Squawk Pod

A surprising February jobs report is raising new questions about the strength of the labor market. The economy lost 92,000 jobs last month weighed down by severe winter weather and a strike at a major health care provider. CNBC’s Steve Liesman and San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly break down the data, the broader economic picture, and what it could mean for the Federal Reserve’s interest rate path. Then, former U.S. Congressman Sean Maloney, now CEO of the Coalition for Prediction Markets, discusses the future of prediction markets, concerns about insider trading, and what regulation might look like in this fast-growing space. Plus, Kristi Noem is out as Homeland Security Secretary, the Pentagon labels Anthropic a “supply chain risk,” and the war with Iran enters its seventh day.   Mary Daly - 16:08 Sean Maloney - 33:25   In this episode: Steve Liesman, @steveliesman  Mary Daly, @MaryDalyEcon Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For the first time since Lyndon Johnson was in the White House, Berkshire Hathaway has a new CEO.  Greg Abel joins us in his major interview since taking over for the legendary Warren Buffett at the beginning of the year.  The company has resumed repurchasing its own shares for the first time since 2024, and Abel announced his plans to use his annual compensation each year to buy additional shares in Berkshire. Plus, the latest in the he-said, he-said drama of OpenAI, Anthropic and the Pentagon.    Greg Abel: 16:00   In this episode:  Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the Trump Administration will roll out a series of measures aimed at stabilizing oil shipments through the Persian Gulf, as Washington steps into the oil tensions.  He also addressed President Trump’s latest tariff policy.  CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports from Dubai on the main energy traffic artery the Strait of Hormuz, and Sam Altman told OpenAI employees the company doesn’t get to choose how the military uses its technology.  And, CNBC Cures’ first summit brought together rare disease families, care providers, regulators and innovators to tackle some of the world’s most difficult diagnoses.  Check out CNBC Cures and watch videocasts of The Path with Becky on YouTube.   Scott Bessent         14:16 CNBC Cures             35:32   In this episode: Dan Murphy, @dan_murphy Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Trump says the U.S. will provide insurance to Persian Gulf tankers to ease the traffic slowdown in the Straight ot Hormuz, tech companies are scrambling to ensure safety of employees in the Middle East, cybersecurity company Crowdstrike beat analysts’ expectations for the fourth quarter, Ross Stores seeing an uptick in shoppers at the off-price retailer, and Democratic lawmakers are potentially working on a proposal that could lead to the breakup and American meatpacking companies Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The U.S.-Iran conflict enters its fourth day, spreading across the region and pushing oil prices higher. CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports on the latest military developments and what the surge in energy costs could mean for markets. On Capitol Hill, lawmakers prepare to vote on President Trump’s war powers in Iran. Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) explains why he opposes the strikes and argues Congress must reassert its authority. And, as AI becomes a tool of modern combat, Christoff & Co. CEO Niki Christoff discusses the Pentagon’s partnerships, Anthropic’s dispute with the Defense Department, and whether meaningful guardrails are possible. Plus, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon addresses President Trump’s $5 billion debanking lawsuit, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman admits a recent defense deal was rushed.   Dan Murphy - 02:49 Sen. Tim Kane - 15:35 Nikki Christoff - 27:37   In this episode: Niki Christoff, @NikiChristoff Sen. Tim Kaine, @TimKaine Kelly Evans, @KellyCNBC Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Zach Vallese, @zachvallese  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In 2024, Jeffrey Allen applied to the first season of “Beast Games,” a reality competition show on Amazon Prime Video that was inspired by the Netflix series “Squid Game” and created by YouTuber MrBeast. Why did this California Dad want to be on a game show?  “Beast Games” offered the largest cash prize in history – and Allen wanted to make a difference in the search for a cure for his son Lucas’ rare disease.   Lucas was diagnosed as a toddler with Creatine Transporter Deficiency, or CTD, a rare genetic mutation that blocks the transport of the natural source of energy from the brain and muscle.  Symptoms can include difficulty growing and gaining weight, slowed development of motor skills, intellectual disabilities, autistic behaviors and seizures, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders. There are, estimated, just a few hundred CTD patients worldwide.   Known as Player 831, Jeffrey Allen won the first season of “Beast Games” and the massive $10 million prize. “It’s all a miracle,” he says about the serendipitous achievement and the gift of parenting Lucas.    To follow “Ruck for Rare,” visit: https://creatineinfo.org/ruck4rare/   Join us in advancing awareness and understanding of rare diseases. Visit CNBC.com/Cures to access clips, resources, or to sign up for our weekly newsletter.    Follow Becky Quick on X: @BeckyQuick   Please share your thoughts or rare disease story in the comments, and join us on The Path. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

