Violent Backlash: What the Sam Altman Attacks Signal for AI

About this episode

The episode discusses the backlash against Sam Altman and the implications for AI regulation and political discourse.

Following the violent attacks on Sam Altman, Bradley Tusk and Brian Merchant join Ed Elson to break down why AI is facing growing resistance. They explore the future of AI regulation, how politicians should position themselves in the debate, and whether rising tensions could lead to more disruption or violence. Bradley Tusk is the founder and CEO of Tusk Ventures. Brian Merchant is a tech journalist and author of the Blood in the Machine Substack. Subscribe to the Prof G Markets Youtube Channel Check out Bradley’s latest piece on AI regulation Check out our latest Prof G Markets newsletter Follow Prof G Markets on Instagram Follow Ed on Instagram, X and Substack Follow Scott on Instagram Send us your questions or comments by emailing Markets@profgmedia.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Ed Elson

Guests: Bradley Tusk, Brian Merchant

Topics covered

• AI regulation
• political positioning
• public backlash
• future of AI
• disruption
• violence

Keywords

• AI
• Sam Altman
• Bradley Tusk
• Brian Merchant
• regulation
• politics
• violence
• disruption

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Tusk Ventures, Blood in the Machine Substack, Prof G Markets, Vox Media Podcast Network

More episodes of Prof G Markets

• The IPO Frenzy Has Begun — ft. Howard Marks · June 12, 2026 · 56 min
• SpaceX Goes Public Tomorrow — Look Out Below · June 11, 2026 · 34 min
• How Influencers Hijacked The Consumer Economy · June 10, 2026 · 31 min
• Why A Hot Jobs Report Spooked Wall Street · June 9, 2026 · 32 min
• AI’s $400 Billion Test Is About To Begin · June 8, 2026 · 1h 8m
• The Space Boom Is Just Beginning · June 7, 2026 · 52 min