🗞️☀️ The Federal Courts meet Trump's actions, D.C. Plane Crash, and What's Next for DeepSeek and AI

We made it! It’s Friday, January 31.

Today, we are covering the federal court system and Trump 2.0, the devastating D.C. plane crash, what DeepSeek means for the AI industry, and how Louis Armstrong became the first Black pop star.

But before jumping into that, I wanted to take a moment to address the attack on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). We all know this isn’t about fairness or qualifications—it’s a racist trope, plain and simple. But beyond that, it’s a Trojan horse for the real objective: protecting existing and historical power structures. DEI has never been about lowering standards; it’s about removing barriers that have unfairly kept qualified, talented people from opportunities. And let’s be real—if DEI were actually bad for business, we’d see it reflected in the numbers. But over the past five years, after George Floyd’s death, the S&P 500 has grown by 82%, far outpacing the historical average of 46%. In the most recent McKinsey Diversity Matters report, companies committed to diversity show a 39% increased likelihood of outperformance. The idea that diversity hurts performance isn’t just wrong—it’s deliberately misleading.

I won’t lie—seeing DEI under attack from all sides can be exhausting. The backlash is loud, and sometimes it feels like progress is slipping away. But here’s the thing: DEI isn’t just a corporate trend—it’s a fundamental shift in how businesses, institutions, and society operate. And no matter how much they fight it, there is hope.

• The Data Is on Our Side: Companies that invest in DEI continue to outperform their peers. As mentioned above, study after study has shown that diverse teams drive innovation, increase profitability, and create stronger organizations. The financial incentive for inclusion is too strong to ignore, and businesses that abandon DEI entirely will lose their competitive edge.

• Public Support for DEI Is Stronger Than the Backlash: Most Americans support efforts to create fair and inclusive workplaces—polls consistently show this. The loudest voices attacking DEI aren’t the majority; they just have the biggest microphones. But people—especially younger generations—aren’t going to sit back and let progress be rolled back without a fight.

• DEI Isn’t Just a Corporate Initiative—It’s a Movement: DEI isn’t just something that exists in boardrooms and HR policies—it’s showing up in grassroots activism, legal battles against discrimination, and the push for more equitable institutions. The momentum isn’t just coming from the top down—it’s being driven from the bottom up.

What You Can Do

✅ Speak Up at Work – If your company is scaling back its DEI efforts, ask why. Ask leadership to be transparent about their commitments. Bring up DEI in performance reviews, team meetings, and company town halls—make sure they know it still matters.

✅ Support Pro-DEI Businesses – Choose to support companies that are committed to equity and inclusion. Check corporate responsibility reports, research their hiring and promotion practices, and be intentional about where you spend your dollars.

✅ Mentor & Lift Others Up – DEI isn’t just a policy—it’s something we live out every day. Whether it’s mentoring a younger colleague, advocating for fair hiring practices, or making sure all voices are heard in meetings, we can all play a role in creating more inclusive environments.

✅ Stay Engaged & Educated – The fight against DEI is happening through legislation, lawsuits, and media narratives. Stay informed, share credible information, and push back against misinformation. Vote for candidates who support workplace equity, and hold leaders accountable.

✅ Don’t Let the Backlash Discourage You – Progress is never linear. Every movement for justice has faced resistance, but history shows that when enough people keep pushing, change happens. The fact that DEI is under attack means it was making an impact—and that’s exactly why we have to keep going.

At the end of the day, DEI isn’t just about companies—it’s about people. It’s about making sure that talent, hard work, and potential aren’t blocked by outdated biases. It’s about fairness. And as long as we keep advocating, keep showing up, and keep holding the line, DEI isn’t going anywhere.

If you like what Good Diet is building and curating, share our subscribe URL with a friend. Let us know what you love, what you’d like to see more or less of, or any other suggestions you may have. You can send feedback directly to me at [email protected].

Best,

Rashad Drakeford

Co-Founder & Publisher, Good Diet

Trump Shaping Federal Courts for a Generation

As we step into a second term under President Trump, the federal judiciary remains one of the most significant legacies of his first term. Over the course of his first term, Trump appointed a record number of conservative judges, reshaping the courts and positioning them to influence U.S. laws for years to come. With 89 federal judge vacancies remaining and the opportunity to potentially fill even more, Trump’s influence over the judicial system will be deepened, potentially expanding the scope of executive power and changing how constitutional questions are interpreted. Here's what you need to understand about the future of the courts and its impact on presidential authority.

