What Next | Daily News and Analysis
TBD | Elon Wins
Nov 8, 2024
Zoë Schiffer, the incoming director of business and industry at Wired and author of *Extremely Hardcore: Inside Elon Musk’s Twitter*, dives into Elon Musk's growing political influence, especially in relation to Donald Trump. They discuss Musk's impulsive management style at Twitter and its implications for government efficiency. The conversation also highlights the intertwining of technology and political discourse, questioning the consequences of Musk's decisions on public perception and right-wing media dynamics.
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Quick takeaways
- Elon Musk's impulsive management style at Twitter, characterized by severe budget cuts and rapid employee dismissals, poses operational risks that may extend to government practices.
- Musk's financial support for Donald Trump's campaign reveals a strategic intertwining of political ambitions and business interests, potentially influencing both electoral outcomes and public perception.
Deep dives
Elon Musk's Radicalization and Twitter Acquisition
Elon Musk's decision to acquire Twitter was partly influenced by the ban of Donald Trump from the platform, which Musk interpreted as an overreach that could happen to him. His attachment to Twitter, as a source of engagement and personal expression, heightened his concerns about losing access to the platform. With a significant amount of capital available, Musk began quietly purchasing Twitter shares, ultimately leading to his decision to take control of the platform. It appears that Musk's motivations lacked a grand strategy; instead, he responded impulsively to the changing landscape of social media and political discourse.
