Comment on New laws address gays, children, immigration

Financial Times: “Musk certainly has the president-elect’s ear, and he’s brought other techies into Washington on his coattails. His techno-libertarianism seems to be resonating with Republicans, some of whom seem overawed by his star power, and Trump has toned down his criticism of electric cars and expressed awe of SpaceX’s rockets.” “But staffing decisions show that incoming vice-president JD Vance is likely to be a strong voice on tech policy, and his populist approach sets up an uneasy balance with Musk.

CNN chief international correspondent Clarissa Ward “may have been duped by a so-called Syrian prisoner — a man who could actually be a first lieutenant in the Syrian Air Force Intelligence,” The Wrap reports.

“Donald Trump’s advisers are hoping to get bipartisan support for at least some of his less controversial nominees — starting this week with Scott Turner, Trump’s pick for Housing and Urban Development secretary,” Axios reports. “They’re reaching out to some key Democrats this week to arrange meetings with Turner to discuss housing and other issues on which they might find some common ground.”

“President Joe Biden plans to take action on land protections, clemency and artificial intelligence in the final weeks of his administration, according to a memo to allies, as he looks to codify his legacy before Donald Trump’s inauguration,” Bloomberg reports. “The steps are the latest as Biden races to tie off key files before a transfer of power that could reverse many of them.” Semafor: Biden’s last month to include more pardons, AI action.

“Donald Trump and SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son are set to jointly announce on Monday that the company is planning to invest $100 billion in U. S. projects over the next four years, as the president-elect seeks to project enthusiasm over his return to power,” the Wall Street Journal reports. “The Japanese internet and telecommunications giant estimates that its U.