The DealBook Summit kicks off today, Wednesday, in New York City, bringing together leading figures from business, politics, and technology. The event promises high-level conversations on critical global issues, with a lineup of speakers including U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong, and BlackRock Chairman Larry Fink.
Key Speakers and Schedule
The summit will feature a series of interviews and panel discussions, with several sessions streamed live on NYTimes.com starting at 8:30 a.m. Eastern. Notable participants include:
- Scott Bessent: U.S. Treasury Secretary, expected to discuss the current state of the economy and financial policy.
- Brian Armstrong and Larry Fink: Leaders in the cryptocurrency and asset management industries, respectively, will likely address the intersection of finance and technology.
- Mary Barra: GM’s CEO, will weigh in on the future of electric vehicles and the auto industry amidst shifting political landscapes.
- Lai Ching-te: The President of Taiwan, who is expected to discuss the geopolitical implications of China’s rise.
- Alex Karp and Dario Amodei: CEOs of Palantir and Anthropic, respectively, will address the rapid commercialization of artificial intelligence.
- Halle Berry and Jimmy Donaldson (MrBeast): Representing the intersection of entertainment, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy.
- Gavin Newsom and Erika Kirk: The California Governor and Turning Point USA’s CEO will discuss the latest in U.S. politics.
Core Themes: AI, Politics, and the Economy
The summit’s agenda revolves around several pressing themes. Artificial intelligence is expected to dominate discussions, with questions about the sustainability of the current stock rally and the potential for an AI bubble. The role of government intervention in the economy will also be a focal point, particularly in light of the Trump administration’s direct engagement with corporations.
Other key topics include:
- The state of central bank independence amid political pressures.
- The impact of trade wars and tariffs on global business.
- Affordability crises in the United States and their political consequences.
- The future of electric vehicles under a potential second Trump term.
- The societal effects of social media.
- The evolving landscape of philanthropy.
- The dynamics between the West and China.
Looking Ahead: Uncertainties and Shifts in Power
The summit is set to grapple with fundamental questions about the future of capitalism and American politics. Will populism reshape the two-party system? Is free-market capitalism losing ground to state-led interventions? These are just a few of the uncertainties that speakers and attendees will confront.
The DealBook Summit provides a crucial platform for examining the challenges and opportunities facing global leaders. The discussions held today will undoubtedly shape the conversation around these issues for months to come.
