Hi ,

The second Trump administration is in full flow, with the new president making significant strides in implementing his agenda. 

So far, this has meant scything through the institutions of government in the US with the assistance of billionaire Elon Musk. Their aim: to dismantle so-called 'woke' departments, end the practices of diversity, equality and inclusion, and root out alleged inefficiency and fraud. 

But what are the wider ramifications of this new Trump presidency? How could the actions of the president and Elon Musk impact Europe, the UK and Scotland? 

We are holding a special event on 5 April to examine how this radical global shift could impact all of us. 

Join us at the Assembly Roxy in Edinburgh for 'Trump 2.0: What Does It Mean for Scotland?', alongside The Ferret's AGM. 

Tickets are available here or tap the button below.

Yours,

Ali

Story of the week

An in-depth look at a Ferret investigation

The head of Edinburgh university has been accused of ‘greed’ for taking a second job just months before he announced staff cuts. 

University of Edinburgh principal and vice-chancellor Sir Peter Mathieson joined the board of Roslin Cell Therapies (CT) in June last year. 

The role at the biotech firm could potentially earn him tens of thousands on top of his existing pay, which is worth over £400,000 and was recently increased by five per cent.

Last month, Mathieson warned staff about plans to cut £140m from the university’s annual budget, which would result in a “smaller staff base”. He said the move was necessary due to a “financial gap” at the university. 

What did we dig up this week?

A round up of our investigations in the last seven days

Claim overall attainment gap is down 60 per cent is Mostly False

The first minister has faced sustained criticism from the other parties at Holyrood over the Scottish Government’s record on education. 

Star wars: alarm at space agency’s 130 meetings with MoD

Senior officials from the UK Space Agency held over 130 meetings with the Ministry of Defence in 2024, prompting renewed concerns about the “weaponisation” of space. 

Study to gauge impacts of gamebirds on Scotland’s native species to go ahead

The Game and Wildlife Conservation Trust aims to examine the effects caused by releasing millions of non-native gamebirds each year in rural Scotland.

Question of the week

Has the Scottish Government done enough to close the attainment gap?

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Best of the rest

Investigations we've enjoyed from around the world

Peer who led government NHS review failed to declare shares in health firm

Lord Darzi’s undeclared interests in four companies included $500,000 of shares in US-based healthcare venture. (Guardian)

Police investigate EU lawmakers who allegedly faked presence in Brussels

Two lawmakers are being investigated by Belgian police for allegedly faking attendance at the European Parliament to claim thousands in allowances. (Follow the Money)

The rise and fall of Terrorgram: Inside a global online hate network

After several arrests of alleged Terrorgram members and reforms by Telegram, experts expect that white supremacists will find a new platform for their hate. (ProPublica)

Any comments? Have you seen something we could include? Email us at contact@theferret.scot.

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