1/19/23: Trump Returns to Social Media, Twitter Loses 40% Revenue, Tesla Engineer Calls Out Self Driving, Tech Layoffs Continue, Zelensky at Davos, CNN on Covid Deaths, China's Birth Rate, Tax the Rich Legislation, Ken Roth on Harvard Blocked Fellowship
Guests include Trump, Zelensky, and Ken Roth. Topics covered are Trump's return to social media, Twitter's revenue loss, Tesla engineer claims faked video, tech layoffs, Zelensky at Davos, CNN's admission of overcounting Covid deaths, China's birth rate decline, tax the rich legislation, and Harvard blocking Ken Roth's fellowship over Israel criticism.
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Quick takeaways
Trump plans to return to social media, while Twitter is experiencing a 40% revenue loss.
A Tesla engineer alleges the 2016 self-driving video was faked, raising doubts about the technology's credibility.
Tech layoffs, including at Microsoft, indicate a changing job market for tech workers.
The World Economic Forum in Davos showcases the shift in attendee focus and geopolitical challenges faced by nations.
Deep dives
Zelensky Urges Action on Ukraine Conflict at Davos
Ukrainian President Volatimir Zelensky appeared via video at the World Economic Forum in Davos, calling on the international community to take action on the conflict with Russia. He emphasized the urgency of the situation and urged the world to not waste time in responding to Russia's aggression. Zelensky highlighted the importance of prompt action to prevent further military escalation and expressed hope for a positive outcome, such as the opening of European borders.
US Considers Assisting Ukraine in Targeting Crimea
The Biden administration is reportedly considering the argument that Ukraine needs the ability to strike at Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014. The discussion surrounding this potential escalation is fraught with concern over the potential repercussions and the impact on the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Experts caution that targeting Crimea could lead to a greater risk of a broader war and raise questions about the effectiveness of such a strategy.
Tech Sector Layoffs Continue with Microsoft Cutting 10,000 Jobs
Microsoft is joining the trend of layoffs in the tech sector, cutting 10,000 jobs amidst a slump in demand for its software and the personal computer market. This move adds to the growing number of job cuts within the industry, with companies like Amazon announcing layoffs of around 18,000 employees. The layoffs reflect the shift in the industry after the pandemic-driven boom and signify potential changes in the job market for tech workers.
Tech Elites Gather at Davos as Focus Shifts
The World Economic Forum in Davos has seen a shift in focus this year, with discussions dominated by the conflict in Ukraine and the attendance of more Gulf billionaires. Russian oligarchs and Chinese billionaires have seen a decrease in attendance due to various factors, including economic challenges and geopolitical tensions. The conference highlights the changing dynamics in the global elite space and the ongoing geopolitical challenges faced by nations around the world.
Criticism of Israel and censorship at Harvard
Kenneth Roth, former Executive Director of Human Rights Watch, shares his experience of being denied a fellowship at Harvard due to his organization's criticism of Israel. Despite Harvard's reputation as an academic institution that values intellectual independence, Dean Douglas Elmandorf vetoed Roth's fellowship because of his critiques of Israel. This incident raises concerns about academic censorship and the influence of donors on university decisions.
Human Rights Watch report on Israeli policies
Human Rights Watch published a report titled 'Israeli Authorities and the Crimes of Apartheid and Persecution,' which examines the oppressive discrimination against Palestinians in the West Bank. The report applies international law and highlights the discriminatory conditions Palestinians face, such as restricted movement, demolitions, and separate legal frameworks. This evidence led the organization to conclude that the situation in the West Bank meets the criteria for apartheid as defined by international treaties.
Calls for Harvard to defend academic freedom
Roth's case at Harvard raises concerns about the compromising of academic freedom. Advocates worry that junior scholars and students may hesitate to criticize Israel due to fears of negative repercussions on their career prospects. Pressure from donors or external sources should not hinder scholarly research or expression. Calls have been made for Harvard's President, Lawrence Bacow, to intervene and ensure that the institution upholds intellectual independence and defends academic freedom.
Krystal and Saagar discuss Trump's planned return to Facebook and Twitter, a loss of 40% revenue and top 500 advertisers on the Twitter platform, a Tesla engineer claiming the 2016 self driving video was faked, Microsoft and other massive tech layoffs, Zelensky speaking at Davos World Economic Forum, CNN's Dr. Leana Wen admits the U.S. has been dramatically overcounting Covid deaths, a look into China's disastrous birth rate and what it means for their future, new legislation introduced to Tax the Rich is met with a pity party by the ultra-wealthy, and an exclusive interview with the former Executive Director of Human Rights Watch Kenneth Roth who's fellowship at Harvard was blocked over Israel. (Editors note after our interview with Ken, news broke that the Kennedy School has reversed its decision: https://twitter.com/Bencjacobs/status/1616098772806782977?s=20&t=SwaY60EfPcwHNJbpFQJsAA)