Four business days before he resigns on Inauguration Day, SEC Chair Gary Gensler reflects on his tenure at the agency, his relationship with the crypto community, and his legacy for investors across asset classes. In his exit interview before the SEC transitions to new leadership in a new administration, Gensler discusses legitimacy for various tokens on the blockchain, as well as the future of financial regulation. Plus, China is reportedly considering selling US TikTok to Elon Musk , and Europ...
Jan 14, 2025•37 min
As Los Angeles fires continue , LA sports teams have partnered with Fanatics to contribute to the LA Fire Department Foundation and the American Red Cross. 100% of the proceeds from the “LA Strong” team-branded t-shirts will be donated; it’s part of Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin’s plan to support those affected by the devastation. CNBC’s Contessa Brewer offers insight on the efforts to rebuild from her location on the ground in LA. Billionaire investor Marc Lasry is doubling down on his sports inve...
Jan 13, 2025•47 min
The Department of Justice and the SEC have filed civil and criminal charges against short seller Andrew Left. In a rare pre-trial interview, Left sits down with Andrew Ross Sorkin to discuss the case, the trades in Nvidia, Tesla, and others that are under scrutiny, and what the litigation means for other activist short sellers, including their posts on social media. Plus, the latest jobs report blew past expectations , CEOs and companies are donating to President-elect Trump’s inauguration , and...
Jan 10, 2025•31 min
Today the nation remembers President Jimmy Carter, whose state funeral is taking place in Washington. Stuart Eizenstat, who served as White House Domestic Policy Advisor under President Carter, delivers one of the eulogies during the funeral; in an interview beforehand, he reflects on his time working with the late President, as well as Carter’s economic legacy. Private equity firms aren’t like they were in the 80s! Steve Klinsky co-founded Goldman Sachs’s Leveraged Buyout Group in 1981, and he’...
Jan 09, 2025•28 min
In a news conference lasting over an hour at Mar-a-Lago, President-elect Trump discussed the addition of Greenland, the Panama Canal, and Canada to the United States . Axios senior political reporter Marc Caputo explains that after over a decade of Donald Trump in American headlines, the public should take him seriously–at least some of the time. Trump also weighed in on the changes underway at Meta, including the shift from third party fact checking to a community notes mode l. Facebook’s first...
Jan 08, 2025•33 min
With just over a week left in her role as Chair of the Federal Trade Commission, Lina Khan reflects on her four years regulating corporate mergers and acquisitions. In an extended sit down interview, she discusses her hopes for her successor and weighs in on big tech’s goals to stay big in the coming years. Meta is making big changes; the UFC’s Dana White will join the company’s board , and Meta is rolling out “community notes,” ending its third party fact-checking program in favor of a model si...
Jan 07, 2025•36 min
After House Speaker Mike Johnson’s dramatic reelection , the lawmaker and President-elect Trump are reportedly planning a sweeping, multi-trillion dollar piece of legislation. Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy discusses the GOP’s position heading into the inauguration, as well as the future of DOGE, potential tariffs , and Elon Musk’s role in the incoming administration. During his last weeks in office, President Biden is pushing through executive orders ahead of Trump 2.0. The fitness industry has ...
Jan 06, 2025•34 min
Bourbon Street in New Orleans has reopened with a heavy police presence after the New Year’s Day attack that killed 14 people. Walter Isaacson, a Tulane University professor and New Orleans resident, weighs in on the city’s resilience. Next, college football’s inaugural 12 team playoff brought a revenue surge to college sports. Sports Business Journal editor Abe Madkour discusses the blowouts and the tweaks that may come next season. Plus, President Biden has officially blocked Nippon Steel’s $1...
Jan 03, 2025•28 min
Happy New Year! 2025 brings executive turnover to multiple corporate teams, including Apple, which is replacing its CFO , and Disney, where Morgan Stanley’s James Gorman is helping find a successor to Bob Iger . Dartmouth Tuck School of Business professor Paul Argenti weighs the succession plans at both companies. And this January, we’re in the thick of cold, flu, RSV, and norovirus ; former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb discusses the uptick in illness this winter, as well as potential cha...
Jan 02, 2025•29 min
In what U.S. Treasury officials described as a “major incident,” a state-sponsored Chinese hacking operation was able to access third-party software to tap into Treasury employees’ desktop computers. Theresa Payton, CEO of cybersecurity company Fortalice Solutions and former White House Chief Information Officer, discusses the implications of the hack. Next, CNBC’s Emily Wilkins breaks down why the last session of Congress is the least productive in the past several decades, enacting 427 pieces ...
