Jessica Lessin, a veteran technology reporter and founder of The Information, dives into Silicon Valley's current dynamics. She discusses how tech leaders are navigating their complex relationship with Donald Trump, revealing strategies behind public alignment. The impact of DeepSeek on the AI landscape creates anxiety and turbulence, leading to fluctuating stock markets. Lessin also highlights the challenges of journalism in addressing these intertwined political and technological shifts while maintaining objectivity amidst societal debates.

Jessica Lessin, the founder and CEO of The Information, brings nearly two decades of expertise in Silicon Valley to the conversation. She discusses the evolving alliances between tech leaders and political figures, especially in light of recent political shifts. Lessin highlights the changing communication styles of influential tech figures like Mark Zuckerberg. The chat delves into censorship challenges, the importance of transparency, and the cultural transformations reshaping business strategies in the tech industry.

Rumors of GPT-5 emerging, OpenAI's vulnerabilities, Microsoft's claims on OpenAI, Inflection's leadership change, Google and Apple's potential AI agreement, Apple's antitrust case outlined, DOJ's case against Apple discussed, Shohei Ohtani's betting scandal

Silicon Valley needs a new thing and AI is that new thing: investors are supposed to pour 43 billion dollars into AI this year. But will individual startups cash in on the boom, or will the real winners of AI be the same handful of big, established companies?Featuring: Renate Nyborg (@renate), a tech veteran who is launching an AI startup, and got a firsthand look at the AI funding frenzy. (00:00)Then: Dror Berman (@drorberman), a venture capitalist at Innovation Endeavors, which he co-founded with the former CEO of Google. He’s one of the guys throwing a ton of money into AI. The reason he thinks he’ll get it right is because he’s done it before. (06:47)And: Jessica Lessin (@Jessicalessin), founder and editor-in-chief of The Information. She knows Silicon Valley inside and out and translates this moment for us. (24:00) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reporter Jessica Lessin from The Information discusses the complex relationship between the US and China in the tech industry. Topics include the tension between the two countries, the role of Chinese-owned apps like TikTok, and the importance of the Chinese supply chain for companies like Apple.