JD Vance, Pam Bondi & Sam Altman’s Top Tracks from the ‘Panama Playlists’

▼ Summary
– A website called Panama Playlists claims to have scraped Spotify data revealing the listening habits of Trump administration members, tech leaders, and journalists since summer 2024.
– Some individuals, including a New York Times reporter, confirmed the accuracy of their listed Spotify data, though many accounts remain unverified.
– Notable figures like JD Vance, Pam Bondi, and Ron DeSantis allegedly have playlists featuring pop hits, with some song choices humorously linked to their political roles.
– Jacob Helberg, a Trump administration nominee, reportedly listened to Charli XCX and other gay-pop tracks frequently, raising questions about political alignment.
– OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s alleged Spotify account includes Shazam playlists of diverse songs, from parody tracks to mainstream hits, adding an ironic twist.
Music tastes of political figures and tech leaders have surfaced online, sparking curiosity about what’s playing in the earbuds of the powerful. A website called Panama Playlists claims to have uncovered the Spotify listening habits of prominent individuals, from Trump administration members to Silicon Valley executives. While the authenticity of these accounts remains unverified, some named users have confirmed the accuracy of their listed tracks, adding fuel to the viral speculation.
JD Vance’s alleged playlist includes nostalgic pop hits like Justin Bieber’s “One Time” and the Backstreet Boys’ “I Want It That Way,” suggesting a soft spot for early 2000s bops. Meanwhile, Pam Bondi’s purported favorites swing between Nelly’s “Hot in Herre” and Foreigner’s “Cold as Ice,” a juxtaposition that’s almost too fitting for political commentary. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is linked to Miley Cyrus’ “Party in the USA,” while White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt seems to vibe with Cyndi Lauper’s classic anthem “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.”
The playlists also hint at unexpected musical alliances. Jacob Helberg, a nominee for a key economic role, allegedly played Charli XCX’s “Apple” over 50 times in the past year, alongside Chappell Roan’s “Femininomenon” and Addison Rae’s “Diet Pepsi.”None These picks place him squarely in the realm of hyperpop and queer-coded hits, raising eyebrows given his political affiliations.
Tech leaders aren’t immune to the intrigue. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s supposed Shazam history features an eclectic mix, from Dixon Dallas’ cheeky country parody “Good Lookin’” to Missy Elliott’s relentless “Get Ur Freak On.”None Other tracks tied to his account include Foster the People’s “Pumped Up Kicks,” Lorde’s “Liability,” and Adele’s “Make You Feel My Love,” painting a picture of a CEO with surprisingly diverse tastes.
Whether these playlists are entirely accurate or not, they’ve succeeded in one thing: offering a strangely intimate glimpse into the private soundtracks of public figures. In an era where data privacy is hotly debated, the fascination with what these individuals listen to, whether for comfort, motivation, or sheer irony, speaks volumes about our collective curiosity.
(Source: Wired)