Elon, Inc.
Bloomberg
Elon Musk’s sprawling business empire has granted the billionaire a degree of power and global influence that transcends the industries he’s reshaped. He is the leader of no fewer than six hugely influential companies, spanning electric vehicles to wartime communications, and their innovations could shape the fates of nations.
Musk is polarizing, confounding and inescapable. And he is the biggest business story of our time.
Each week, listen in as host David Papadopoulos convenes a panel of Bloomberg Businessweek journalists who are tracking Musk’s companies and the surprising ways they intersect. They break down the business mogul's latest moves and analyze what they could mean for us all.
Musk is polarizing, confounding and inescapable. And he is the biggest business story of our time.
Each week, listen in as host David Papadopoulos convenes a panel of Bloomberg Businessweek journalists who are tracking Musk’s companies and the surprising ways they intersect. They break down the business mogul's latest moves and analyze what they could mean for us all.
Episodes
Mentioned books
20 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 33min
Elon Gets $30 Billion to Stick Around, Boring is Largely Stuck
Missy Cummings, Director of Mason's Autonomy and Robotics Center, dives into Tesla's recent legal challenges, highlighting the implications of the jury's ruling that found the company partly responsible for a fatal crash linked to its self-driving technology. She warns that this verdict poses a significant setback for autonomous vehicles. The conversation also explores Elon Musk's staggering $30 billion stock payout to remain focused on Tesla amid these turmoil, and the struggles of The Boring Company, which continues to face mounting operational challenges despite recent contracts.
6 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 32min
Elon Opens a Restaurant, Strikes a Chip Deal, Dreams of Robots
Join Dana Hull, Bloomberg's insightful reporter on all things Elon Musk, and Ike Swetlitz, health reporter diving into Neuralink's ambitions. They discuss Tesla’s rocky earnings call, where Musk flagged potential struggles ahead. Excitingly, Tesla announces a $16.5 billion chip deal with Samsung while dreaming big about humanoid robots. Meanwhile, Neuralink's progress on brain implants hints at a future where technology and thought may intertwine. As Musk opens a quirky diner in Hollywood, protests ensue, showcasing the mixed emotions around his ventures.
24 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 35min
Musk’s Trump Feud Is Still Hurting His Empire
Ed Ludlow, a Bloomberg News reporter focusing on tech, joins Dana Mattioli, Wall Street Journal reporter and author, to discuss the fallout from Elon Musk's feud with Donald Trump. They delve into how this conflict impacts Musk’s companies like Tesla and SpaceX, revealing struggles in investment and public perception. Mattioli offers insights into Musk's family dynamics, including his numerous children and controversial tactics involving their mothers. They explore how personal choices intersect with Musk’s ambitious visions for both Earth and Mars.
19 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 35min
Forget DOGE. Musk Is Suddenly All In on AI
Kurt Wagner, a Bloomberg News reporter specializing in Elon Musk, interviews Teddy Schleifer from the New York Times, who covers political money and billionaires. They delve into Musk's ambitions for his AI company, xAI, discussing its quirky Grok 4 chatbot and its ties to SpaceX. Wagner and Schleifer explore Musk's influential yet unofficial role during the Trump administration, highlighting his attempts to sway political decisions. The conversation reveals the intricate interplay between Musk's tech ventures and political aspirations.
17 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 16min
Emergency Episode: Linda Yaccarino Leaves X
Bloomberg's big tech team leader Sarah Frier joins to dissect the sudden departure of X CEO Linda Yaccarino. They dive into Yaccarino's challenging tenure during a chaotic time under Elon Musk's leadership, examining her efforts to regain advertiser trust amidst controversies. The conversation speculates on her future career moves, including potential ties to conservative media and prominent figures. Frier also discusses the broader implications for X's direction and the shifting landscape of digital advertising.
26 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 32min
Can Elon’s ‘America Party’ Dream Come True?
In this discussion, Nancy Cook, a Bloomberg political reporter based in Washington, D.C., explores Elon Musk's audacious concept of the 'America Party.' She questions whether Musk, amidst his controversies, has the focus to navigate the complexities of launching a new political party. Cook notes a potential base of tech enthusiasts who align with Musk's far-right views. The conversation also delves into Tesla's stock performance, highlighting concerns about Musk's leadership amidst his political aspirations. Will the distractible billionaire succeed where others have failed?
46 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 32min
Trump Suggests an Elon Deportation, Tesla Shakes up Management
In this captivating discussion, Joshua Green, a Bloomberg national correspondent known for his sharp political insights, and Dana Hull, a Bloomberg Musk reporter specializing in Tesla, dissect the escalating feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump. They explore Trump's dramatic response to Musk's criticisms, including threats of deportation. Additionally, they tackle Tesla's recent leadership shake-ups and the mounting challenges in vehicle sales, providing a fascinating look at the intersection of business, politics, and the future of electric vehicles.
25 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 33min
An Underwhelming Robotaxi Rollout, X Strong-arms Advertisers
Kurt Wagner, a Bloomberg social media reporter, joins the discussion fresh from the Cannes Lions Festival. He dives into Tesla's robotaxi launch in Austin, analyzing the mix of excitement and skepticism surrounding its capabilities. The conversation shifts to X's advertising struggles, highlighting Musk's attempts to pressure advertisers amidst legal threats. They also touch on the aftermath of a SpaceX rocket explosion and Musk's quirky tech habits, notably his lack of a traditional computer, providing a humorous look at the CEO's unconventional approach.
22 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 27min
Can ‘MAMUWT’ Be to Musk What ‘TACO’ Is to Trump?
Carmen Arroyo, a Bloomberg credit markets reporter, joins the discussion to analyze the tumultuous relationship between Elon Musk and Donald Trump. The conversation dives into the potential for Musk's self-driving car ambitions amid regulatory hurdles. Arroyo highlights xAI's urgent need to raise funds, revealing they are attempting to secure over $9 billion in a challenging financial climate. The team also introduces playful new acronyms, like MAMUWT, as they explore the intricacies of Musk's ventures and their market impact.
49 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 29min
After the Meltdown, Elon Looks to Robotaxis
Tension brews as Elon Musk and Donald Trump navigate a rocky relationship following recent controversies. The launch of Tesla's robotaxi service in Austin sparks skepticism, especially after a tragic self-driving incident. The crew debates the odds of success for these autonomous vehicles amidst ethical concerns and public acceptance. Additionally, Musk’s disappointment in his chatbot Grok raises questions about AI’s real capabilities versus human intuition in emergencies. Can Musk reconcile his ambitious plans with the challenges ahead?
