Joe Miller, the Financial Times' Washington correspondent, dives into the intersection of tech and politics, focusing on Elon Musk's influence under Trump's presidency. Hannah Murphy discusses the impact of social media regulations, while Stephen Morris examines the tech landscape and AI development. They explore how Trump's policies may reshape the industry, from potential tech oligarchies to the challenges for emerging platforms like Truth Social. The conversation presents an intriguing outlook on the tech world ahead in 2025.
Trump's presidency is likely to foster closer ties with tech leaders like Elon Musk, impacting deregulation and policy influence.
The expected shift towards lighter regulation for AI and cryptocurrency under Trump signals a new era of tech innovation and growth.
Deep dives
Impact of Trump's Second Presidency on Tech
The era of Trump's second presidency is poised to have a significant impact on the tech landscape in the United States. His administration is likely to foster a closer relationship with major tech figures and companies, exemplified by his past interactions with individuals like Elon Musk. The podcast suggests that while Musk's influence within the White House may fluctuate, his capacity to sway tech policy, especially regarding deregulation, could remain strong due to his connections. Notable instances include Musk's success in advocating for the preservation of certain visa programs and deregulation efforts, indicating that his agendas may align with those of the Trump administration despite potential limitations.
Key Relationships Between Trump and Tech Giants
The relationship between Trump and various tech giants, including Mark Zuckerberg and Tim Cook, is a focal point of discussion regarding the future of tech policy. Trump’s administration may see tech leaders pivoting to strengthen their ties with the new president, often driven by business interests and power dynamics. For instance, Zuckerberg's previous challenges with Trump regarding content moderation raised concerns about his company’s alignment with the Trump administration's agenda. Cook, on the other hand, demonstrated a more strategic approach, securing favorable conditions for Apple in dealing with tariffs, showcasing how tech leaders are preparing to navigate the evolving political landscape.
The Future of Regulation Under Trump
The regulatory environment for big tech firms may shift significantly under Trump's leadership, moving towards less stringent oversight. Key figures within the administration have differing opinions about the necessary approach to regulation, illustrating a potential tug-of-war between pro-deregulation advocates and those favouring a more cautious approach. Many tech companies have actively engaged with Trump's administration, emphasizing their role in bolstering America's global competitiveness against China. This lobbying likely aims to assuage fears of breakup and to ensure a continued focus on rapid growth and innovation without heavy-handed regulatory constraints.
The Rise of AI and Cryptocurrency in Trump's Tech Agenda
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and cryptocurrency is expected to garner significant attention and support in Trump's technology agenda. Companies in the AI sector are poised to benefit from a lighter regulatory touch, with industry leaders making strong appeals to the administration that emphasize the importance of maintaining the U.S. lead in innovation. In parallel, the cryptocurrency sector has seen unprecedented optimism, with Trump’s administration expected to adopt a friendly stance towards regulation, driven by financial contributions from industry players. This dual focus on AI and cryptocurrency indicates a broader embrace of emerging technologies, with the expectation that they will thrive without the constraints seen during the previous administration.
Incoming president Donald Trump has shown he’s ready to act decisively on tech, giving a stay of execution to TikTok after the US Supreme Court upheld a ban on the social media platform. But how will he deal with the rest of the tech sector and how much influence will Elon Musk wield? The FT’s technology news editor Murad Ahmed is joined by Washington correspondent Joe Miller, and Hannah Murphy and Stephen Morris from the FT’s San Francisco bureau to discuss the potential impact of a Trump presidency on everything from social media to artificial intelligence.
This season of Tech Tonic is presented by Murad Ahmed, and produced by Persis Love. Edwin Lane is the senior producer and Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Sound design by Breen Turner, Samantha Giovinco and Joe Salcedo, with original music from Metaphor Music. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.