How Musk built his empire off of government contracts

About this episode

<p>On today&rsquo;s show: After a contentious meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy, European leaders rallied around Ukraine and pledged increased economic and military support. <a href="https://apple.news/ATcF0d2ZjQ--zlcOxovvz6Q">ABC News</a> has the details on the new aid and a proposed framework for a peace deal to end the war between Russia and Ukraine.</p> <p>Desmond Butler with the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/interactive/2025/elon-musk-business-government-contracts-funding/">Washington Post</a> reports that Elon Musk – whose DOGE team is trying to cut down on government funding — is himself one of the biggest beneficiaries of taxpayer money, having received at least $38 billion from government contracts over more than 20 years.</p> <p>At the Oscars, &lsquo;Anora&rsquo; stunned the movie world by taking home many of the most prestigious awards, <a href="https://apple.news/AcLt6_4dEQOSsisPKCw-ynQ">NBC News</a> reports. <a href="https://apple.news/AVzqT90eAQDyxKXcWhm-Ohw">The Hollywood Reporter</a> has a complete list of Sunday&rsquo;s winners.</p> <p>Plus, Israel <a href="https://apple.news/AdSoxEtY0S46KXVr7jOFEPQ">halted</a> all humanitarian aid into Gaza on Sunday amid rising ceasefire tensions, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the <a href="https://apple.news/AEVJg4F5fQdeh4DRUK_SgAw">measles outbreak</a> is a &ldquo;call to action for all of us,&rdquo; and the figure-skating community <a href="https://apple.news/A_3Mtgb38RaCOiBNu_uiT1w">paid tribute</a> to the victims of the recent midair collision near Washington, D.C.<span class="Apple-converted-space">&nbsp;</span></p> <p>Today&rsquo;s episode was hosted by Shumita Basu.</p>