POLITICO Tech

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.

In this discussion, Emily Schultheis, a POLITICO reporter covering the German election, dives into the surprising rise of the far-right Alternative for Germany party, supported by Elon Musk's social media influence. She highlights the impact of AI-generated content on their campaign, echoing nationalist sentiments. The conversation also touches on how these election results could affect transatlantic relations and the ethical implications of AI in political messaging, raising concerns about manipulation in modern campaigns.

In this insightful discussion, POLITICO reporter Anthony Adragna, who specializes in tech policy on Capitol Hill, sheds light on the evolving dynamics between lawmakers and Big Tech. He highlights a significant shift as some critics in Congress soften their stance. Topics include the recent bipartisan push for the Kids Online Safety Act, the implications of government efficiency cuts on tech regulation, and the looming threat of a government shutdown impacting critical funding discussions. Adragna provides a compelling perspective on the current tech landscape in Washington.

Adam Wren, a POLITICO reporter focused on Elon Musk's government overhaul, dives into the controversial data practices stemming from Musk's team. He discusses how these changes provoke concerns about sensitive data mishandling and the potential for misuse in Musk's ventures. Wren highlights bipartisan worries about AI's ethical implications, especially regarding privacy. The conversation also touches on the political fallout related to Dogecoin and how Musk's shifting popularity impacts the landscape as the midterms approach.

Calder McHugh, a POLITICO reporter, dives into the evolving role of Joe Rogan in political discourse. He discusses how Rogan's defense of Elon Musk is alienating some longtime fans. The conversation highlights the pressures podcasters face as online influencers navigating shifting political alignments. McHugh also explores the paradox of moving from outsider critics to powerful figures and the broader implications for political communication as podcasters play a pivotal role in shaping the upcoming election.