On with Kara Swisher

Jacob Frey, mayor of Minneapolis and the city’s chief executive, discusses the federal ICE and Border Patrol deployment and DOJ subpoenas. He describes legal fights, community safety measures, the scale of federal operations, and why he calls the presence an invasion. He urges national solidarity and explains local limits and responses.

Renée DiResta, an expert on online disinformation, Hany Farid, a pioneer in digital image forensics, and tech journalist Casey Newton delve into the ramifications of X's new in-app tool that allows users to alter photos. They discuss the alarming rise in non-consensual deepfakes, particularly involving minors. The guests tackle the failures of regulators and app stores to intervene, the incoherent free-speech defense of such abuses, and the need for accountability. Ultimately, they envision a safer internet while cautioning about the threat of advanced AI tools.

Dr. Zeke Emanuel, an oncologist and bioethicist who helped shape the Affordable Care Act, shares insights from his latest book. He argues that the obsession with longevity often overshadows meaningful living. Emanuel critiques wellness fads for complicating healthy habits and emphasizes the importance of social relationships. He discusses the balance of moderate drinking, the risks of smoking and vaccine hesitancy, and proposes sensible nutrition, urging people to embrace simple joys—like eating ice cream—while maintaining health.

Ro Khanna, a U.S. Representative from California and former Obama official known for his focus on technology policy and economic justice, discusses pressing issues like the dire conditions in ICE facilities after his visit. He advocates for the full release of Epstein files, linking elite impunity to the erosion of trust in authority. Khanna also addresses a proposed 5% wealth tax on billionaires, urging economic independence for Democrats as they prepare for upcoming elections. Ambitiously eyeing a future presidential run, he emphasizes accountability and bipartisan collaboration.

Imran Ahmed, Founder and CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, tackles online hate and disinformation. He shares how he became a target of the Trump administration and Elon Musk for aligning tech accountability with individual rights. The conversation dives into disinformation during the pandemic, the challenges tech companies face in balancing moderation, and the implications of AI harm. Imran argues for transparency and accountability, while also detailing the pressing legal battles he faces to continue his advocacy work.

David Sanger, a national security correspondent for The New York Times, Luisa Palacios, an energy finance expert, and Alejandro Velasco, a historian of Venezuelan politics, delve into the aftermath of Maduro's arrest. They explore the motivations behind the U.S. action, assess the feasibility of controlling Venezuela without ground troops, and unravel the implications for everyday Venezuelans. The guests also discuss the intertwined history of U.S. interests in Venezuelan oil and the potential risks of occupation, while reflecting on the broader consequences for American credibility in global politics.

Isaac Chotiner, a staff writer for The New Yorker, is known as the 'interview assassin' for his confrontational questioning style that unveils truths from prominent figures. He discusses his preparation for tough interviews and shares insights from his viral Q&As with Karine Jean-Pierre and Cass Sunstein. Chotiner also explores the fine line between opinion and neutral questioning, the dynamics of declining access to guests, and reflects on the important stories shaping the political landscape for 2026.

Vlad Tenev, Co-founder and CEO of Robinhood, shares insights on the evolution of prediction markets, describing them as 'truth machines' that provide reliable forecasts. He elaborates on the integration of tokenization in retail finance and its potential to reshape access to global assets. Vlad also discusses the challenges of balancing market integrity with democratization, while emphasizing the company's vision to become a financial super app. Additionally, he reflects on personalizing contracts, digital responsibility, and enhancing engagement in earnings calls.

In a fascinating discussion, Chris Urmson, CEO of Aurora and a pioneer of self-driving cars, teams up with Johnathon Ehsani, a road safety researcher from Johns Hopkins. They explore the rapid evolution of driverless semi-trucks and their implications for road safety and the economy. Urmson shares insights on current deployments and the challenges of public perception, while Ehsani emphasizes the importance of demonstrating safety benefits. Together, they navigate the future of autonomous trucking, addressing job impacts and the need for effective regulations.

The discussion kicks off with U.S. pressure mounting on Venezuela, examining the geopolitical motivations and implications of military buildup. They delve into the controversial decision to export advanced AI chips to China, balancing economic factors with national security concerns. A Red Team/Blue Team exercise unfolds, pitting advice for Ukraine against Russia regarding a potential peace deal, unpacking the complexities of each side's motivations. Expect a mix of strategic insights and spirited debate on critical global issues!