What A Day: The White House's Mob Boss Approach To AI Chips
Host: Jane Coaston
Release Date: August 15, 2025
Produced by: Crooked Media

1. Nvidia's Controversial Deal with the Trump Administration

Timestamp: [00:02] – [10:47]

In this episode, Jane Coaston delves into a groundbreaking and contentious agreement between Nvidia, the world's leading AI chip manufacturer, and the Trump administration. As of June 2025, Nvidia became the richest company globally, primarily due to its AI chips. The pivotal development centers around a new deal where Nvidia, alongside Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), has agreed to channel 15% of their profits from AI chip sales to China directly to the U.S. government.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt weighed in during a Tuesday press briefing:

“[01:29] Caroline Levitt: Right now, it stands with these two companies. Perhaps it could expand in the future to other companies. I think it's a creative idea and solution. The legality of it, the mechanics of it is still being ironed out by the Department of Commerce. And I would defer you to them for any further details.”

This move has sparked significant debate. Conservative writer Jim Garrity harshly criticized the deal, labeling it as “light communism.” Jane Coaston counters this perspective by suggesting it resembles more of a “mob protection scheme,” where the government effectively coerces private companies into funneling profits.

To provide deeper insights, Coaston interviews Ashley Gold, Senior Tech and Policy Reporter at Axios:

“[02:35] Ashley Gold: Absolutely. There's not a lot of global chip makers that make these chips that are necessary to power the AI and power the technology that's driving so much of the conversation today. And Nvidia is highly successful, has been for many years, and they've really sort of perfected the art of these chips…”

Gold explains the strategic importance of Nvidia’s chips in the AI landscape and highlights the competitive edge the U.S. holds over China, albeit a marginal one. She raises concerns about the unprecedented nature of the government’s involvement:

“[04:26] Ashley Gold: No, no. It's entirely unprecedented… There are constitutional restrictions on export controls. You know, congressmen, including Republican John Moliner from Michigan specifically said this. This appears to be unconstitutional. So this is very, very unprecedented.”

The deal's legitimacy remains questionable, with potential legal challenges looming. Gold emphasizes that:

“[05:29] Ashley Gold: Supreme Court said it was fine. And TikTok continues to operate in the US because Trump has allowed them to… So what I'm hearing from sort of tech policy wonks is this just makes it so whenever the government cries national security over some sort of high tech thing, they're not going to know who to believe anymore.”

2. President Trump's High-Stakes Meeting with President Putin

Timestamp: [13:43] – [16:17]

Switching gears to international relations, the episode covers the much-anticipated meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. The primary agenda is to discuss the cessation of Russia's war in Ukraine.

During a press conference, Trump confidently stated:

“[14:08] Donald Trump: We'll see if they can get along and if they can, it'll be great. You know, I've solved six wars in the last six months…”

Analysts are split on the potential outcomes. While Trump boasts about his prowess in conflict resolution, the reality remains uncertain. The leaders are scheduled to meet one-on-one with only translators before engaging with their respective delegates. Additionally, discussions are slated to cover economic cooperation and potential nuclear arms control agreements.

Economic implications accompany the political talks. Recent data indicates a surge in production costs:

“[15:14] Jane Coasten: The Producer Price index rose almost one full percentage point compared to June, the biggest jump in more than three years…”

This inflation spike is linked to Trump’s tariff policies, which are criticized for increasing costs for producers and, eventually, consumers. The episode suggests that while the meeting aims for geopolitical stability, domestic economic strains could undermine public perception of Trump's administration.

3. Governor Gavin Newsom’s Redistricting Strategy in California

Timestamp: [16:13] – [17:53]

The focus shifts to domestic politics, highlighting California Governor Gavin Newsom's initiative to redraw the state's congressional districts. Facing redistricting challenges from Republican-controlled Texas, Newsom proposes creating five new safe Democratic seats and shifting four swing districts towards Democrats. This strategic maneuver aims for a net gain of nine seats.

