Bloomberg This Weekend

President Donald Trump said he was tapping longtime aide Stephen Miller as his new chief of staff and that Susie Wiles is moving to his political operation, shaking up his White House team days after a devastating midterm result. The move comes after rival Democrats dominated Tuesday’s midterm elections, handily winning control of both chambers of Congress. Elevating Miller, the architect of the administration’s hard-line immigration agenda and an advocate of aggressive administrative actions, is a signal the president is unlikely to moderate his policies or seek compromises with the new legislature despite an election that offered a sharp rebuke to his second term. Also this weekend, Seattle’s return to the NBA isn’t a slam dunk yet, as some owners have raised concerns about the Emerald City. Owners worry that adding a Seattle team might not yield the desired financial return, with the potential payout from Vegas exceeding expectations. The franchise fee for Vegas is expected to reach $10 billion, while Seattle is expected to fetch owners roughly $6 billion to $6.5 billion. On today's show, Bloomberg This Weekend hosts David Gura, Christina Ruffini, and Lisa Mateo speak with: - Leslie Shedd, Rising Communications President, and John McCarthy, Principal at Causeway Strategy Group, on how both parties are recalibrating after Democrats' sweeping midterm victories. - Ryan Gallagher, Bloomberg News Investigative Reporter, on the everyday apps that are collecting location data and selling it to law enforcement agencies. - Randall Williams, Bloomberg News Senior Sports Reporter, on the latest in the NBA's potential expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas, and the possibility of an MLB strike. Plus, David, Christina, and Lisa discuss the stories you might have missed this week on BTW. For more conversations like this, watch and listen to Bloomberg This Weekend live on Saturdays and Sundays from 7AM-10AM ET. Watch on Bloomberg Television, listen on Bloomberg Radio and stream the show live on the Bloomberg Business app and Bloomberg.com/video.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Friday, President Donald Trump said he was tapping Stephen Miller as his new chief of staff, shaking up his White House team days after a devastating midterm result. The move comes after rival Democrats dominated Tuesday’s midterm elections, handily winning control of both chambers of Congress, and is a signal the president is unlikely to moderate his policies. Susie Wiles, the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff, is moving to Trump's political operation, and her departure deprives the president of a trusted adviser who quietly wielded considerable control over the West Wing's operations. On today's show, Bloomberg This Weekend hosts David Gura, Christina Ruffini, and Lisa Mateo speak with: Joe Mathieu, Co-Host, Bloomberg Balance of Power on the fallout of Tuesday's midterm elections and President Trump's decision to change up his cabinet. Brittany Chang, Travel Journalist, on cruises becoming a more popular vacation for younger people. Missy Mazzoli, Composer & Pianist, on being the first woman to open at the Met with her Opera "Lincoln In The Bardo." Plus, Christina, David, and Lisa play Pointed: The News Quiz for Risk Takers. For more conversations like this, watch and listen to Bloomberg This Weekend live on Saturdays and Sundays from 7AM-10AM ET. Watch on Bloomberg Television, listen on Bloomberg Radio and stream the show live on the Bloomberg Business app and Bloomberg.com/video.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump is concluding his electoral campaign with a whirlwind sprint across the country to turn out his most fervent supporters and thwart Democratic designs to curtail his power. Most surveys give Democrats strong odds of gaining congressional seats needed to take control of the House, and Democrats are optimistic about their chances in the Senate, with seven seats closely locked in the polls. Republican insiders describe a Senate map that's still largely in toss-up territory or within reach for a win, but it's unclear whether Trump's rallies are a help or a distraction due to his low approval ratings and off-message remarks. Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut expects a Democratic wave in the midterm elections, arguing that concerns over affordability and the cost of living are driving voters toward her party. DeLauro says that if Democrats win the House and she reclaims the Appropriations Committee gavel, she would focus on affordability, oversight and accountability rather than impeachment. On today's show, Bloomberg This Weekend hosts David Gura and Lisa Mateo speak with: Rutgers University Polling Director Ashley Koning and Bloomberg Opinion Senior Executive Editor Tim O’Brien, on the the reliability of polling Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-Connecticut), on her expectations from the midterm elections Dan Sheridan. Brooks Running CEO, on today's New York City Marathon Plus, David, Lisa, and Nathan Hager discuss the stories you might have missed this week on BTW. For more conversations like this, watch and listen to Bloomberg This Weekend live on Saturdays and Sundays from 7AM-10AM ET. Watch on Bloomberg Television, listen on Bloomberg Radio and stream the show live on the Bloomberg Business app and Bloomberg.com/video.