The Fifth Column Black Irish, Ice Queens, and Body Snatchers (w/ Tina Nguyen) - #537
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Dec 18, 2025 
Tina Nguyen, a Senior Reporter at The Verge, dives into the heated clash between big tech and government. She shares insights on how tech companies shifted from adversaries to allies of Trump. The discussion hilariously veers into Mariah Carey’s whiskey branding and examines the influence of figures like David Sacks. They also explore the strategic storytelling attempts of conservatives and critique new adaptations of Orwell’s works. With a mix of humor and sharp analysis, this conversation dissects the intricate webs of media, politics, and culture.
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Tech's Transactional Win In Washington
- Silicon Valley treats access to Trump as transactional business strategy to protect companies from regulation.
- That billionaire aura and proximity often trumps ideological hostility in Washington.
YouTube's $22M Settlement Story
- Tina described YouTube settling $22 million with Trump after private lunch talks instead of litigating.
- The settlement flowed through Google's channels quickly after the meeting, showing transactional influence.
Proximity Beats Product In D.C.
- Washington values proximity and influence differently than Silicon Valley values product-building pedigree.
- David Sacks' closeness to Trump matters more in D.C. than his builder credentials in Silicon Valley.