Dec 31, 2024•34 min
Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter died on Sunday at age 100 . Roger Altman served as assistant secretary of the U.S. Treasury under President Carter, and he reflects on former President Carter’s legacy in and after the White House. Next, The Wall Street Journal’s Tim Higgins discusses the rift between members of President-elect Trump’s inner circle and Elon Musk over immigration and H-1B visas. He explains about where Trump stands in the Musk-MAGA divide and examines Musk’s influence in politic...
Dec 30, 2024•31 min
Recent rifts in MAGA-world have taken place both online and in the House Chamber. On X, Elon Musk is sparring with far-right activist Laura Loomer over HB-1 visas, dividing Musk fans. During the government funding battle last week, President-elect Trump criticized Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas), a vocal opponent of the Trump-backed spending bill. Rep. Roy explains his and the other 37 GOP votes against the bill, underscoring his commitment to smaller government and responsible spending. Next, Russia re...
Dec 27, 2024•30 min
Disney has reclaimed the top box office market share this year with “Moana 2,” “Inside Out 2,” and “Deadpool and Wolverine.” CNBC’s Julia Boorstin reports on the booms and the bust of the Lion King prequel “Mufasa.” Next, Aman Advani, CEO of the workleisure company Ministry of Supply, discusses the challenge that President-elect Trump’s tariffs pose to retailers and the potential cost of reshoring. Plus, which tech companies won Christmas? CNBC’s Steve Kovach breaks down the top tech gifts under...
Dec 26, 2024•28 min
While Elon Musk’s close relationship with President-elect Trump may seem unprecedented, U.S. CEOs have been fostering relationships with the Oval Office for over a century, according to Tevi Troy of Ronald Reagan Institute. One example: Henry Ford and President Woodrow Wilson in 1915. Next, it’s Christmas Eve! The North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, is back with its Santa tracking operations for the 69th year. General Gregory Guillot discusses NORAD’s efforts to monitor the airsp...
Dec 24, 2024•25 min
Private health insurance companies are in the spotlight, as public frustration with the American health system grows. Wendell Potter was once vice president of Cigna, until the work convinced him to quit the industry completely. In a recent op-ed, Potter highlights the pressure shareholders have placed on public health companies, and where the industry can go from here. Next, The Wall Street Journal’s Joanna Stern shares her top tech gift ideas for last-minute holiday shoppers. On her list are y...
Dec 23, 2024•26 min
A government shutdown looms this Friday, and Congress is scrambling to find a funding bill that both parties will approve. The rush comes after President-elect Trump (and Elon Musk) scrapped a bill, and then a short term bill backed by both Trump and Musk failed to pass on Thursday . Emily Wilkins reports from DC on plans for “plan C,” and Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma) discusses the likelihood of another funding fight after the holidays. Kentucky distiller Michter’s is bracing for the po...
Dec 20, 2024•40 min
The Friday night deadline is looming for Congress to avoid a government shutdown after President-elect Trump, with the help of Elon Musk, sunk a compromise government funding bill . Representative Pete Sessions (R-Texas), DOGE Caucus Co-Chair, discusses where the negotiations stand and says he wants a “clean” continuing resolution without extraneous items. Next, Yale School of Management’s Jeffrey Sonnenfeld shares CEO sentiment on tariffs and RFK Jr., based on a Yale survey of 200 top executive...
Dec 19, 2024•38 min
Congressional leaders have unveiled a 1,547-page stopgap spending bill that intends to avoid a government shutdown by the end of the week. The bill includes funding for disaster aid and farmers, reforms for pharmacy benefit managers, pay raises for lawmakers, and more. CNBC’s Emily Wilkins has the latest on the hurdles Congress faces to pass the legislation. Next, MSNBC Morning Joe co-host Joe Scarborough discusses the funding bill, as well as the influence of DOGE on Congress and whether there ...
Dec 18, 2024•36 min
Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan sits down with Becky Quick on the Bank of America trading floor. He discusses his market outlook for 2025, the current state of the consumer, the Federal Reserve’s next move, and the incoming Trump administration, including M&A and tariffs. Next, Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) discuss their bipartisan bill: the “Take It Down” Act would force social media companies to remove graphic deep fakes. Plus, Friday is the deadline for fundi...
Dec 17, 2024•42 min
Drones have been spotted flying above New Jersey over the past several days, sparking concern among residents and local lawmakers. New Jersey Representative Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and is urging action and clear communication from the federal government to quell public concern. Elon Musk biographer Walter Isaacson discusses Musk’s DOGE leadership and his relationship with President-elect Trump. A former news editor, Isaacson weighs in on ABC’s $15M defa...
