logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2024
29m 33s

Why tech billionaires are backing Trump

THE TIMES
About this episode

Elon Musk and other tech billionaires in Democrat-leaning Silicon Valley are backing Donald Trump in 2024. What’s driving this shift, and what could it mean for the presidential race?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.co.uk/thestory


Guest: Danny Fortson, West Coast correspondent, The Sunday Times. 

Host: Luke Jones.  


Further listen: The political transformation of Elon Musk

Clips: ABC News, X.com/Elon Musk, Bitcoin Magazine, The Ben & Marc Show.  

Photo credit: Getty Images

Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.co.uk 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Today
How Trump’s using the government shutdown to remake America
The US government has been shut down for more than a week, and Democrats and Republicans are locked in a political blame game. Shutdowns are nothing new in US politics, but this time President Trump has made an unusual threat: to permanently cut hundreds of thousands of jobs and ... Show More
28m 2s
Yesterday
My daughter used ChatGPT as a therapist, then took her own life
When 29-year-old Sophie Rottenberg took her own life, her family later discovered she’d been confiding in a chatbot called ‘Harry’ things that she wasn’t telling any human.This episode discusses suicide and mental health struggles. If you or someone you know is struggling, help i ... Show More
27m 32s
Oct 7
Should pro-Palestine protests be held on October 7?
Two years ago Hamas fighters launched a terror attack on Israel, killing more than 1,000 people and taking around 250 hostage.The Hamas-linked Gaza health authorities say tens of thousands have been killed in the subsequent war, which has devastated the area and led to catastroph ... Show More
32m 35s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2024
Elon Musk Launches Into American Politics
After single-handedly remaking the auto industry, social media and the global space race, Elon Musk is now turning his attention, and personal fortune, to politics.Over the past few months, he became one of the most influential figures in the race for president, and on Tuesday Do ... Show More
28m 43s
Jul 2024
Elon Musk and Silicon Valley Turn Towards Trump
Elon Musk has said he is committing around $45 million a month to a pro-Trump super PAC, according to people familiar with the matter. He is the biggest name in tech now turning Donald Trump’s way. WSJ’s Emily Glazer reports on how Musk and others in Silicon Valley are throwing t ... Show More
20m 32s
Oct 2024
Comment Elon Musk s’est-il mis au service de Donald Trump et peut-il le faire gagner ?
Ces dernières semaines, Elon Musk a mis les bouchées doubles pour soutenir Donald Trump, montant sur scène avec l’ancien président lors d’un meeting de campagne et organisant lui-même des réunions publiques en Pennsylvanie. Depuis juillet, le dirigeant de Tesla et SpaceX a cumulé ... Show More
21m 59s
Jun 2025
Are Trump and Musk Done for Good?
The storybook bromance between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk seems to have come to an end. WSJ’s Rebecca Ballhaus unpacks what happened and what the stakes are for the two powerful men. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Tesla Has a Problem: Elon Musk - Elon Musk’ ... Show More
20m 59s
Jun 2025
Elon and Trump need space
Vox’s Joshua Keating explains why the US government can’t have a big, beautiful breakup with Elon Musk. And now that he’s left DOGE, Elaine Kamarck from Brookings explains what happens to it. This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy with help from Denise Guerra, edited by Amina ... Show More
29m 32s
Apr 2025
Is Elon Musk Buying Today’s Election in Wisconsin?
On paper, the election in Wisconsin on Tuesday is about who should control the state’s highest court. In reality, it has become a referendum on Elon Musk, his agenda in Washington and his willingness to flood American politics with his money.Reid J. Epstein, who has been covering ... Show More
27m 53s
Feb 2025
Elon Musk's DOGE Takes Control Of Federal Spending
Elon Musk is keeping his campaign promise of trying to cut $2 trillion of federal spending through his unit, DOGE. After some questions about his role, the White House announced that he is now a "special government employee." What has Musk been able to accomplish thus far? This e ... Show More
15m 3s
Aug 2024
Tech Outperforming and Elon Musk's Interview with Donald Trump
Bloomberg's Caroline Hyde and Ed Ludlow bring full market coverage with tech back outperforming as traders brace for a big week in economic data. Plus, a preview of Elon Musk's interview with former President Donald Trump on X, and more earnings coverage with the CEO of Expedia.S ... Show More
40m 48s