Trump Pushes Glyphosate, Renee Good Memorial Doused in Gasoline, Voters Want Solar
Your Daily #InstrumIntel for Thursday, 2.19.26
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: Americans Want Billionaires to Pay More in Taxes, National Survey Finds | Familiesoverbillionaires
What?
A February 2026 national survey of 1,500 likely voters found overwhelming bipartisan support for raising taxes on billionaires and corporations, deep dissatisfaction with the billionaire class, and majority opposition to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and President Trump’s performance.
So What?
This matters because broad public demand for tax fairness and accountability among the ultra-wealthy creates powerful momentum for progressive tax reform, exposes cracks in the Trump coalition, and offers organizing opportunities for advocates challenging concentrated economic power.
Now What?
Watch for tax policy debates in Congress, campaign messaging on economic inequality, and further polling from groups like Institute for Policy Studies and Pew Research Center tracking attitudes on wealth and taxation.
What?
White supremacist leaders from several countries convened on February 7, 2026, to discuss creating whites-only communities, hosted by Eric Orwoll in an online conference.
So What?
This gathering highlights the ongoing threat of organized far-right extremism, which poses significant challenges to civil liberties and multiculturalism, necessitating strategic responses from progressive campaigners.
Now What?
Watch for increased networking and collaboration among far-right groups globally, and explore further reading on the "Great Replacement" theory and its implications, such as through resources from the Southern Poverty Law Center and Anti-Defamation League.
The Trump Administration
Headline: Renee Good memorial site in south Minneapolis doused in gasoline | Star Tribune
What?
Someone attempted to set fire to Renee Good's memorial in south Minneapolis by dousing it with gasoline on the night of February 17, 2026, but the damage was minimal and no injuries were reported.
So What?
This incident highlights ongoing tensions and the need for community vigilance in protecting spaces of remembrance, which are crucial for healing and justice in communities affected by violence.
Now What?
Watch for community responses and potential policy discussions on safeguarding memorial sites, and follow updates from local authorities and community leaders; further context can be found in coverage of similar incidents in Minneapolis. [DETAILS NEEDED]
Headline: U.S. Gathers the Most Air Power in the Mideast Since the 2003 Iraq Invasion | WSJ
What?
The U.S. is deploying a significant number of jet fighters and support aircraft to the Middle East, marking the largest air power assembly in the region since the 2003 Iraq invasion, as President Trump considers military options against Iran.
So What?
This development is crucial for progressive communicators as it highlights the potential for escalating military conflict, which could impact civil liberties, international relations, and the allocation of resources away from domestic priorities.
Now What?
Watch for potential diplomatic developments or military actions in the coming weeks, and consider reading analyses on the implications of U.S. military interventions in the Middle East, such as those available from the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Latest Update: U.S. Military Buildup in the Middle East — Military Action Appears Imminent if Talks Fail
— Egypt's Intel Observer (@EGYOSINT) February 17, 2026
U.S. Air Force
• At least 30 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets are now stationed at Muwaffaq al-Salti Air Base in Jordan.
• The number of F-15E Strike Eagles at the same… https://t.co/DlhC2neLJr pic.twitter.com/Qa7FaTg1Is
Headline: Trump wants to prosecute anti-fascists as terrorists. This Texas trial will test his power. | Ms
What?
Nine left-wing activists arrested after a July 4, 2025 protest at a Texas ICE facility are now on trial facing federal charges—including attempted murder and providing material support to terrorists—in the first major test of the Trump administration’s effort to prosecute anti-fascist protesters as domestic terrorists.
So What?
This matters because the case could set a precedent for criminalizing protest and dissent, expanding executive power to target political opponents, and redefining domestic terrorism in ways that threaten civil liberties and organizing rights for all Americans.
Now What?
Watch for the trial’s outcome, legal challenges to the administration’s use of terrorism statutes against protesters, and analysis from groups like the Brennan Center for Justice and ACLU on the broader implications for free speech and protest rights.
Headline: Key NIH research institute told to remove references to 'pandemic preparedness' | Scientificamerican
What?
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has been directed to remove references to "biodefense" and "pandemic preparedness" from its web pages as part of a broader restructuring announced by NIH director Jay Bhattacharya on January 30, 2026, in the United States.