Dec 16, 2024•35 min
President-elect Trump has reportedly invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington for his inauguration next month. CNBC Beijing Bureau chief Eunice Yoon says it’s unlikely that Xi will attend, but shares her insight on Trump’s China policy, including the threat of tariffs and his stance on Taiwan. Next, Spanx founder Sara Blakely has a new venture: a high-heeled sneaker called “Sneex.” The self-made billionaire discusses her entrepreneurship journey and inspiration, from shapewear to shoes...
Dec 13, 2024•34 min
New bipartisan legislation in Washington aims to break up pharmacy benefit managers after years of scrutiny on PBMs from Congress and the FTC. Health care insurance executive Mark Bertolini is now CEO of Oscar Health, and he spent years leading Aetna and CVS Health. Today, he reflects on American health care, his vision for an improved system, and his own security detail in the wake of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s murder. In a wide ranging and very personal conversation, Bertolini share...
Dec 12, 2024•37 min
Two major corporate deals withered on Tuesday. A judge blocked the pending $25 billion merger of grocery chains Kroger and Albertsons , and President Biden reportedly plans to block U.S. Steel’s $14.1 billion sale to Nippon Steel. Dealmaking on public markets will continue in 2025, according to Lead Edge Capital founding partner Mitchell Green. The Alibaba, Uber, and Spotify backer discusses the IPO window as we wind down 2024. His rationale for a slow year for market debuts: many of the best co...
Dec 11, 2024•28 min
New York prosecutors have charged Ivy League grad Luigi Mangione with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson , court records show. Though a manhunt is over for now, the health care industry may be ready for change. Next, Carnegie Endowment senior fellow Karim Sadjapour examines the power vacuum in Syria and the new leadership’s agenda for the nation. Plus, Dunkin' Donuts is making waves, but not just in your cup—find out why they’re showing up in bathrooms. And as the holiday travel s...
Dec 10, 2024•31 min
Rebel forces led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham overtook Damascus, prompting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to flee the country and seek refuge in Russia . NBC’s Raf Sanchez joins from the Golan Heights border with the latest developments in Syria. Council on Foreign Relations President Michael Froman explains what the Assad’s fall could mean for politics in the Middle East and beyond. Next, the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has sparked security concerns f...
Dec 09, 2024•34 min
Two days after a man fatally shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, NYPD’s manhunt is ongoing . Former Boeing Chief Security Officer Dave Komendat explains how executive security details assess threats to executive leaders, especially as negativity abounds on social media. New York City Mayor Eric Adams discusses safety in the city, as well as housing and immigration in his city. Next, Taylor Swift wraps up her record-breaking Eras Tour this weekend in Vancouver. Kara Reynolds, professor of “...
Dec 06, 2024•41 min
Andrew Ross Sorkin shares highlights from The New York Times DealBook Summit yesterday, including his interviews with Jeff Bezos, Fed Chair Jerome Powell, Prince Harry and former President Bill Clinton. Notable moments included Jay Powell comparing bitcoin to gold , OpenAI CEO Sam Altman calling Elon Musk a “mega hero,” and Google CEO Sundar Pichai’s comments on DEI. Plus, bitcoin has hit $100,000 , and Majority Leader Rep. Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana) the race for House Financial Services Commit...
Dec 05, 2024•36 min
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol abruptly announced a period of emergency martial law on Tuesday, but reversed the order hours later after backlash from citizens and South Korean Parliament. In France, lawmakers will hold a vote of no-confidence today in Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s minority government. CNBC contributor Michelle Caruso-Cabrera discusses the international politics and economics at play. Next, Philips CEO Roy Jakobs highlights the use of AI in health care, including in imag...
Dec 04, 2024•36 min
Following news that Tesla buyers could be excluded from lucrative EV credits in California, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-California) is urging the state’s leaders to keep manufacturing in the state. In the name of bipartisanship, Rep. Khanna shares a list of agenda items ripe for collaboration across the aisle. Next, Crunch Labs founder and YouTuber Mark Rober discusses how he’s making science cool for kids. The former NASA employee and Apple engineer discusses the creator economy, coding for adults, and t...
Dec 03, 2024•31 min
The holiday season is in full swing, and happiness guru Arthur Brooks is offering advice to maximize gratitude into the new year. Host of the “How to Build a Better Life” podcast says Thanksgiving offers a helpful psychology, and that an emphasis on being “grateful, not cheerful” can improve mental health. Next, on this Cyber Monday, Amber Venz Box discusses the rise of live shopping on social media via influencers or creators. She co-founded LTK, a platform that helps influencers earn commissio...
Dec 02, 2024•34 min
