Will Meta Pay the Price for 'Buy or Bury' Strategy at Antitrust Trial? | Pivot
Episode Description
Meta is facing a landmark antitrust trial that could force the company to spin off Instagram and WhatsApp. Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway dig into the case’s origins, what’s at stake for Big Tech, and whether Meta’s empire might finally face real consequences. They also unpack Trump’s erratic tariff policy and its ripple effects on retailers, and why China seems to be winning the trade war, so far. Plus, the White House's defiance of the Supreme Court, Blue Origin’s all-female flight, and Bill Maher’s dinner with Trump.
Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 3:02 Tariff Flip-Flops 11:34 China’s Upper Hand 20:53 Meta Antitrust Trial 35:05 White House Stalls on Wrongful Deportation 44:00 Blue Origin’s All-Female Spaceflight 47:26 Bill Maher’s White House Visit 53:32 Wins and Fails
Producers: Lara Naaman Zoë Marcus Taylor Griffin Corinne Ruff Kate Gallagher
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
Brief Summary
Scott and Cara discuss tariffs, Meta's antitrust trial, and an all-female space crew launch, critiquing economic policies and publicity stunts.
Key points
- RFK Jr. Encounter. Scott shares a chilly encounter with RFK Jr. at the Colony Hotel.
- Tariff Chaos. Discussion on the confusion surrounding tariffs and their impact on businesses.
- Meta's Antitrust Trial. Meta faces a significant antitrust trial over its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp.
- Zuckerberg's Unpopularity. Zuckerberg is the most disliked person among Americans under 30, even less popular than Musk.
- The Deportation Dilemma. A Supreme Court ruling directs the government to facilitate the return of a deported man.
- The Profitability of Immigration. Illegal immigration is profitable for the U.S. economy, yet often ignored.
Ask about Pivot with Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway
Episode highlights
- RFK Jr. EncounterScott shares a chilly encounter with RFK Jr. at the Colony Hotel.“He gave me the cold shoulder.”0:52Apr 15, 2025
- Tariff ChaosDiscussion on the confusion surrounding tariffs and their impact on businesses.“This is COVID times 10. I'm not going to get any relief.”18:17Apr 15, 2025
- Meta's Antitrust TrialMeta faces a significant antitrust trial over its acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp.“The trial is expected to last about 7 to 8 weeks.”21:20Apr 15, 2025
- Zuckerberg's UnpopularityZuckerberg is the most disliked person among Americans under 30, even less popular than Musk.“Zuck is the most disliked person in America under the age of 30.”22:52Apr 15, 2025
- The Deportation DilemmaA Supreme Court ruling directs the government to facilitate the return of a deported man.“We can bring a man back from space but you don't.”38:14Apr 15, 2025
- The Profitability of ImmigrationIllegal immigration is profitable for the U.S. economy, yet often ignored.“Immigration is the secret sauce of America.”41:53Apr 15, 2025
- World's Coolest DictatorA critique of a dictator who calls himself 'cool' reveals deeper issues of governance.“You're not cool if you have to call yourself the world's coolest dictator.”43:49Apr 15, 2025
- Viola Davis Kicks AssViola Davis stars as a powerful president in a thrilling new show.“I love Viola Davis kicking ass and killing South African terrorists!”54:11Apr 15, 2025
