Elon Musk

Each generation has a social platform they're more disposed toward, and pro-democracy activist and active Twitter member Victor Shi gives his perspective on what makes Gen Z's perspective on Elon Musk's Twitter takeover unique.

Molly Jong-Fast shares her thoughts on whether Elon Musk is playing 3D chess or a melting down with his actions and policies following the Twitter acquisition.

This is one the best encapsulations of what it's like to experience the wild ride that has been dealing with Elon Musk, delivered with Rick's typical directness.

America’s political landscape is shifting in dangerous ways. On today's episode Rick is joined by journalist and author Garrett Graff to dissect the current crisis in U.S. democracy, where unchecked power, disruptive media narratives, and the staggering influence of figures like Elon Musk are redrawing the rules of governance. Graff introduces his incisive newsletter, Doomsday Scenario, which reimagines American news as if it were unfolding overseas—casting a stark light on the nation's mounting instability and the erosion of federal institutions. Subscribe to Garrett's newsletter at doomsdayscenario.co.

Will Trump and the House GOP end up becoming the dogs that caught the car? What happens with the impending shutdown - and should Democrats try to keep the government open? And why all those horrible polling numbers for Trump in House seats really don't matter to Trump and Elon. It's all a race - can Trump derail democracy before we win back the House? What can we do to stop it?

Last week the folks on Fox continued to elevate Elon Musk as a wildly popular champion of the American people while they pretended proposed $5000 DOGE dividend checks issued to every adult American would not cause inflation. Crime, the economy, transgender athletes, DEI programs, the woke mind virus, border crossings and mass deportations all took a backseat as the network became a DOGE infomercial. Meanwhile in town halls across the country organized by Republican members of congress angry constituents complained bitterly about the reckless unelected billionaire who was destroying jobs and slashing important government programs. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit decodingfoxnews.substack.com/subscribe

Killing Democracy In The Darkness of “Asleep” Censorship

Stuart Stevens' Members-Only Weekly Column: We're Right. They're Wrong.

Gen Z is at a political crossroads, and the battle for their votes is intensifying. In this episode Rick speaks with Gen Z political commentator Dash Dobrofsky to discuss the shifting political landscape among young voters. Dash shares his journey into political activism, the impact of social media on shaping narratives, and the growing influence of right-wing messaging on Gen Z—particularly young men. They dive into economic frustrations, media strategies, and the urgent need for Democrats to improve their branding and messaging. With insights on the future of digital political engagement and the 2028 election, this conversation sheds light on the evolving battle for young voters' attention and trust.

We have entered a whirlwind of chaos and controversy as the new order attempts to reshape the American political landscape. In this episode Rick sits with Andrew Egger, chief White House correspondent for The Bulwark, to dissect the early months of Trump's second first term in the White House. They explore how a disruptive, Doge-fueled approach is reshaping federal agencies, from hasty cuts in key national security institutions to internal power struggles, and debate the evolution of conservative politics. And of course, Rick adds to the Enemies List.

Dave Troy, publisher of "America 2.0," joins Joe and Alex to look under the surface at what Elon and Trump are doing. What's Elon's endgame - and is there any way to stop it? How Project 2025 is just a small piece of the puzzle - what's "Project Russia" and why is it a MUCH bigger threat? And why do the crypto-bros keep attacking the dollar? And what should the pro-democracy movement do about all of this? Read Dave's work at America 2.0 at https://america2.news/.

Kristin Brey and Maya May ask "What will it take for us to survive the next four years?" Asking yourself the same question? Catch up now on their conversation about the broligarchy, Wisconsin's hugely consequential upcoming Supreme Court election, and why the SAFE Act proposes to do anything but keep women in America safe.

NEW EPISODE! Special guest, author and Economic Sociologist Brooke Harrington joined the Strategy Session to draw back the curtain on the Broligarchy that has taken over Washington. And it’s unimaginably bad, not just for our economy or the widening wealth gap, but for our democracy. Brooke's new book, Offshore: Stealth Wealth and the New Colonialism, investigates how offshore financial systems enable the ultra-wealthy to evade taxes, bypass regulations, and consolidate power, all while undermining democracy, capitalism, and environmental protections. Sound familiar?

Last week the folks at Fox twisted themselves into knots to defend the actions of a maniacal corrupt billionaire hellbent on destroying entire government agencies without congressional oversight. They would never admit that their glorious leader, Donald J. Trump, was just a puppet for Elon Musk, a South African immigrant with extremist political leanings.

