What right-wing America is learning from Franco, more Epstein, less ICE
Your Daily #InstrumIntel for Monday 2/2/26
Welcome to the Daily #InstrumIntel, where we break down what you need to know, and why, using What? So What? Now What?.
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Politics • The Trump Administration • Climate & Environment • AI & Tech • Culture & Media • Education • What the Right is Reading • Strays
Politics
Headline: What Franco’s fascist regime in Spain can teach us about today’s America | Theconversation
What?
The article compares the tactics and ideologies of Francisco Franco's fascist regime in Spain to the current political climate in the United States under Donald Trump, highlighting events in Minneapolis where federal agents have been accused of using excessive force against residents.
So What?
This comparison underscores the potential erosion of civil liberties and democratic norms in the U.S., providing progressive communicators with a historical framework to advocate for the protection of rights and to mobilize against authoritarian tendencies.
Now What?
Watch for further developments in federal immigration enforcement tactics and public responses, and consider reading more about historical fascist regimes to better understand potential future implications; see Britannica's biography of Francisco Franco for additional context.
Headline: Exclusive: US Senate battles over DHS funding bill | Semafor
What?
The U.S. Senate is engaged in a contentious debate over a DHS funding bill, with Democrats pushing for stricter immigration enforcement rules and Republicans demanding measures against sanctuary cities and NGOs, as of February 2026.
So What?
This legislative battle highlights significant power dynamics and civil liberties concerns, offering progressive campaigners an opportunity to advocate for humane immigration policies and increased accountability for enforcement agencies.
Now What?
Watch for potential compromises in the Senate and reactions from the House, as well as further developments on immigration policy; for context, see Brookings' research on U.S. immigration policy.
Headline: House speaker ‘confident’ partial shutdown will end by Tuesday | Nytimes
What?
House Speaker Mike Johnson said on February 1, 2026, that he expects the House to pass funding measures by Tuesday to end the partial government shutdown, following a standoff over Department of Homeland Security funding and immigration enforcement policies.
So What?
This matters because the shutdown and funding negotiations highlight deep divisions over immigration enforcement, civil liberties, and the use of federal power, with significant implications for government accountability and the rights of impacted communities.
Now What?
Watch for the outcome of House votes, potential changes to DHS policy, and continued debate over federal immigration enforcement; for context, see New York Times: Government Shutdown Coverage and Politico: Congress and DHS Funding.
Headline: Confidence in Trump Dips, and Fewer Now Say They Support His Policies and Plans | Pewresearch
What?
A January 2026 Pew Research Center survey of 8,512 U.S. adults finds that President Trump’s approval rating and support for his policies have declined over the past year, with confidence dropping across key leadership qualities, especially among Republicans.
So What?
This matters because waning support for Trump’s administration, even within his own party, signals shifting power dynamics and potential openings for organizing, policy advocacy, and challenges to the administration’s agenda.
Now What?
Watch for further polling on public opinion, Republican leadership responses, and the impact of declining confidence on legislative negotiations; for context, see New York Times: Trump Approval Polling and Politico: Trump Support Declines.
The Trump Administration
ICE now confirming that there is a measles outbreak at the Texas concentration camp where young Liam was held.
— Scott Horton (@robertscotthorton.bsky.social) February 1, 2026 at 7:08 PM
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Headline: ICE Expands Power of Agents to Arrest People Without Warrants | Nytimes
What?
On January 30, 2026, an internal ICE memo revealed that federal agents nationwide have been granted broader authority to arrest people without warrants, shifting the standard from “flight risk” to whether someone could leave the scene, amid President Trump’s immigration crackdown.
So What?
This matters because expanding warrantless arrest powers undermines due process and increases the risk of civil liberties violations, especially for immigrant communities and those targeted by aggressive enforcement tactics.
Now What?
Watch for legal challenges, community organizing, and further policy shifts on immigration enforcement; for context, see ACLU: Immigrants’ Rights and Detention and New York Times: Protest Coverage.
Headline: Two CBP Agents Identified in Alex Pretti Shooting | Propublica
What?
Two federal immigration agents, Jesus Ochoa and Raymundo Gutierrez, have been identified as the shooters in the fatal incident involving Minneapolis protester Alex Pretti, which occurred during an immigration enforcement operation.
So What?
This incident highlights significant concerns about the use of force by federal agents, the lack of transparency, and the implications for civil liberties, which are critical issues for progressive communicators advocating for accountability and reform in law enforcement practices.
Now What?
