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Squawk Pod

Squawk Pod is a daily, guided curation of the top moments and takeaways from CNBC’s flagship morning show, “Squawk Box”, anchored by Joe Kernen, Becky Quick and Andrew Ross Sorkin. Each day, the podcast includes news making interviews, perspective and analysis from iconic guest hosts, and slices of debate and discussion—from the heated to the hilarious— all wrapped with exclusive context and color from Senior Producer Katie Kramer.

Episodes

Trump Tariff Sell-Off Deepens 4/4/25

China announced a 34% retaliatory tariff on all goods imported from the U.S. on Friday morning following President Trump’s decision to slap steep tariffs on many countries. University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business professor Jeremy Siegel calls Trump’s actions the “biggest policy mistake in 95 years.” Meanwhile, in the nation’s capital, Senators Maria Cantwell and Chuck Grassley introduced bipartisan legislation to give Congress more power in setting and approving trade policy. Sen. ...

Apr 04, 202540 min

The Tariff Formula with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick 4/3/25

In remarks in the Rose Garden on April 2, President Trump announced steep tariff rates on many countries, including 34% on China, 20% on the European Union, 46% on Vietnam and 32% on Taiwan. Citi Wealth CIO Kate Moore explains the implications for the markets, and CNBC’s Steve Liesman explains the administration’s calculus in arriving at these numbers . Courtney Reagan and Phil LeBeau report on how retailers and automakers are navigating the changes. Finally, an extended interview with the offic...

Apr 03, 202559 min

Ontario Premier Doug Ford on Tariffs & AI Squawk Anchors 4/2/25

More details on President Trump’s tariff plans are imminent, but Ontario Premier Doug Ford says POTUS can spare the trouble; Canada would be willing to drop its own tariffs, if the United States agreed to drop tariffs, as well. TikTok US buyers are lining up , as the deadline for Bytedance’s divestiture looms. Plus, OpenAI has made its first investment in cybersecurity: Adaptive Security. The company’s co-founder and CEO Brian Long explains how to mitigate risks to your own security and offers a...

Apr 02, 202532 min

Paying for the American Dream & Financial Literacy 4/1/25

The reconciliation bill remains stalled in Congress. Senator Bill Cassidy (R- Louisiana) says the government must first reel in its “out-of-control” spending and debt to defend the American Dream. John Hope Bryant weighs in on why he believes financial literacy needs to be taught to every American at every education level. Plus, OpenAI closes a funding round at $40 billion, the largest private tech deal on record, Johnson & Johnson loses in court again in its bid to settle talc cases and sha...

Apr 01, 202537 min

An FDA Resignation & An M&A Outlook with Makan Delrahim 3/31/25

The FDA’s top vaccine official has resigned from the agency, citing what he called “misinformation and lies” from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about vaccinations. Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb discusses the official’s departure, the U.S. measles outbreak , and the importance of bolstering public trust in science and health systems. Former antitrust assistant attorney general Makan Delrahim discusses the future of M&A under the second Trump administration, and investors an...

Mar 31, 202539 min

The CoreWeave IPO with CEO & Co-Founder Mike Intrator 3/28/25

Ahead of CoreWeave’s first trade , CEO and co-founder Mike Intrator discusses the company’s value in the AI ecosystem, including for clients like Microsoft, IBM, and OpenAI. Despite pricing at the bottom of the company’s listing price range, CoreWeave’s debut is the biggest venture-backed tech IPO in years, potentially signalling a shift in market appetite for IPOs. Senator Chris Coons (D-Connecticut) discusses the DOGE-prompted division among lawmakers and American citizens alike after Elon Mus...

Mar 28, 202548 min

Sen. Mark Warner & A Signal chat: You’d be fired - 03/26/25

After a Signal group chat of government officials discussing pending military strikes inadvertently looped in a journalist, Vice Chair of the Select Committee on Intelligence Senator Mike Warner (D-Virginia) called for two of those officials, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, to resign. Sen. Warner discusses his concerns about national security and competence in the administration. Plus, a US judge has set Boeing’s 737 Max fraud trial , and th...

