Summary of a television interview · Based on the recording of the conversation
In brief
Kliment Robev discusses the closeness between Donald Trump and the tech billionaires after his inauguration, the fate of TikTok in the US and the role of Elon Musk. In his view, the technology companies and the administration are inextricably linked through social media, artificial intelligence and regulation, and Musk is likely to act as an intermediary between Washington and Beijing so that the things that matter happen in the interest of both powers.
Key points
- Robev was not surprised to see Bezos, Musk and Zuckerberg in the front row at the inauguration: he argues that the tech companies and the White House share interests in social media, space ventures, artificial intelligence and the performance of Wall Street, while the companies depend on regulation of cybersecurity and data protection.
- He sees Musk as a useful instrument for Trump in the role of “bad cop”, both at home, in the drive for government efficiency and spending cuts, and abroad, where he has intervened undiplomatically in the politics of Germany and the United Kingdom.
- In his view, Trump, Musk and Vance understand very well that social media and podcasts are a powerful tool of influence, which is why the president’s attention is focused on Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.
- He cites the TikTok episode – a platform with around 170 million US users that was briefly shut down before Trump signed an order delaying the ban by 75 days – as typical of Trump’s style: he creates a problem, then solves it and emerges as the “good guy”, winning over users while extending a hand to China.
- Because Musk is far more diplomatic towards China, where he also has business interests, Robev expects him to serve as a link between China and the US, so that even amid trade wars and tariffs the important things happen in the interest of both sides.
- For the “Magnificent Seven”, he sees Trump’s victory as positive mainly because of the planned cut in corporate tax, but he names as market risks an inflationary policy that could lead to higher interest rates and excessively high expectations ahead of the upcoming earnings; higher bond yields and a stronger dollar suggest to him that the market expects inflation.
Context
The conversation took place after Donald Trump’s inauguration, attended by some of the biggest owners of technology companies, and after TikTok’s temporary shutdown in the US, amid talk that Elon Musk might buy its American operations.
Views reflect his position at the date of publication and are not investment advice. Regulatory information
