Latest news with #Kingmaker
Forbes
08-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why Elon Musk's Attack On Trump Might Be A Genius Move
Is Musk the next Kingmaker? To many watching, Elon Musk's decision to publicly insult President Trump seemed self-destructive, if not outright irrational. After all, Trump is not merely a political contender; he is the sitting President of the United States. And his administration holds the keys to massive government contracts awarded to Musk's companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, Starlink, and The Boring Company. From electric vehicle subsidies to multi-billion-dollar defense and aerospace deals, Musk's empire is deeply intertwined with Washington policy. So why provoke the President? Why risk alienating the one person who could shut off the federal faucet? At first glance, Musk's recent behavior—mocking Trump's persona and publicly undermining his hallmark tax bill—seems reckless. But what if it is not? While some of this may sound far-fetched, it is not without basis—and not without bias. With significant financial exposure to both Tesla and SpaceX, there is naturally a tendency among investors and observers alike to view Musk's actions as part of a broader strategic play rather than a misstep. It is a theory shaped by both market history and hope. And given Musk's repeated success turning volatility into advantage, it remains a plausible—if highly speculative—possibility. What if the world's richest man is executing a deliberate and calculated power move—not for short-term gain, but for long-term positioning? Consider the numbers. In late 2024 and early 2025, Musk reportedly spent over $300 million supporting Trump's return to the White House—through media platforms, political donations, and influence networks. That support may have helped secure Trump's narrow path to reelection. Within months of Trump's victory, Musk's net worth surged by over $150 billion—a staggering 500x return on his political 'investment.' Arguably, it was the fastest rise in personal net worth in recorded human history. That type of asymmetric gain does not happen by accident. It happens by design. And Musk is still only 53 years old—a young man by political standards. He has decades ahead of him, along with a seemingly endless stream of ideas, energy, and capital. He may not be eligible to run for President himself (as a naturalized citizen), but he is more than capable of shaping who does—and what ideas dominate the political conversation. Importantly, Musk now controls X (formerly Twitter), one of the most powerful social media platforms in the world. With it, he can shape narratives, amplify allies, and control the flow of political discourse at a scale no traditional media outlet can match. He also has virtually unlimited capital at his disposal—far beyond the reach of any political action committee or super PAC. In effect, Elon Musk could become the most influential political kingmaker of our era. And let us not forget: many have underestimated Musk before—and paid dearly. Short-sellers have repeatedly tried to bet against him, only to be humiliated. Tesla has suffered steep declines, but time and again, the stock has rebounded with explosive force, wiping out billions in short positions. Betting against Musk has become a high-risk proposition, bordering on financial self-destruction. He thrives in volatility. He welcomes chaos. And he has mastered the art of turning doubt into dominance. During his brief but highly publicized 'Spring Internship' in the White House, Musk likely absorbed far more than just headlines. He got a firsthand view of how political messaging is crafted, how power is distributed, and how influence is accumulated—not just through policy, but through provocation, platform control, and personal brand. And perhaps this is not personal—it is transactional. Musk left the White House with what many interpreted as a symbolic 'golden key': access, influence, and alignment. Yet, within days of departing, he turned sharply critical. This timing suggests not a spontaneous outburst, but a calculated pivot. Some speculate that Trump's decision to reject Musk's preferred candidate for NASA Administrator may have played a role. Others point to the fact that Tesla—despite leading the EV revolution—was excluded from new vehicle credits in Trump's proposed tax package. The omission could cost Tesla billions. Was Musk's shift ideological? Possibly. But more likely, it was about money and control. And Trump likely understands that. To be clear, President Trump is doing nothing wrong in this exchange. In fact, he has remained composed, focused on his policy agenda, and largely above the fray. He appears presidential. And perhaps he recognizes what others may not: the proverbial sandbox is plenty big for both of them. There is room in American politics for powerful forces to compete—and coexist. Critics may call Musk's approach erratic, but history has shown that he often plays the long game better than anyone. Maybe this public feud is not a mistake. Maybe it is a strategic play to build influence, control narratives, and shape the next decade of power and innovation. Maybe, just maybe—it is genius. -------------------------- Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Please refer to the following link for additional disclosures: Additional Disclosure Note: The author has an affiliation with ERShares and the XOVR ETF. The intent of this article is to provide objective information; however, readers should be aware that the author may have a financial interest in the subject matter discussed. As with all equity investments, investors should carefully evaluate all options with a qualified investment professional before making any investment decision. Private equity investments, such as those held in XOVR, may carry additional risks—including limited liquidity—compared to traditional publicly traded securities. It is important to consider these factors and consult a trained professional when assessing suitability and risk tolerance.
