Plus, Trump's tariff plans and challenges facing Taiwan's president.
| With Trump back in office, what’s next for the US Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights? The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) has historically worked to protect students from discrimination, though its enforcement priorities shift depending on the administration in charge. The Trump administration has already announced plans to close civil rights investigations related to book banning, opened several new Title IX investigations over gender-inclusive school policies, and released an executive order threatening to withhold funding for schools that promote so-called “discriminatory equity ideology.” What can we expect from the OCR under Trump over the next four years? Rachel Perera provides a brief history and overview of what the office does, along with the legal and illegal avenues the Trump administration may use to reshape the OCR. |
| More research and commentary What is Trump's plan on tariffs? “Steel and aluminum tariffs this week as well as reciprocal tariffs are in our view largely a sideshow. The main show remains China.” Robin Brooks assesses the goals of President Trump's tariffs and their effects on markets so far. President Lai’s three big challenges in 2025. This will be a decisive year for Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te as he faces a fractious domestic political environment, mounting Chinese pressure on Taiwan, and a particularly uncertain international environment. Ryan Hass examines each of these challenges and how they might impact Lai’s ability to retain power in future elections. |
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