Watch for developments in the Justice Department's investigation and potential policy responses from lawmakers, while further reading on the implications of federal enforcement practices can be found in related articles on police accountability and civil rights. [DETAILS NEEDED]
Headline: Trump tells Noem not to intervene in protests in Democratic-led cities | San
What?
President Trump instructed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem not to intervene in protests in Democratic-led cities unless requested, emphasizing federal protection of federal buildings, as reported on Saturday.
So What?
This directive highlights the tension between federal and local authorities, raising concerns about federal overreach and the impact on civil liberties, which is crucial for progressive communicators focusing on state autonomy and protest rights.
Now What?
Watch for legal developments regarding federal intervention in protests and potential implications for civil liberties, with further context available in ongoing coverage of "Operation Metro Surge" and related legal challenges. [DETAILS NEEDED]
Headline: Trump Has Already Spent $500 Million Deploying Troops to U.S. Cities | Theintercept
What?
President Donald Trump's deployment of military forces to several U.S. cities has cost taxpayers $500 million, with potential costs exceeding $1 billion if the deployments continue through 2026, according to a Congressional Budget Office report.
So What?
This significant expenditure on domestic militarization highlights a shift in power dynamics and raises concerns about civil liberties, providing progressive communicators with an opportunity to critique the administration's priorities and advocate for reallocating resources to social services.
Now What?
Watch for further developments on the financial and social impacts of these deployments, and explore additional context through reports from the National Priorities Project and statements from key senators like Elizabeth Warren and Tammy Duckworth.
Headline: NSPM-7 Is the Blueprint to Criminalize, Detain, & Disappear You | Insidernj
What?
NSPM-7, a directive signed by Donald Trump in September 2025, labels various groups as "terrorists," potentially criminalizing dissent and activism across the United States.
So What?
This memorandum poses significant threats to civil liberties and democratic engagement, highlighting the need for progressive communicators to mobilize against policies that undermine constitutional protections and target political opposition.
Now What?
Watch for responses from state governments and civil rights organizations on how they plan to protect residents from NSPM-7's implications, and explore further reading on the impact of similar directives on civil liberties, such as ACLU's National Security resources.
Headline: U.S. Cities Join Minnesota Protests Against ICE Agents | Nytimes
What?
Protesters in multiple U.S. cities, including Los Angeles and Portland, rallied on January 31, 2026, in solidarity with Minneapolis against federal immigration enforcement actions.
So What?
This widespread protest movement highlights growing national resistance to federal immigration policies, offering progressive campaigners a significant opportunity to mobilize public opinion and advocate for policy changes regarding civil liberties and immigration reform.
Now What?
Watch for potential policy responses from the federal government and further mobilization efforts by progressive groups; for context, see ACLU's Immigrants' Rights for ongoing advocacy efforts.
What?
Donald Trump has announced plans to sue Jeffrey Epstein's estate and author Michael Wolff, alleging they conspired to damage his political career, as revealed in emails between Wolff and Epstein.
So What?
This development highlights the ongoing influence of powerful figures in shaping political narratives and underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in political discourse, which is crucial for progressive communicators advocating for democratic integrity.
Now What?
Watch for potential legal actions by Trump and responses from Wolff and Epstein's estate, as well as further revelations from the Epstein files that could impact public perception; for context, see this New York Times article.
1. The new batch of Epstein documents helps illuminate one contemporary controversy: What is Bari Weiss up to at CBS? I think the answer is she is trying to rehabilate the Epstein network as a bulwark of reactionary centrism. Let me explain.
— Jeet Heer (@HeerJeet) January 31, 2026
AI & Tech
Headline: Abusers using AI and digital tech to attack and control women, charity warns | Theguardian
What?
A domestic abuse charity reports that abusers are increasingly using AI and digital technology, such as smartwatches and AI spoofing apps, to control and harm women, with a significant rise in complex cases in late 2025 in the UK.
So What?
This highlights the urgent need for progressive communicators to advocate for stronger regulatory frameworks and technology designs that prioritize the safety and privacy of vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls.
Now What?
Watch for developments in government policy and industry accountability regarding tech-facilitated abuse, and explore further reading on the intersection of technology and domestic abuse, such as reports from organizations like Refuge and policy analyses from digital rights groups.
What?
About 50 residents from Quilicura, Chile, operated a human-powered chatbot for 12 hours to highlight the environmental impact of AI data centers in the region.
So What?
This initiative underscores the environmental costs of AI technologies, offering progressive communicators a platform to advocate for sustainable tech practices and policies that address resource consumption in water-stressed areas.
Now What?
Watch for further developments in the debate over AI's environmental impact in Chile and globally, and explore resources like this study on AI's energy consumption for deeper insights.
