

Best Of: Growing Up Murdoch / DOGE's Cuts To The Federal Workforce
Mar 1, 2025
McKay Coppins, staff writer for The Atlantic, dives into the tumultuous rivalry among Rupert Murdoch's children as they vie for control of the media empire, echoing a real-life version of 'Succession'. Elizabeth Linos, a Harvard public policy expert, discusses Elon Musk's bold strategies for downsizing the federal government and the significant implications for civil servants and essential services. Their conversation weaves through family dynamics and political maneuvering, showcasing the intersection of personal and corporate legacies.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
James's Rebellious Path
- James Murdoch, initially a rebel, defied expectations of joining the family business.
- He dropped out of Harvard, started a hip-hop label, and even fell asleep at a press conference as an intern.
Profit over Ideology
- Rupert Murdoch's quick pivot to support Trump revealed his prioritization of profit over ideology.
- This surprised James, who believed his father had genuine political beliefs.
Lachlan's Trump Support
- James Murdoch found Lachlan's embrace of Trump's views surprising and concerning.
- He saw it as a departure from Lachlan's previously apolitical demeanor.