On with Kara Swisher

Kara Swisher welcomes Raj Bhala, a trade law expert, Catherine Rampell, an economics columnist, and Bill Cohan, a former banker and financial journalist. They dive deep into the chaos surrounding Trump's tariffs, discussing how these policies have confused markets and strained international relations. The experts analyze China's retaliatory measures and the concept of a tripolar world. They also critique the administration's economic strategies, emphasizing the need for a more diplomatic approach to trade negotiations.

In a lively chat, Josh Johnson, an Emmy-nominated writer and stand-up comic known for his work on The Daily Show, dives into the comedic chaos of his life. He shares his unique approach to tackling dry political topics with humor and relatable anecdotes. Josh also discusses the impact of community on overcoming fear and the importance of owning creative work in today’s media landscape. Plus, he offers a witty take on what prosperous figures like Elon Musk should focus on instead—spoiler alert: it’s not just making more money!

Jeff Lawson, owner of The Onion and co-founder of Twilio, dives into his recent ventures blending satire and democracy. He discusses the critical role of political satire in today’s climate and why it’s essential for defending democracy, especially with the looming Trump 2.0 era. Lawson shares his ambitious plans to revitalize The Onion and reflect on the importance of humor in navigating societal issues. He also tackles the complexities of DEI initiatives, suggesting they can sometimes hinder rather than help.

David Enrich, a Business investigations editor for The New York Times, discusses rising legal threats against the press. Ruth Marcus, a former associate editor at The Washington Post, explores the impact of misinformation on public trust. Ben Mullin, a media reporter for The New York Times, highlights how Trump's legal tactics seek to undermine freedom of expression. Together, they emphasize the deteriorating state of press freedom, the chilling effects of lawsuits, and the vital role of independent journalism in today's democracy.

Michelle Buteau, a dynamic comedian, writer, and multi-talented star of 'Survival of the Thickest,' discusses her path in comedy and representation in entertainment. She shares her journey as the first woman to record a special at Radio City Music Hall. Buteau candidly addresses her call-out of Dave Chappelle regarding his transgender jokes, emphasizing community responsibility in comedy. She delves into navigating body positivity, motherhood, and her commitment to uplifting marginalized voices, all while reflecting on the importance of humor in today's climate.

Graydon Carter, co-founder of Spy Magazine and Air Mail and former editor of Vanity Fair, shares his experiences from the golden age of glossy magazines. He discusses the unique dynamics of editing, the need for anxiety in the role, and the complexities of navigating fame, especially regarding figures like Trump. Carter reflects on the magazine industry's evolution, touching on personal freedoms and the challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity in modern media landscapes. He also shares insights from his memoir and the importance of creativity in publishing.

In this engaging discussion, former FTC commissioners Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Slaughter share insights on their controversial firings by Trump. Bedoya, a privacy expert, and Slaughter, a seasoned political strategist, highlight the political motivations behind their dismissal, emphasizing the threat it poses to independent agencies like the FTC. They delve into how tech giants might benefit from such changes and stress the importance of preserving the FTC's integrity to ensure fair competition in the market amid rising political tensions.

Nicole Perlroth, a former lead cybersecurity reporter, Michael Schmidt, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, and Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a former NSC director, delve into the ominous world of cybersecurity threats. They discuss how adversaries like China have infiltrated U.S. critical infrastructure, the urgent need for enhanced defense strategies, and the troubling trend of defunding cybersecurity efforts. The conversation touches on the implications of AI in cyber warfare and the complex relationship between national security and civil liberties in this digital age.

Ezra Klein, co-founder of Vox and host of a popular podcast, teams up with Derek Thompson, a staff writer at The Atlantic, to discuss their new book on transforming scarcity into abundance for the Democratic Party. They argue that bureaucratic hurdles obstruct growth, leading to affordability crises in blue states. The conversation delves into innovative housing solutions like 'yimbyism,' critiques of current governance, and the role of technology in shaping a sustainable future. Ultimately, they advocate for a government that prioritizes effective infrastructure and community needs.

Chelsea Handler, a comedian, author, and television host celebrated for her Netflix talk show, shares her journey as a six-time bestseller. She reflects on her unconventional entrepreneurial spirit, starting from a vodka-infused lemonade stand. The conversation dives into her candid takes on Trump and Musk, parenting insights from her life with her ex's daughters, and the evolving dynamics of young men today. Handler’s humor shines through as she discusses personal growth, societal norms, and her unique birthday traditions, all while maintaining authenticity in her comedy.