The conversation features Makena Kelly, Leah Feiger, and Tim Marchman from WIRED. Leah Feiger introduces Tim Marchman as WIRED’s director of science, politics, and security before directing the discussion to Makena Kelly’s article, which can be accessed on WIRED’s website. The focus of the discussion is Aaron Kofsky, a financial adviser for JD Vance, who is known for his involvement in crypto and banking policy. Kofsky’s influence was noted during the fallout of Silicon Valley Bank, as highlighted by Politico. His career includes previous positions with Pat Toomey and at the SEC.
Leah Feiger notes that if the Trump-Vance ticket wins, Kofsky might advance to more senior policy roles. Makena Kelly points out that Mark Uyeda, for whom Kofsky worked, is considered a potential temporary SEC chairman under a Trump administration.
Tim Marchman explains Kofsky’s background, revealing that Kofsky has been posting about his substance use on Reddit for over a decade. The substances mentioned include cocaine, opiates, MDMA, tianeptine (known as “gas station heroin”), and kratom, both of which mimic opioid effects and are minimally regulated. Kofsky’s posts discuss smuggling substances, their effects, and withdrawal symptoms, indicating a possible addiction.
The report emphasizes that the issue lies not in Kofsky’s recreational activities but in his senior, influential role and how it reflects on JD Vance, an inexperienced politician. The ease of tracing this information back to Kofsky raises questions about Vance’s management oversight and how such behavior could persist unnoticed for so long.