USAID being dismantled before our eyes is just the beginning. In this episode Rick is joined by Josh Rogin, Lead Global Security Analyst for Washington Post Intelligence, to discuss the shocking dismantlement of USAID by Elon Musk and Donald Trump. They explore the broader implications of this decision, including the erosion of America’s global influence, the potential humanitarian crisis, and how adversaries like China and Russia stand to benefit. The conversation also delves into Trump’s complicated relationship with Xi Jinping, the future of Taiwan, and the geopolitical risks of a second Trump presidency—particularly regarding Ukraine, where Vladimir Putin is poised to take advantage.

The question isn't just how we got here - it's what we do next. Joe and Alex are re-joined by Katherine Stewart for a special guest episode. Katherine has been researching the far right- from Christian nationalists to MAGA - for over 15 years, and her new book, "Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy" is a powerful look at how we got here - and what we have to do to defeat MAGA and restore American democracy long-term. What single lesson do pro-democracy advocates need to learn from the past decade? And what are the six reasons Katherine is hopeful for the future? Order "Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy" now: https://www.amazon.com/Money-Lies-God-Movement-Democracy/dp/163557854X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joe and Alex discuss how everything you've probably read about this week was a distraction from Trump's endgame. We all have to pay very, very close attention to what's happening behind the curtain. Why Trump's crypto capture scheme could be the biggest story in our lifetimes. And how social media is quickly becoming an arm of the state. TikTok, X, and now even Facebook... and why in the face of all Trump's distractions this week and beyond, Joe explains why we have to be more vigilant than ever.

Last week the folks on Fox were angrier than ever that Joe Biden lasted until the end of his term and that Vice President Kamala Harris declared it was not in her nature to go “quietly into the night.” Fox News personalities claimed that Trump negotiated the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Sean Hannity and others declared that the FDA’s decision to ban a food dye. The network also bolstered Melania Trump’s false claim that the Obama administration impeded her move into the White House during her husband’s first term even though Mrs. Trump lived in Manhattan for the first five months of her husband’s presidency.

This might be the scariest fact we've ever seen about social media. You know it's bad, but this bad? And it explains a lot about how crazy political discussions have gotten online. 0.1% of users? No really. The amount of disinformation is staggering. And what does it do to our brains? Plus: What people miss when Trump lies. When we roll our eyes, we miss the point. And - despite the challenges in front of us - why is Joe optimistic about how we can break out of the funhouse? Read "Inside the funhouse mirror factory" here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2352250X24001313 Read the Atlantic article here: https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2025/01/january-6-justification-machine/681215/?gift=bcL26f46jRxbKrUp1kTCRFgu6En8nVf7xwPsSYEqCiU&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share And visit getrealnews.org.

We are entering a new chapter where the children are taking the wheel. In this episode Rick speaks with journalist and author David Corn to discuss the chaotic implications of a Trump administration return, the rise of figures like Elon Musk and RFK Jr., and the dangerous erosion of government institutions. They dive into concerns about unqualified leadership, the dismantling of public health systems, and the weaponization of agencies like the FBI under Trump loyalists.

Trump's going off the rails. And there's nobody left to stop him. Why his lawsuits against ABC and Ann Selzer aren't only ridiculous - they're really dangerous. And those tax cuts? Why Joe and Alex aren't holding their breaths. And how about all those tariffs bringing down inflation and gas prices? Joe thinks this might be Trump's biggest lie of all time - and that's saying something. Finally - handing Elon the keys to the government - what could go wrong? Read Dan Gilmor's newsletter, Cornerstone of Democracy, here: https://cornerstone.ghost.io/essentials-december-17-2024/

LP Co-founder George Conway refuses to be quiet as he joins Rick to dissect Trump's cabinet nominees and his administration's deterrence of actual "good talent." Follow George Conway on Bluesky at https://bsky.app/profile//gtconway.bsky.social. Follow Rick Wilson at @TheRickWilson on X or at https://bsky.app/profile/therickwilson.bsky.social at Bluesky, and subscribe to his Substack at therickwilson.substack.com.

How can we hold Trump accountable? That work starts now. What can we do about some of these insane nominees? Plus - Joe explains why the Trump coalition is much more fragile than many people realize. Why the next two years are a huge opportunity for yet another realignment - and why Democrats have to take advantage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices