The Intriguing Connections Between Donald Trump, Sam Bankman-Fried, and Elon Musk
Donald Trump, Sam Bankman-Fried, and Elon Musk may seem like an unlikely trio, but they share some interesting similarities. These rule-bending iconoclasts have been making headlines recently, with Bankman-Fried and Trump facing trials and Musk being the subject of a new biography by Walter Isaacson.
Musk, the CEO of X (formerly Twitter), has had a relatively quiet week, except for the news that Linda Yaccorina, a Musk-owned X executive, met with bankers to discuss plans to revive the company. Additionally, Musk is getting a minor pop culture boost from actor Jon Hamm’s portrayal of a character reminiscent of Musk in Apple’s The Morning Show.
The release of Isaacson’s highly anticipated biography, titled “Elon Musk,” has taken the spotlight. It has quickly climbed to the top of the New York Times bestseller list, although it has not surpassed the sales of Isaacson’s previous biography on Steve Jobs. Isaacson has been actively promoting the book, shedding light on Musk’s childhood and its influence on his adult behavior.
Interestingly, Isaacson’s biography also delves into the connections between Musk, Trump, and Bankman-Fried. Musk initially had a favorable opinion of Trump but later changed his stance, calling him “kind of nuts” and the “world champion of bullshit.” Trump, on the other hand, has not held back in criticizing Musk. Bankman-Fried, the fallen crypto superstar, is mentioned in Isaacson’s book in relation to his failed attempt to join Musk’s Twitter bid.
Bankman-Fried’s trial for allegedly orchestrating a massive fraud and the release of his biography by Michael Lewis have also garnered significant attention. News outlets have extensively covered the trial, including features on Bankman-Fried’s parents. Lewis’ book, “Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon,” explores Bankman-Fried’s shorts-wearing habits and his failed attempt to pay Trump not to run for president.
The connections between Lewis and Isaacson are also worth noting. Both authors grew up in New Orleans and have known each other since their school days. However, there seems to be some tension between them, as Lewis has criticized Isaacson’s speaking engagements. Nevertheless, their books offer different perspectives on their subjects, as Musk’s and Bankman-Fried’s narratives have evolved over time.
As for Trump, he faces multiple criminal charges, with his New York State civil trial being of particular interest to business-minded readers. Trump is accused of fraudulently inflating the value of his real estate assets. While assessing real estate values can be subjective, misrepresenting values to federally chartered institutions is considered a felony.
In conclusion, the connections between Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and Sam Bankman-Fried are intriguing. These three individuals, each with their unique personalities and controversies, have captured the public’s attention. Whether it’s through trials, biographies, or their interactions with one another, their stories continue to unfold, leaving us fascinated by their impact on business and society.