Trump’s Tech Team in China, The Battle Between Musk and Altman, and Hantavirus Conspiracy Theories

Brian Barrett: The pinnacle of talent.

Leah Feiger: Exactly. I mean, this is clearly more than just technology. It’s about highlighting who Trump’s supporters are and positioning himself alongside a leader he hasn’t engaged with much lately.

Zoë Schiffer: Speaking of those accompanying him to China, why was Jensen Huang excluded initially before being added back at the last minute? My first thought was that it involved export controls and it might be awkward for him to join the trip, but now he’s part of it.

Leah Feiger: Someone I can’t name told me, “I think the President might have just overlooked him,” and I couldn’t help but laugh.

Zoë Schiffer: So you remembered Brett Ratner but forgot this guy?

Leah Feiger: No way, I was like, “That can’t be true.” It was so far from the truth that I was like, “Are you serious right now?”

Zoë Schiffer: I could totally see Trump forgetting him, but I think, “He has advisers around him.”

Leah Feiger: This team didn’t overlook him.

Zoë Schiffer: Agreed, please.

Leah Feiger: No chance! I was just like, “Uh-huh. Sure. Let’s move on.” And of course, we need to mention Elon Musk. He’s been popping up at various White House events again, but this feels like a significant moment for him back on the global stage alongside Trump.

Zoë Schiffer: Did you know Elon Musk’s mother is kind of a big deal in China?

Brian Barrett: Maye Musk, the international model, Maye Musk.

Leah Feiger: Wait, what? Tell me more.

Zoë Schiffer: People really admire her there.

Leah Feiger: Seriously?

Zoë Schiffer: Just a fun tidbit.

Brian Barrett: I also want to highlight Maye Musk. We could discuss her forever! About a year ago, the Pentagon organized a briefing for Musk on what would happen if the U.S. went to war. Does this ring a bell?

Leah Feiger: Yes, I remember.

Zoë Schiffer: Oh wow, I totally forgot about that. Yes.

Brian Barrett: The Pentagon invited Musk to review the war strategies in the event the U.S. engaged in conflict with China over Taiwan, but apparently that was canceled before he went, according to a New York Times report. It highlights how far we’ve come, yet how little has changed. If I’m China, I wouldn’t want Musk involved with this coalition. And if I’m Musk, I’d feel quite empowered by my influence now. Maybe I’ll get another shot at those war strategies. Maybe I could charm Pete Hegseth.