Mar 26, 202530 min

David Rubenstein: Tariffs Won’t Push Us Into Recession 3/25/25

Tariffs have rattled the markets , but Carlyle co-founder and chairman David Rubenstein says they won’t push us into a recession. He suspects M&A could pick up soon, though at a discount. Rubenstein discusses owning the Orioles and his departure from the chairman role at The Kennedy Center. “How to Build a Happy Life” host and AEI President Emeritus Arthur Brooks has hope for America’s future, despite partisan vitriol. Plus, a Signal group chat has made it out of the White House and into new...

Mar 25, 202541 min

AI-Powered Parenting & “A Crisis of Trust” in Higher Education 3/24/25

Columbia University agreed to some demands set by the Trump administration , restoring $400m in federal funds to the institution. University of Chicago president Paul Alivisatos says the deal is concerning, and it is indicative of a crisis of trust in higher education. Co-founder of Dreamworks Jeffrey Katzenberg is betting on Aura, a company that uses AI to protect kids and families online. Aura founder and CEO Hari Ravishandran joins Katzenberg to explain the tools parents can use to keep their...

Mar 24, 202537 min

An Education E.O. & Avian Flu’s Spread 3/21/25

President Trump has signed an executive order aimed at dismantling the Department of Education . If Congress approves the dissolution, former U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings argues that states will need to make up for the data, oversight, and funds that the department currently handles for American students. Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb discusses the spread of avian flu and its impact on America’s food supply and its egg prices. Plus, the New York Times reported that...

Mar 21, 202534 min

Stan Smith: Not (Just) A Shoe 3/20/25

In its latest decision, the Federal Reserve will hold interest rates steady. The U.S. markets rallied on Fed Chair Jay Powell’s comments that the economy is still strong. Nvidia rallied as well; CEO Jensen Huang discussed tariffs , bringing chip manufacturing onshore, and tech innovation. Over a dozen leaders in the U.S. oil and gas industry met at the White House on Wednesday. Energy Secretary Chris Wright discusses that meeting and President Trump’s agenda for American power. Plus, tennis lege...

Mar 20, 202535 min

Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan: Spending Is Up 3/19/25

In an extended interview, Bank of America Chairman and CEO Brian Moynihan discusses inflation, trade policy, consumers, and the Federal Reserve. The head of the nation’s second largest bank says, though consumer sentiment is down, spending is up. President Trump has fired both Democratic commissioners at the Federal Trade Commission ; CNBC’s Eamon Javers reports on the ensuing drama, lawsuits, and debates about Presidential constitutional authority. Plus, Nvidia’s week-long GTC developers confer...

Mar 19, 202534 min

Astronaut Mike Massimino: Living in Space 3/18/25

The Federal Reserve begins its two-day meeting today, but Rockefeller Capital Management CEO Greg Fleming argues that uncertainty around economic factors like tariffs might have the central bank on hold. Google will make its biggest acquisition to date, agreeing to $32B for cloud security startup Wiz . In other news, President Trump and President Putin will meet via phone, and Chinese EV company BYD has unveiled supercharged EV charging . Plus, two astronauts are finally on their way home from t...

Mar 18, 202533 min

White House Economic Advisor Kevin Hassett: Uncertainty Until April 2 3/17/25

The US markets are still searching for solid footing, as President Trump’s tariff agenda unfolds. The President’s economic advisor Kevin Hassett explains that April 2nd will bring the certainty and clarity that investors are hoping for. Elon Musk’s work on DOGE in Washington, DC has split his time between government efficiency and leading Tesla, SpaceX, X, and Neuralink. The Wall Street Journal’s Tim Higgins considers whether Musk’s presence in DC is putting a dent in investor confidence in Tesl...

Mar 17, 202533 min

CEOs on Trump with Jeff Sonnenfeld 3/14/25

This week, CEOs convened to discuss their relationship with the White House. Jeff Sonnenfeld from Yale's School of Management shares his thoughts on corporate America's dynamics with the administration, CEO sentiments, and policy impacts. Plus, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., says he is supporting the Republican's six-month funding bill to prevent a government shutdown. Also, Ontario Premier Doug Ford described his meeting with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick as "positive" and "p...