Korea Herald
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Korean cinema's political dramas
From campaign machinations to besieged kingdom's final hour, three films explore the messy realities of power South Korea just wrapped up a snap presidential election that saw opposition candidate Lee Jae-myung claim victory after months of political turmoil sparked by his predecessor's botched martial law gambit. Which makes this the perfect moment to dive into Korean cinema's rich catalog of films about political ambition, the seductive allure of power, and the moral compromises that define public life. From smoke-filled campaign war rooms to ancient royal courts, These three standout dramas offer engrossing takes on the nature of politics. While spanning different eras, each shares a fascination with how principles collide with reality when everything hangs in the balance. "Kingmaker" (2022) Political strategist Seo Chang-dae meets idealistic politician Kim Woon-bum in 1961, and their partnership transforms a string of electoral defeats into a march toward power. Director Byun Sung-hyun crafts this character study around the relationship between the late Lee Sun-kyun's Machiavellian campaign mastermind and Sol Kyung-gu's principled presidential candidate, exploring how far good intentions can bend before they break entirely. The film shines in its refusal to romanticize either man. Chang-dae's dirty tricks prove devastatingly effective — vote buying, character assassination, and stoking the regional divisions that still plague Korean politics today all get deployed with ruthless efficiency. But Byun never lets us forget the human cost of these tactics, particularly as the two men's friendship fractures over the question of means and ends. The late Lee Sun-kyun brings measured calculation to the role that portrays depths of ambition beneath the surface, while Sol delivers one of his finest performances as a politician wrestling with his own complicity. Based loosely on the real-life relationship between future president Kim Dae-jung and his strategist Eom Chang-rok, "Kingmaker" asks whether winning at all costs in the name of democracy can ultimately betray the very ideals it claims to uphold. The answer it offers feels uncomfortably relevant to today's politics worldwide. Available on Google Play and Amazon Prime with English subtitles. "The Man Standing Next" (2020) Days before President Park Chung-hee's assassination in 1979, Korean CIA director Kim Gyu-pyeong finds himself caught between loyalty to an increasingly paranoid dictator and his own moral compass. The regime's inner circle becomes a nest of competing ambitions, with Kim facing off against the president's warmongering security chief (Lee Hee-jun) as he grapples with growing popular unrest and pressure from Washington. Director Woo Min-ho ("Inside Men," "Harbin") transforms this historical thriller into a masterclass in political paranoia where every conversation carries the weight of life and death. His direction maintains a carefully calibrated pace that allows tension to build organically, which explodes in a brutal finale that strips away any romanticism about political violence. As Korean cinema's most dependable leading man, Lee Byung-hun anchors the film with a performance of remarkable restraint and ambiguity, portraying Kim as a man whose stoic exterior barely contains his growing horror at the regime's excesses. "The Man Standing Next" succeeds as both compelling period drama and a timeless warning about the corrupting nature of unchecked power. Its exploration of how conflicts and pressure build up under authoritarian systems resonates far beyond the era it portrays. Available on Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, Google Play, and Apple TV with English subtitles. "The Fortress" (2017) Winter of 1636 finds Korea's Joseon dynasty trapped in a mountain fortress, besieged by Qing forces demanding submission to their new Chinese empire. Director Hwang Dong-hyuk (of "Squid Game" fame) uses this crucible of crisis to examine how high-stakes political maneuvering unfolds when a nation's survival hangs in the balance. The film centers on the philosophical divide between two royal advisors: Lee Byung-hun's pragmatic minister Choi, who advocates for immediately surrender to save lives, and Kim Yun-seok's idealistic minister Kim, who insists on fighting till the end to preserve honor. Park Hae-il's young king