WSJ What’s News — “Elon Musk’s ‘America Party’ Takes a Back Seat”
Date: August 20, 2025
Host: Azhar Sukri (The Wall Street Journal)
Main Theme:
This episode delivers exclusive reporting on Elon Musk quietly shelving plans for a new U.S. political party, explores new immigration and social media scrutiny under the Trump administration, covers significant market and business headlines, and takes a deep dive into the rising costs and access challenges of fertility options like IVF and surrogacy.
1. Elon Musk Halts Plans for ‘America Party’
Timestamps: 00:03–03:04
Key Points:
- Musk has reportedly put a pause on starting a third “America Party,” despite previous public indications he might do so.
- The decision comes as Musk re-focuses on Tesla and SpaceX, choosing not to risk alienating influential Republican allies.
- A planned call with an outside campaign-organizing group was quietly canceled in late July.
- Musk has told close allies he wants to support Vice President J.D. Vance and might back Vance’s 2028 presidential run.
Challenges Highlighted:
- Forming a new party could endanger Musk’s relationship with Republican leadership and complicate the hiring of GOP-aligned operatives who helped run his pro-Republican super PAC ("America PAC") in 2024.
- Many GOP operatives worry they’d lose business within the party if they defected to Musk’s new effort.
Notable Quotes:
- “He wants to focus on running his two companies, Tesla and SpaceX.” — Azhar Sukri [00:09]
- “He is prepared to support Vance if he runs for president in 2028. … If he did move ahead with launching a third party, which could hurt Republicans, it could set up a scenario where that alliance may break apart.” — Brian Schwartz, WSJ reporter [01:38]
2. U.S. Immigration Policy and Social Media Scrutiny
Timestamps: 03:04–04:30
Key Points:
- Trump administration now instructs officers to review social media accounts of US visa and green card applicants for “anti-American ideologies.”
- This builds on an earlier April policy aimed at screening for antisemitism.
- Federal-local tension highlighted by Attorney General Pam Bondi’s criticism of Boston for lack of immigration enforcement support.
- Boston Mayor Michelle Wu responds, defending the city’s compliance with the law and its values.
Notable Quotes:
- “Boston will not back down from who we are and what we stand for.” — Boston Mayor Michelle Wu [04:22]
3. Tech Market Update: Nasdaq Pullback
Timestamps: 04:55–05:45
Key Points:
- Nasdaq Composite saw a 1.5% drop, driven by falls in major stocks like Palantir and Nvidia.
- “Sleepy” August trading and vacationing traders created thin volumes, amplifying market swings.
Notable Quotes:
- “August tends to be a quieter month for stocks … and that could really exacerbate these moves.” — Caitlin McCabe, WSJ markets reporter [05:20]
4. McDonald’s Cuts Combo Meal Prices
Timestamps: 05:45–06:50
Key Points:
- McDonald’s is reducing combo meal prices after consumer backlash; some locations had seen Big Mac meals reach $18.
- The move follows internal talks, with corporate financial support for franchisees lowering prices.
5. “Price of Parenting” Series: IVF and Surrogacy Costs
Timestamps: 07:15–12:11
5.1. IVF: Access and Affordability
Guests:
- Eileen Burbidge, Executive Director, Fortifa; Founder, Passion Capital
- Dalvin Brown, WSJ Personal Finance Reporter
Key Points:
- IVF is described as “incredibly important” yet remains out of reach for many due to price—every round costing $15,000–$20,000 in the US and £5,000–£10,000 in the UK (with patchy NHS support).
- Access is dictated by geography and available public benefits, with private clinics dominating the market.
Notable Quotes:
- “IVF is … making a huge impact and really bringing joy to people, but … it’s not accessible to the greatest proportion of people.” — Eileen Burbidge [07:49]
5.2. Surrogacy: Rising Costs and Coverage Gaps
Key Points:
- Surrogacy in the US can now top $200,000, and compensation for surrogates is up 50% since 2020.
- Some families are saving costs by using relatives as surrogates, but even “DIY” surrogacy can cost over $57,000.
- Most Americans get no insurance or public funding; some big tech companies offer up to $200,000 in benefits, leaving others behind.
Notable Quotes:
- “Traditional agency surrogacy can now cost $200,000 or more in the US … surrogate compensation alone has jumped over 50% since 2020.” — Dalvin Brown [09:02]
- “Right now the richest companies in the world are the ones that are able to underwrite or support this before the others.” — Eileen Burbidge [11:43]
5.3. Policy, Regulation, and The Road Ahead
Key Points:
- Participants discuss prospects for state or federal underwriting of fertility treatments, and contemplate regulation or tiered pricing to increase access.
- Former President Trump has promised IVF access for all Americans, but has not yet acted.
6. Memorable Moments & Quotes
- “IVF clinics … they’re not charities … and at the moment, the largest ones are backed by private equity insurers.” — Eileen Burbidge [10:44]
- “If you work for some of the big tech companies … you might get $200,000 in fertility benefits, but most Americans are on their own.” — Dalvin Brown [11:17]
7. Episode Flow & Tone
- The episode balanced exclusives (Musk), practical consumer news (McDonald’s, markets), policy reporting (immigration), and a human-centered deep dive (parenting and fertility costs).
- Language is sharp, news-driven, and matter-of-fact, while the second half becomes more personal, empathetic, and practical about real-world challenges families face.
Overall:
This episode offers a concise yet in-depth rundown of major headlines both shaping the political/financial landscape and affecting everyday family life, with WSJ’s signature blend of reporting, analysis, and direct expert voices.