The Monthly Outlook
POLITICS
Trump’s Return to Presidency
Written By: Jasmin Pais
Researched By: Jasmin Pais & Andy Huang
Edited By: Selina Chen
WASHINGTON — On Jan. 20, President Donald Trump was inaugurated for his second term in office. In November, President Trump won the election against Kamala Harris after Joe Biden dropped out of the race, after lengthy inter-party conflict. Both the former president and vice president attended the inauguration ceremony. The 47th President of the United States addressed the nation and declared that “From this moment on, America’s decline is over.”
President Trump stated that starting on Jan. 20, he would be signing executive orders that would “complete the restoration of America and the revolution of common sense.” President Trump has signed 51 executive orders thus far, mainly regarding “priorities such as immigration, trade, and national security.” Trump spoke about several of these issues in his address, chastising the previous administration for how they have “extracted power and wealth from our citizens.” One of Trump’s more controversial orders was the order freezing “the hiring of Federal civilian employees.” This has led to the shutdown of several hiring programs, such as the Attorney General Honors Program, which recruits top law students into the public sector. Without this program, many students will be scrambling for jobs after graduation.
Trump directly addressed the Black and Latino American communities and thanked them specifically for their support in this election. Trump also stated that he was reinstating his “Remain in Mexico” policy, which will exercise the government’s full power to eliminate negative foreign presence, such as cartels and gangs. He issued an executive order to classify cartels as terrorist groups and claimed to be sending troops to the southern U.S. border.
Many prominent public figures and officials in power attended the event alongside politicians. One of the more notable figures was Elon Musk, a public supporter of Trump and the chairman of the new Department of Government Efficiency. During Musk’s speech, he projected his arm straight out after placing his hand over his heart. He repeated this action both to the crowd and those seated behind him. Many have interpreted this move as a “Nazi salute;” however, Musk claimed on “X” that, “Frankly, they need better dirty tricks. The ‘everyone is Hitler’ attack is sooo tired.” He did not explicitly deny ever doing the salute and in response, right-wing extremists are celebrating the so-called “end of woke.”
FEATURES
How Xiaohongshu is Challenging Sinophobia in the U.S.
Written by: Shirley Zhang
Researched by: Andy Huang
Edited by: Jessica Kwok
In recent months, the popular Chinese social media app Xiaohongshu (also known as XHS or Little Red Book) saw a surge in downloads from more than 3 million U.S. users. This trend follows the heightened discussion surrounding a potential TikTok ban in the United States, which prompted a wave of migration among American netizens seeking an alternative platform to create content. While the ban on TikTok has since been revoked, the effects of this migration has opened new discussions about cultural perceptions and biases, particularly regarding attitudes toward Chinese platforms.
XHS, which gained popularity among Chinese users for lifestyle content such as travel tips and product recommendations, has increasingly been seen as a space for cultural exchange. Analysts like Ivy Yang, founder of consulting firm Wavelet Strategy, have observed its potential in bridging the gap between Western and Chinese netizens. However, the platform also invites conversations regarding sinophobia. Many new users express surprise at finding Chinese creators “funny” or relatable, which are comments that may suggest Chinese people were previously perceived as people who didn’t share Western cultural norms of humor or personality.
Decades of U.S. propaganda have played a significant role in shaping public perceptions of China, often framing the culture and its platforms through a lens of suspicion. Such portrayals may contribute to a sense of mistrust or unfamiliarity, reinforcing biases that shape public opinion. In addition, reactions from American netizens reflect ongoing skepticism toward XHS. Many express concerns about data privacy or assume the platform serves as a tool for government influence, illustrating how stereotypes persist even in the face of direct and positive interaction with Chinese creators.
The current situation with XHS raises important questions about how exposure to different cultures can challenge preconceptions and whether these experiences are able to shift long-established narratives. As platforms like XHS continue to grow in global popularity, they offer an opportunity for netizens around the world to bridge cultural gaps and to address deeply embedded biases in a more informed way.
