TikTok Deal About to Be... Consummated? | Pivot
- Oct 28, 2025
- 1:08:19
- Full Episode
Kara and Scott discuss the Ronald Reagan tariff ad that got under Trump’s skin, and whether the U.S. and China will “consummate” the TikTok deal this week. Then, Binance’s founder gets a presidential pardon in a win for the crypto world. Plus, Amazon’s automation push, and the worldwide repercussions of Argentina's election.
Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 2:39 Tech Bros Get Face-Lifts 5:52 Reagan Tariff Ad 13:56 China Dealmaking 21:09 Binance Founder Pardoned 28:57 Tech Leaders Lobby Trump On Sf 35:12 Amazon Automation 46:20 Argentina’s Election Results 54:58 Wins And Fails
Producers: Lara Naaman Zoë Marcus Taylor Griffin
Additional Support From: Kate Gallagher and Brad Sylvester
Video Producer: Ronnie Polidoro
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 TikTok's deal, plastic surgery trends in tech, Trump's trade policies, and the political landscape in Argentina.
Key points
- Plastic Surgery Trends Among Tech Bros. Surgeons report a five-fold increase in demand for male cosmetic procedures.
- Trump's Tariff Controversy. Trump imposes a 10% tariff on imports from Canada after a controversial ad.
- TikTok Deal Finalized. Trump and Chinese officials are set to finalize a TikTok deal this week.
- Trump Pardons Crypto Mogul CZ. President Trump pardons CZ, founder of Binance, raising questions about corruption and justice.
- The Dark Side of Crypto. Discussion on the implications of money laundering and illegal activities in the crypto space.
- Influence of Wealthy Individuals. Powerful individuals lobbying against military action raises ethical concerns about democracy.
Episode highlights
- Plastic Surgery Trends Among Tech BrosSurgeons report a five-fold increase in demand for male cosmetic procedures.“Tech bros are all getting plastic surgery.”2:39Oct 28, 2025
- Trump's Tariff ControversyTrump imposes a 10% tariff on imports from Canada after a controversial ad.“Trump called the ad a fraud and a hostile act.”6:09Oct 28, 2025
- TikTok Deal FinalizedTrump and Chinese officials are set to finalize a TikTok deal this week.“We've reached a final deal on TikTok.”14:18Oct 28, 2025
- Trump Pardons Crypto Mogul CZPresident Trump pardons CZ, founder of Binance, raising questions about corruption and justice.“CZ was incarcerated because Binance was found guilty of laundering money.”22:11Oct 28, 2025
- The Dark Side of CryptoDiscussion on the implications of money laundering and illegal activities in the crypto space.“Binance is one of the largest receivers of ransomware proceeds.”22:32Oct 28, 2025
- Influence of Wealthy IndividualsPowerful individuals lobbying against military action raises ethical concerns about democracy.“I find this repulsive; this strategy is not how democracy should work.”29:19Oct 28, 2025
- The Future of RoboticsThe integration of AI and robotics could reshape industries and job markets.“AI combined with robotics is really one of these amazing and also terrifying breakthroughs.”37:37Oct 28, 2025
- Amazon's Future PredictionsThe speaker predicts Amazon's stock will perform well due to automation and margin expansion.“I'm excited about Amazon over the next 12 months.”45:21Oct 28, 2025





