'Everyone wants to be my friend': The people paying millions for access to Trump

Just three days before his inauguration, US President Donald Trump announced a new venture into cryptocurrency. Trump promoted the launch of the token, called ‘$TRUMP’, on social media, inviting his followers to join a “very special Trump Community.” Within hours of going on sale, the price of the meme coin surged. Trump has previously sought to cash in on his popularity, selling an array of merchandise including Trump-branded sneakers, fragrances, and even NFT trading cards. But this newest venture raises fresh ethical concerns about profiting from an industry with deep ties to the incoming administration – one Trump himself has a hand in regulating. Today, cryptocurrency and tech researcher Molly White on the billions Trump seeks to make off his ‘meme coin’, and the ascendancy of cryptocurrency in the Trump administration.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Cryptocurrency and tech researcher, Molly White.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jannik Sinner is currently defending his title as the world’s best male tennis player at the Australian Open. But come April, he’ll be defending himself in another arena – the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Last year, the tennis world was shocked by revelations both Sinner and women’s world No. 2 Iga Świątek had tested positive for banned substances. Their cases were resolved in private, raising concerns their high profiles and considerable resources gave them an unfair advantage when it came to dodging public scrutiny. Today, sports journalist and author of the Substack “But Do You Actually Like Sport?”, Molly McElwee, on the twin doping scandals overshadowing the Australian Open.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Sports journalist Molly McElweeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump will be president again by tomorrow, and he says “everybody” wants to be his friend. And while it might not be everybody, plenty do. Trump’s broken the record for the amount of money that’s been donated to a US presidential inauguration fund, with $US200 million coming in from billionaires and companies all wanting time with him. These funds are not just for throwing a party. The money can also be used in secretive ways and aren't subject to the same rules as campaign funds.  Today, Public Citizen’s lobbyist on ethics and campaign finance, Craig Holman, on who is giving Trump money, and what they’re getting out of it.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Public Citizen's Capitol Hill lobbyist on ethics, lobbying and campaign finance rules Craig Holman.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For so many, Noni Hazlehurst is the patron saint of early childhood nostalgia, known for her magnetic presence on Play School. But Noni has had a long and storied career on stage and screen in Australia – from hosting Better Homes & Gardens to starring in the award-winning one-woman play Mother. On this episode of Read This, Noni chats with Michael about her new memoir, Dropping the Mask.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This Sunday, Israel and Hamas are due to start a 42-day ceasefire in Gaza as part of a deal that could end the war. The announcement has prompted thousands of Palestinians to celebrate on the streets of Gaza, where residents have had no reprieve from bombardments and ground battles since 2023.  If the agreement holds, desperately needed humanitarian aid will reach the people of Gaza, many of whom are living in freezing tents in the middle of winter. Dozens of hostages, who have been held by Hamas, will return home to Israel. Today, research director at The Washington Institute, Dana Stroul, who was the most senior civilian at the Pentagon focused on the Middle East when the war began. Stroul tells us how the deal was struck and how Trump and Biden each claiming the victory as their own obscures an unlikely alliance.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Research Director at The Washington Institute Dana StroulSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Outgoing Labor minister Bill Shorten has said he’s leaving politics at the end of the month confident with the state of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. As Minister for the NDIS, Shorten has been focused on making reforms to the scheme in an effort to reduce costs and ensure its sustainability. But despite claims the government’s reform of the NDIS is focused on fraud crackdowns, a third of the savings will come from pushing children off the scheme. Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton, on the children targeted in the NDIS crackdown, and the real intent behind the cuts.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Cathy McGowan won the seat of Indi as an independent in 2013, it sent shockwaves through the political establishment. The Liberal Party had lost what was supposed to be one of their safe seats. At the time, McGowan was one of only two independents in the House of Representatives.  In 2022, the Liberals lost six seats to independents, and at least 51 electorates across the country are currently planning to put forward a community backed independent in this year’s election. Today, former federal MP Cathy McGowan on which major party candidates should be worried about their seats – and if there’s such a thing as too many independents in parliament.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Former federal MP, Cathy McGowanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the past few weeks, Elon Musk has posted thousands of times on his social media platform X about British politics, the far-right activist Tommy Robinson and conspiracy theories over a decades-old sex abuse scandal. Now, the British government’s agenda has stalled as the prime minister faces questions about the theories Musk has elevated.  It’s a stark example of how the world’s richest man can influence politics in any country, and comes at a time when competitors like Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg are trying to copy Musk’s playbook. Today, contributor to The Saturday Paper, Elle Hardy, on how Musk and Zuckerberg are reshaping the internet and democracy.    Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramGuest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper Elle HardySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2025 federal election campaign has already begun, even if unofficially. While most Australians are still enjoying their summer, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton are already in fight mode. For Labor, the stakes are high. To secure a second term, they’re hoping to reverse their losses in Queensland and regain popularity with an apathetic electorate. For the Coalition, it’s about regaining ground in suburban seats and capitalising on the government’s self inflicted wounds.  Today, The Saturday Paper’s associate editor, Martin Mackenzie-Murray, on the “shadow campaign” already underway – and what Labor insiders say is the biggest threat to the government winning a second term. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Associate editor of The Saturday Paper Martin Mackenzie-MurraySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From afar, Alice Springs/Mparntwe is a whirlpool of myth and truth. It’s a town with competing interests and few solutions, marked by chaos and decades of government overreach.  Today, Yorta Yorta man and host of 7am Daniel James traces the origins of the so-called crime crisis in Alice Springs and reflects on all the interventions, big and small, that have led to this point.  Please enjoy “Children of the Intervention” by Daniel James, a companion piece to 7am’s three-part podcast series This is Alice Springs.    Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Yorta Yorta man, award winning writer and broadcast, host of 7am Daniel JamesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.