becomes the fulcrum between these opposing forces, ultimately responsible for decisions that will determine not just his own fate but that of his entire kingdom. Hwang's direction emphasizes the physical and psychological toll of the siege alongside the intricate ideological debates unfolding within the fortress walls, with stunning cinematography that captures both the fortress's imposing beauty and its gradual transformation into a frozen prison. The film's deliberate pacing mirrors the dizzying complexity of the moral arguments themselves, though this methodical approach may occasionally tests the viewer's patience. What elevates "The Fortress" beyond spectacle is the profound sincerity with which these arguments are delivered — each side rooted in genuine devotion to the country and its people. Both ministers present their cases with riveting conviction, and the film suggests that in extreme circumstances, there may be no purely moral choices — only different forms of compromise with an unforgiving reality.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
PokerBaazi launches 'Upgrade 2025'
PokerBaazi has announced the launch of the PokerBaazi (PB) Upgrade 2025. The new upgrade was officially unveiled at the PokerBaazi Experience Meet 2025, the company's yearly digital showcase of product advancements. Speaking about the PokerBaazi Upgrade 2025 , Navkiran Singh, Founder and CEO of Baazi Games, said, "At PokerBaazi, we live our motto of 'never stop improving'. With this product launch, we can proudly have our made in India apps compete with global Poker products. What we have built is a trusted, player-first ecosystem where skill is celebrated, aspirations are nurtured, and every game is a step toward excellence. It is great to lead this transformation and remain committed to setting new standards for the future of online Poker." One of the most significant highlights of the showcase was the introduction of PokerBaazi's new Desktop App — claimed to be an all-new application built on a completely different front-end technology, delivering superior speed, stability, and bringing a fresh UI/UX that will significantly boost user experience as well as the app performance, catering to both casual and professional players. The Kingmaker which is an in-house, fully modular game engine has now been introduced to power the tournament format as well. It is said to be designed to enhance scalability and add a lot of micro-interactions enabling real time game updates for a more dynamic and responsive game play experience. It also drastically reduces the time needed for building new game features. Pokershots 2.0 is a refined analytical tool designed to enhance player performance through simplified data insights. New Advanced Cash Game Features include Interactive R.I.T. (Run It Twice) and EV Cashout to enhance gameplay options. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Metro
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Xzibit reveals $1,000,000 reason he rejected Pimp My Ride return
'Pimp My Ride changed my life,' rapper Xzibit told Metro (Picture: MTV Networks) To hip hop fans, Xzibit is the LA rap titan who made a name for himself during the late 90s and early 2000s, delivering multiple hits and sharing stages with icons such as Dr Dre, Eminem, Snoop Dogg and 50 Cent. But for a generation beyond the beats, he's best known as the larger-than-life host who brought vehicular makeovers to the masses on MTV's Pimp My Ride. It's been 18 years since the final episode of the US show aired, which captivated audiences for six seasons and inspired a global franchise, including a UK version hosted by Tim Westwood. Yet, despite a wave of imitators and reboot attempts, nothing has managed to recapture the magic of the original series. As he gears up for the release of Kingmaker, his first solo album in over a decade, Xzibit talked to Metro about his experience on Pimp My Ride, discussing the factors that led to the show's end, his personal choice to move on, and revealing his stance on potentially returning as host should the series be officially revived. 'Pimp My Ride changed my life,' he said, sitting in the lounge area of his SoCal recording studio. 