logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2024
17m 41s

Elon Musk’s Secret Conversations with Vl...

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL & GIMLET
About this episode

For the past two years, tech billionaire Elon Musk has been having regular contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin. WSJ’s Thomas Grove reports on what we know about the nature of their conversations and why that contact raises potential national security concerns for some in the current administration.


Further Reading:

- Elon Musk’s Secret Conversations With Vladimir Putin 

- Musk Says He Thwarted Attack on Russian Fleet in Ukraine’s Crimea 


Further Listening:

- Uncovering Elon Musk's Secret Political Donations 

- The Russian Military is Using Elon Musk’s Starlink 



Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Up next
Yesterday
She Swore Off Legacy Media. Now She's Running CBS News.
Paramount has acquired news and opinion website the Free Press for $150 million. The company's co-founder, Bari Weiss, has a new job as editor in chief of CBS News. She's a polarizing figure, known for her outspoken support of Israel and strong views on topics like gun rights and ... Show More
18m 10s
Oct 7
They Won Millions for Life. Until They Didn't.
In 2021, Tamar Veatch won millions of dollars in a sweepstakes competition run by Publishers Clearing House, the company best known for delivering oversized checks to winners. But then last April, Publishers Clearing House went bankrupt. WSJ’s Akiko Matsuda explains why the compa ... Show More
20m 33s
Oct 6
Ben & Jerry's Co-Founder Wants to Be Set Free
Last month, Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield quit the brand after 47 years, accusing parent company Unilever of not allowing the company to speak out on social issues. Host Jessica Mendoza talks to Ben Cohen, the co-founder who stayed, about why he’s not leaving, what he ... Show More
23m 27s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2025
What's behind the Donald Trump and Elon Musk break-up?
From mutual admiration to a fierce public blow-up. The short-lived alliance between US president Donald Trump and Elon Musk appears to have come to a dramatic end. The two men have been trading accusations, threats and insults. What's behind the break-up? And why does it matter? ... Show More
24m 59s
Jan 2025
Why is Elon Musk meddling in European politics?
The world’s richest man, Elon Musk, has revolutionised every industry he has ever worked in – from online payments and electric vehicles to space travel and satellite communications. Now he’s positioning himself as a major force in global politics. He is already going to play a k ... Show More
24m 33s
Dec 2024
One Thing: Elon Musk, Bans and Free Speech: What Happens Next?
Two years ago, three reporters were kicked off Twitter by its new owner, Elon Musk. Now with Musk firmly entrenched in President-elect Donald Trump’s orbit, they reunite to discuss what's changed, what hasn’t, and how TikTok can avoid being banned in the US starting next month. G ... Show More
30m 12s
Jun 2025
Post-DOGE, Elon Musk Faces Challenges at Tesla and SpaceX
It’s tech billionaire Elon Musk’s first official week following his stint in the Trump administration. WSJ columnist Tim Higgins and WSJ reporter Becky Peterson assess the record of the Department of Government Efficiency that Musk created and look ahead to the challenges he face ... Show More
15m 28s
Nov 2024
Trump and Putin, the Pentagon, Musk’s clout and COP29
A source tells Reuters that President-elect Donald Trump has spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin and advised him not to escalate the Ukraine war. At the Pentagon, there are concerns about Trump’s campaign pledge to purge the military of “woke” generals. We look at how El ... Show More
12m 17s
May 2025
Elon Musk Talks Tesla Sales Slump, US Politics and Putin Relationship
Elon Musk said he’s committed to leading Tesla Inc. as chief executive officer in five years’ time, easing the concerns of some investors wary about his level of commitment to the carmaker. Musk, 53, commented on his future at Tesla during a remote appearance Tuesday at the Qatar ... Show More
39m 26s
Apr 2025
Is Elon Musk’s Role in the White House Over?
In today’s episode, we cover the news that Elon Musk is planning to step back from his government role, the latest from the Ukraine negotiations, a major attack in Kashmir, and the EU’s fining of Apple and Meta.Watch TLDR’s latest videos here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfrIc ... Show More
6m 36s
Aug 14
Russia-Ukraine, DC police, Tesla in Norway and Gaza music
U.S. President Donald Trump threatens "severe consequences" if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not agree to peace in Ukraine ahead of their summit. Trump pushes for congressional approval to extend federal control of Washington's city police force beyond 30 days. A boost fo ... Show More
12m 53s
Feb 2025
The United States of Elon
President Trump put Elon Musk in charge of government efficiency and the result has been nonstop chaos and trauma for thousands of civil servants. Audie talks with WIRED reporter Vittoria Elliot about how he is doing it and who is helping him. Audie also talks with someone who’s ... Show More
43m 4s