Trump Ruined the Reflecting Pool. Now He's Arresting People for It | Pivot
Episode Description
Kara and Scott discuss Trump's mishandling of Iran, and his vandalism claims about the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Then, lots of drama in Europe as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigns, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni feuds with Trump. Plus, a new book reveals how Trump mocked Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg, Amazon dumps the OpenAI movie, and SpaceX stock takes a tumble.
00:00 Intro 00:32 Reflecting Pool Fiasco 10:48 Keir Starmer Resigns 16:13 Trump vs. Meloni 23:10 Trump Mocks Zuckerberg & Bezos 28:39 Amazon Dumps OpenAI Movie 35:32 SpaceX Crash 46:27 Wins and Fails
This episode is supported by Teleport: https://goteleport.com/pivot/?utm_source=the_pivot&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=vox_media_june_2026&utm_content=midroll
Producers: Lara Naaman Zoë Marcus Taylor Griffin Todd Wiseman
Vox Media's Executive Producer of Podcasts: Nishat Kurwa
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Brief Summary
Pippet and Carara discuss Trump's claims about vandalism, Iran's influence, and political drama in Europe, including Starmer's resignation and Trump's feuds with leaders.
Key points
- Green Watergate. A new scandal emerges as Trump blames vandals for damage to the reflecting pool.
- Starmer Steps Down. UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer resigns amid pressure, marking a significant political shift.
- Trump's Feud with Maloney. Trump's claims about Italian PM Maloney lead to a public spat over popularity.
- Trump's Feud with Allies. Trump's approach alienates allies while he praises adversaries, creating a chaotic political landscape.
- Tech Giants' Relationship with Trump. New revelations show Zuckerberg and Bezos cozying up to Trump, raising eyebrows about their motives.
- The Dark Side of Influence. Discussion on how billionaires now seek protection from politicians, signaling a troubling shift in power dynamics.
Ask about Pivot with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway
Episode highlights
- Green WatergateA new scandal emerges as Trump blames vandals for damage to the reflecting pool.“President Trump says it will begin fixing the seriously vandalized reflecting pool.”0:37Jun 23, 2026
- Starmer Steps DownUK Prime Minister Kier Starmer resigns amid pressure, marking a significant political shift.“Starmer said he'll stay in office until a new party leader is selected.”10:55Jun 23, 2026
- Trump's Feud with MaloneyTrump's claims about Italian PM Maloney lead to a public spat over popularity.“Maloney responded, 'My popularity is none of your concern.'”16:41Jun 23, 2026
- Trump's Feud with AlliesTrump's approach alienates allies while he praises adversaries, creating a chaotic political landscape.“None of this makes any sense.”18:49Jun 23, 2026
- Tech Giants' Relationship with TrumpNew revelations show Zuckerberg and Bezos cozying up to Trump, raising eyebrows about their motives.“You would not believe the texts I got from these tech guys.”23:23Jun 23, 2026
- The Dark Side of InfluenceDiscussion on how billionaires now seek protection from politicians, signaling a troubling shift in power dynamics.“This has moved from buying influence to renting protection.”25:02Jun 23, 2026
- Amazon's Film Project PulledAmazon cancels a film project about Sam Alman, shocking filmmakers after a significant investment.“The decision comes as Amazon plans to invest $50 billion in OpenAI this year.”28:49Jun 23, 2026
- Elon's Stock and Its RisksWhat happens to stock prices if Elon Musk is incapacitated? The stakes are high.“Look out [ __ ] below.”36:17Jun 23, 2026