'It turned me into a global brand. I had soccer moms coming up to me pinching my cheeks and telling me how much they love me.' Xzibit has come a long way since he first started helping people customise their cars (Picture: vixinator) He hosted the show from 2004 until 2007 (Picture: MTV Networks) But after the taping of the show's final episode, which saw Xzibit and the Galpin Auto Sports team transform a Cadillac Fleetwood Hearse, the relationship between the rapper (real name Alvin Joiner) and the show's executives began to fray. 'You really want the truth about why Pimp My Ride only lasted six seasons?' Xzibit asked, prefacing his answer with the caution that 'some people don't want their childhood ruined'. 'It ended because my contract was up and I didn't want to renew it,' he explained. 'I was on my way out the door at 20th Century Fox after filming the last episode, and it was like, 'Yo, all good things must come to an end.' I'm good. I'm very good. I'm shaking hands and I'm like, 'Okay guys, contract's up, I don't want to renew. I'm out.'' As Xzibit was saying goodbye to Pimp My Ride and 20th Century Fox, he was simultaneously getting ready for an overseas tour. On top of that, he'd just wrapped up filming The X-Files: I Want to Believe, where he played Special Agent Mosley Drummy alongside David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson. Would you like to see Xzibit return to host Pimp My Ride? Yes No He's appeared in films and TV shows including 8 Mile, XXX: State of the Union and Hawaii Five-0 (Picture: Matt Baron/Rex Features/Shutterstock) 'So, I'm at 20th Century Fox. I'm on my way overseas. I just got done with the film, and I get a call. 'Hey, the guys from advertising want to come down and say hello to you before you take off.' 'Okay, cool. I come downstairs. 'Hey X, man, so happy that you agreed to do this last episode for us. I know you are on your way out the country.'' Confused, Xzibit enquired about the episode. The brand partnerships team had apparently secured a Fantastic Four collaboration for Pimp My Ride, a deal the Paparazzi rapper knew nothing about. 'I was like, 'I'm on my way to Europe. I ain't filming no f***ing Fantastic Four episode,'' Xzibit said that he told the ad guys. Determined to leave for his overseas trip, Xzibit made a swift exit and got into his car. Not long after, the show's executives called him. Xzibit received an offer to return to Pimp My Ride – but he turned it down (Picture: vixinator) He emphasised how 'grateful' he is for what the show did for his career (Picture: Matt Baron/BEI/Rex Features/Shutterstock) 'I get a call, and they're like, 'Hey, listen, we know you're on your way out the country but we got one more thing to shoot before you take off. It's this Fantastic Four episode.' 'Yeah, I just heard about it,'' Xzibit told them. The executives offered to fly the Multiply rapper back and forth to Europe on a private jet to do the episode, as well as double his fee. Little did they know, however, that the ad team had told him exactly how much the network was being paid for the collaboration. 'I had just heard the f***ing number,' he recalled. 'I said, 'Hey, okay, give me a million dollars. I'll do it.' They're like, 'Oh, Xzibit. You know that's not in the budget, we don't have it.'' Unhappy with their response and perceived unfair treatment, he declined the offer and walked out on the show indefinitely, which is why the episode in question ended up being hosted by Houston rapper Chamillionaire. Chamillionaire hosted an episode of Pimp My Ride in 2007 (Picture:) 'Chamillionaire did that episode because apparently any n***a with braids could do what Xzibit does,' he jokes. Asked whether he would come back and host a reboot if it was brought to him, Xzibit is adamant the answer would be no. 'I know that it will never be what it's supposed to be,' he explained. 'And really, ownership is what's attractive. Let's sit at the table together, not underneath it. Don't sit me underneath the table. Let me sit at the table with you.' Thankful for what the show did for his career, he concluded: 'They've tried to remake that show over and over and over again and I'm glad it represented what it represented. 'And I'm super grateful it did what it did for my career.' Xzibit's new album Kingmaker is out May 16 via Greenback Records Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. Arrow MORE: 'I wrote huge songs with popstars at their lowest points but turned down millions' Arrow MORE: Netflix viewers rediscover 00s sci-fi thriller with 'unexpected' twist as it climbs the charts Arrow MORE: Friends star remembers Matthew Perry's 'gentlemanly' reaction to her wardrobe malfunction