Los Angeles Fires: A Community on High Alert
Written and Researched By: Sophia Lam
Edited By: Jonathan Zhang
LOS ANGELES — Fueled by powerful winds and dry conditions, a series of devastating wildfires ignited on Jan. 7, tearing through the Los Angeles area. The fires have claimed 28 lives so far, including individuals who tragically passed away while trying to save their homes, and destroyed thousands of structures in their path. It’s estimated nearly 17,000 structures have been destroyed and tens of thousands of people have been forced to evacuate from their homes. The exact death toll is still unknown as the fires continue to devastate communities.
The first in a series of destructive wildfires is the Palisades Fire, possibly fueled by strong Santa Ana winds — officials have not yet determined the definite cause of the Palisades Fire. The fire scorched more than 23,000 acres, destroyed thousands of structures and claimed at least eight lives. Although the Palisades Fires are said to have begun on Jan. 7, residents reported seeing lingering signs of a fire as early as Jan. 1, possibly from the Lachman Fire near the Temescal Ridge Trail.
Another major wildfire on Jan. 7, the Eaton Fire, ignited near canyonlands north of Downtown Los Angeles and has burned over 14,021 acres and destroyed more than 10,400 structures. On Jan. 22, the Hughes Fire broke out near Castaic Lake in north Los Angeles County, burning 10,176 acres and remaining only 24% contained as of Jan. 24.
The connection between the Lachman and Palisades Fires has drawn attention to the phenomenon of reigniting wildfires, a well-documented risk in Southern California. Historical precedents, like the 1991 Oakland Hills Fire, and recent incidents, including the 2023 Maui wildfires and the 2021 Boulder County Fire, all demonstrate how lingering hotspots can lead to renewed devastation.
As the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and other agencies investigate the Palisades Fire’s cause and origin, officials hope to better understand the conditions that contributed to this disaster and prevent similar tragedies and destruction in the near future.
Residents impacted by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County fortunately have several avenues to receive assistance, whether through monetary donations, material contributions or volunteering efforts. Numerous state, regional and grassroots organizations are actively raising funds and recruiting volunteers to provide aid to displaced residents and first responders. In addition to this, there is also an urgent appeal for donations to the Los Angeles Fire Department foundation, which supplies firefighters with essential equipment, such as emergency fire shelters, hydration packs and wildland tools.
ENTERTAINMENT
Asians Win Big at the 2025 Golden Globes
Written and Researched By: Rui Zheng
Edited By: Jonathan Zhang
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — The 82nd Golden Globes were held on Jan. 5, awarding historic wins for Asians and Asian Americans in numerous categories. For TV, FX drama series “Shōgun” swept the show. For comedy and film, comedian-actress Ali Wong won for her Netflix special “Single Lady.” And “Wicked,” directed by John Chu, also received numerous awards.
“Shōgun” won in every category it was nominated in: best actor in a drama TV series, best actress in a drama TV series, best supporting actor in a drama TV series, and best drama TV series. The series is an adaptation of a novel with the same name, which gives a fictional account on the power struggle that led to the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate in feudal Japan. It is the first show with an Asian-led cast to win the best drama TV series award, with the lead and supporting actor winners also being significant firsts. Hiroyuki Sanada, who played Lord Yoshii Toranaga, is the first Asian actor to win the best actor award and the first Japanese actor to win any Golden Globe. Tadanobu Asano, who played Kashigi Yabushige, is the first Japanese actor to win best supporting actor. His win also came with a viral and heartwarming moment, where he joyously thanked the audience in his speech, stating: “I’m very happy, thank you!” Anna Sawai won best actress in a drama series for her role as Toda Mariko, the second actress to win the award for that role. Yoko Shimada, who played Mariko in the 1980 version, won the same award at the 38th Golden Globes. Sawai had also received an Emmy for best drama actress for “Shōgun” last September.