Headline: What is consciousness? Science faces its hardest problem yet | Scientificamerican
What?
The article explores the scientific challenges and advancements in understanding consciousness, highlighting the ongoing debates and research in neuroscience over the past 30 years.
So What?
This matters to progressive communicators as it underscores the importance of scientific inquiry in understanding human experience, which can influence policy discussions on mental health, artificial intelligence, and civil liberties related to cognitive rights.
Now What?
Watch for developments in neuroscience that could redefine our understanding of consciousness and its implications for AI ethics and human rights; further reading can be found in related articles on neuroscience and consciousness studies at Scientific American.
Headline: The AI Bubble Is Getting Closer to Popping | Council on Foreign Relations | Cfr
What?
The article discusses how the AI sector in the U.S. is facing potential setbacks due to tariffs and immigration policies under the Trump administration, which are impacting the construction and operation of data centers as of 2025.
So What?
This matters to progressive communicators as it highlights the intersection of technology, labor, and policy, emphasizing the need for advocacy around more inclusive immigration policies and sustainable economic practices to support technological advancement.
Now What?
Watch for developments in U.S. immigration and trade policies that could impact the tech sector, and consider further reading on the economic implications of AI investments, such as this Brookings report on AI and the economy.
What?
Concord Music Group, Universal Music Group, and ABKCO Music have filed a lawsuit against Anthropic PBC in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, alleging mass piracy and copyright violations through the unauthorized use of their musical compositions in AI models.
So What?
This lawsuit highlights the ongoing tension between AI development and intellectual property rights, raising concerns about the ethical use of copyrighted material and the potential impact on the music licensing market, which is crucial for progressive communicators advocating for fair compensation and rights for creators.
Now What?
Watch for developments in this case and similar lawsuits, as they may influence future regulations on AI training data and copyright law; further reading on the implications of AI and copyright can be found in recent analyses by the Electronic Frontier Foundation and other digital rights organizations.
Headline: OpenAI's Sora App Hits Turbulence After Meteoric Rise | Techbuzz
What?
OpenAI's Sora app, which experienced rapid growth, is now facing challenges, as reported by Tech Buzz.
So What?
This development is significant for progressive communicators as it highlights the volatility in tech innovation and the potential impact on digital privacy and user rights.
Now What?
Observers should watch for further developments regarding regulatory responses and user feedback, with additional context available from sources like Wired and The Verge.
Headline: Pentagon, Anthropic in standoff over military use of AI tools | Reuters
What?
In early 2026, Amazon-backed AI developer Anthropic is in a dispute with the Pentagon over whether its AI models, which include safeguards against harmful uses, can be deployed by U.S. military and intelligence agencies without restrictions.
So What?
This matters because it highlights the growing tension between Silicon Valley companies and the federal government over ethical boundaries, civil liberties, and the potential for AI to be weaponized or used for surveillance without oversight.
Now What?
Watch for policy developments, public debate over AI ethics in national security, and further negotiations between tech firms and the Pentagon; for context, see Reuters: Pentagon-Anthropic AI Dispute and New York Times: AI and Military Ethics.
Climate & Environment
Headline: Power Brokers | Harpers
What?
The article discusses the increasing energy demand and utility profits in the U.S. during President Trump's second term, highlighting the influence of utility companies and regulatory challenges at a conference near the White House in January 2025.
So What?
This matters to progressive communicators as it underscores the power dynamics between utility companies and consumers, highlighting the need for regulatory reform to protect consumers from excessive energy costs and corporate profiteering.
Now What?
Watch for potential policy changes or regulatory actions addressing utility profits and consumer protection, and explore further reading on the American Economic Liberties Project's study on utility sector profits for deeper insights into the issue.
Headline: Trump administration's climate skepticism effort violated federal law, judge rules | Aol
What?
A federal judge ruled that the U.S. Department of Energy violated federal law by forming a secretive group to produce a report downplaying climate change effects, without adhering to transparency requirements, in Massachusetts on Friday.
So What?
This ruling highlights the importance of transparency and adherence to scientific consensus in climate policy, offering progressive communicators an opportunity to advocate for science-based decision-making and accountability in government actions.
Now What?
Watch for potential impacts on the EPA's climate policies and further legal challenges to similar advisory groups, while exploring more on the implications of the Federal Advisory Committee Act at GAO's Federal Advisory Committee Act page.
Culture & Media
What?
This feature profiles Max Stein, founder of the agency Brigade, who has built a business managing and monetizing the careers of Substack writers, influencers, and creative tastemakers, helping them secure lucrative brand deals and partnerships as the influencer economy matures in 2026.
So What?
This matters because it reveals how the power dynamics of media and culture are shifting from legacy institutions to independent creators and their managers, raising questions about transparency, labor rights, and the commercialization of influence in the digital age.
Now What?
Watch for further consolidation in the creator economy, debates over fair compensation and labor protections for digital workers, and the evolving relationship between brands, platforms, and independent media; for context, see Nieman Lab: The Rise of the Newsletter Economy and Columbia Journalism Review: The Influencer Economy.
Headline: To the Music Industry in Crisis | Harmonyholiday
What?
This essay, published after the 2026 Grammys, critiques the state of the mainstream music industry, reflecting on the impact of the Epstein files, the commodification of tribute, and the tension between genuine artistry and commercial spectacle.
So What?
This matters because it exposes how scandals, industry rituals, and the prioritization of profit over substance can erode public trust, diminish cultural meaning, and challenge the integrity of artists and audiences alike.
Now What?
Watch for further fallout from the Epstein files in the music world, debates over authenticity and accountability in entertainment, and organizing efforts to reclaim music’s social and political power; for context, see Pitchfork: The Music Industry’s Epstein Reckoning and Rolling Stone: Grammys 2026 Critique.
What?
Donald Trump announced that The Trump Kennedy Center will temporarily close on July 4, 2026, for a two-year renovation to transform it into a world-class performing arts facility.
So What?
This decision highlights the influence of private interests in public cultural institutions, raising questions about accessibility, representation, and the prioritization of resources in the arts sector.
Now What?
Watch for reactions from arts communities and stakeholders regarding the impact of the closure on local artists and audiences, and explore further reading on the role of private funding in public arts institutions at National Endowment for the Arts.
Headline: Why Ubiquitous Video Isn’t Making People More Reality-Based | Jessesingal
What?
This commentary reflects on recent high-profile incidents, including the killing of Alex Pretti by ICE agents, to argue that viral videos have not led to greater consensus on facts, as people across the political spectrum often ignore or reinterpret video evidence to fit their beliefs.
So What?
This matters because it highlights the limits of transparency and documentation in combating misinformation and polarization, underscoring the need for critical media literacy and honest public discourse in the face of entrenched narratives and power struggles.
Now What?
Watch for continued debates over the role of video evidence in shaping public opinion, media accountability, and the impact of viral footage on organizing and advocacy; for context, see Nieman Lab: When Video Goes Viral and Columbia Journalism Review: Video Evidence and Misinformation.
Headline: “That's AI” (It Isn’t) | Readtpa
What?
The article discusses the controversy surrounding a verified video of Alex Pretti's confrontation with federal agents in Minneapolis, which some dismissed as AI-generated despite evidence to the contrary.
So What?
This situation highlights the challenges progressive communicators face in combating misinformation and the "liar's dividend," where real evidence is dismissed as fake, undermining trust in verified information and affecting public discourse on civil liberties and law enforcement accountability.
Now What?
Watch for further developments in the investigation of Pretti's death and the role of AI in media credibility, and consider reading more about the "liar's dividend" and its implications for public trust in media, such as in this Lawfare article.
Headline: What a “Melania” Cinematographer Hoped to Accomplish | Cjr
What?
The article discusses cinematographer Dante Spinotti's involvement in the documentary "Melania," directed by Brett Ratner, which explores Melania Trump's life and was screened at the White House in February 2026.
So What?
This matters to progressive communicators as it highlights the intersection of politics and media, raising concerns about the use of film as propaganda and the ethical implications of collaborating with controversial figures like Ratner and the Trump family.
Now What?
Watch for further discussions on the role of media in shaping political narratives and potential backlash against platforms like Amazon for financing such projects; further reading on media ethics and propaganda can be found in resources like Columbia Journalism Review.
Headline: View: The humans are chasing conspiracies. What will the bots think? | Semafor
What?
This article, published January 31, 2026, examines the public’s obsession with the newly released Epstein files, noting that despite millions of pages, no criminal evidence against elite figures has emerged, and speculates about the role of AI in processing such vast data.
So What?
This matters because it highlights how conspiracy theories and the search for elite accountability can be fueled by both information overload and the limitations of human and machine analysis, raising questions about transparency, power, and the future of investigative journalism in the AI era.
Now What?
Watch for further revelations from AI-driven document analysis, debates over the role of bots in journalism, and continued public scrutiny of elite networks; for context, see New York Times: Epstein Files Release and ProPublica: Jeffrey Epstein Coverage.
