Trump’s Deal-a-Palooza in the Middle East | Pivot
- May 16, 2025
- 1:01:43
- Full Episode
Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway discuss Donald Trump’s wheeling and dealing visit to the Middle East, the Meta antitrust trial, and the return of HBO Max. Plus, Apple could raise iPhone prices, but without blaming tariffs, and RFK Jr. went swimming…in sewage?
Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 6:31 Kara’s Mention at the Meta Trial 16:52 Apple Raising iPhone Prices? 26:18 Max No More 36:41 Fox To Launch Streamer 38:15 Trump’s Middle East Trip 48:05 RFK Jr.’s Busy (and Bizarre) Week 54:11 Predictions
Producers: Lara Naaman Zoë Marcus Taylor Griffin Kevin Oliver
Audio Engineer: Ernie Indradat
Vox Media's Executive Producer of Podcasts: Nishat Kurwa
Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at https://podcasts.voxmedia.com/show/pivot
Brief Summary
RFK Jr. faces backlash for his comments on vaccines and swimming in contaminated water; Trump engages in controversial Middle East dealings.
Key points
- Scott Galloway's Hair. Scott jokes about his hair while comparing himself to a friend.
- Graduation Day. Celebrating Louis's graduation with humor and warmth.
- Meta's Antitrust Struggles. Discussion on Meta's legal challenges and the implications of their actions.
- Apple's Missed Opportunity. The discussion revolves around Apple's potential acquisition of BYD and its implications for the Apple car.
- Tim Cook's Leadership. Tim Cook's impact on shareholder value and product innovation is examined.
- HBO's Brand Disaster. The rebranding of HBO Max is criticized as a major misstep in brand strategy.
Episode highlights
- Scott Galloway's HairScott jokes about his hair while comparing himself to a friend.“Isn't this great? Oh my gosh. Look at that. Look at that. I'm Scott Galloway except I have hair.”0:25May 16, 2025
- Graduation DayCelebrating Louis's graduation with humor and warmth.“Congratulations to Louis. I left him a gift in the refrigerator.”2:30May 16, 2025
- Meta's Antitrust StrugglesDiscussion on Meta's legal challenges and the implications of their actions.“They're just gross and they're not good at it.”15:01May 16, 2025
- Apple's Missed OpportunityThe discussion revolves around Apple's potential acquisition of BYD and its implications for the Apple car.“The waiting list for an Apple car would be the most valuable list ever.”21:00May 16, 2025
- Tim Cook's LeadershipTim Cook's impact on shareholder value and product innovation is examined.“Tim Cook has added more shareholder value than any person in history.”22:56May 16, 2025
- HBO's Brand DisasterThe rebranding of HBO Max is criticized as a major misstep in brand strategy.“This will go down as one of the great brand disasters.”27:03May 16, 2025
- Trump's Diplomatic CharmTrump's interactions with foreign leaders reveal a surprising affection and a unique approach to diplomacy.“He called the Syrian president a young attractive guy.”43:13May 16, 2025
- RFK Jr.'s Controversial SwimRFK Jr. faced backlash for swimming in a polluted creek while downplaying his medical advice.“He recently posted a photo of himself and his grandchildren swimming in Rock Creek.”48:30May 16, 2025





