In this conversation, Vittoria Elliott of WIRED shares her insights on how tech moguls like Elon Musk are reshaping federal agencies, revealing exclusive scoops on his controversial government maneuvers. Ryan J. Reilly discusses the Justice Department’s turbulent landscape post-January 6. Representative Don Beyer and Ezra Levin examine the Democrats' struggle for effective strategies in a hostile political climate, emphasizing the need for stronger communication and activism. Together, they dissect the intricate dance of power, ethics, and the future of governance.

Vittoria Elliott, a Wired reporter focused on Elon Musk's sway over the U.S. government, joins Frank Vogel, co-founder of Transparency International and corruption expert. They delve into Musk's unprecedented access to the Treasury and its potential risks, including unauthorized access to sensitive data. The duo highlights critical concerns over the intersection of tech wealth and democracy. They draw unsettling comparisons to historical authoritarianism, emphasizing the urgent need for oversight to protect democratic values from the encroachment of powerful business interests.

Vittoria Elliot, a WIRED reporter focused on platforms and power, dives into Elon Musk's surprising shift from critic to supporter of Donald Trump. She discusses Musk's significant financial contributions to Trump's campaign and his recent tactics, including multi-million dollar incentives to rally voters. The conversation explores how Musk's ownership of Twitter, now X, may enhance right-wing narratives and questions what a Trump win could mean for social media regulation. Tune in for insights on the intersection of wealth, politics, and technology!