Who’s to Blame After Texas Flooding Tragedy — And What Needs to Change | Pivot
Episode Description
Kara and Scott discuss the catastrophic flooding in Texas, and the blame game over forecasts, funding, and warning systems. Then, Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill" is now law, so who wins, who loses, and what does the bill mean for the future of the country? Plus, Elon forms a new political party, and TikTok reportedly prepares to launch a U.S. app.
Timecodes: 00:00 Intro 0:34 Elon Lashes Out Over Epstein Findings 1:58 Elon Forms New Political Party 17:17 TikTok Developing U.S. Version of App 21:07 Texas Flooding Tragedy 31:36 “Big Beautiful Bill” Winners and Losers 44:31 Trump’s Tariffs Return 46:51 Wins and Fails
Producers: Lara Naaman Zoë Marcus Taylor Griffin Kevin Oliver Corinne Ruff
Audio Engineer: Ernie Indradat
Production Assistance: Kate Gallagher
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
This episode is presented to you by IBM. https://ibm.com
Brief Summary
Texas flooding highlights failures in warning systems amid Musk-Trump tensions over political party and new legislation.
Key points
- Epstein Investigation Findings. Recent findings from the Epstein investigation raise questions about accountability and trust in government.
- Elon Musk's Political Aspirations. Musk announces plans for a new political party, stirring controversy and debate.
- The Impact of Musk's Influence. Musk's potential to sway elections and influence politics is a hot topic.
- Catastrophic Flooding in Texas. A catastrophic flood in Texas has left at least 80 dead and many missing, raising questions about emergency preparedness.
- Trump's Big Beautiful Bill. Donald Trump signs a controversial bill that extends tax cuts and significantly impacts Medicaid, raising concerns about wealth inequality.
- University of Virginia's Legacy. The president of UVA resigned to protect the institution from political fallout, highlighting its importance.
Ask about Pivot with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway
Episode highlights
- Epstein Investigation FindingsRecent findings from the Epstein investigation raise questions about accountability and trust in government.“The departments have reportedly concluded there was no Epstein client list.”1:14Jul 8, 2025
- Elon Musk's Political AspirationsMusk announces plans for a new political party, stirring controversy and debate.“Musk's announcement that he'll form a new political party, the America Party.”2:03Jul 8, 2025
- The Impact of Musk's InfluenceMusk's potential to sway elections and influence politics is a hot topic.“Elon Musk has already proven he can have massive influence.”7:20Jul 8, 2025
- Catastrophic Flooding in TexasA catastrophic flood in Texas has left at least 80 dead and many missing, raising questions about emergency preparedness.“Dozens are still missing, including 10 girls from a summer camp.”21:08Jul 8, 2025
- Trump's Big Beautiful BillDonald Trump signs a controversial bill that extends tax cuts and significantly impacts Medicaid, raising concerns about wealth inequality.“This bill cements the notion that America is comfortable with the bottom 90% being nutrition for the top 10%.”31:38Jul 8, 2025
- University of Virginia's LegacyThe president of UVA resigned to protect the institution from political fallout, highlighting its importance.“UVA really does represent America at its best.”50:43Jul 8, 2025
- The Militarization of ICEDiscussion on how ICE mirrors the Gestapo, raising alarms about civil liberties and surveillance.“ICE is becoming increasingly unaccountable and untouchable.”57:01Jul 8, 2025
- Democrats' Strategy on ICE FundingA bold suggestion for Democrats to cut ICE funding if they gain control of Congress.“The first thing the Democrats should do is shut down that ICE funding.”1:02:22Jul 8, 2025
