Inside Elon Musk’s Midterm Spending Spree
wired ·
In this episode of WIRED’s Uncanny Valley, hosts Zoë Schiffer and Leah Feiger analyze Elon Musk’s America PAC spending millions to influence the 2026 midterm elections. The podcast reveals that the PAC is primarily funding efforts to oppose Democratic candidates rather than supporting Republicans, with significant expenditures in key Senate races like Texas and Ohio. This strategy aims to prevent a Democratic takeover of Congress, which could lead to investigations and regulatory pressure against Musk’s companies. The discussion also explores effective altruism, a philosophy gaining traction among AI researchers that prioritizes maximizing positive impact, and notes its recent condemnation by the Trump administration as a dangerous ideology. Additionally, the hosts examine the backlash faced by freelance designer Jessica Hische for creating Meta’s Muse logo, highlighting the tension between artists and tech giants. Hische defended her decision to work on the project as necessary for her small business survival despite criticism from AI purists. Finally, the episode concludes with personal reflections on screen time habits and literary trends.
wired