Big Take

Brooke Sutherland, Bloomberg's Boston bureau chief, dives into the ongoing clash between the Trump administration and Harvard University. She highlights the implications of threats against the university's funding and the potential fallout for international student enrollment. The discussion explores how these political maneuvers could destabilize Harvard's financial standing while affecting the broader educational landscape. Additionally, Sutherland addresses the significant economic impact Harvard has on the Boston area, revealing a tumultuous intersection of politics, education, and finance.

Riley Griffin, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in Meta, dives into Mark Zuckerberg's surprising shift towards a MAGA-friendly image. They discuss Zuckerberg's new look and public appearances on right-leaning podcasts, questioning what this means for his company. The conversation highlights Meta's recent policy rollbacks on diversity and hate speech, demonstrating how political pressures shape corporate actions. Griffin also analyzes Zuckerberg's motivations behind aligning with Trump's circle and what he might gain from this controversial transformation.

Tulum's real estate market is a tale of dreams turned nightmares. Once a paradise for investors, the allure of luxury homes has revealed shocking scams and devastating losses. From ripped-off buyers to missing cash, the dark realities of recent developments are laid bare. Personal stories of regret highlight the emotional toll as bureaucratic hurdles and land disputes complicate ownership. The podcast shines a light on the troubling saga surrounding the Akela Development Group, leaving many wondering: what happened to their dream homes?

Jeannette Neumann, a Bloomberg reporter specializing in the beauty and cosmetics industry, joins the conversation to explore the link between beauty trends and economic fluctuations. She reveals how DIY beauty solutions are surging as consumers face rising costs. The discussion also highlights the 'lipstick effect,' showcasing how small indulgences can flourish during tough times. Neumann analyzes the shift towards budget-friendly products and the resilient nature of the beauty industry post-COVID, shedding light on changing consumer behaviors amidst economic uncertainty.

Saritha Rai, a Bloomberg journalist specializing in AI in Asia, dives into the enigmatic world of Liang Wenfeng, founder of DeepSeek. She reveals his journey from hedge fund manager to AI pioneer and discusses the company's role in China's tech landscape. The conversation touches on the global AI race, innovation strategies in the face of U.S. export controls, and how China's AI advancements are challenging Western paradigms. Rai also highlights the transformative impact of AI on various industries, urging listeners to rethink the future of their own businesses.

In this engaging conversation, Barry Diller, a media mogul and co-founder of Fox, shares insights from his new memoir, Who Knew. He delves into his illustrious career and the evolution of the media landscape, highlighting pivotal decisions and challenges. Diller candidly discusses his journey as a gay man, exploring the intersection of personal identity and professional success. He also weighs in on the turbulent political climate and its effects on the business world, offering a unique perspective from a seasoned executive.

Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, shares his insights at the Qatar Economic Forum. He discusses his plans for Tesla amidst mixed public sentiments and sales challenges in Europe. Tensions rise as he addresses his controversial exchanges with OpenAI's Sam Altman and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The conversation also touches on the future of Starlink, its potential public offering, and the complexities of regulating AI. Musk emphasizes the need for responsible tech regulation while championing innovation in business.

Mark Gurman, a seasoned tech journalist at Bloomberg, discusses Apple’s AI transformation efforts. He reveals the disparity between Apple’s ambitious advertising for its iPhone 16’s AI capabilities and the reality of its product offerings. Gurman emphasizes the pressure Apple faces in the rapidly evolving AI landscape and explores their strategic choices in adopting critical AI technologies. He highlights the urgency for innovation to maintain a competitive edge in an industry dominated by quicker-movers.

Nicholas Burns, the former U.S. Ambassador to China and a Harvard diplomacy professor, dives into the intriguing dynamics of U.S.-China trade relations. He discusses the current trade war pause and the looming question of a new agreement. Burns highlights the challenges his successor faces as China strengthens its global position. He offers insights into how the U.S. must prepare for a decade-long competition with China, emphasizing the delicate balance between collaboration and rivalry that defines their complex relationship.

Bloomberg reporter Joumanna Bercetche, who covers President Trump's international engagements, joins the discussion about his recent Middle East trip. They delve into Trump's ambitious investment proposals, including over a trillion dollars in economic commitments from Gulf nations. Bercetche highlights the ethical dilemmas of extravagant gifts, like a potential Boeing 747, and unpacks the implications of lifting sanctions on Syria. They explore how these moves could reshape U.S.-Israel ties and promote economic opportunities in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.