POLITICO Tech

Nick Suplina, Senior Vice President of Law and Policy at Everytown for Gun Safety, discusses how the organization is harnessing AI to advocate for gun violence prevention. He shares insights about their innovative chatbot, "Ask Everytown," designed to provide factual answers about gun violence and combat misinformation. Suplina highlights the chatbot's potential to shift entrenched views and enhance public discourse on gun laws, all while navigating biases and ethical concerns in a highly polarized environment.

Catherine Morehouse, an energy reporter for POLITICO and author of Morning Energy, joins the discussion about Trump's ambitious plans for AI and energy regulation. They explore how Trump's desire for data centers to connect directly to coal power plants could clash with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The conversation reveals the complexities of balancing industrial energy needs with consumer protection. Additionally, they highlight an innovative AI model from DeepSeek that could change the energy landscape amidst growing power demands.

Bob Davis, a seasoned journalist and POLITICO contributor, dives into the complex landscape of U.S.-China trade relations and the tech industry's role in it. He discusses the potential impact of Trump’s anticipated tariffs on tech companies, highlighting their vulnerabilities to Chinese retaliation. The conversation also explores how technology intertwines with trade policies and the pushback from the tech sector against these tariffs. Davis emphasizes that U.S.-China tech competition will be a defining issue moving forward.

Lionel Barber, former Financial Times editor and author of "Gambling Man," dives into the intriguing world of Masayoshi Son, chairman of SoftBank. Barber discusses Son's pivotal role in tech investments and his surprising alignment with Trump's administration. The conversation reveals the geopolitics of U.S.-China relations, highlighting how Son's strategic moves in the tech landscape signify a broader narrative of economic competition. From hefty investment pledges to humorous interactions with Trump, this discussion uncovers the intricate blend of politics and tech.

Bill Drexel, a tech and national security fellow at the Center for a New American Security, dives into the burgeoning AI landscape following China's launch of the DeepSeek model. He discusses how DeepSeek rivals American AI technology at a fraction of the cost, shaking up investor confidence. The conversation highlights national security implications and the impact of U.S. sanctions on China's tech ambitions. Drexel emphasizes the urgent need for a robust U.S. strategy to navigate this escalating AI competition and maintain tech leadership.

Will Hurd, a former Republican Congressman and now chief strategy officer at a defense tech firm, shares his perspectives on President Trump's tech agenda. He discusses the rapid shift in tech policies during Trump's administration, particularly related to AI, TikTok, and national security. Despite his opposition to Trump's return, Hurd finds common ground in their tech approaches. The conversation also touches on the optimism in defense technology advancements and the need for clearer communication on tech’s national security implications.

Michael Kruse, a senior staff writer at POLITICO, explores the multifaceted persona of Elon Musk through 199 of his quotes. He unveils the complexities of Musk’s character, contrasting his impulsive nature with profound philosophical thoughts. The conversation dives into Musk's relationship with Donald Trump, analyzing their differing leadership styles and the political-entrepreneurship dynamics. Kruse also discusses the challenges in navigating global relations, particularly with China, while pondering the existential dilemmas facing humanity.

Christa Marshall, Energy Technology Editor at E&E News, joins to discuss the ambitious $500 billion Stargate initiative. The conversation dives into the friction between Trump’s tech investment and Musk’s skepticism. What's the impact on the U.S. energy grid? Marshall unpacks the energy demands from AI data centers and explores how this venture intertwines with national security. She also highlights the political tensions surrounding clean energy policies and the conflicting interests of major tech figures.

Rob Atkinson, the President of the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, dives into President Trump's return to the White House and its impact on the tech sector. He discusses Trump's executive orders, including the surprising delay of the TikTok ban, and contrasts his tech agenda with Biden's approach. The conversation reveals the complexities of U.S.-China tech tensions and the challenges surrounding AI regulation. Atkinson also sheds light on the tricky relationship between Trump and big tech, highlighting concerns over censorship and social media policies.

Derek Robertson, author of POLITICO's Digital Future Daily, discusses the intriguing relationship between Donald Trump and the tech industry. He highlights how tech leaders like Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg gained significant influence during Trump's inauguration, transforming a previously adversarial stance into collaboration. The conversation dives into the concept of digital populism, revealing how Trump's connection with wealthy technocrats serves their mutual interests and may shift the political landscape toward enhanced responsiveness amid evolving public opinion on social media.