Makena Kelly expressed happiness about returning. Leah Feiger also welcomed Kelly and introduced Tim Marchman, WIRED’s director of science, politics, and security, showing eagerness for their discussion. Feiger mentioned Kelly’s article available on WIRED.com and initiated a conversation about Aaron Kofsky’s role with JD Vance.
Makena Kelly explained that Aaron Kofsky serves as a financial adviser for JD Vance, who is a significant figure on the Senate Banking Committee. Kofsky contributes to crypto and banking policy, having played a pivotal role in shaping Vance’s perspective on regulations following the Silicon Valley Bank collapse, according to Politico. Kofsky’s professional background includes positions on Pat Toomey’s staff and at the SEC.
Leah Feiger noted that if the Trump-Vance ticket were to succeed, Kofsky might advance to more influential policy roles. Kelly added that Mark Uyeda, the SEC commissioner Kofsky worked with, is considered a potential interim SEC chairman if Trump were to win the presidency.
Feiger inquired about the relevance of Kofsky’s story, prompting Tim Marchman to elaborate on Kelly’s investigation revealing Kofsky’s decade-long activity on Reddit. Kofsky disclosed his use of various drugs, including cocaine, opiates, and MDMA, highlighting a range of substances unfamiliar to the reporting team at the outset.
Marchman specified that Kofsky discussed research chemicals, notably tianeptine, known as “gas station heroin,” illegal in 12 states and associated with opioid-like effects and harsh withdrawal symptoms. Another substance is kratom, lightly regulated and available in convenience stores, mimicking opioids. Kofsky detailed his experiences with these substances, even discussing smuggling them through TSA and withdrawal symptoms, indicating possible addiction to tianeptine and kratom.
The purpose of the report, Marchman emphasized, is not to critique Kofsky’s recreational choices but to question the implications of such actions from an individual in a powerful position. This situation raises significant concerns about Vance’s management and decision-making, given Kofsky’s public online behavior, which left an identifiable trail connecting to him personally. The investigation highlights queries about the longevity of this unchecked conduct within Vance’s team.
