Republicans Rush to Trump’s Side After Indictment, Pledge to Make Alvin Bragg’s Life Hell

Big Tech Downsizing • “Dumb Money” Leaves Podcast Biz • Meet Kara Swisher

View in your browser | Update your preferences

Republicans Rush to Trump’s Side After Indictment, Pledge to Make Alvin Bragg’s Life Hell

If there was any question whether the GOP remained obsequiously loyal to Donald Trump, such doubts were dispelled following reports about the former president’s indictment in the Stormy Daniels hush money case. Republicans are now “threatening to use their power to shield the former president from any accountability,” writes Eric Lutz, and make Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg’s “life hell.” Meanwhile, Caleb Ecarma finds Fox News rushing to Trump’s defense.

Beyond the legal and political shocker this week, Joe Pompeo sized up the state of the podcast industry, finding that the “dumb money” was gone but hope remains for monetizing an expanding audience. Meanwhile, Nick Bilton wondered how low the head count can go at tech giants like Meta, Google, and Twitter, as Charlotte Klein dropped a rollicking profile of tech journalist and podcast host Kara Swisher. See you Monday, the start of what’s sure to be a very busy week.

—Michael Calderone, editor

Republicans Rush to Trump’s Side After Indictment, Pledge to Make Alvin Bragg’s Life Hell

Ron DeSantis has declared Florida a sanctuary state for Trump. Meanwhile, House Republicans are threatening a full-fledged investigation into the Manhattan DA who is bringing forward charges against the ex-president.

Fox News Pundits Are on the Verge of Tears Over Trump’s Indictment

The network has leapt back to the former president’s defense as the Manhattan DA prepares what’s expected to be a 30-plus-count criminal indictment, with commentators calling on Trump’s supporters to protest.

“The Dumb Money Is Gone”: Is the Podcast Boom Going Bust?

Fewer acquisitions, smaller budgets, diminished dealmaking—but it’s not all bad! “There’s been no recession among listeners,” says one audio guru. “There’s still more room to grow.”

Big Tech Companies Are Testing How Far They Can Slash Staff

Even as Elon Musk has upended Twitter, the site, with thousands-fewer employees, is still functioning. Meta, Google, and Amazon are operating with dramatically scaled-back workforces.

“I’ll Walk Away From Anything”: Kara Swisher Calls the Shots

Swisher opens up to Vanity Fair about her career, including leaving The New York Times, and laments journalists’ lack of business savvy. “If you don’t understand the economics of what’s happening,” she says, “you’re fucked.”