Makena Kelly, a Wired Politics reporter known for her keen insights into the political landscape, joins David Gilbert, an expert on the intersection of technology and politics from Cork, Ireland. They dive into the unpredictable nature of Trump’s potential second term. Will Elon Musk's rising influence cause friction with Trump? Can Christian nationalists really push for a porn ban? They also speculate on the future of UFO disclosures and the enchanting world of conspiracy theories—both curious and alarming—that will shape the political discourse.
Trump's unpredictable presidency, coupled with his alliance with Musk, significantly alters the power dynamics among political and tech leaders.
The intertwining of technology and politics reveals a competitive landscape where loyalty to Trump could dictate success for emerging firms.
Deep dives
Celebrating Johann Strauss Jr. in 2025
In 2025, Austria will commemorate the 200th anniversary of Johann Strauss Jr., a renowned waltz composer from the famous Strauss family. His iconic composition, the Blue Danube Waltz, gained immense popularity during his 1872 American tour, showcasing the enduring legacy of his music. Vienna plans a year-long celebration, inviting people to explore the enchanting world of the waltz throughout the city. This initiative highlights the cultural significance of Strauss's work and aims to engage locals and tourists alike in the festivities.
The Unpredictability of Political Figures
Donald Trump remains a central figure in American politics, with his unpredictability poised to shape the political landscape in the coming years. Alongside him, Elon Musk has emerged as a co-president of sorts, echoing Trump's attention-grabbing tactics. The dynamic relationship between Trump and Musk raises questions about their potential conflicts, particularly due to their strong personalities and personal ambitions. Observers anticipate that as the political scene evolves, other influential figures in technology and politics will vie for proximity and power, making the landscape increasingly competitive.
The Rise of Tech-Influenced Politics
The relationship between technology and politics is evolving rapidly, with significant implications for social media platforms like X and Truth Social. Trump's usage of both networks indicates a strategic approach to maintain influence among his supporters while engaging with the public. However, challenges persist within these platforms, with internal strife reported at Truth Social, which might affect its sustainability. The mutual targeting of audiences by both platforms suggests potential friction, though they could also coexist as they maneuver through political tides.
The Future of Silicon Valley's Power Dynamics
The upcoming years will likely see a shift in power dynamics within Silicon Valley, driven by loyalty to Trump and a changing political environment. Companies with government contracts are expected to thrive, while traditional social media firms may face increased scrutiny and a rollback of regulations. The political landscape appears to reward those who align closely with Trump, prompting tech leaders to engage in lobbying and demonstrate their commitment through significant investments. As influencers and tech moguls vie for the administration's favor, their strategies will be critical in determining their success or failure in this new political paradigm.
Donald Trump’s presidency will be unpredictable, but in our final show, we make some guesses about what’ll happen anyway. WIRED’s Tim Marchman sits down with reporters David Gilbert and Makena Kelly to talk about what could go wrong between Trump and Musk, if Christian nationalists will get their porn ban, the rise of human brain organoids and whether the new administration will finally declassify those UFO files.