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Disappointing Big Tech earnings are intensifying investor concerns about whether massive AI spending will generate sufficient returns, as Alphabet and Intel come under particular pressure. This comes after a Federal Reserve meeting on Wednesday, and the record $6.3 billion Binance hack with the possibility that North Korean hackers were responsible. House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks says affordability would be Democrats’ top priority if they take control of the House, alongside restoring health-care benefits and conducting oversight of the Trump administration. Meeks also says companies involved in importing Russian diesel could face congressional scrutiny and predicts Hakeem Jeffries would become Speaker if Democrats win the majority. On today's show, Bloomberg This Weekend hosts David Gura and Lisa Mateo speak with: Michael Ball, Bloomberg News, Macro Strategist, on yesterday's market selloff, and the AI trade Representative Gregory Meeks (D-New York), on the midterm elections and how he feels about the Democratic Party's prospects Journalist and Bioethicist Elizabeth Yuko, on how haunted-house operators can become unlikely partners in urban revitalization by investing in infrastructure, attracting businesses and finding new uses for neglected properties Plus, David, Lisa, and Nathan Hager play Pointed: The News Quiz for Risk Takers. For more conversations like this, watch and listen to Bloomberg This Weekend live on Saturdays and Sundays from 7AM-10AM ET. Watch on Bloomberg Television, listen on Bloomberg Radio and stream the show live on the Bloomberg Business app and Bloomberg.com/video.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel’s election campaign has been consumed by Iran, national security and the impact of three years of war, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his main challenger, Gadi Eisenkot, rarely straying from the theme. The vote will pit Netanyahu’s military hawkishness and religious nationalism against Eisenkot’s plans to fund Israel’s defense buildup through structural reforms that help bring down the government’s debt, which has soared in the past three years. Also this weekend, Halloween candy prices are reflecting cocoa's wild ride. Chocolate remains expensive even after cocoa prices retreated from peaks, pointing to persistent supply pressures in Ivory Coast and Ghana and manufacturers’ efforts to manage costs. On today's show, Bloomberg This Weekend hosts David Gura, Christina Ruffini, and Lisa Mateo speak with: - Rep. Dan Crenshaw, (R) Texas, on calls for expanding Ukraine’s access to Starlink over Russia and increasing pressure on Vladimir Putin to create leverage for peace negotiations. -  Former Prime Minister of Israel Ehud Olmert, on how security, democracy and the war in Iran are shaping Israel’s election and argues that the country needs a change in its approach to settler violence in the West Bank. - Ignacio Canals Polo, Bloomberg Intelligence Consumer Staples & Food Analyst, on why chocolate prices are unlikely to make a quick return to their previous levels. Plus, Christina, David, and Lisa discuss the stories you might have missed this week on BTW. For more conversations like this, watch and listen to Bloomberg This Weekend live on Saturdays and Sundays from 7AM-10AM ET. Watch on Bloomberg Television, listen on Bloomberg Radio and stream the show live on the Bloomberg Business app and Bloomberg.com/video.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine said limits on the speed of its SpaceX Starlink terminal connections had been lifted in overnight testing, a move that may ease the latest tensions between Kyiv and Washington. The defense ministry said Starshield was again working at speeds above 400 kilometers per hour after having been limited to about 161 km in recent days. Also this weekend, the founder of Linx Dating has seen demand for her services explode due to the wealth created by the artificial intelligence boom, with clients willing to spend heavily to solve a problem that dating apps haven’t. Fees start at $75,000 and can reach more than $500,000 for VIP service, with pricing largely based on duration of membership, complexity of the search and number of introductions. On today's show, Bloomberg This Weekend hosts David Gura, Christina Ruffini, and Lisa Mateo speak with: - Evan Gershkovich, Foreign Correspondent at the Wall Street Journal, on his book “This Cursed Beautiful Land,” documenting his 2023 arrest on false espionage charges and 16 months in a Russian prison. - Johnny C. Taylor Jr, President & CEO of SHRM, on how employers and workers can navigate open enrollment, AI-driven job disruption, and growing generational divides in the workplace. - Amy Andersen, Founder & CEO of Linx Dating, on the newly wealthy AI professionals that are fueling demand for high-end matchmaking services. Plus, Christina, David, and Lisa play Pointed: The News Quiz for Risk Takers. For more conversations like this, watch and listen to Bloomberg This Weekend live on Saturdays and Sundays from 7AM-10AM ET. Watch on Bloomberg Television, listen on Bloomberg Radio and stream the show live on the Bloomberg Business app and Bloomberg.com/video.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republican lawmakers blasted President Donald Trump for waiving new tariffs and sanctions on Russia, prompting the president to defend himself against members of his own party. GOP critics said Trump’s decision trampled on the will of Congress, which overwhelmingly passed a sanctions law last month championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, and would aide Moscow’s war effort against Ukraine. Also this weekend, France is grappling with the aftermath of a weekend of widespread protests that descended into clashes between police and demonstrators and sparked some of the worst street violence the country has seen in years, with looting and landmarks set on fire. The demonstrations drew more than half a million people to cities across the country on Saturday, but what started out as peaceful processions to complain about poor conditions in classrooms and hospitals and cost of living concerns soon deteriorated. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said that more than 2,000 people nationwide had been arrested, including 855 in Paris. On today's show, Bloomberg This Weekend hosts David Gura, Christina Ruffini, and Lisa Mateo speak with: - Jeff Mason, Bloomberg News White House Correspondent, on President Trump facing backlash from the GOP over his Russia sanctions. - Bloomberg News Reporter Gaspard Sebag on the French protests over cost of living that have descended into violence. - Scott Detrow, Host of NPR's “All Things Considered” and author of “American Pope,” on how Pope Leo's years in Peru shaped his leadership.  - Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler's Senior Features Editor, on what nearly 800,000 reader votes reveal about travelers' favorite cities. Plus, David, Christina, and Lisa Mateo share the stories they've 'Bookmarked' this week. For more conversations like this, watch and listen to Bloomberg This Weekend live on Saturdays and Sundays from 7AM-10AM ET. Watch on Bloomberg Television, listen on Bloomberg Radio and stream the show live on the Bloomberg Business app and Bloomberg.com/video.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

