CHAFKIN

Max Chafkin

Bloomberg Businessweek Columnist

Latest

The Price US Consumers May Pay for the War With Iran

The Price US Consumers May Pay for the War With Iran

On Everybody’s Business, we explore how the US economy and everyday Americans face long-term consequences from the conflict begun six weeks ago.

April 10, 2026

April 10, 2026

The Price US Consumers May Pay for the War With Iran

On Everybody’s Business, we explore how the US economy and everyday Americans face long-term consequences from the conflict begun six weeks ago.

The Price US Consumers May Pay for the War With Iran

April 8, 2026

April 8, 2026

SpaceX IPO Gives Elon Musk a Chance to One-Up Artemis

The entrepreneur is planning an offering that could dwarf the current valuation of his space company.

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April 8, 2026

April 8, 2026

The SpaceX IPO Is Elon Musk’s Most Audacious Product Launch Yet

Its $2 trillion valuation leans heavily on AI hype.

The SpaceX IPO Is Elon Musk’s Most Audacious Product Launch Yet

April 3, 2026

April 3, 2026

It’s Not Easy Being a Trillionaire

On Everybody’s Business, we discuss the various crises facing Elon Musk’s enterprises, and why some investors still give him the benefit of the doubt.

It’s Not Easy Being a Trillionaire

March 27, 2026

March 27, 2026

What We Do in the Shadows: Will Private Credit Take Down the Economy?

On Everybody’s Business, we find out if a trillion-dollar business is too big to fail

What We Do in the Shadows: Will Private Credit Take Down the Economy?

March 20, 2026

March 20, 2026

America’s Crisis of Faith Amid the Global Chaos

In Everybody’s Business, we trace the invisible threads connecting two-hour security lines, the Epstein files and a crumbling social safety net.

America’s Crisis of Faith Amid the Global Chaos

March 18, 2026

March 18, 2026

It’s Time for the Epstein Class to Make Amends

The files released by the Justice Department feed into populist discontent.

Epstein Files

March 18, 2026

March 18, 2026

Why the Epstein Files Fallout Keeps Growing

Business leaders have blamed a range of villains for public anger toward the status quo, but it’s past time they take some responsibility.

Why the Epstein Files Fallout Keeps Growing

March 13, 2026

March 13, 2026

Why Gas Prices Will Stay High After the War Is Over

On Everybody’s Business, we explain how the damage done to supply chains by the US-Israel war with Iran means higher prices for longer all across America.

Why Gas Prices Will Stay High After the War Is Over

March 6, 2026

March 6, 2026

The Middle East Has a Big Weak Spot—And It’s Not Oil

This week on Everybody’s Business, we focus on the Iran war, artificial intelligence, Chinese spies and double agents.

The Middle East Has a Big Weak Spot—And It’s Not Oil

March 5, 2026

March 5, 2026

Elon Musk Is Backing ‘JD Vance 2.0.’ Some Republicans Aren’t Sure That’s a Good Thing

So far, Musk’s super PAC money has done little to sway a Kentucky race.

Elon Musk Is Backing ‘JD Vance 2.0.’ Some Republicans Aren’t Sure That’s a Good Thing

February 27, 2026

February 27, 2026

The Prediction Market Debate Is Older Than You Think

We unfurl the centuries-long history of betting on everything, and discuss why—though Trump’s tariffs were ruled illegal—you may never get your money back.

The Prediction Market Debate Is Older Than You Think

February 20, 2026

February 20, 2026

Why It’s So Hard to Tax Trillionaires

On Everybody’s Business, we reveal the tax-avoiding tricks of the ultra-rich and the economic influence of Generation Alpha.

Why It’s So Hard to Tax Trillionaires

February 18, 2026

February 18, 2026

El creciente rechazo juvenil a las redes sociales plantea un desafío para las tecnológicas

Encuestas muestran un creciente pesimismo juvenil sobre las redes, mientras expertos como Jonathan Haidt piden limitar el acceso a los smartphones.

El creciente rechazo juvenil a las redes sociales plantea un desafío para las tecnológicas

February 18, 2026

February 18, 2026

Millennials Melted Their Brains With Screens. Their Kids Want None of It

What if Gen Alpha is all right after all?

Millennials Melted Their Brains With Screens. Their Kids Want None of It

February 13, 2026

February 13, 2026

Black Unemployment and America’s ‘Double Tax’

On Everybody’s Business, we unpack the job market challenges faced by women of color, and the rising standard of luxury as disposable income becomes more scarce.

Black Unemployment and America’s ‘Double Tax’

February 6, 2026

February 6, 2026

Why Musk’s SpaceX Mega-Merger Is a Mega-Bailout

On Everybody’s Business, we explore the Tesla co-founder’s potential repeat of his Solar City maneuver, and the business of the Super Bowl.

Why Musk’s SpaceX Mega-Merger Is a Mega-Bailout

February 2, 2026

February 2, 2026

Elon Musk’s Vision for Tesla and SpaceX Gets Cloudy

The billionaire’s onetime goals of affordable EVs and rockets to Mars give way to AI hype.

Tesla Ahead Of Earnings Figures

January 30, 2026

January 30, 2026

How Much of Your Money Is Going to ICE?

On Everybody’s Business, we tackle the cost of Trump’s deportation campaign and look at a startup taking on the declining population.

How Much of Your Money Is Going to ICE?

January 23, 2026

January 23, 2026

What, If Anything, Is Behind Trump’s Greenland Dream?

On Everybody’s Business, economist Ken Rogoff and Derek Guy, otherwise known as “the menswear guy,” unpack a surreal few days at Davos.

What, If Anything, Is Behind Trump’s Greenland Dream?