The Big Take

Bloomberg News has obtained 18,000 emails from Jeffrey Epstein’s personal email account. The emails cover two decades and a wide range of topics, from the chilling to the mundane: Details of his Amazon purchases, his reaction to photos of young women, how he considered different potential plea deals. Today on the show, Bloomberg’s Jason Leopold and Ava Benny-Morrison with host David Gura on the massive trove of emails — and what they tell us about Epstein, his powerful network, and his former girlfriend and associate Ghislaine Maxwell. Read more: Epstein’s Inbox: A Trove of Emails Reveals Ghislaine Maxwell’s SecretsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Billionaire John Malone earned the nickname “Cable Cowboy” for revolutionizing television and laying the groundwork for the modern internet. On today’s Big Take podcast, he joins host David Gura to reflect on his career and discuss his approach to investing in the digital age, why he believes cable companies lost their way in the streaming era, what he’s learned from his years in the media business and what’s ahead. Watch, from Bloomberg Television: John Malone on Warner Bros. Spinoff, Streaming, Dealmaking, Future of SiriusSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The leaders of China, Russia and India shared smiles and handshakes, putting on a surprising show of unity in a striking moment that went viral earlier this month. On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, host K. Oanh Ha talks to Bloomberg’s Daniel Ten Kate about what’s driving their alignment and what the shift means for Trump and the US-led world order. Read more: Xi Unites a World That Doesn’t Want to Be Pushed Around by Trump Further listening: India Won’t Stop Buying Russian Oil. Now It’s Paying the Price.What Xi Jinping’s Military Purge Means for China and the World Watch, from Originals: How Xi Unleashed China’s Biggest Military Purge Since MaoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

By slashing budgets, cutting staff and revoking funding for grants and permits, the Trump administration has effectively gutted key U.S. climate policies in a matter of months. The administration says the moves are intended to save money and spur investment. But Bloomberg reporting found that these actions could have negative consequences for the US economy, for GDP growth in disaster-prone areas, and for US competitiveness on the world stage. On today’s Big Take podcast, host Sarah Holder is joined by reporters Zahra Hirji and Eric Roston to calculate the economic toll of rolling back US climate science. Read more: How Trump’s War on Climate Science Impacts All AmericansSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Tuesday, a federal judge reached a decision in a landmark antitrust case against Google and its monopoly over online search. But the company avoided the most severe outcomes after the judge decided that its business was already facing a growing threat: AI. On today’s Big Take podcast, host Sarah Holder sits down with Bloomberg big tech editor Sarah Frier to discuss why Google’s business wasn’t forced to break up–and how the ruling could impact Big Tech moving forward. Read more: Google Dodges Chrome Sale In Antitrust Ruling; Shares Soar Google Saved From Breakup in Antitrust Case by AI ThreatSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

America is in the midst of a historic housing crisis, with record homelessness levels and a nationwide shortage of affordable housing. Addressing this crisis is the purview of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the federal agency tasked with making sure Americans have a safe, affordable place to live. Today on the show, The Big Take’s Sarah Holder on her recent trip to meet with HUD Secretary Scott Turner, a former NFL cornerback and Texas state representative. Turner came into office pledging to help America build millions of new homes. But he's also supported other changes at HUD that critics say threaten that mission, like unprecedented staffing reductions and proposed cuts to rental aid. What will this new age for HUD mean for America's housing goals? Read more: Trump’s Housing Chief Wants to Build, But With What?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A global selloff in long-dated bonds — including 30-year UK gilts, US Treasuries and Japanese government bonds — has deepened. On today’s Big Take podcast, host David Gura, Bloomberg Economics’ Jamie Rush and FX reporter Mia Glass in Japan discuss what happened this week in UK and Japan bond auctions — and what it all means for the global economy. Read more: Global Bond Selloff Deepens With Longer Debt Leading Losses See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Beijing is holding its first military parade since 2019, showcasing the strength of China’s armed forces. Underneath the show of power, a Bloomberg investigation has found President Xi Jinping is orchestrating the biggest purge of military leadership since Mao Zedong. On today's Big Take Asia Podcast, host K. Oanh Ha speaks with Bloomberg's John Liu about the dramatic restructuring of China’s military and what this sweeping shakeup could mean for the rest of the world. Read more: Xi Unleashes China’s Biggest Purge of Military Leaders Since Mao Further listening: The Shadowy Fleet of Tankers Moving Iranian Oil to China Tensions Are Growing in the South China SeaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The dismantling of USAID is contributing to a 17% drop in international foreign aid this year. That’s put some of the world’s worst conflicts in competition with each other for attention and resources. On today’s episode of the Big Take, Crisis Group CEO Comfort Ero joins host David Gura to discuss what this drop-off in funding has meant on the ground in the places that need it most — and why it’s so hard to sell developed countries on increasing their foreign aid budgets right now. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nearly half a million people die every year as a result of extreme heat. That’s more than the total from hurricanes, earthquakes and floods combined. And as the planet warms the risk of deadly heat is only increasing. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg’s Zahra Hirji brings Sarah Holder a dispatch from a lab at the forefront of understanding how heat affects the human body. They break down the latest science on deadly heat, why everyone is at more risk than they realize — and what actually works to mitigate those risks. Read more: Scientist Shuts Himself in 104F Chamber in Quest to Study Heat StressSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gamblers on prediction sites like Polymarket and Kalshi are already trying to cash in on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement — betting on everything from their wedding timeline to her next single. On today’s Big Take podcast, host Sarah Holder sits down with Bloomberg personal finance reporter Francesca Maglione and wealth reporter Annie Massa to dig into what a high-profile engagement can teach us about the rapidly growing predictions industry, the challenges with regulating it and who’s investing in its future.An earlier version of this episode included an incorrect reference to an investor in prediction markets. Read more: Taylor Swift Engagement Ignites Bets on Super Bowl and a Baby The Taylor Swift Wedding Trade See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Korean shipyards are busier than they’ve been in years. Seoul and Washington are working to finalize a new trade deal that will include a $150 billion commitment to help stimulate the US shipbuilding industry. On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, host K. Oanh Ha talks to Bloomberg’s Weilun Soon about whether the US-South Korea shipbuilding alliance could help President Trump achieve his US shipbuilding dreams, what South Korea stands to gain from the investment – and if it will be enough to disrupt China’s maritime dominance. Read more: South Korea’s $150 Billion Bet on Trump’s Shipbuilding DreamSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump shared a letter on social media Monday night, addressed to Federal Reserve Board Governor Lisa Cook stating he had made the decision to remove her from her position. It immediately launched a legal fight over the validity of Trump’s move and raised concerns about the future of Fed independence. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg international economics and policy correspondent Michael McKee joins host Sarah Holder to discuss the immediate fallout — and the potential long term ramifications. Read more: Trump Moves to Fire Fed’s Cook, Setting Up Historic FightSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Friday, a big change is coming for the more than 4 million inexpensive packages that enter the US daily from abroad: President Donald Trump is ending the de minimis exemption, a loophole that has allowed cheap goods to pass through customs tariff-free for nearly 90 years. It’s a blow to millions of online shoppers, small businesses on platforms like Etsy and postal services worldwide — many of which have already paused small-package shipments to the US. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg’s Laura Curtis joins host Sarah Holder to break down the demise of de minimis: Why ending the carve-out for goods deemed too small to matter is actually a big deal for consumers — and what happens next. Read More: Mail Carriers Pause US Deliveries as Tariff Shift Sows ConfusionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a speech at the annual Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium, Fed Chair Jerome Powell left the door open for a possible interest rate cut in September, sending a positive signal to Wall Street that pushed markets higher. This comes at a unique moment for the US Central Bank, which is under fire for how its handled rate decisions, threats to fire a sitting governor and a public inquiry into its building renovations. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg’s Amara Omeokwe joins host Saleha Mohsin from Jackson Hole to discuss how central bankers and economic policy leaders are navigating the tensions between the White House and the Federal Reserve — and what we learned from Jay Powell’s last speech at Jackson Hole as chairman. Listen more: Odd Lots: Lots More on What Just Happened With the Fed at Jackson Hole (Podcast)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump Administration wants to “make America healthy again” and one of its top priorities is removing artificial dyes from food. The company behind Welch’s Fruit Snacks has spent the past ten years doing just that. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg’s Will Kubzansky takes us inside the Welch’s Fruit Snacks factory and explores the challenges America’s other food and drink companies could face as they try to meet the MAHA moment and make a similar change under a much faster timeline. Read more: Making Fruit Snacks Without Synthetic DyeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From Starbucks and Intel to Petco and Astronomer: top CEOs are getting replaced at record rates. And the costs of these ousters can spiral quickly, dinging a company’s stock price and costing us all in surprising ways in the process. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg’s management and work reporter Matthew Boyle joins host Sarah Holder to dig into the often murky, always steep cost of a CEO ouster. Read more: The True Cost of Firing a CEOSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After meeting with President Trump separately, Presidents Putin and Zelenskiy could be headed toward a pivotal face-to-face meeting to begin peace talks. But what each side is willing to give up to end the Russia-Ukraine war remains to be seen. On today’s Big Take podcast, David Gura sits down with Bloomberg’s White House correspondent Justin Sink and Europe government editor Piotr Skolimowski to discuss Russia and Ukraine’s red lines and the role the US and Europe could play in guaranteeing a ceasefire.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At this point in the war between Israel and Hamas, it’s difficult to get more than anecdotal evidence out of Gaza. Almost every organization that once provided aid and monitored civilian welfare is no longer allowed in — or has ceased operations. Very few journalists are left there. But reports of a civilian population facing a hunger crisis are widespread. To understand the reality on the ground, host David Gura talked to Bloomberg’s Israel bureau chief Ethan Bronner, UN reporter Magdalena Del Valle and Gaza reporter Fares Alghoul to understand how a hunger crisis unfolded there despite months of warnings. Read more: How Gaza Descended Into a Hunger Crisis, Explained Israel Intends to Fully Take Over Gaza Despite Global IsolationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When a shortage of brand-name weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy cleared the way for companies like Hims to fill the gap with cheaper, compounded versions, customers came flocking. But in February, the US Food and Drug Administration announced the shortage was over, leaving the company's strategy in flux and some investors worried. On today’s Big Take podcast, host David Gura and Bloomberg healthcare reporter Madison Muller track how Hims became the king of copycat weight-loss drugs and what’s next for the company as it fights to hold onto the crown. Read more: How Hims Became the King of Knockoff Weight-Loss Drugs Cheap Ozempic Knockoffs Are Suddenly Everywhere. Are They Safe? The Weight-Loss Drug Boom’s Prescription Problem Listen and follow The Big Take on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In an unusual deal, Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices have agreed to pay the US government 15% of their revenue from AI chips they sell to China. The US has blocked the sale of other, more powerful chips to China on the basis of national security, but the exception underscores the Trump administration’s openness to make exceptions… if the price is right. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg economic statecraft reporter Joe Deaux joins host Sarah Holder to explain the unprecedented nature of the deal, concerns about its legality and how it fits into Trump’s approach to trade with global competitors.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump is heading to Alaska to host a face-to-face meeting with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin to talk about finally, maybe, putting an end to Russia’s war with Ukraine. Notably not invited? Ukraine — or any other European leaders. Today on the show, Bloomberg editor Flavia Krause-Jackson joins host David Gura to talk about why Russia has finally agreed to talk, what’s likely to be on the table in Anchorage and how significant this summit might be.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a years-long slump, Hong Kong’s IPO market is roaring back to life, thanks to a growing number of Chinese companies that are raising billions of dollars in the city. On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, host K. Oanh Ha and Bloomberg’s Dave Sebastian explore how China is transforming the financial hub into a key funding engine for mainland firms— and the risks this poses for banks on Wall Street and beyond.