More U.S. forces head to the Middle East, following the initial strikes in Iran by the U.S. and Israel. CNBC reporters Dan Murphy and Brian Sullivan on the market and global energy industry’s response.  Veteran and venture capitalist Alex Harstrick describes Operation Epic Fury as, potentially, the first “AI War” and the language barriers between Silicon Valley and the Pentagon when it comes to artificial intelligence.  And, former Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein looks back on an epic Wall Street career    Dan Murphy          2:27 Brian Sullivan          11:37 Alex Harstrick       24:42 Lloyd Blankfein      34:00   In this episode: Dan Murphy, @dan_murphy Brian Sullivan, @SullyCNBC Lloyd Blankfein, @lloydblankfein Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

OpenAI has closed a staggering $110 billion funding round, more than doubling its record-setting raise from just a year ago. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman joins alongside Amazon CEO Andy Jassy to discuss the massive new capital infusion, the details behind OpenAI and Amazon’s $50 billion strategic partnership, and what comes next for agentic AI. Then, IBM vice chairman and former Trump NEC director Gary Cohn reacts to news that Block is cutting 40% of its workforce, citing AI efficiencies. Cohn discusses what those cuts signal about the future of work, the broader economy, and the market’s AI-fueled momentum. Plus, Paramount Skydance moves closer to a deal for Warner Bros. Discovery, and President Trump meets with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.   Gary Cohn                       18:23 Sam Altman & Andy Jassy          32:55   In this episode: Gary Cohn, @Gary_D_Cohn Sam Altman, @sama Andy Jassy, @ajassy Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Zach Vallese, @ZachVallese Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After reporting a strong quarter, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang speaks to Becky Quick about his company’s future and the future of the AI landscape–including the ongoing standoff between Anthropic and the Pentagon. FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary discusses the agency’s push for reforms and expedited drug approvals, particularly for rare disease therapies. Plus, Beast Games Season 2 finale is out on Amazon Prime, and season three is already in preproduction. Beast Industries CEO Jeff Housenbold discusses his ambitions of building another Disney while producing the most-followed person on the internet, Mr. Beast.    Dr. Marty Makary - 17:16 Jeff Housenbold - 33:30   In this episode: Dr. Marty Makary, @DrMakaryFDA Jeff Housenbold, @jtbold Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin,  @andrewrsorkin Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After the President’s State of the Union address, Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-New Jersey) discusses his party’s response to the lengthy speech and underscores the affordability crisis facing many Americans. CNBC’s Eamon Javers recaps the evening’s highlights, including moments of partisan- and bipartisanship. Then, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz discusses the administration’s push to lower drug prices. Plus, Anthropic has changed its safety policy.  Rep. Josh Gottheimer - 21:28 Dr. Mehmet Oz - 29:44 In this episode: Josh Gottheimer, @RepJoshG Dr. Mehmet Oz, @DrOz Eamon Javers, @eamonjavers Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ahead of the President’s State of the Union address tonight, Joe Kernen sits down with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. First, Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) discusses the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling and his outlook for geopolitical shifts in the rest of President Trump’s term. Then, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) discusses tariff confusion and the latest development in Netflix’s and Paramount Skydance’s competing bids for Warner Bros. Discovery.    Sen. Ted Cruz - 10:48 Sen. Maria Cantwell - 24:16   In this episode: Ted Cruz, @SenTedCruz Maria Cantwell, @SenatorCantwell Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As a major blizzard blankets much of the East Coast, the bigger storm is in Washington. After the Supreme Court of the United States struck down President Donald Trump’s global tariff policy, the President responded with a new 15% tariff on all imports, putting U.S. trade deals and the broader global order in question. CNBC’s Steve Liesman explains the ruling and what comes next. Yale Law School professor and former Biden Treasury official Natasha Sarin debates former Trump economic advisor Stephen Moore on the economic impact and outlook of more tariffs. Then, Washington State Senator Jamie Pedersen discusses his proposal to raise the income tax on millionaires and its likelihood to encourage executives to leave the state. Plus, President Trump urges Netflix to remove board member and former Biden policy chief Susan Rice.   Steve Liesman - 19:04 Stephen Moore and Natasha Sarin - 32:57 Jamie Pedersen - 46:23   In this episode: Natasha Sarin, @NatashaRSarin Stephen Moore, @StephenMoore Steve Liesman, @SteveLiesman Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

