this is Shades of the Day — bringing you different shades of opinion in news & culture so that you can see the big picture quickly. We believe that seeing multiple POVs is the best way to stay informed.

It’s Wednesday, January 22 — here’s what you’ll find in today’s edition:

• Trumpism, cool?

• Elon Musk’s gesture

• Why some people get mean when they’re drunk

• 6 quick hits of news from the last 24 hours

Trumpism, cool?

The WSJ says the political landscape is changing: MAGA is thriving in our culture again. Trump-isms have stolen the spotlight in sports, marketing, and entertainment. More Americans are identifying themselves as “socially conservative”.

Hot Air: Yup! Trump is trendy again, and maybe at its peak. It's the American voter's way of rejecting “the extremism of the ruling elite clique”.

NY Mag argues this might be as good as it gets for MAGA. Trump's re-election marks a high point, but challenges for the movement loom.

For what it's worth, this Guardian Op is not impressed: It's not cool to follow Trump! Figures like Elon Musk and Zuckerberg just look desperate

Elon’s gesture

During a speech at Trump's inauguration, Elon Mask made two straight-arm salutes to the crowd -- the Guardian says it really looked like a fascist salute. Haaretz agreed, they said it was a clear “Roman salute”, most commonly associated with fascism in Italy and Germany.

Here's the video.

BBC: Musk responded to these comments on X -- he said it was clearly not a Nazi salute, and this whole “calling everybody Hitler” thing is so played out.

Another X user defended him: The “wave” was misunderstood as a Nazi gesture due to Musk’s social awkwardness -- it was just a weird salute, not a Nazi symbol.

But Rolling Stone notes that many right-wing extremists celebrated Musk's gesture online. They shared it widely on social media. Also, this isn't a random gesture from a random guy, this was a clear (and aggressive) salute from a guy who frequently supports right-wing narratives.

Vanity Fair: But the ADL urged giving Musk the benefit of the doubt -- he was probably nervously engaging with the crowd, not actually making a Nazi salute.

Mean when drunk

Why do people get mean when they're drunk? A Men's Health article says it's about biology -- Genes greatly influence how some folks react to alcohol, turning small irritations into full-blown conflicts.

Still, Men's Health argues personality factors might fuel meanness when drinking: Planning ahead and self-reflection might help you overcome nasty vibes -- you can't just blame your DNA.

Gateway Foundation says many people experience more aggression because of how alcohol inhibits the prefrontal cortex -- be aware of your personal relationship with alcohol before getting super smashed!

Redditors had a simpler take: They argue sober jerks turn into drunk jerks because alcohol peels back their social filters -- you won't turn into a monster if you're a good, kind person at heart.

Rock Recovery Center said that's only part of the picture: You can't blame it all on your personality because alcohol messes with judgment, releasing your worst behaviors.

Another Redditor says it's about your mood when you start drinking -- if you're feeling peeved already, maybe don't get too drunk!

1) President Donald Trump signed an executive order to end birthright citizenship for children of non-citizen parents, facing challenges from 22 states.

2) The Trump administration announces changes to immigration policies, allowing arrests in sensitive locations like churches and schools.

3) Dow futures rise as Netflix's strong earnings offset caution from Trump's tariff threats.

4) Thousands of migrants stranded after Trump axes CBP One app, previously allowing nearly 1 million legal entries into the US.

5) Trump stirs controversy by pardoning over 1,500 individuals from Jan 6. riot, sparking debate on Proud Boys' political role.

6) On day one, Trump ordered the dismantling of all federal DEI programs and placed DEI staff on paid leave.