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump’s so-called reciprocal tariffs have pushed the average US tariff rate to 15%, up from just over 2% last year. But who’s actually footing the bill so far? On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg Businessweek’s “Everybody’s Business” host Stacey Vanek Smith takes Sarah Holder through Tariff 101: How is that money being collected and where is it going? Read more: It’s Only a Matter of Time Until Americans Pay for Trump’s TariffsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For years, President Donald Trump has voiced his ambitions to expand the US presence in Greenland. But making that happen is easier said than done. Bloomberg’s Joe Deaux traveled to the remote island this spring, alongside a former Trump administration official who’s hoping to build a rare-earths mine there — with the federal government’s investment. On today’s Big Take podcast, Joe walks host David Gura through what he saw on the ground, what Greenlanders have to say about Trump’s rhetoric and what it would really take to establish a mines-to-magnets pipeline in Greenland. Read more: Greenland’s Rare-Earth Dreams Are Luring Trump AlliesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump just signed an executive order that aims to allow private equity into a $12 trillion piece of America’s retirement market — 401(k)s. On today’s Big Take podcast, private equity reporter Allison McNeely joins host Sarah Holder to explain what this could mean for the average American’s retirement savings. Read more: Trump Signs Order Easing Path for Private Assets in 401(k)sSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since President Trump kicked off his reelection campaign in November 2022, his net worth has more than doubled — to roughly $6.4 billion. No modern American president has positioned his family to make so much money while in the White House. Today on the show, Bloomberg reporters Max Abelson and Annie Massa join host David Gura to discuss the sources of the Trump family’s wealth — from cryptocurrencies and sneakers to Trump-branded towers in the Middle East. Read more: The Trump Family’s Money-Making MachineSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump has been cranking up the pressure on India, a country the US has courted as a strategic counterweight against China. Last week, Trump announced a 25% tariff on the country, a higher rate than many other major economies in Asia. But he didn’t stop there. This week, he’s threatened to raise the levy even higher. His message to India is clear: Stop buying Russian oil. On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, Bloomberg’s Sudhi Ranjan Sen joins K. Oanh Ha to unpack the historical and economic ties that have kept Russia and India close and discuss why that relationship is now being tested on the world stage. Read more: Trump Vows to Ramp Up India Tariffs in Escalation of Russia Spat Further listening: Is Trump’s Trade War Strategy Working?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades, the data collected by the apolitical Bureau of Labor Statistics was seen as a gold standard — informing decisions made by the Federal Reserve, global business leaders and even presidents. But now, after President Trump’s firing of BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer following a disappointing July jobs report — that could change. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg’s Molly Smith joins host Sarah Holder to discuss the potentially sweeping policy ramifications of a shake-up at the Bureau of Labor Statistics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As President Donald Trump’s goalposts for his trade war continue to shift, Big Take host Sarah Holder sits down with Bloomberg’s global trade editor Brendan Murray to discuss where things stand and how Trump has dramatically shifted America’s approach to international trade deals.Read more: How Trump Let $1 Trillion Worth of Imports Escape His Tariff HammerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US housing market just posted its slowest spring season in more than a dozen years. Experts are pointing to a combination of factors: high prices, elevated mortgage rates and economic uncertainty in America. So what would it take to turn things around? Big Take host Sarah Holder spoke with Bloomberg housing reporter Prashant Gopal and real estate agents in major markets about the challenges for buyers and sellers. Read more: US Housing Market Posts Worst Spring Selling Season in 13 YearsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Trump signed the Genius Act, the US’s first major federal cryptocurrency legislation, earlier this month. The law focuses on one type of cryptocurrency: stablecoins. So, what exactly is a stablecoin? On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg’s Emily Mason joins host Sarah Holder to break down what stablecoins are, how they work and what their wider adoption could mean for the crypto industry, banks and consumers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

