Trouble for the D.C. Office Market—No Matter Who Wins the Election
Digest
The podcast begins with a discussion about dedication, using the example of teaching children to ride a bike. The speaker emphasizes the importance of creating an environment that allows children to learn independently. The podcast then moves on to discuss the resignation of Secret Service director Kimberly Cheetle following the near assassination of Donald Trump. Cheetle's resignation came after a congressional hearing where she provided minimal information about the incident. The podcast also explores the challenges facing the Washington DC office market, including rising foreclosures, plunging values, and record-high vacancy rates. The situation is expected to worsen regardless of who wins the presidential election. The podcast then discusses the high home prices and mortgage rates that are keeping Americans out of the housing market. Home prices reached a new high in June, making homeownership less attractive to renters and keeping current homeowners from moving. The combination of high prices and elevated mortgage rates has created a challenging market for buyers. The podcast concludes with a discussion about the rise of AI-powered scams. Bad actors are using AI to replicate voices and appearances, making it more difficult to identify scams. The podcast provides tips on how to stay safe, including asking questions, pre-arranging codes with loved ones, and using secure payment methods.
Outlines
Dedication and the Secret Service
The podcast begins with a discussion about dedication, using the example of teaching children to ride a bike. The speaker emphasizes the importance of creating an environment that allows children to learn independently. The podcast then moves on to discuss the resignation of Secret Service director Kimberly Cheetle following the near assassination of Donald Trump. Cheetle's resignation came after a congressional hearing where she provided minimal information about the incident.
Struggling Office Market and Housing Crisis
The Washington DC office market is facing significant challenges, including rising foreclosures, plunging values, and record-high vacancy rates. The situation is expected to worsen regardless of who wins the presidential election. Home prices reached a new high in June, making homeownership less attractive to renters and keeping current homeowners from moving. The combination of high prices and elevated mortgage rates has created a challenging market for buyers.
Market Trends and AI Scams
The Nasdaq composite, S&P 500, and Dow Jones industrial average all saw slight declines. Alphabet reported a slowdown in Google's ad sales growth, while Tesla's second-quarter net profit tumbled due to slower demand and competition. Internet scams are evolving, with bad actors using AI to replicate voices and appearances. The podcast provides tips on how to stay safe, including asking questions, pre-arranging codes with loved ones, and using secure payment methods.
Keywords
Kimberly Cheetle
Kimberly Cheetle was the director of the Secret Service who resigned following the near assassination of Donald Trump. She was appointed by President Biden in 2022.
Donald Trump
Donald Trump is a former president of the United States and a current presidential candidate. He was the target of a near assassination attempt during a campaign rally in July 2024.
Secret Service
The Secret Service is a federal law enforcement agency responsible for protecting the president and other high-ranking officials. The agency has been under scrutiny following the near assassination attempt on Trump.
Washington DC Office Market
The Washington DC office market is struggling due to rising foreclosures, plunging values, and record-high vacancy rates. The situation is expected to worsen regardless of who wins the presidential election.
Home Prices
Home prices reached a new high in June, making homeownership less attractive to renters and keeping current homeowners from moving. The combination of high prices and elevated mortgage rates has created a challenging market for buyers.
Mortgage Rates
Mortgage rates have been elevated, making homeownership less affordable for buyers. This, combined with high home prices, has contributed to a lackluster spring home buying season.
AI Scams
Internet scams are evolving, with bad actors using AI to replicate voices and appearances. This makes it more difficult to identify scams, as they can sound and look like legitimate communications.
Q&A
What led to the resignation of the Secret Service director?
The Secret Service director, Kimberly Cheetle, resigned following the near assassination of Donald Trump. Her resignation came after a congressional hearing where she provided minimal information about the incident.
What are the challenges facing the Washington DC office market?
The Washington DC office market is struggling due to rising foreclosures, plunging values, and record-high vacancy rates. The situation is expected to worsen regardless of who wins the presidential election.
What factors are contributing to the high home prices and mortgage rates?
The combination of high demand, low inventory, and elevated mortgage rates has contributed to the high home prices. This has made homeownership less attractive to renters and kept current homeowners from moving.
How are internet scams evolving?
Bad actors are using AI to replicate voices and appearances, making it more difficult to identify scams. This means that even phone calls and direct messages from people you know could be fake.
Show Notes
P.M. Edition for July 23. The office market in Washington D.C. is in trouble, facing rising foreclosures, plunging values and record vacancies. Reporter Peter Grant explains how the outcome of the 2024 presidential election could affect its fortunes. And Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle resigns after backlash over the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. Justice Department reporter Sadie Gurman has more. Plus, Vice President Kamala Harris makes her presidential campaign trail debut. Francesca Fontana hosts.
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Correction: Higher U.S. home prices are driving many Americans out of the housing market. An earlier version of this podcast incorrectly said that higher sales were responsible.
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