← All stories
AI & Tech

Blue Origin Rocket Explosion Costs Up to One Billion Dollars

PBD Podcast · Newsom's 100% Tax Threat + $40M CIA Gold Heist | PBD #809 · May 29, 2026
Blue Origin Rocket Explosion Costs Up to One Billion Dollars
PBD Podcast
PBD Podcast
Newsom's 100% Tax Threat + $40M CIA Gold Heist | PBD #809
"All personnel are accounted for and safe. I love the first. It's too early to know the root cause, but we're already working to find it. Very rough day, but we'll rebuild whatever needs to rebuilding and get back to flying. It's worth it."
Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin New Glenn rocket exploded during testing in a massive fireball visible 50 miles away. Aerospace analysts estimate total damage between $250 million and $1 billion including the destroyed rocket, launch pad repairs, and testing equipment. Elon Musk responded supportively on social media rather than criticizing his space competitor, with both billionaires showing unusual alignment.

About this episode

In this Valuetainment podcast episode, host Patrick Bet-David and co-hosts Tom Ellsworth, Vincent Oshana, and Adam Sosnick covered multiple high-profile controversies and cultural moments. The show opened with breaking news of a senior CIA officer discovered with $40 million in gold bars, 35 Rolexes, and $2 million cash despite passing multiple background checks while lying about his credentials—raising serious questions about CIA vetting procedures. The panel discussed billionaire Peter Thiel's relocation to Argentina with a $12 million estate purchase, framing it as doomsday preparation amid US political concerns. California Governor Gavin Newsom sparked constitutional debate by vowing to impose 100% state taxes on Trump's DOJ anti-weaponization settlement recipients, which legal experts say violates the Supremacy Clause. The episode also covered Michael Jackson's biopic crossing $700 million at the box office, with Bet-David sharing lesser-known family dynamics including how Jafar Jackson (Jermaine's son) was cast after two years of acting training despite no prior experience. The hosts examined E. Jean Carroll's admission that she forgot Democratic donor Reid Hoffman funded her Trump lawsuit, contradicting sworn deposition testimony. Other stories included Blue Origin's billion-dollar rocket explosion, Maryland Governor Wes Moore's controversial Glock pistol ban proposal, and speculation about JD Vance potentially not running in 2028. The episode concluded with discussion of Future Looks Bright merchandise featuring World Cup country flags and repeated calls for auditing Fort Knox gold reserves.

Key takeaways

More stories More from PBD Podcast