POLITICO Tech

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.

Alan Rosenstein, a law professor at the University of Minnesota Law School and senior editor at Lawfare, dives into the complicated landscape surrounding TikTok as Donald Trump seeks to maneuver through a potential U.S. ban. The discussion reveals Trump’s limited options and the intertwining of TikTok's fate with broader U.S. foreign policy. Rosenstein highlights national security debates, the implications of a Supreme Court ruling, and the intriguing migration of users to the Chinese app Red Note amidst the ongoing controversies.

Dasha Burns, POLITICO's White House bureau chief, discusses Silicon Valley's extravagant reception of Donald Trump's presidency. The conversation reveals how tech moguls are strategically courting the administration. They dive into the interplay between Trump's populism and the interests of influential figures like Elon Musk and Steve Bannon. Dasha highlights the ongoing tensions and skepticism between tech leaders and the Democratic Party, hinting at a shifting political landscape where digital culture collides with governance.