Was Tesla Trying to Replace Elon Musk as CEO? | Pivot
Episode Description
Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway discuss a Wall Street Journal report claiming Tesla’s board was searching for a successor to Elon Musk — a claim the company calls “absolutely false.” They also weigh in on Trump’s combative ABC interview, and his Grinch-like warning about fewer toys this holiday season. Plus, strong earnings from Meta and Microsoft, and Jeff Bezos bends the knee to Trump (But is anyone really surprised?).
Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 6:46 Musk’s Successor at Tesla? 16:27 President Trump’s ABC Interview 23:19 Apple Violated Orders in Antitrust Case 26:58 Microsoft and Meta Earnings 35:32 Trump The Grinch 43:40 Trump vs. Amazon 49:09 Predictions
Producers: Lara Naaman Zoë Marcus Taylor Griffin Kevin Oliver
Video Editor: Jim Mackil
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
*Producer’s Note: Due to a fact check oversight, Scott states that Epic Games owns Minecraft. Epic, in fact, owns Fortnite. We regret the error.
Brief Summary
Microsoft and Meta report strong earnings; Trump faces tough questioning in interview; Tesla's board considers leadership changes.
Key points
- Tesla's Leadership Crisis. Reports suggest Tesla's board is looking for a successor to Elon Musk amid falling sales.
- Trump's Contentious Interview. Trump faced tough questions in a recent interview, showcasing his characteristic defensiveness.
- Apple's Antitrust Case. A federal judge dismantles Apple's control over the app store, ruling against their commission practices.
- Microsoft and Meta Earnings. Both companies report strong quarterly earnings, surpassing Wall Street expectations.
- Trump Blames Biden for Economy. Trump attributes the US economy's contraction to Biden, despite previous claims about his own market.
- Economic Reverberations. Layoffs and empty stores are predicted to have widespread economic effects.
Ask about Pivot with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway
Episode highlights
- Tesla's Leadership CrisisReports suggest Tesla's board is looking for a successor to Elon Musk amid falling sales.“Tesla's board chair denies the reports, calling them absolutely false.”6:54May 2, 2025
- Trump's Contentious InterviewTrump faced tough questions in a recent interview, showcasing his characteristic defensiveness.“I gave you this chance, Terry, and you [ __ ] me.”16:42May 2, 2025
- Apple's Antitrust CaseA federal judge dismantles Apple's control over the app store, ruling against their commission practices.“Apple violated orders in a 5-year antitrust case bought by Epic Games.”23:21May 2, 2025
- Microsoft and Meta EarningsBoth companies report strong quarterly earnings, surpassing Wall Street expectations.“Microsoft sales surpassed $70 billion, up 13% from a year ago.”27:03May 2, 2025
- Trump Blames Biden for EconomyTrump attributes the US economy's contraction to Biden, despite previous claims about his own market.“He's going to blame Biden like he mentioned Biden like 912 times.”35:50May 2, 2025
- Economic ReverberationsLayoffs and empty stores are predicted to have widespread economic effects.“It's just going to re reverberate all over these economies.”41:20May 2, 2025
- Wes Moore's Presidential PotentialWes Moore, the governor of Maryland, is seen as a future presidential candidate.“Wes Moore, he's going to be a president.”41:33May 2, 2025
- Bezos and Trump RelationshipJeff Bezos is criticized for his relationship with Trump and recent decisions.“He caved. He caved.”47:52May 2, 2025
