The Political Scene | The New Yorker

Elon Musk, who’s taking his chainsaw to the federal government, is not merely a chaos agent, as he is sometimes described. Jill Lepore, the best-selling author of “These Truths” and other books, says that Musk is animated by obsessions and a sense of mission he acquired through reading, and misreading, science fiction. “When he keeps saying, you know, ‘We’re at a fork in the road. The future of human civilization depends on this election,’ he means SpaceX,” she tells David Remnick. “He means . . . ‘I need to take these rockets to colonize Mars and that’s only going to happen through Trump.’ ” The massive-scale reduction in social services he is enacting through DOGE, Lepore thinks, is tied to this objective. “Although there may be billions of [people] suffering here on planet Earth today, those are miniscule compared to the calculation of the needs of the billions of humans that will one day ever live if we can gain escape velocity from planet Earth. . . . That is, in fact, the math that lies behind DOGE.”  Lepore’s BBC radio series on the SpaceX C.E.O. is called “X-Man: The Elon Musk Origin Story.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Ruth Marcus, a columnist for The New Yorker and author of *Supreme Ambition*, dives deep into the turbulent relationship between Trump and the judiciary. She discusses how Trump's legal strategies seem to be backfiring in lower courts while the Supreme Court exhibits surprising deference to presidential power. Marcus highlights crucial immigration cases and the implications of recent rulings, questioning the Court's checks on Trump. With a conservative majority, she explores what this may mean for the balance of power moving forward.

Mark Blyth, a Professor of International Economics and Public Affairs at Brown University, joins the discussion to unpack the recent bond market shifts and their influence on Donald Trump's trade policies. He highlights the power dynamic between the U.S. and China, noting that the latter can endure economic pain better than Trump’s administration anticipates. Blyth critiques the reliance on tariffs as a solution, advocating for deeper, more comprehensive policies to address America’s industrial challenges and global economic engagement.

Sherrod Brown, former U.S. Senator from Ohio, passionately advocates for the working class and leads The Dignity of Work Institute. He discusses the chaotic impact of Trump's tariffs on the global economy and emphasizes the need for progressives to propose viable alternatives rather than simply opposing the current policies. Brown critiques traditional trade strategies, highlighting their disconnect from the realities faced by American workers and urging a focus on enhancing labor rights and dignity in economic policies. He calls for a renewed protectionist approach that prioritizes job security.

Stephen Witt, a tech journalist and author of "The Thinking Machine," discusses Nvidia's monumental role in the AI revolution, highlighting how it shifted from gaming to a titan in microchip production under CEO Jensen Huang. Witt explains Nvidia's edge in parallel processors crucial for AI and the implications for global power dynamics, especially amid U.S.-China tensions. He argues that the traditional labor advantages may diminish with increasing automation, reshaping tech's geopolitical landscape and urging public engagement in AI's future.

The discussion delves into Trump's sweeping tariffs and their global economic fallout. It highlights historical parallels with authoritarian regimes using economic control. The Roundtable examines the repercussions on farmers, showcasing the disconnect between policy decisions and real-world impacts. There's also talk of Trump's potential military aspirations, like Greenland, and how these maneuvers reflect a shift in Republican ideologies and highlight concerns for democratic checks and balances. It's a deep dive into the intersection of economics and political power.

Sarah Larson, a staff writer at The New Yorker covering the Tesla takedown movement, discusses the intriguing protests at Tesla dealerships. She highlights how activists are uniting their anger against Elon Musk and Donald Trump, inspired by tactics from historical movements like ACT UP. Topics include the political implications of targeting a major electric car company, rising anti-Tesla sentiments, and the media's dynamic portrayal of protests and violence. Larson explores how these demonstrations reflect broader frustrations with corporate influence in politics today.

Chris Murphy, Junior Senator from Connecticut and vocal advocate for democratic reform, dives into the alarming state of American democracy. He condemns the Republican Party's disregard for democratic norms, likening the situation to failed democracies abroad. Murphy argues for a populist agenda that addresses corruption and resonates with wider audiences. He stresses the urgency for Democrats to take risks, unite, and mobilize against rising authoritarianism. His insights reveal the critical need for a reinvigorated commitment to democracy to prevent its decline.

Claire Howorth, executive editor of Vanity Fair, discusses Gavin Newsom's bold foray into podcasting with Radhika Jones. They analyze Newsom's strategy to reach across the political aisle, engaging figures like Steve Bannon while addressing the challenges of polarization. The conversation shifts to Newsom’s potential presidential aspirations and the Democratic Party's struggle with young male voters. Howorth critiques the risks of appealing to right-wing populists, questioning whether this gambit will enhance or hinder his political future.

David W. Brown, an insightful writer on NASA and the space industry, joins Tyler Foggatt for a captivating discussion. They dive into Elon Musk's mounting influence on NASA and the agency's evolving relationship with SpaceX. Brown addresses Trump's space ambitions and whether they can shield NASA from budget cuts. The duo highlights the political intricacies affecting space exploration, contrasting Trump and Obama’s visions, and examines the critical interdependence of NASA and SpaceX amidst shifting political landscapes.