgoing President Joe Biden issued pre-emptive blanket pardons to family members and his allies, aiming to shield them from potential “revenge” by Trump and his allies.

Family Pardons

Biden pardoned five family members due to “unrelenting attacks” from Trump.

• The pardons were for his brother James and his wife, Sara, his sister Valerie and her husband, John Owens, and his brother Francis.

• Biden emphasized that these pardons should not be seen as an “admission of guilt.”

Protecting Allies

Biden also issued pardons to protect his allies from potential “revenge” by Trump.

• Notable figures include Dr. Anthony Fauci and retired general Mark Milley.

• Gen. Milley highlighted his desire to avoid retribution and protect his family from stress.

• Dr. Fauci told ABC that he “truly appreciates” the pardon, adding the following:

January 6 Committee Members

Members and staff of the House Select Committee investigating the January 6 riots were also pardoned.

• Key figures include Senator Adam Schiff, former Reps Liz Cheney, Adam Kinzinger, and others.

• Police officers who testified before the committee were also pardoned.

Record-Breaking Pardons

Biden set a presidential record for the most individual pardons and commutations issued.

• He reduced sentences for nearly 2,500 non-violent drug offenders.

• Converted death sentences of 37 individuals to life imprisonment.

🇺🇸 UNITED STATES
Trump’s Meme Coins

I know this might be old news for internet dwellers, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on this:

Donald and Melania Trump have launched their own meme coins, $Trump and $Melania, aiming to capitalize on internet culture and their online popularity. This is leaving people to wonder when he will drop the $Barron coin.

Meme Coins Explained

Meme coins are cryptocurrencies linked to internet trends, like Dogecoin. They are just… memes.

• They have no economic or transactional value.

• Dogecoin, inspired by a shiba inu dog, became popular thanks to Elon Musk.

Hacked?

At first, when Donald Trump dropped his coin, people were skeptical, claiming he got “hacked” or sabotaged. But as hours passed with no clarification from him, most have now accepted it as legit.

• Many are still wondering why he released it—was it just trolling? Or is he trying to signal to his crypto fans that he’s the “crypto President”?

• Unfortunately, this move has caused division within the Republican Party, even among his supporters. Some see it as a major step forward, while others are calling it “unnecessary” and “pathetic.”

What do you think?

📊 Poll

🇮🇱 ISRAEL
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire

Over the weekend, Israel and Hamas entered into a ceasefire, leading to the release of hostages and a halt to airstrikes on Gaza.

Hostages Released

Israel released 90 Palestinian prisoners, while Hamas freed three Israeli hostages.

• The three female hostages were captured during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

• They were reunited with their families and are reportedly in “a good state.”

• Thirty more hostages are expected to be released gradually over the next 42 days.

Political Reactions

The ceasefire has sparked various political reactions.

• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu congratulated President Donald Trump on his inauguration, expressing optimism for the future of their alliance.

• Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced they would limit attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea to Israeli-linked vessels.

“Gift Bags”

However, in a bizarre twist, Hamas Hamas gave each of the three Israeli hostages “gift bags” with the Qassam Brigades’ logo.

• The bags contained a certificate of release, a necklace, and photos of their time in captivity.

• The hostages were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza City on January 19, 2025.

• People are also claiming that smiles were forced for the Hamas propaganda video above.