François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s minister of innovation, science and industry, says America’s northern neighbor is “not like some small country that you can push around.” That’s why Champagne is in Washington today with other Canadian officials seeking an economic reset after a week of tariff-fueled tensions with the U.S. On POLITICO Tech, Champagne joins host Steven Overly to discuss President Donald Trump’s trade war and the potential impact of Canada’s new prime minister. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nick Viall became famous after appearing on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette — but used podcasting to turn reality TV stardom into lasting relevance. So last week, YouTube brought The Viall Files host to Washington to teach political staffers how to tap online creators to spread their message. Coming off of last year’s “podcast election,” Viall says the medium has gained new levels of media credibility and that candidates need to win over listeners like his in order to win votes. On POLITICO Tech, Viall joins host Steven Overly to discuss podcasting’s breakout moment and why not every politician is cut out for it.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chase DiFeliciantonio, a POLITICO reporter focused on AI and automation policy, discusses the unsettling effects of President Trump's tariffs on California's tech industry. The conversation highlights the anxiety among lawmakers and economists as tech giants like Apple face potential disruptions, impacting stock prices and state budgets. The guest also explores the implications for consumer prices and the urgent need for semiconductor manufacturing, along with the evolving political landscape shaped by these trade policies.

General Randy George, the Army's chief of staff, shares insights on the Army's 'Transformation in Contact' program aimed at revolutionizing warfare. He discusses efforts to equip soldiers with affordable, off-the-shelf technology to counter budget cuts and enhance efficiency. The conversation delves into the integration of drones and mobile tech while exploring the necessity for collaboration between military personnel and tech developers. George also emphasizes the challenges of aligning military operations with fast-evolving innovations like AI and robotics.

In this insightful discussion, Catherine Bracy, Founder and CEO of TechEquity, highlights how venture capital is reshaping our economy and politics. She critiques the notion that technology alone drives change, emphasizing the far-reaching influence of investors. Bracy discusses the pitfalls of current funding practices and advocates for reforms to address economic inequality. She warns of the dangers of unchecked venture capital and calls for a balanced vision that prioritizes community welfare, urging society to think critically about technology's role.

Joshua Zeitz is a historian and best-selling author who thinks America is living through a second Gilded Age. A period that is reminiscent of the late 1800s, when railroad and banking magnates held enormous sway over the economy and government. Except today, those moguls build social media sites and rocketships and electric vehicles. On POLITICO Tech, Zeitz outlines the parallels between then and now — and explains why the outcome isn’t great for Republicans if history truly repeats itself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anne Marshall, former director of engineering and data science at the U.S. Digital Service, discusses her recent resignation sparked by disagreements over staffing cuts and the direction taken by the Department of Government Efficiency. She shares her views on how Dogecoin reflects broader challenges in tech within government. Marshall emphasizes the need for multidisciplinary teams in addressing systemic issues and advocates for integrating tech experts to reform and enhance government operations and services.

Joseph Bambridge, POLITICO's deputy tech and trade editor based in London, discusses a groundbreaking tech partnership between the U.S. and UK. He delves into the UK's ambitions to attract U.S. tech investment, particularly in AI. Bambridge highlights the challenges of digital services taxes and the influence of figures like Elon Musk on UK political narratives. The conversation also sheds light on the evolving landscape of tech collaboration and competition between the two nations and potential policy shifts that may affect their future relations.

Ann Lewis, former director of Technology Transformation Services under President Biden, shares her insights on government technology waste. She discusses the pitfalls of ineffective management in reform efforts and the potential for bipartisan solutions. Lewis critiques recent budget cuts and highlights a failed call center project as a prime example of inefficiency. She advocates for aligning government procurement with private-sector practices and emphasizes the need for a cultural shift in viewing technology as an ongoing investment for effective governance.

Jennifer Huddleston, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute with expertise in antitrust policy, dives into the current state of Big Tech's regulatory landscape. She discusses the potential easing of scrutiny under a second Trump term and the internal Republican tensions over antitrust approaches. The conversation highlights the new FTC chair's stance on content moderation and its implications for online competition, as well as concerns about political motives influencing policies that ultimately affect consumer data security.