President Donald Trump waived massive tariffs linked to Russian energy exports mandated in a law that he signed last month, as the measures complicated his push to lower diesel prices ahead of the US midterm elections. Trump invoked a waiver clause under the law, which was championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham as a way to punish Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. The law also codified and expanded sanctions targeting Moscow. “I am hereby waiving the application of such sanctions, restrictions, and duties provided for in the Graham Act. I have submitted to the Congress a certification that the issuance of such a waiver at this time is in the national interests of the United States,” Trump said in an executive order released late Friday. On today's show, Bloomberg This Weekend hosts David Gura, Christina Ruffini, and Lisa Mateo speak with: Anthony Halpin, Bloomberg News Russia Economy & Government Editor and Jeff Mason, Bloomberg News White House Correspondent on President Trump's decision to halt new energy sanctions on Russia David Miliband, International Rescue Committee CEO on his recent trip to Ukraine and what his organization is doing to help those affected by humanitarian crises.  Jason Schreier, Bloomberg News Video Game Reporter on the upcoming release of GTA VI Plus, Christina, David, and Lisa play Pointed: The News Quiz for Risk Takers. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Saudi Arabia said 12 people were killed and 309 were injured Saturday in an attack on the Riyadh airport, the deadliest incident in an intensifying conflict with Yemen’s Houthis. Saudi civil aviation authorities said that airport operations were suspended temporarily while the damage was being assessed. Some of the injured were in critical condition. The US warned its citizens to avoid the airport in the Saudi capital. One of the people killed was an American, according to Saudi Arabia. The UK described the latest incident as “serious” and airlines including Kuwait’s national carrier scrapped flights. Also this weekend, President Donald Trump demanded that Volodymyr Zelenskyy halt attacks on Russian oil refineries and suggested he should consider stepping aside as Ukraine’s president, escalating a fight centered on securing more diesel supplies for the US ahead of the midterm elections. “I think it’s time for Ukraine to get a new president,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Saturday as he unleashed an angry critique of Zelenskyy, saying Ukraine needs a leader “who can make a deal” with Russia. On today's show, Bloomberg This Weekend hosts David Gura and Christina Ruffini speak with: - Abeer Abu Omar, Bloomberg News Middle East Correspondent on the Riyadh airport incident, and Alex Kokcharov, Bloomberg Economics Geoeconomics Analyst on President Trump's statement that "it's time for Ukraine to get a new president." - Herman Chan, Bloomberg Intelligence Senior US Banks Analyst on what to expect when Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan, and Citi report earnings this week, and BMO Capital Market Senior Economist Jennifer Lee on what's ahead for CPI, PPI, and retail sales. - Shawn Donnan, Bloomberg News, Senior Economics Writer, on why populists are losing their war on globalization. Plus, David, Christina, and Lisa Mateo share the stories they've 'Bookmarked' this week. For more conversations like this, watch and listen to Bloomberg This Weekend live on Saturdays and Sundays from 7AM-10AM ET. Watch on Bloomberg Television, listen on Bloomberg Radio and stream the show live on the Bloomberg Business app and Bloomberg.com/video.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russian authorities said they had completed precautionary measures following the death of an employee at the Irkutsk Anti-Plague Institute of Siberia and the Far East after nearly 5,000 laboratory tests found no dangerous pathogens. The 28-year-old employee had been diagnosed with community-acquired pneumonia and had been vaccinated against the dangerous infections she handled, Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev said, citing the results of an investigation. No accidents involving pathogenic microorganisms were found at the institute and required safety procedures had been followed, he said. On today's show, Bloomberg This Weekend hosts David Gura, Christina Ruffini, and Lisa Mateo speak with: Dr. Peter Hotez, Baylor College of Medicine, School of Tropical Medicine Dean on the dangers of pneumonic plagues. Jesse Cole, Owner of the Banana Ball Championship League on the inaugural Banana Bowl, and how "Banana Ball" is changing the sports entertainment landscape. Fashion Designer Francis Pierre Laborne on his viral hand-made handbags.Plus, Christina, David, and Lisa play Pointed: The News Quiz for Risk Takers.For more conversations like this, watch and listen to Bloomberg This Weekend live on Saturdays and Sundays from 7AM-10AM ET. Watch on Bloomberg Television, listen on Bloomberg Radio and stream the show live on the Bloomberg Business app and Bloomberg.com/vid See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.