POLITICO Tech

Graham Brookie, vice president of technology programs at the Atlantic Council and former National Security Council advisor, dives into the risks of sharing sensitive information on commercial apps like Signal. He discusses the blurred lines of what constitutes classified information and warns against the inherent vulnerabilities of using personal messaging for government communications. Brookie emphasizes the critical need for secure channels to protect national security, especially following the recent leak of military operations.

Peter Kyle, the UK’s secretary of state for science, innovation and technology, discusses the promising yet challenging collaboration between the U.S. and UK on AI and tech. He emphasizes the need for joint efforts amidst geopolitical tensions and echoes concerns over the Trump administration's stance on digital taxes. Kyle navigates the complexities of tech regulation, advocating for a balance between innovation and safety. He highlights the UK's ambitions to attract venture capital and build strong ties with the U.S. tech community.

Silicon Valley’s bet that a Trump administration would be friendly to tech has a big payoff: Vice President JD Vance. At the American Dynamism Summit this week, Vance spoke at length about bolstering U.S. innovation and manufacturing, and bridging the divide between so-called “populists” and “techno-optimists.” The summit was hosted by venture capital firm Andreesen Horowitz, which became the tech-for-Trump poster child during the election. On POLITICO Tech, host Steven Overly sits down with Katherine Boyle, the co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz’s American Dynamism practice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Elon Musk-made moment of government upheaval has some business executives seeing dollar signs, and that includes Matt Calkins, the CEO of software company Appian. Calkins contends there are billions of dollars to be saved in how the government buys stuff, but reforming that process requires “the most powerful digital worker ever invented” — artificial intelligence. On POLITICO Tech, Calkins tells host Steven Overly how he thinks AI can tackle the government’s waste problem, and why Musk and Washington must find a way to get along. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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