How Trump’s Global Chaos is Distracting from the Epstein Files | Pivot
Episode Description
Kara and Scott discuss Trump's threat to invoke the Insurrection Act amid ICE violence in Minneapolis. Then, Paramount files a lawsuit against Warner Bros in a desperate bid to block the Netflix deal, Apple strikes an AI deal with Google, and the FBI raids a Washington Post reporter's home. Plus, the Clintons refuse to testify in the Epstein inquiry, and Meta appoints a former Trump adviser as President.
00:00 Intro 00:35 Trump Threatens Insurrection Act 12:47 Iran’s Future 19:04 Epstein Files Delayed 30:36 Paramount Sues Warner Bros. 42:51 FBI Search Home of Washington Post Reporter 50:59 Apple and Google Team Up on AI 58:24 Meta Names Former Trump Adviser President 1:02:35 Predictions
Producers: Lara Naaman Zoë Marcus Taylor Griffin
Video Producer: Manolo Moreno
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
Trump's chaos distracts from the Epstein investigation and ICE protests, highlighting accountability issues in politics and media.
Key points
- Media's Role in Political Discourse. Discussion on how media is shifting away from experts to public opinion, raising concerns about misinformation.
- Potential Military Conflict with Iran. The US begins evacuating troops from Qatar as tensions with Iran rise.
- Protests in New York. Protests in New York show solidarity with Iranian and Israeli flags, a heartening sight.
- Clintons and Contempt. House Republicans move to hold Clintons in contempt for refusing to testify in the Epstein investigation.
- Warner Brothers Lawsuit. Paramount sues Warner Brothers for details on their sale process amid ongoing negotiations.
- Disney's Future in Question. Discussion on Disney's potential changes and challenges in leadership.
Ask about Pivot with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway
Episode highlights
- Media's Role in Political DiscourseDiscussion on how media is shifting away from experts to public opinion, raising concerns about misinformation.“We’re going to start entertaining conspiracy theory and misinformation.”4:50Jan 16, 2026
- Potential Military Conflict with IranThe US begins evacuating troops from Qatar as tensions with Iran rise.“The US is exact started evacuating some troops from a base in Qatar.”12:48Jan 16, 2026
- Protests in New YorkProtests in New York show solidarity with Iranian and Israeli flags, a heartening sight.“I actually find that quite encouraging.”17:35Jan 16, 2026
- Clintons and ContemptHouse Republicans move to hold Clintons in contempt for refusing to testify in the Epstein investigation.“They’re trying to get this special master...”20:26Jan 16, 2026
- Warner Brothers LawsuitParamount sues Warner Brothers for details on their sale process amid ongoing negotiations.“Paramount filed a lawsuit against Warner Brothers...”30:45Jan 16, 2026
- Disney's Future in QuestionDiscussion on Disney's potential changes and challenges in leadership.“Disney's going to be put in play by somebody.”35:56Jan 16, 2026
- Jeff Bezos Criticized for SilenceCriticism of Jeff Bezos for not supporting the Washington Post amid controversy.“Jeff Bezos not standing up is another reason why he’s a terrible owner.”43:59Jan 16, 2026
- Press Freedom Under ThreatThe FBI's search of a journalist's home raises concerns about press freedom.“Federal agents knocked down the door of the journalist.”46:12Jan 16, 2026