• Trump’s Judicial Legacy… to date: By the end of his first term, Trump had appointed 234 federal judges, a number that’s reshaped the judiciary in his conservative image. His judges are overwhelmingly young and ideologically aligned with right-wing values, ensuring his influence will last for decades. This level of judicial appointments has been a major success for Trump’s agenda, pushing conservative rulings on everything from voting rights to corporate regulations.

• The Continuing Impact on the Supreme Court: Trump’s influence on the judicial system extends to the highest court in the land. With the potential for more Supreme Court vacancies, he could solidify a conservative majority that would affect major rulings on abortion, gun control, and civil rights. If Trump fills these vacancies, the Court could be entrenched with conservative justices for a generation, reshaping U.S. law and governance for years to come.

• Current Federal Vacancies: With just over 50 vacancies in district courts, Trump can appoint judges who will directly influence the application of federal laws in a variety of legal cases. Additionally, with over 30 vacancies in the appellate courts, Trump can impact rulings on key issues such as immigration, civil rights, and national security. These appointments will have a long-term effect on how laws are interpreted and applied.

• Presidential Powers and Constitutional Interpretation: With a growing number of conservative judges, Trump’s influence could stretch the boundaries of presidential power. Conservative judges tend to favor broader interpretations of executive authority, which could give Trump more leeway to act unilaterally, especially on issues like national security and immigration. Additionally, these appointments may limit the scope of rights previously expanded under liberal administrations, potentially affecting everything from voting access to environmental protections.

The AI Arms Race Heats Up

The rise of DeepSeek AI, a Chinese AI startup, is sending shockwaves through the global tech industry, especially in the semiconductor market. This company is positioning itself as a direct competitor to Nvidia, a leader in AI-driven chips. With major players like ASML and Nvidia at the center of this competition, there are significant geopolitical and market implications to consider. As the AI arms race heats up, understanding how these companies are navigating competition, regulation, and international tensions is key to predicting how the industry will evolve in the coming years.

• DeepSeek AI’s Challenge to Nvidia: DeepSeek AI is quickly emerging as a formidable competitor to Nvidia, with the company aiming to develop its own AI chips that could rival Nvidia’s high-performance processors. The startup, backed by Chinese investors, is attempting to reduce China’s dependence on U.S. technology, which puts it directly at odds with Nvidia, whose chips dominate AI applications. DeepSeek’s ambition to carve out a significant share of the market is raising concerns in the West, especially as China ramps up its investments in homegrown tech.

• Microsoft Probes Possible OpenAI Data Breach by DeepSeek: Microsoft is investigating whether DeepSeek improperly accessed OpenAI’s proprietary data, raising concerns about AI security and intellectual property theft. OpenAI reportedly detected unusual activity tied to DeepSeek, though it remains unclear whether any sensitive information was compromised. This case highlights the growing risks of cyber espionage in AI research and the challenges of protecting cutting-edge technology from foreign adversaries.

• Geopolitical Implications of the AI Arms Race: The growing AI competition reflects broader geopolitical tensions, particularly between the U.S. and China. As China seeks to reduce its reliance on American tech, AI chips have become a crucial battlefield. The U.S. has already implemented measures to restrict Chinese access to advanced semiconductor technology, but China’s push to develop its own industry could alter global tech supply chains and change the balance of power in the AI sector.

• What’s Next for the AI Industry: The AI industry is on the brink of further disruption, with companies like DeepSeek, Nvidia, and ASML playing key roles in the ongoing evolution. Expect a push for even more advanced AI capabilities, particularly in generative AI and machine learning, as demand for smarter, faster processing power grows. However, alongside the technological leap, ethical and regulatory considerations will intensify, with governments worldwide weighing in on AI’s impact on privacy, jobs, and security. The future of AI will likely see more collaboration and competition, with companies racing to innovate while navigating increasingly complex political and legal landscapes.

D.C. Plane Crash Raises Many Questions

After Wednesday’s tragic crash that involved a commercial jet and a military helicopter on a training flight near Washington D.C.’s Reagan National Airport, concerns about air traffic safety in one of the country’s busiest airspaces are growing. But beyond the tragedy itself, this incident has put a spotlight on the Trump-era changes to aviation rules—especially those that weakened safety regulations and shifted air traffic control hiring policies. Reagan National Airport (DCA) is already notorious for its high-risk airspace, and experts say these policy shifts may be making things worse.

• Reagan National’s Dangerous Airspace: If you’ve ever flown into D.C., you know the approach to Reagan National is no joke—it’s one of the most congested and tightly restricted airspaces in the country. Pilots have to navigate through military no-fly zones and heavy commercial traffic, all while dealing with the airport’s short runways. This crash is another reminder that flying into DCA isn’t just routine; it’s a high-stakes balancing act that leaves little room for error.

• Trump’s Policy Changes and the Air Traffic Controller Shortage: Under the Trump administration, the FAA has begun to make changes to how air traffic controllers are hired, shifting away from diversity initiatives and instead prioritizing military and legacy hires. The problem? The industry was already struggling with a shortage, and these changes didn’t help fill the gaps fast enough. Now, with an understaffed and overworked controller workforce, the system is stretched thin—making dangerous airspaces like DCA even riskier.

• Deregulation and the State of Aviation Safety: Trump’s policies also cut back on certain aviation safety regulations, giving airlines more leeway to push efficiency over safety. While these changes were pitched as removing “red tape,” critics say they weakened oversight just as the industry was dealing with record demand and a staffing crisis.

• What This Means for the Future of Air Travel: Between a growing controller shortage, increasingly packed flight schedules, and outdated infrastructure, aviation safety is reaching a breaking point. Experts are calling for more investments in hiring and training air traffic controllers, as well as stronger oversight to ensure safety isn’t being sacrificed for profits. If nothing changes, near misses and tragic accidents like this one could become a lot more common—and that’s something none of us can afford to ignore.

With DEI Under Fire, Some Companies Are Holding the Line

Over the past year, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs have faced serious pushback, with lawsuits, political pressure, and corporate fear leading many companies to quietly scale back or scrap their initiatives altogether. But not every company is backing down. While some big names are retreating, others—like Apple, Costco, and Nordstrom—are doubling down on their commitments to workplace diversity. With the legal and cultural landscape shifting, the real question is: Who’s standing firm, who’s folding, and what does it mean for the future of DEI in corporate America?

• The Backlash Is Real—And It’s Working: Over the past year, conservative groups and politicians have aggressively targeted DEI programs, arguing that they discriminate against white and male employees. Legal challenges, including lawsuits invoking the Supreme Court’s affirmative action ruling, have put pressure on companies to rethink their diversity strategies. As a result, several corporations—like Lowe’s and X (formerly Twitter)—have either scaled back or completely cut their DEI initiatives, often with little public acknowledgment.

• Some Companies Are Holding the Line: Despite the backlash, many executives argue that DEI isn’t just about social responsibility—it’s about business success. Leaders at companies like Apple and Costco have emphasized that diverse teams drive innovation, improve decision-making, and help them better serve an increasingly diverse customer base. Additionally, maintaining DEI commitments helps attract top talent, as younger generations of workers increasingly expect companies to prioritize inclusivity and equity in the workplace.

• Why This Matters for Workers Across the Board: DEI programs have played a key role in creating opportunities for historically underrepresented groups—including women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ employees. Beyond hiring, these initiatives have helped foster leadership development, mentorship programs, and equitable pay structures that benefit a wide range of employees. As companies scale back, the concern isn’t just about who gets hired—it’s about maintaining a workplace culture that values different perspectives and ensures that opportunities aren’t limited to the same groups that have historically dominated corporate leadership.

• What’s Next for DEI? As legal and political pressure mounts, companies committed to DEI are shifting toward strategies that are harder to challenge, like leadership development, retention efforts, and equity audits. Many are moving from race-specific initiatives to “race-neutral” approaches that still promote diversity, such as inclusive hiring practices and mentorship programs. Consumer and employee expectations will also play a big role—Millennials and Gen Z increasingly factor corporate values into where they work and spend their money, pushing companies to stay the course. Ultimately, businesses that tie DEI to innovation, decision-making, and financial success will be best positioned to maintain these initiatives without falling into legal or political crosshairs.

