Elon, Inc.

Joining the discussion is Janet Lorin, a Bloomberg reporter focused on higher education finances. She delves into Harvard's standoff with the Trump administration over funding, emphasizing the crucial implications for the university and its future. The talk shifts to the broader impacts of tariffs on various industries, highlighting unexpected winners and losers. Lastly, they explore an all-female crew's recent journey to the edge of space, discussing its significance in the evolving landscape of space travel and gender representation.

Dana Hull, a seasoned reporter on Elon Musk, joins forces with Wired's Makena Kelly to dissect the recent silence surrounding DOGE and what it means for Musk's business priorities. They explore potential political maneuvers linked to DOGE and the IRS's efforts to modernize, examining the implications for government efficiency. The conversation shifts to Tesla's stock volatility amid market uncertainties, raising questions about investor sentiment as the earnings report looms. This insightful dialogue uncovers the intricate relationship between cryptocurrency and political dynamics.

Tracy Alloway and Mark Gurman dive into the chaotic impact of tariffs on the tech world. Alloway, a financial markets expert, discusses how President Trump's tariff strategies rattled the bond market, prompting a sudden policy pause. Gurman, Bloomberg's tech correspondent, unpacks the dilemma Apple faces with rising prices and consumer reactions as tariffs loom. The duo also intriguingly connects trade policies to the ancient howl of extinct species, blending economics with unexpected scientific discoveries.

Nancy Cook, a Senior correspondent in Washington known for her political analysis, joins the discussion on the turbulent relationship between Elon Musk and the Trump administration. The podcast dives deep into how recent tariffs are hitting Tesla hard, affecting stock prices and supply chains. Tensions are rising, with Musk clashing publicly with Trump ally Peter Navarro. The conversation also touches on Musk's waning political influence and the challenges he faces in balancing innovation with the demands of political alliances.

The discussion kicks off with a deep dive into Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs, examining their potential impact on the economy and consumer prices. Next, there's buzz about high-stakes negotiations involving TikTok's future in the U.S., with major investors potentially stepping in. Listeners will also be entertained by the cultural significance of TikTok amidst tech and regulatory challenges. Finally, the podcast highlights innovative designs in baseball, including the unique torpedo bat, promising to change the game.

Max Chafkin, a Bloomberg Businessweek senior writer, and Dana Hull, a reporter covering Elon Musk, delve into Musk's latest mega-merger of X with XAI, transforming his tech ventures into a $100 billion powerhouse. They analyze the strategic implications of this bold move and what it means for shareholders and the future of social media in AI training. Additionally, they discuss Musk's significant political influence in the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, revealing how his financial contributions may tilt the election and impact broader market sentiments.

Max Chafkin, a senior writer at Bloomberg Businessweek, discusses how Elon Musk's hefty financial contributions are shaping political dynamics in Wisconsin, especially in the upcoming Supreme Court race. Steve Mann, a Bloomberg Intelligence analyst, provides an optimistic forecast for Tesla sales, despite the challenges the company faces, such as production shifts and factory changes. They also explore the broader effects of wealth on politics and the potential ripple effects of Musk's influence on national elections.

Judd Legum, the founder of Musk Watch, dives into the whirlwind of Elon Musk's influence on U.S. politics and his unsettling partnership with Donald Trump. He shares insights on the challenges of tracking Musk's far-reaching political maneuvers and legal troubles. The conversation also touches on Musk's chaotic leadership style and its impact on organizations, as well as his ambitious plans in the space industry. Legum emphasizes the critical need for data-driven journalism to hold power accountable in an era where wealth often trumps governmental oversight.

Max Chafkin, a Bloomberg Businessweek journalist, and Amanda Mull, columnist and author on Elon Musk's branding missteps, delve into the intriguing world of Musk's ventures. They discuss Tesla’s struggles with brand identity, highlighting how controversial messaging may alienate key customers. The conversation also touches on SpaceX’s successes, competition in the space industry, and the rising threat to Starlink. Their insights reveal the complex interplay between Musk's political ties and business strategies, making for a captivating listen.

He may be the world’s richest person and a personal pal of Donald Trump, but even Elon Musk can have a bad week. Not only has Tesla stock continued to crater as consumers worldwide turn their back on the South Africa-born multibillionaire (some violently) but his right-wing social network X was hit by sporadic outages he blamed on hackers. Even one of his SpaceX rockets blew up, raining debris down on the Earth and endangering passenger airliners. A big part of Musk’s waning popularity is of course tied to his starring role in gutting the US government on behalf of Trump—and even there he’s not as loved as he once was. On this episode to discuss all of this are Bloomberg Businessweek senior writer Max Chafkin and Elon Musk reporter Dana Hull. Later, Bloomberg stocks reporter Esha Day talks about how the markets have been treating Musk of late. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.