In this insightful discussion, Jacob Silverman, author of "Gilded Rage: Elon Musk and the Radicalization of Silicon Valley," dissects the overwhelming financial influence of tech billionaires like Musk on U.S. elections. He critiques the ethical implications of Silicon Valley's political maneuvers, especially their support for right-wing ideologies. The conversation also touches on the legal challenges these tech titans face and highlights how their actions could reshape democracy, raising alarms about corporatism and the future of political accountability.

Jacob Silverman discusses Silicon Valley's support for Trump, Peter Thiel's influence, tech billionaires backing Trump financially, and the impact of tech leaders on political narratives.

Jacob Silverman, author of "Gilded Rage" and co-writer of the AM Quickie, shares insights on the booming crypto landscape and its dangerous scams, like pump and dump schemes, while questioning political manipulations involving crypto. Usamah Andrabi, communications director for Justice Democrats, discusses the group's resilience, electoral strategies amidst challenges, and the need for progressive reform within the Democratic Party to better represent working-class interests. Their spirited dialogue tackles the intersection of tech, politics, and grassroots mobilization.

Paris Marx is joined by Jacob Silverman to discuss how the right-wing of the tech industry are funding media platforms like Rumble to reshape the political discourse and why they’re helping Robert F. Kennedy Jr. challenge Joe Biden. Jacob Silverman is a journalist and the co-author of Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud. He’s also the host of The Naked Emperor on CBC Podcasts. You can check out Jacob’s Substack.Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand better tech and a better world. Follow the podcast (@techwontsaveus) and host Paris Marx (@parismarx) on Twitter, and support the show on Patreon.The podcast is produced by Eric Wickham and part of the Harbinger Media Network.Also mentioned in this episode:Jacob wrote about Rumble as a MAGA platform, why tech is boosting Robert F. Kennedy Jr., revolutionary war reenactors getting caught up in Facebook’s purge of militia groups, and David Sacks.Mark Zuckerberg chose to go easy on Alex Jones and other right-wing figures on Facebook.Trump Media may be going public via a SPAC merger.Darren Blanton was involved in a scheme to keep Black voters from the polls.Wendy Siegelman put together a chart of the connections between Rumble, Trump Media, and other groups.Rumble went public via SPAC in 2022.Brandy Zadrozny wrote about RFK Jr. and his views for NBC News.Support the show

Jacob Silverman, a tech journalist and host of CBC’s The Naked Emperor, dives into the surprising shift of Donald Trump towards cryptocurrency after a significant influx of campaign contributions. He discusses the implications of this newfound enthusiasm, including the recent spike in Bitcoin prices and potential risks if the market crashes again. Silverman also delves into the rise of meme coins, the regulatory tensions within the crypto sector, and the challenges of integrating cryptocurrency into traditional finance, raising questions about investor safety.

The podcast delves into the motivations behind the proposed TikTok ban and its implications on US tech policy. Topics include the influence of right-wing billionaire Jeffrey Yoss on TikTok ownership, the interplay between Silicon Valley and the US government, and the geopolitical implications of tech competition with China.

Jacob Silverman, tech journalist and author of "Gilded Rage," joins to dissect the chaos surrounding Trump's second inauguration and the tech titans in attendance. He unveils the details of Trumpworld’s new crypto coins, exploring the alarming ties between big tech and politics. The conversation dives into the rise of a Silicon Valley oligarchy and critiques the tech elite's visions clashing with reality. Expect provocative commentary on the implications of AI governance and the ethical dilemmas in the cryptocurrency landscape.

Jacob Silverman discusses the trial and guilty verdict of Sam Bankman-Fried, delving into the dark side of Silicon Valley, including fake spreadsheets, sociopathy, and lack of empathy. The episode explores the investor class's shift from crypto to AI and its impact on illicit finance.

Jacob Silverman joins to discuss the trial of Sam Bankman-Fried, the FTX collapse and charges against him. They explore the likelihood of guilt, potential prison time, and the trend of Silicon Valley founders facing consequences. The chapter recaps the FTX collapse, the upcoming trial, and the billions of dollars leaving FTX. It also examines potential complications, logistical points, and the defendant's legal complaints. The government's strategy, banking relationships, and media campaign surrounding Bankman-Fried are analyzed. The podcast also speculates on the involvement of various individuals in the Alameda scandal and explores the allegations against Sam's parents in relation to FTX.

Dov Waxman, a UCLA professor specializing in Israel studies, offers insights into the complex impact of recent violence on Israeli-Palestinian relations. Jacob Silverman discusses the intertwining of Silicon Valley and political influence, highlighting how tech moguls strategically shape electoral outcomes. Mike Lofgren analyzes the troubling implications of a potential J.D. Vance presidency and critiques the growing sway of wealthy donors over politics. Together, they delve into the dangers of misinformation and the evolving dynamics of American electoral integrity.