How Trump’s Fight With the Pope Backfired | Pivot
- Apr 14, 2026
- 57:13
- Full Episode
Kara and Scott break down Trump lashing out against the Pope and right-wing media figures, and his next moves for Iran after peace talks fail. Then, Viktor Orban loses in Hungary, and his concession is a surprising win for democracy. Plus, Eric Swalwell drops out of the California governor’s race and Congress, Scott Bessent warns banks about Anthropic’s Mythos model, and Hollywood heavyweights push back on the Paramount–Warner Bros. deal.
00:00 Intro 00:53 Trump vs. Pope 6:18 Strait of Hormuz Blockade 14:58 Orban Loses in Hungary 21:08 Rep. Eric Swalwell Suspends Campaign 30:50 Bessent’s Anthropic Warning 33:37 Sam Altman Targeted 40:58 News Roundup 46:31 Wins and Fails
Producers: Lara Naaman Zoë Marcus Taylor Griffin Kate Gallagher
Video Producer: Rich Shibley
Vox Media's Executive Producer of Podcasts: Nishat Kurwa
Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or email [email protected]
Brief Summary
Scott Galloway and Cara Swisher discuss Trump's attacks on the Pope, Hungary's election results, Eric Swallwell's resignation, and Sam Altman's security threats.
Key points
- Trump's Attack on the Pope. Trump lashes out at Pope Leo, calling him weak and terrible on foreign policy.
- JD Vance's Diplomatic Struggles. JD Vance faces challenges in negotiations with Iran, highlighting the complexities of U.S. foreign policy.
- Hungary's Political Shift. Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban is ousted after 16 years, signaling a potential shift away from the far right.
- Eric Swallwell Resigns. Representative Eric Swallwell resigns amid allegations of misconduct, triggering political fallout.
- Sam Alman's Home Attacked. Sam Alman's residence was targeted in violent attacks, raising concerns about tech leaders' safety.
- The Need for Regulation. The discussion highlights the lack of regulation on tech executives and their influence.
Episode highlights
- Trump's Attack on the PopeTrump lashes out at Pope Leo, calling him weak and terrible on foreign policy.“Don't [ __ ] with El Papa.”2:50Apr 14, 2026
- JD Vance's Diplomatic StrugglesJD Vance faces challenges in negotiations with Iran, highlighting the complexities of U.S. foreign policy.“This negotiation was over before it started.”12:29Apr 14, 2026
- Hungary's Political ShiftHungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban is ousted after 16 years, signaling a potential shift away from the far right.“This is the end of an era.”16:23Apr 14, 2026
- Eric Swallwell ResignsRepresentative Eric Swallwell resigns amid allegations of misconduct, triggering political fallout.“He is deeply sorry for mistakes in judgment.”21:25Apr 14, 2026
- Sam Alman's Home AttackedSam Alman's residence was targeted in violent attacks, raising concerns about tech leaders' safety.“Nearly a third of young adults say AI makes them angry.”34:14Apr 14, 2026
- The Need for RegulationThe discussion highlights the lack of regulation on tech executives and their influence.“There’s absolutely no regulation on these individuals.”36:45Apr 14, 2026
- Hollywood Heavyweights Oppose AcquisitionOver a thousand Hollywood figures oppose Paramount's acquisition of Warner Bros.“This is going to be the most destructive force of human capital in the creative community.”42:21Apr 14, 2026
- Victor Orban's ConcessionOrban's concession of the election is a rare moment of democratic fidelity.“If a fascist who ruled for 16 years can concede an election, so can we.”48:24Apr 14, 2026