So What?
This shift in focus could undermine preparedness for future pandemics, potentially affecting public health and safety, and presents an opportunity for progressive communicators to advocate for comprehensive health strategies that include pandemic readiness.
Now What?
Watch for potential impacts on funding allocations for pandemic-related research and any further restructuring announcements, while exploring resources like Nature Medicine's commentary on NIAID's new vision for additional context.
Headline: White House directing DHS to hunt for voter fraud by naturalized citizens: Sources | Ms
What?
The White House has directed the Department of Homeland Security to investigate and prosecute naturalized citizens for alleged voter fraud in past elections, raising concerns about voter intimidation ahead of upcoming elections.
So What?
This initiative could deter voter participation among immigrant communities, highlighting the need for progressive communicators to address potential voter suppression and protect civil liberties.
Now What?
Watch for legal challenges and responses from civil rights organizations, and follow developments on the Supreme Court case regarding birthright citizenship; further reading can be found at ACLU Voting Rights.
Headline: Rubio's secret squeeze on Raul Castro's Cuba | Axios
What?
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is engaging in secret discussions with Raul Castro's grandson, Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, to influence Cuba's future amidst U.S. pressure on Havana's regime.
So What?
This development highlights the U.S. administration's strategic maneuvering to potentially reshape Cuba's political landscape, which could impact civil liberties and power dynamics, offering progressive campaigners a chance to advocate for democratic reforms and human rights.
Now What?
Watch for potential shifts in U.S.-Cuba relations and any public statements from Cuban officials or U.S. policymakers, while further reading on U.S.-Cuba diplomatic history can provide context, such as the U.S. Department of State's background on U.S.-Cuba relations.
Kash Patel: "This FBI has made significant headway under the NSPM-7 process in looking at those who funded these streams, and are starting to arrest people who used their funds to incite violence in the guise of political peaceful protest" pic.twitter.com/VtubGeFPp0
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 18, 2026
AI & Tech
Headline: The $22 Billion Spreadsheet Problem | Washingtonmonthly
What?
A February 2026 report reveals that the U.S. government is managing an estimated $22 billion in seized cryptocurrency assets using outdated spreadsheets and fragmented procedures, leading to security lapses, theft allegations, and ongoing risks despite a Trump executive order to centralize custody under the Treasury Department.
So What?
This matters because inadequate oversight and outdated systems for safeguarding public digital assets expose taxpayers to massive losses, highlight the dangers of privatized and opaque asset management, and underscore the urgent need for transparent, accountable government stewardship in the digital era.
Now What?
Watch for congressional action on digital asset custody, further investigations into government crypto management, and advocacy for transparency and modernization, with additional context from GAO and DOJ Office of Inspector General reports.
Headline: Apple accelerating work on three new AI wearables, per report | 9to5mac
What?
Apple is reportedly speeding up the development of three new AI-powered wearable devices, including smart glasses, an AI pendant, and camera-equipped AirPods, according to a Bloomberg report.
So What?
This development could significantly impact privacy and data security discussions, as these AI wearables may introduce new surveillance capabilities and data collection concerns, which are critical issues for progressive communicators focused on civil liberties.
Now What?
Watch for further announcements from Apple regarding the launch and features of these wearables, and consider reading more about the implications of AI in consumer technology at EFF's Privacy Issues.
Climate & Environment
Headline: Trump order pushes glyphosate production; Roundup chemical hated by MAHA | Cnbc
What?
On February 18, 2026, President Donald Trump signed an executive order invoking the Defense Production Act to boost domestic production of phosphorus and glyphosate, the controversial weedkiller at the center of health and environmental debates, citing national security and food supply concerns.
So What?
This matters because prioritizing chemical production over public health objections highlights the power of agribusiness and the administration’s willingness to override grassroots health and environmental movements, raising questions about regulatory capture and the balance between economic and community well-being.
Now What?
Watch for legal challenges, public health advocacy, and further debate over glyphosate’s safety and regulatory oversight, with additional context from groups like Environmental Working Group and NRDC.
What?
A December 2025 survey of 1,000 registered and likely voters in Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Texas found overwhelming bipartisan support for solar energy as a fast, cost-effective way to meet rising power demand and lower costs, with 83% overall and 75% of Trump voters in favor.
So What?
This matters because broad support for solar energy—even among conservative voters—signals a shift in public opinion that could drive bipartisan policy, challenge fossil fuel dominance, and create new organizing opportunities for advocates focused on affordability, jobs, and energy security.
Now What?
Watch for how these findings influence state and federal energy policy debates, campaign messaging in battleground states, and further polling from groups like Pew Research Center and KFF for national trends.
What?
Extinction Rebellion NYC reported on February 21, 2026, that a former member was visited by FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force agents as part of a broader Trump administration effort to investigate nonviolent climate activists under a "domestic terrorism" framework.
So What?
This matters because expanding federal surveillance and terrorism investigations to target peaceful protest groups threatens civil liberties, chills dissent, and signals a dangerous escalation in the criminalization of climate and social justice activism.
Now What?
Watch for further law enforcement actions against climate activists, legal challenges to NSPM-7, and organizing responses from groups like Extinction Rebellion and ACLU as the administration intensifies its crackdown on dissent.
Culture & Media
Headline: Physical books making a comeback in Asia, says leading publisher | Asia
What?
Penguin Random House Southeast Asia's Vice President Nora Nazerene Abu Bakar reports that physical books are experiencing a resurgence in Asia due to their sensory appeal, despite global industry challenges, as of February 2026 in Bali, Indonesia.
So What?
This trend highlights an opportunity for progressive communicators to leverage the growing interest in physical books to amplify diverse voices and narratives, particularly those exploring Asian identity and women's perspectives, which can influence cultural and social discourse.
Now What?
Watch for further developments in the publishing industry that may impact the availability and promotion of diverse narratives in Asia, and consider exploring resources like Publishing Perspectives for additional insights into global publishing trends.
Headline: Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway invests in The New York Times | AP News | Apnews
What?
Berkshire Hathaway, led by Warren Buffett, disclosed a $350 million investment in The New York Times in a quarterly update filed with the SEC, marking a significant move in Buffett's last quarter as CEO.
So What?
This investment signals a potential shift in the media landscape, highlighting the strategic importance of digital transformation in journalism, which could influence progressive communicators to focus on digital platforms for broader reach and impact.
Now What?
Watch for further investments in digital media by major investors and explore how traditional media outlets are adapting to digital trends; for context, see The New York Times' digital strategy.
Headline: Journalists Arrested in Cameroon While Reporting on Trump’s Secretive Deportation Program | Nytimes
What?
Four journalists and a lawyer were detained by police in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on Tuesday while investigating a secretive deportation program involving migrants deported from the United States.
So What?
This incident highlights the potential human rights violations and lack of transparency in international deportation agreements, raising concerns for progressive communicators about civil liberties and the treatment of migrants.
Now What?
Watch for further developments on the legal status of the detained journalists and any official responses from the U.S. and Cameroonian governments; for context, see Human Rights Watch's report on U.S. deportations to Cameroon.
Headline: Representatives of Pride Flag’s Creator Sue Trump Administration | Hyperallergic
What?
On February 17, 2026, the Gilbert Baker Foundation and allied groups filed lawsuits in federal court challenging the Trump administration’s removal of the Pride flag from Stonewall National Monument and the dismantling of historical exhibitions at multiple National Park Service sites.
So What?
This matters because targeting LGBTQ+ and other marginalized histories in public spaces represents an attack on civil rights, erases hard-won progress, and raises the stakes for organizers defending inclusive, truthful storytelling in American history.
Now What?
Watch for court rulings on these lawsuits, further removals or restorations of contested symbols and exhibits, and organizing from groups like the Gilbert Baker Foundation and National Parks Conservation Association.
Strays
Headline: Abandon shipment: how an Amazon van got marooned on the UK’s ‘most dangerous path’ | Theguardian
What?
An Amazon delivery van became stranded on the Broomway, a dangerous tidal path in Essex, after the driver followed GPS directions on February 14, 2026.
So What?
This incident highlights the potential pitfalls of over-reliance on technology and the precarious conditions faced by gig economy workers, raising questions about corporate responsibility and worker safety.
Now What?
Watch for discussions on improving safety measures for delivery drivers and the role of technology in workplace safety; further reading on gig economy challenges can be found in reports by organizations like the Fairwork Project.
