Ben Smith: Trump's Gravity Bong & Silicon Valley's Samizdat
May 2, 2025
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Ben Smith, the editor-in-chief of Semafor and a veteran journalist, discusses the rightward shift of Silicon Valley politics influenced by private group chats. He reveals how these clandestine forums emerged during Covid, led by figures like Marc Andreessen, and have shaped media narratives. Smith also shares insights on Trump’s political gravity and the evolving ambitions of Semafor, while elevating 'Margin Call' to iconic status in Wall Street cinema. It's a fascinating exploration of the intersection between tech, politics, and media dynamics.
Private group chats among Silicon Valley elites have shifted political allegiances towards conservatism, influencing the embrace of figures like Trump.
Ben Smith's career highlights the evolving media landscape and its intertwining with political narratives through various reputable outlets.
Trump leverages media dynamics to fuel his populist appeal, showcasing a reciprocal relationship where controversy enhances his public image.
Deep dives
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Silicon Valley's Political Shift
The rise of private group chats on platforms like Signal and WhatsApp among influential figures in Silicon Valley has played a significant role in shifting political allegiances towards the right. These chats have facilitated discussions among elite tech leaders, resulting in an unexpected embrace of conservative figures, including Donald Trump. The transformation has been notable enough to influence the political landscape significantly and even positioned Elon Musk as a surprisingly powerful voice within this new political orientation. Ben Smith highlights this evolution as a critical aspect of understanding contemporary political movements in America.
Ben Smith's Journalistic Journey
Ben Smith's career has seen him transition through various esteemed media outlets, shaping his perspective on both journalism and politics. Starting from local journalism, he climbed the ranks to work with Politico and then as editor of BuzzFeed News, ultimately becoming media columnist for The New York Times. His rich experience provides insights into the evolving media landscape and the intertwining of journalism with political narratives. As co-founder of Semaphore, he continues to navigate and report on the complexities of media in today's fast-paced digital environment.
The Role of Conflict in Media
The relationship between Donald Trump and mainstream media highlights a reciprocal dynamic that exploits conflict for visibility and engagement. Trump has a profound understanding of how media operates, often leveraging scandals and contentious interviews to gain attention, fueling his narrative and enhancing his populist appeal. This relationship illustrates how media outlets frequently react to Trump's unpredictable statements, leading to a cycle of sensationalism and conflict that ultimately elevates his public image. By engaging directly with controversy, Trump creates an environment where his supporters are drawn closer, reinforcing a shared identity through opposition to perceived media elites.
The Future of News and Media Dynamics
The convergence of media formats, especially the blending of video and podcasting into mainstream consumption patterns, signals a transformative era in how information is disseminated. Platforms like YouTube are emerging as vital players, reshaping the landscape of television and video content. This evolution implies a future where traditional media might struggle to remain relevant amid the rapid development of new digital platforms that emphasize user-generated content. Meanwhile, Substack's rise as a literary platform highlights a growing appetite for direct consumer engagement, providing journalists and creators with new avenues for income and audience connection.
John is joined by Semafor editor-in-chief Ben Smith to discuss the role of private group chats in pushing Silicon Valley's politics to the right—and many of its most powerful figures into the arms of Donald Trump. Ben lays out how dozens of hush-hush Signal and WhatsApp groups emerged during Covid among the tech elite in reaction to what its members saw as the stifling woke conformity of social media; the seminal role of venture capitalist Marc Andreessen in seeding these forums; and how their influence now flows through X, Substack, and podcasts, making them the "dark matter of American politics and media." Ben also contends that, 100 days into his second term, Trump is starting to feel the pull of political gravity; that Semafor, which he cofounded three years ago, still retains the vaulting ambitions the company famously trumpeted at launch; and that the recent tumult in financial markets has elevated "Margin Call" from a cult classic to the greatest Wall Street movie of all time.