Newsom emphasized the temporality of the plan:

“[16:48] Donald Trump: We won't move forward. It's a trigger unless Texas or other Republican states move forward…”

However, implementing this plan faces significant hurdles. California previously entrusted redistricting to an independent commission fifteen years ago to reduce partisanship. Newsom's proposal requires voter approval in a special election scheduled for November 4th, 2025. He appeals to voters, asserting:

“[17:05] Jane Coasten: Newsom also said on Pod Save America that the stakes are too high for voters to reject the measure.”

Trump criticized the plan, warning of national peril if California can't execute it:

“[17:37] Donald Trump: This is a big damn deal, because if the most un trumped state in America can't do this, we're in real peril as a nation.”

4. Meta AI’s Faulty Chatbot Regulations Spark Outrage

Timestamp: [17:53] – [26:18]

The episode also addresses a disturbing revelation from Meta Platforms regarding their AI chatbot guidelines. An internal document, leaked and reviewed by Reuters, purportedly allowed the chatbot to engage in sensual discussions with children, spread false medical information, and propagate racist statements.

Highlighting the scandal, Jane quotes:

“[17:53] Jane Coasten: Just remember, a team of real people approve this. Meta confirmed the document was legit, but it said after Reuters reached out earlier this month, the company took out the parts about chatbots being allowed to flirt with kids. But what about the false medical information and the racism? That was okay for obvious reasons…”

The backlash was swift and bipartisan. Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley demanded accountability:

“[18:49] Josh Hawley: This is grounds for an immediate congressional investigation.”

Similarly, Democratic Senator Brian Schatz condemned the actions:

“[18:54] Brian Schatz: Meta chatbots that basically hit on kids are disgusting and evil.”

Meta responded by removing the most egregious parts of the guidelines but left other problematic areas intact, fueling further criticism.

5. Utah Senator J. Stuart Adams’ Controversial Legal Reforms

Timestamp: [17:53] – [26:18]

Lastly, the episode sheds light on Utah State Senator J. Stuart Adams, who faced scrutiny for his involvement in altering the state's sexual assault laws. Initially, rape of a minor was classified as a first-degree felony, mandating severe penalties. However, Adams intervened to change the law, reducing the offense to a third-degree felony if the perpetrator is a high school student.

Jane outlines the controversy:

“[17:53] Jane Coasten: ...Utah Republican State Senator J. Stuart Adams…”

Reporting from the Salt Lake Tribune reveals that Adams advocated for his relative, who was charged with raping a 13-year-old. Despite official statements denying any intent to retroactively benefit his relative, the law change directly impacted the plea deal:

“[19:24] Jane Coasten: …two months after the law was changed, Adam's relative got a plea deal. They would plead guilty to reduced charges…”

This act has ignited debates over political influence and ethical boundaries, drawing sharp criticism from various quarters.

Conclusion

In this episode of What A Day, Jane Coaston provides a comprehensive examination of the intertwining of politics, technology, and ethics. From the unprecedented government involvement in AI chip sales to the high-stakes diplomacy between world leaders, and contentious legal reforms at the state level, the discussions underscore the complexities of modern governance and corporate influence. Notable voices like Ashley Gold offer critical insights, while the inclusion of direct quotes with timestamps enriches the narrative, making it accessible and engaging for listeners.

Notable Quotes:

• Caroline Levitt [01:29]: “I think it's a creative idea and solution. The legality of it, the mechanics of it is still being ironed out by the Department of Commerce.”

• Jim Garrity [01:45]: “Light communism.”

• Ashley Gold [02:35]: “Nvidia is highly successful, has been for many years, and they've really sort of perfected the art of these chips.”

• Donald Trump [14:08]: “I've solved six wars in the last six months…”

• Josh Hawley [18:49]: “This is grounds for an immediate congressional investigation.”

• Brian Schatz [18:54]: “Meta chatbots that basically hit on kids are disgusting and evil.”

Produced by: Crooked Media
Host: Jane Coaston
Special Thanks: Producer Michelle Aloy

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