Mar 14, 202531 min

FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson’s Big Plans for Big Tech 3/13/25

New Federal Trade Commission Chair Andrew Ferguson sits down with CNBC’s Eamon Javers to discuss antitrade policy and his plans for Big Tech, saying he’s “unequivocally” not backing off of a case against Amazon. Plus, former Aetna CEO and current Oscar Health CEO Mark Bertolini weighs in on how to improve the messy, frustrating world of health insurance in what’s been a rocky start to the year for the industry. Plus, two astronauts are still stuck in space, JPMorgan Chase’s Jamie Dimon offers a ...

Mar 13, 202547 min

Trump’s Tariff Takeoff with Altimeter Capital’s Brad Gerstner 3/12/25

As markets react sharply to President Trump’s 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum , Altimeter Capital CEO Brad Gerstner weighs in on the escalating market turmoil and the broader implications of Trump’s trade policies. Amid these developments, CNBC’s Eunice Youn reports from Beijing on talks between China’s Ministry of Commerce and Walmart, which is seeking price reductions from Chinese suppliers to mitigate tariff impacts. Plus, CNBC’s Eamon Javers delivers insights on Trump FTC Chair Andrew Ferg...

Mar 12, 202547 min

Tesla Bull Ron Baron & Education Secretary Linda McMahon 3/11/25

Tesla shares have lost 50% of their value ($800B in market cap) since their peak in December, dropping 15% in Monday’s trading session alone. Despite the slide–and Elon Musk’s increased visibility in DC–longtime Tesla shareholder Ron Baron says he's still a believer in the company’s fundamentals and the company’s leader. Tesla comprises 32% of one of his funds, and Baron explains his persistent optimism. Tesla isn’t the only stock under pressure; the Dow dropped 900 points on Monday, and the Nas...

Mar 11, 202554 min

Populism in DC, NEC Director Kevin Hassett, & RHONY Mezcal 3/10/25

As Wall Street stumbles on fears of a trade war , National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett discusses the U.S. economy and the uncertainties that are shaking investors. Tariff concerns extend to small businesses, too; Mezcalum co-founders (and Real Housewives of New York stars) Erin and Abe Lichy share how they’re absorbing raised costs in their supply chain for mezcal from Mexico. CNBC’s Eamon Javers reports on President Trump’s latest comments from Washington, including a shift away fro...

Mar 10, 202546 min

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent: The Market’s Detox 3/7/25

In an extended interview, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discusses the Trump administration’s tariffs, including the timeline of his trip to Kiev and President Zelenskyy’s trip to Washington, DC. Secretary Bessent considers the strength of the U.S. dollar, President Trump’s executive order establishing a strategic bitcoin reserve , and what he calls the market’s “detox” from excessive government spending. Plus, CNBC’s MacKenzie Sigalos explains bitcoin’s reaction to the strategic reserve and t...

Mar 07, 202557 min

A Taut Trade Friendship & A Temporary Relief for Autos 3/6/25

As the United States and Canada spar over tariffs, Karina Gould, a candidate for Canadian Prime Minister and former Canadian government House leader, explains Canada’s retaliation against the Trump administration’s tariffs and the Canadian frustration at the current relationship between neighbors. Then, pollster and political strategist Frank Luntz provides insights into swing voters 6 weeks into President Trump’s second term. Luntz discusses the public’s opinion on Elon Musk's influence in Wash...

Mar 06, 202535 min

Tariff Tolls: Price “Disturbance” & Friction for the NHL 3/5/25

Wednesday marks day two of President Trump’s 25% levies on Mexico and Canada . In his joint address to Congress, the President warned about “a little disturbance” as American industries and neighbors digest his administration’s tariffs. CNBC’s Eamon Javers reports on the rest of the news out of Tuesday’s address, and Phil LeBeau reports that the administration may consider a delay on tariffs for autos. Former US Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman explains the toll tariffs may take on the longstan...