FireAid Became One of the Biggest Benefit Concerts in History

When devastating wildfires tore through Los Angeles, legendary music executive Irving Azoff decided to turn his industry connections into action. In just 48 hours, FireAid was born—without a lineup, but with a clear mission: to raise millions for fire relief while giving a grieving city a moment of healing. What started as an idea quickly became a mega-event featuring some of the biggest names in music, from Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo to Joni Mitchell and Stevie Wonder. With a strategic launch timed just before the Grammys and unprecedented industry support, FireAid is set to be one of the most significant charity concerts in recent history.

• How It Came Together So Fast: The night after the fires started, Azoff, his wife Shelli, and their family decided a benefit concert was the best way to raise funds. Within days, his phone was ringing with artists eager to help, including Rod Stewart—who immediately chartered a plane to get to L.A.—and Stevie Nicks, who planned to perform a special unreleased song. Concert rivals Live Nation and AEG Presents put aside their competition to co-produce the event, and with billionaire Clippers owner Steve Ballmer offering up both Kia Forum and Intuit Dome, FireAid became a two-arena spectacle.

• A Star-Studded Lineup Built on Relationships: Azoff didn’t have to beg for artists—he just had to answer his phone. John Mayer texted Dave Matthews about performing together, and Joni Mitchell’s manager confirmed she was in. The Eagles, unable to perform, still kicked off fundraising with a $2.5 million donation. With a mix of rock legends and young stars, FireAid’s lineup was built for impact, balancing major California-based acts with globally recognized names.

• A Concert Where Every Dollar Goes to Relief: 100% of ticket sales are going directly to fire relief. Live Nation waived all Ticketmaster fees, the venues are charging nothing, and even artist expenses are being covered by Ballmer, with many musicians paying their own way. The event was also streamed globally, played on radio stations, and shown in select AMC theaters to maximize donations.

• The Night’s Special Moments: Stevie Wonder closed out the night with Love’s in Need of Love Today, turning the stadium into a unified chorus. H.E.R. delivered a soul-stirring performance of Fight for You. Meanwhile, Andra Day’s raw, emotional performance of Rise Up hit hard.

20VC: Is Deepseek a Weapon of the CCP? (Listen)

“The 10 Most Important Questions on Deepseek: How did Deepseek innovate in a way that no other model provider has done? Do we believe that they only spent $6M to train R1? Should we doubt their claims on limited H100 usage? Is Josh Kushner right that this is a potential violation of US export laws? Is Deepseek an instrument used by the CCP to acquire US consumer data? How does Deepseek being open-source change the nature of this discussion? What should OpenAI do now? What should they not do? Does Deepseek hurt or help Meta who already have their open-source efforts with Lama? Will this market follow Satya Nadella’s suggestion of Jevon’s Paradox? How much more efficient will foundation models become? What does this mean for the $500BN Stargate project announced last week?”

The Ezra Klein Show: Let’s Get to the Marrow of What Trump Just Did (Listen)

“On the first day of President Trump’s second term, he signed a record 26 executive orders. Some of them were really big. Others feel more likely messaging memos. And still others are bound to be held up in the courts. So what does it all amount to? What exactly in America has changed?”

State of the World from NPR: The Long Walk Home to Northern Gaza (Listen)

“NPR Producer Anas Baba walks home to Northern Gaza, as Palestinians are allowed to return as part of a ceasefire deal with Israel and Hamas. And, a month after the fall of the Al-Assad regime, Syrians are euphoric, but face a shattered economy and fragile security.”

How to Be a Better Human: Throwing Good Parties and Building Community (Listen)

“Many of us are entering the new year with a similar goal — to build community and connect more with others. To kick off season five, Priya Parker shares ideas on how to be the host with the most. An expert on building connection, Priya is the author of “The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters.” Whether it's a book club, wedding, birthday or niche-and-obscurely themed party, Priya and Chris talk about how to create meaningful and fun experiences for all of your guests — including yourself.”

Fresh Air: How Louis Armstrong Became the First Black Pop Star (Listen)

“Author Ricky Riccardi says Louis Armstrong's innovations as a trumpeter and vocalist helped set the entire soundtrack of the 20th century. His new book about Armstrong's early life is Stomp Off, Let's Go.”