Dana Mattioli

Dana Mattioli, a tech investigations reporter at WSJ, dives into Meta's legal battles as Mark Zuckerberg defends the company's alleged monopolistic practices in social media. The discussion reveals the high-stakes courtroom drama surrounding the FTC's accusations and the potential breakup of Meta’s powerhouse acquisitions—Instagram and WhatsApp. Mattioli also highlights Zuckerberg's controversial attempts to mend ties with Trump and the increasing bipartisan push for tech regulation, showcasing the turbulent intersection of politics and big tech.

Dana Mattioli, a WSJ reporter who delved deep into the financial shadows of political contributions, reveals the surprising extent of Elon Musk's donations to Republican causes. They discuss Musk's shift from a Democratic voter to a key player in conservative politics, spurred by criticism from the left. The podcast also uncovers the secretive tactics billionaires like Musk use to mask their donations, including a mind-boggling $10 million to Ron DeSantis, and raises important questions about transparency and the implications of 'dark money' in elections.

Tim Higgins is a business columnist at The Wall Street Journal, focusing on media and tech, while Dana Mattioli specializes in tech investigations and Musk's political ties. They discuss Elon Musk's $1 million daily donation plan aimed at energizing voter registration in swing states. The conversation highlights Musk's unorthodox fundraising strategies for Trump and the implications of his political involvement on his business interests. They also delve into the impact of Musk's initiatives on young voters and the dynamics of modern political engagement.