For comedy, Ali Wong won best performance in stand-up comedy on TV for her Netflix comedy special “Single Lady.” The raunchy special mainly focused on dating after her divorce and received mixed audience reviews. In her acceptance speech, she paid tribute to the San Francisco comedy scene. This is her second Golden Globes win — she won best actress in a limited series last year for “Beef,” which made her the first Asian American woman to receive that award.
“Wicked” also received significant attention, both in the box office and on the awards show stage. Directed by Chinese American John Chu, the movie’s star-studded cast included Cynthia Errivo, Ariana Grande and Michelle Yeoh. Adapted from the Broadway musical with the same name, “Wicked” won the Golden Globe for cinematic and box office achievement. In his speech, Chu drew personal connection to the original play, stating his parents would tell “us about the yellow brick road and the place over the rainbow, where all dreams come true if you dare to dream it.” He ended the speech with a call to make “art that is a radical optimism” in a pessimistic world, stating: “maybe [we all have] a little bit of Elphaba inside of us … that maybe we have that courage and that strength to not give up but to rise up. Take the road off the yellow brick road and maybe discover we can fly.”
The Return of XO Kitty: Season 2 Review
Written by: Stella Hung
Researched by: Stella Hung
Edited by: Kate Sum
Image Source: XO Kitty season 2 ending explained
Season two of “XO Kitty” has just dropped on Netflix, featuring eight new episodes of the spin-off series “To All The Boys.” After the drama from last semester, Kitty Song Covey (Anna Cathcart) returned to the Korean International School of Seoul (KISS) determined to focus on her studies. While she reunited with old friends, this new season also brought in a number of new faces that added to the cast diversity.
This semester, Kitty continued her search to find more information about her mom, who also attended KISS in the past. While she attempted to focus on her studies and stay out of drama, she ended up rooming with her crush Yuri (Gia Kim) and her girlfriend (Regan Aliyah). The cliffhanger from last season is revealed in a flashback of Min-ho (Sang Heon Lee) confessing his feelings for Kitty on the plane, only for Kitty to turn him down. This led him to date Stella (Audrey Huynh), a new student introduced to the show with her own secrets and goals in mind. To top it off, Kitty’s ex-boyfriend Dae (Minyeong Cho) still was not over their breakup from last semester.
Season two included a cameo of Noah Centineo, giving fans of “To All The Boys I Loved Before” a glimpse of Peter and Laura Jean’s relationship (one that only came to fruition thanks to Kitty, as Peter reminded her). Kitty struggled with her own relationships, doing more soul-searching throughout the series and realized she had fallen for Min-ho in the last episode. Viewers are left on another cliffhanger at the end of the season, leaving fans to wonder if the two will end up together. While season three has not been officially confirmed yet, cast members have hinted at a renewal, eager for Kitty to continue exploring who she is and follow her own story.
POLI CO CORNER
Want to donate or looking for more information?
Help with Fires (Contributions can be made online; support fire victims and relief efforts)
The Red Cross helps people affected by disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families.
Supports firefighters, their families, and communities impacted by wildfires.
Distributes medications, protective gear and more to individuals impacted by fires in Palisades, Altadena, and across California, providing critical aid where it’s needed most.
Community-supported animal resource center providing compassion and care for all animals in the Greater Los Angeles Area.
Focused on finding long-term, comprehensive solutions that address the vital issues concerning quality of life in Los Angeles County
Know Your Rights For Immigrants (Amidst recent anti-immigration action from the government)
Use this app to prepare, learn and respond if you are at risk of being detained by deportation agents.
- NAKASEC Immigration 24/7 Hotline (844-500-3222) 📞
Live confidential assistance in English and Korean for all immigration situations
Find key “know-your-rights” resources, guides and blog posts from the nation’s first Asian American legal and civil rights organization.
- CASA ICE Raid Tip Hotline (1-888-214-6016) 📞
Report any ICE encounters
Avoid misinformation and verify online reports of ICE Raids and immigration enforcement activity.
Asian Outlook | Art and Literary Magazine 