China is building the largest power plant the world has ever seen, in a very remote corner of Tibet. But the $167 billion hydropower dam has environmentalists and neighboring countries concerned. On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, host Menaka Doshi speaks to Bloomberg’s Dan Murtaugh about the engineering and geopolitical challenges, and the impact construction will have on the country’s economy.Read more: Xi Ties His Legacy and China’s Economy to $167 Billion Dam Further listening: China's Plans to Make AI a UtilitySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For months, the impact of President Trump’s aggressive trade policy has largely felt theoretical. But with an Aug. 1 tariff extension on the horizon and a consequential week ahead for the president’s broader economic agenda, the cracks are beginning to show. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg senior economic writer Shawn Donnan joins David Gura to break down the tariff fallout hiding in plain sight, and which sectors and countries are being hit the hardest.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s Big Take podcast, host David Gura sits down with former National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. In a wide-ranging conversation, they discuss Sullivan’s tenure in the Biden White House, the consequences of President Trump’s cuts to foreign assistance and government staff, and what Sullivan sees as the most pressing foreign policy challenges facing the current administration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With more than $50 billion under management, Harvard has the largest college endowment in the United States. But the University of Texas is not far behind. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg’s Janet Lorin joins host David Gura to discuss how the University of Texas harnessed land and oil to build the second-largest endowment in higher education and why it’s now adding new kinds of energy — and new ventures — to its portfolio. Read more: Oil-Rich University of Texas Wants to Cash In on AI, Crypto and PowerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob Zoellick and Mike Froman spent years crisscrossing the globe as US Trade Representatives for George W. Bush and Barack Obama, respectively. They hammered out deals that accelerated an era of free trade.As President Donald Trump’s August 1 tariff deadline approaches and Japan strikes a major deal with his trade team, David Gura brings the two former trade officials together to get their take on the president’s efforts to reshape the global economy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, top European Union leaders are traveling to Beijing for a high-level summit which could set the tone for the relationship between the EU and China for years to come. On today’s Big Take Asia Podcast, host K. Oanh Ha and Bloomberg’s Alan Crawford examine the shifting ties between Brussels and Beijing and the effect Trump is having on the relationship. Read more: US Tariffs Are Changing Europe’s Approach to Chinese Investment Further listening: The American Toymaker Suing Trump Over Destructive TariffsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over many decades of public service, Robert Gates has served as secretary of defense for two presidents and the director of the CIA.On today’s Big Take podcast, Gates sits down with host David Gura and shares his perspective on what makes this moment one of “the most perilous” in history.It’s the first of several interviews David did with some of the biggest names in foreign policy and national security at the Aspen Security Forum. We’ll publish those conversations on The Big Take over the next couple of weeks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Incumbent NYC Mayor Eric Adams didn't run in the Democratic primary. But he'll be on the ballot in November, running as an independent against Zohran Mamdani and probably a couple of other candidates as well. So what is his vision for addressing affordability? What can the Mayor do about crime, trash, and other quality of life issues? On this episode of Bloomberg's Odd Lots, we're joined by Eric Adams to talk about the city's future and his plan for securing re-election. Read more: Ex-NYPD Commissioner Sues Adams Over ‘Systemic Corruption’ Adams’ Fundraising Doubles Mamdani’s Since Shock NYC Primary See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’ve been to a store like CVS, Walgreens or Target in the last few years, you may have noticed a trend: more and more essentials are locked up behind plexiglass walls. The strategy started as an anti-theft measure. But there’s little evidence that it’s worked. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg’s Amanda Mull takes host Sarah Holder through the causes and consequences of the retail lock-up era — and how it’s changed the way we shop. Read more: Retailers Locked Up Their Products—and Broke Shopping in AmericaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jane Street is one of Wall Street’s most profitable and secretive firms. And when Indian regulators accused it of market manipulation earlier this month, it rocked the finance world. On today’s Big Take podcast, Bloomberg finance reporter Katherine Doherty joins host Sarah Holder to go inside Jane Street’s unique trading strategy, and what new regulatory scrutiny could mean for the high frequency trading industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.