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Slate Money | Trump Math & Techno-Fascism

Mar 1, 2025
In this discussion, guest Kyle Chayka, a Staff Writer at The New Yorker and author of 'Filter World,' dives into the alarming parallels between technocracy and authoritarianism, linking modern tech figures like Elon Musk to historical 'techno-fascists.' The conversation critically analyzes Trump's controversial 'gold card' citizenship proposal, revealing the political and economic implications. They also hilariously debunk the exaggerated fears surrounding black plastic kitchen utensils, showing how misinformation can warp consumer behaviors.
53:27

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Trump's proposal for a $5 million citizenship 'gold card' illustrates the troubling disconnect between political rhetoric and economic reality.
  • The podcast discusses the rise of technocrats prioritizing private interests over democratic accountability, drawing parallels to historical authoritarian trends.

Deep dives

The Impact of Technocratic Governance

The podcast highlights the growing influence of technocrats in government, drawing parallels to historical examples such as Japan in the 1930s. This rise is characterized by a shift towards leaders prioritizing technology and private sector interests over democratic accountability. The conversation points out that unlike previous administrations where technocrats worked towards public good, the current trend reflects a privatized approach favoring billionaire agendas. Concerns arise over this shift, as it threatens traditional governance structures and may lead towards authoritarianism if unchecked.

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