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The Ezra Klein Show
What Elon Musk Wants
Feb 7, 2025
Kara Swisher, a renowned tech journalist and author, delves into Elon Musk's transformation from a conventional liberal to a right-wing political force. She examines his aggressive maneuvers within the federal government and his unconventional approach to Twitter. Swisher discusses the implications of Musk's influence on American politics, exploring the cultural dynamics of tech leadership and the tension between journalism and corporate control. Their conversation reveals the complexities of power, identity, and the potential risks of Musk's paradigm-shifting actions.
01:07:13
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Quick takeaways
- Elon Musk's involvement in federal agencies indicates a significant shift in governance, raising concerns about his potential disruptive influence in various operations.
- Musk's transformation from an Obama-era liberal to a far-right figure reflects his engagement with conspiratorial rhetoric and presents challenges to democratic norms.
Deep dives
Elon Musk's Expanding Reach in Federal Government
Elon Musk is increasingly involved in various federal agencies, including sensitive areas such as the Treasury Department's payment system, signaling a dramatic shift in governmental operations. Musk's Department of Government Efficiency, initially aimed at modernizing technology for productivity, has begun to affect personnel decisions across the board, including the offering of buyouts to federal employees. This raises concerns about his potentially disruptive influence, especially as he appears to be exerting control in multiple agencies simultaneously. The implications of such involvement could reshape governance as Musk's team implements strategies characteristic of his approach in business.
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Discover
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