U.S. Customs will stop collecting IEEPA tariffs on Tuesday, after the Supreme Court deemed them illegal, TSA Pre-Check is once again operational, despite the partial government shutdown, Axios reports that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will meet with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei to discuss the military’s use of Claude AI, Goldman Sachs has raised its end-of-year oil forecast, and “One Battle After Another” won BAFTA’s best film award.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Supreme Court has struck down the President’s tariffs, President Trump is considering a limited military attack against Iran, private credit stocks are sliding, and filmmaker James Cameron is speaking out against Netflix’s bid for Warner Brothers Discovery. Plus, former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is now a strategic advisor for the American Gaming Association, and he’s calling out the “prediction market” status of Kalshi and Polymarket. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis discusses the state tax policies around the country that are driving businesses and billionaires to his own state.    Chris Christie - 18:19    Gov. Ron DeSantis - 35:00   In this episode: Chris Christie, @GovChristie Ron DeSantis, @GovRonDeSantis Eamon Javers, @eamonjavers Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Trump says he’ll decide whether to attack Iran in the next 10 days, Johnson & Johnson is reportedly considering selling its orthopedics unit, Amazon’s AI tools sparked two outages at the company’s cloud unit, according to the FT, Live Nation reported strong live concert demand, and President Trump will direct the release of files on “extraterrestrial life.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

OpenAI is nearing a $100B+ fundraise, Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg testified at a landmark social media addiction trial in California, and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct tied to Jeffrey Epstein. Legendary media investor Mario Gabelli discusses the Netflix-Paramount battle for Warner Brothers Discovery’s film and media assets. Plus, as an MSG shareholder, Gabelli weighs in on MSG’s exploration of splitting the Knicks and the Rangers. Two-time Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz shares his perspective on President Trump’s economic agenda, including the impact of tariffs on inflation and consumer sentiment. Happy Birthday, Andrew! Mario Gabelli - 12:40 Joseph Stiglitz - 27:01 In this episode: Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Amazon stock has snapped a nine day losing streak, oil prices have responded to U.S.-Iran talks in Geneva, and “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert is calling out CBS for allegedly blocking the broadcast of his interview with Texas state Rep. James Talarico. The FDA is looking into the safety and supply of baby formula in America with Operation Stork Speed. Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb explains the way formula manufacturing and safety protocols work in the U.S., including why reformulation is often a complicated, expensive process. Dr. Gottlieb also weighs in on the impact that Vinay Prasad’s leadership is having on investment in health, both for vaccine research and for cell and gene therapies. Plus, NYC Mayor Mamdani has proposed a property tax hike if Governor Hochul does not pass a wealth tax in the state. Partnership for NYC CEO Steven Fulop discusses the proposal and the impact it may have on business leaders based in New York.  Steven Fulop       23:29Dr. Scott Gottlieb  33:50 In this episode:Steven Fulop, @StevenFulopJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the latest chapter of the bidding war for Warner Brothers Discovery’s film and media assets, Paramount Skydance will have 7 days to submit an offer to rival Netflix’s. CNBC’s David Faber breaks down the morning’s news and the week to come. The U.S. and Iran are engaging in nuclear talks today in Geneva, and the U.S. military is at odds with Anthropic over the company’s concerns about the agency’s use of its AI Claude. Plus, mentions in the Epstein Files have prompted career decisions for media executive Casey Wasserman and Hyatt’s former executive chairman Thomas Pritzker. Then, president and CEO of National Urban League Marc Morial reflects on Reverend Jesse Jackson’s legacy, as he remembers his late friend and fellow civil rights leader.  David Faber, 11:30Marc Morial - 22:33 In this episode:Marc Morial, @MARCMORIALDavid Faber, @davidfaberBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a newsmaking interview, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discusses the government’s plan to incentivize whistleblower tips on fraud, money laundering, and sanctions violations following the Trump administration’s focus on federally funded social welfare programs in Minnesota. Sec. Bessent also shares his expectation that the Senate confirmation of Fed chair nominee Kevin Warsh to proceed, despite Sen. Thom Tillis’s effort to block it. Plus, at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Joe Kernen sits down with AT&T Chairman & CEO John Stankey to discuss the infrastructure of the future internet, including fiber optics and satellites. Sec. Scott Bessent - 04:33John Stankey - 33:17 In this episode:Scott Bessent, @SecScottBessentJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

New York State Assemblymember Alex Bores (D) has garnered national attention for his plan to regulate AI, both in New York and across the nation. He explains his view that regulation could support American competitiveness, rather than hinder it. Restaurant Brands chairman Patrick Doyle has a unique view of consumers through the Burger King, Popeyes, and Tim Hortons brands. After years of implementing an effective tech strategy at Dominos, Doyle discusses his plans for fast food innovation. Plus, Emily Wilkins reports on the House’s vote to overturn President Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Cisco stock dropped 7% after earnings, and Corning stock is outperforming its own recent history. Emily Wilkins - 09:28Patrick Doyle - 21:16Asm. Alex Bores - 29:18 In this episode:Alex Bores, @AlexBoresEmily Wilkins, @emrwilkinsKelly Evans, @KellyCNBCSteve Liesman, @steveliesmanBrian Sullivan, @SullyCNBCCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.