Education
Headline: Text is king | Experimental-history
What?
This commentary, published in early 2026, challenges the narrative that reading and literacy are in decline due to digital technology, arguing that book sales remain strong and that text continues to be central to intellectual and cultural life.
So What?
This matters because it pushes back against alarmist claims about the "death of reading," emphasizing the enduring power of text for critical thinking, organizing, and social change, and reminding campaigners that written words remain foundational for movements and democracy.
Now What?
Watch for ongoing debates about digital media's impact on literacy, the role of books in shaping public discourse, and new research on reading habits; for context, see NEA: Research on Reading and Publishers Weekly: Indie Bookstores Continue to Grow.
What?
Houston-area schools, including Fort Bend ISD, are implementing AI surveillance software like GoGuardian and Lightspeed Systems to monitor students' online activity for mental health concerns, sparking privacy and efficacy debates as of January 2026.
So What?
This development raises significant concerns about student privacy, potential discrimination against marginalized groups, and the effectiveness of AI in safeguarding mental health, presenting a critical issue for progressive communicators focused on civil liberties and educational equity.
Now What?
Watch for potential policy responses or legal challenges regarding AI surveillance in schools, and explore further reading on the implications of AI in education, such as the Electronic Frontier Foundation's reports on digital privacy in schools.
What the Right is Reading
Headline: New York City Mayor Zohran Mandani heckled after mother’s name appears in Epstein files | Nytimes
What?
In early February 2026, New York City Mayor Zohran Mandani was heckled by supporters outside Gracie Mansion after newly released Epstein files revealed his mother, Mira Nair, attended an afterparty at Ghislaine Maxwell’s home.
So What?
This matters because it illustrates how associations with high-profile scandals can be weaponized against public officials, raising issues of guilt by association, transparency, and the impact of personal connections on political accountability.
Now What?
Watch for further scrutiny of public figures named in the Epstein files, public responses from Mandani and Nair, and broader debates about privacy, due process, and the politicization of personal relationships; for context, see New York Times: Epstein Files Release and ProPublica: Jeffrey Epstein Coverage.
What?
The Arizona Senate passed a party-line resolution in early February 2026 urging Attorney General Kris Mayes to resign after her remarks about ICE enforcement and self-defense laws, sparking a political rift that also drew criticism from Governor Katie Hobbs.
So What?
This matters because it underscores how debates over immigration enforcement and civil liberties are fueling partisan divides, with public officials facing backlash for raising concerns about the risks of warrantless ICE operations and the safety of both residents and law enforcement.
Now What?
Watch for further political fallout, public statements from state leaders, and ongoing debates over the intersection of immigration, policing, and self-defense laws in Arizona; for context, see AZ Central: Arizona Politics and New York Times: ICE Enforcement Powers.
Headline: The Gift That Keeps on Giving | Townhall
What?
The article criticizes Harvard University's leadership, particularly President Alan Garber, for perceived cowardice and left-wing bias, arguing that the institution has strayed from its traditional values and intellectual rigor.
So What?
This critique highlights ongoing debates about academic freedom and ideological diversity in higher education, which are crucial for progressive communicators to address in advocating for inclusive and open academic environments.
Now What?
Watch for further discussions on university policies regarding free speech and ideological diversity, and consider reading more about the role of higher education in shaping public discourse, such as in articles from The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Headline: Alex Pretti Failed This IQ Test | Townhall
What?
The article discusses a confrontation in Minnesota where a leftist protestor was killed while allegedly attacking law enforcement, framed as a failure of judgment by the protestor.
So What?
This narrative could impact progressive communicators by reinforcing negative stereotypes about leftist activists, potentially undermining efforts to advocate for civil liberties and protest rights.
Now What?
Watch for further developments in the legal and public response to this incident, as well as broader discussions on protest rights and law enforcement tactics; for context, see ACLU's guide on protest rights.
Strays
Headline: Nurses Continue to Lead in Honesty and Ethics Ratings | News
What?
Gallup’s December 2025 poll finds that nurses remain the most trusted profession in the United States for honesty and ethics, with 75% of Americans rating them highly, while overall trust in most professions continues to decline.
So What?
This matters because it highlights the enduring public trust in frontline healthcare workers amid widespread skepticism toward other institutions, offering campaigners a strategic opportunity to center nurses’ voices in advocacy for health, labor, and social justice issues.
Now What?
Watch for further polling on public trust, the role of nurses in shaping policy debates, and organizing efforts that leverage their credibility; for context, see American Nurses Association: Advocacy and Pew Research: Trust in Professions.
