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Kara Swisher has known Elon Musk for decades - she saw this coming
Feb 10, 2025
Kara Swisher, a seasoned tech journalist known for her sharp insights on Silicon Valley, shares her long history with Elon Musk and his recent drastic shifts in governance. She discusses Musk’s controversial role as head of the new 'Department of Government Efficiency' and warns of a techno-dictatorship emerging under his influence. Their unlikely alliance with Trump is dissected, revealing a power dynamic that raises concerns about free speech, censorship, and the overarching impact of Silicon Valley on democracy.
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Quick takeaways
- Kara Swisher highlights Elon Musk's ideological shift from liberalism to controversial stances, influenced by personal challenges and the pandemic.
- Musk's leadership in the Department of Government Efficiency signifies a dangerous dismantling of democracy and a move towards authoritarian governance.
Deep dives
Elon Musk's Shift in Ideology
Elon Musk, once aligned with liberal ideals during the Obama administration, has undergone a significant ideological shift, particularly highlighted during the pandemic. He previously engaged with the Trump administration to advocate for climate change and immigration reforms, but post-2020, he has moved towards more controversial stances. This transformation is speculated to be influenced by personal life challenges, including tensions with his trans daughter, and experiences during factory shutdowns due to COVID-19. Musk's increasing engagement with extreme online narratives and mental health struggles have contributed to a worrying detachment from his former values.
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