Mar 05, 202539 min

Target CEO Brian Cornell & Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick 3/4/25

President Trump’s tariffs on Mexico and Canada take effect today. Target CEO Brian Cornell sits down with Becky Quick to discuss the impact they’ll have on his business and on price tags for consumers; Cornell warns, costs at checkout will likely go up, and soon. While U.S. stocks and investors waver on the new trade rules , U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick explains the long term vision for “fair” trade, as well as the price the Trump administration is willing to pay to curb fentanyl’s flo...

Mar 04, 202542 min

Shaky Markets & the Fight Heard ‘Round the World 3/3/28

The markets ended February on a low note as investors digest global and domestic uncertainty and prepare for tariffs set to take effect on Tuesday. Cryptocurrency, however, has rallied on President Trump’s announcement of a strategic crypto reserve . In the aftermath of the heated discussion between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, author, editor, and international affairs professor Nina Khrushcheva examines the U.S. agenda and next steps for Russian President Putin. Hayman Cap...

Mar 03, 202537 min

A Measles Outbreak, A New AI App, & the Oscar Buzz 2/28/25

Uncertainty from U.S. tariffs and the DOGE agenda has prompted a volatile week in the financial markets . UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited President Trump days ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Washington visit; both leaders have tariffs and war top of mind. In Texas, a child has become America’s first measles-related death in almost a decade . Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb discusses the measles outbreak risks of declining vaccination rates in certain communit...

Feb 28, 202535 min

Bonus Episode: Stripe CEO John Collison 2/28/25

In a rare interview, Stripe CEO John Collison sits down with Andrew Ross Sorkin. At 15 years old, the payments company is worth $91.5 billion, but it’s still private. In part, Stripe has avoided going public thanks to tender offers it periodically offers employees and shareholders. In its most recent tender offer, Stripe revealed $1.4 trillion in total payment volume in 2024, and Collison explains that AI, including OpenAI, Perplexity, and over 700 AI agents using Stripe have helped grow the com...

Feb 28, 202523 min

A Tariff Tally & Blackstone’s Former President Tony James 2/27/25

President Trump has said tariffs on Mexico and Canada will begin next week . Eamon Javers reports from Washington on the tariff messaging from The White House. Once COO and President of Blackstone and now Chairman of Costco Tony James shares his perspective on the US economy, business strength, and consumer confidence . James considers American business to be slowing down, thanks to uncertainty from the administration. In the face of DEI rollbacks across corporate America, Costco remains consist...

Feb 27, 202543 min

Trump’s Budget Advances & Rep. Ro Khanna 2/26/25

The Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed a multi-trillion-dollar budget plan late Tuesday, advancing President Donald Trump’s tax-cut and border security agenda. CNBC’s Emily Wilkins joins to outline the details of the bill. Then Rep. Ro Khanna discusses the budget’s passage, its impact on Democrats, who benefits from the Trump tax cuts, and his thoughts on proposed spending cuts. And Cava co-founder and CEO Brett Schulman weighs in on the company’s quarterly earni...

Feb 26, 202539 min

Netflix’s “Zero Day” & Florida Governor DeSantis 2/25/25

“Zero Day” writers and producers Eric Newman, Noah Oppenheim, and Michael Schmidt discuss their limited series political thriller on Netflix. The team discusses Robert De Niro’s performance on the show, as well as the well-timed plotline in today’s political climate. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis weighs in on his DOGE efforts in his own state, Elon Musk’s agenda in Washington, and the evolving relationship between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States. Plus, Home Depot reported its latest earni...

Feb 25, 202537 min

Warren Buffett’s Cash, Medical Upcoding, & Trump’s NYC Influence 2/24/25

The Department of Justice’s investigation into United Healthcare’s billing practices has highlighted problematic practices across the American health care system, including upcoding. Former CEO of the Cleveland Clinic Dr. Toby Cosgrove explains common abuses in the system, their legacy, and potential solutions. New York Democratic Congressman Ritchie Torres stops by the set to discuss how city residents consider Mayor Eric Adams’ unusual relationship with President Trump. He explains why he want...

Feb 24, 202535 min
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