5 Things to Know Before the Opening Bell 8/8/2025

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman sits down for an extended interview after the ChatGPT-5 launch this week. In a wide-ranging conversation, Altman discusses the impact his AI is having on human agency and hints at the world he envisions, as AI becomes more integrated into every aspect of society. He explains the expensive bet he’s making on Silicon Valley’s top AI talent, as well as his decision to keep pushing innovation–before focusing on his OpenAI’s profitability. Plus, Intel is still in focus on Capitol Hill and Wall Street. Sam Altman - 19:23 In this episode:Sam Altman, @samaJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

8 Elo 38min

President Trump has announced he will impose a 100% tariff on chips and semiconductors imports, although he’s suggested exemptions for companies manufacturing in the U.S. One company that may qualify for that exemption: Apple. During CEO Tim Cook’s meeting with the President on Wednesday, Cook committed an additional $100 billion to onshore manufacturing. Author Walter Isaacson discusses Cook’s commitment in the context of Steve Jobs’ original plans to manufacture Apple products in America. President Trump also has another tech CEO in his sights, calling for the resignation of Intel’s Lip-Bu Tan on social media. CNBC’s Angelica Peebles reveals the latest obesity pill trial results from Eli Lilly. Orfoglipron’s results were similar to Wegovy, and investors are disappointed by the data and the rate of discontinuation among trial participants. Plus, Lyft CEO David Risher explains his company’s earnings report, strong on paper but disappointing to some investors.  Megan Cassella - 5:35Angelica Peebles - 13:03Walter Isaacson - 20:47David Risher - 35:21 In this episode:Megan Cassella, @mmcassellaAngelica Peebles, @angelicapeeblesJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinMelissa Lee, @MelissaLeeCNBCKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

7 Elo 38min

The 5 things you need to know before the stock market opens today … on a Thursday!  Toyota expects a profit hit due to increased tariffs, e.l.f. beauty is facing higher costs from higher tariffs on Chinese imports, SoftBank is still investing in artificial intelligence, leadership changes at Paramount Global and the MLB’s first female umpire takes the field this weekend.  Squawk Box is hosted by Joe Kernen, Becky Quick and Andrew Ross Sorkin.  Follow Squawk Pod for the best moments, interviews and analysis from our TV show in an audio-first format.

7 Elo 1min

Treasury Secretary under President George W. Bush Hank Paulson and Treasury Secretary under President Barack Obama Tim Geithner sat down with Andrew Ross Sorkin at the Aspen Economic Strategy Group Forum. In a wide-ranging conversation, Geithner and Paulson–two pivotal characters in the 2008 financial crisis–weigh in on tariffs, economic data, and the independence of the Federal Reserve. Geithner and Paulson underscore the resilience and strength of the American economy, despite slowing growth and tariff uncertainty.  In this episode:Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

6 Elo 18min

Disney CFO Hugh Johnston speaks to Julia Boorstin, Joe Kernen, and Becky Quick about Disney’s strong quarterly results and news coming from its subsidiary, ESPN. The sports network will acquire 10% of the NFL and will launch a direct-to-consumer sports streaming product, sidestepping cable. From the Aspen Economic Strategy Group Forum, Andrew Ross Sorkin sits down with Minneapolis Federal Reserve President Neel Kashkari to discuss the independence of the Fed, the President’s tariff agenda, and what he’s extrapolating from the last month of economic datapoints. Plus, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. cut $500m in mRNA vaccine contracts, and ChatGPT’s parent company is in talks with investors about a share sale at an eye-popping valuation for the still-private OpenAI: $500 billion dollars.  Hugh Johnston - 19:16Neel Kashkari - 32:01 In this episode:Julia Boorstin, @JBoorstinJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

6 Elo 39min

President Trump dials into Squawk Box for an extended conversation spanning the looming Fed Chair nominations, tariffs, and the U.S. economy. He confirms that Kevin Warsh, Kevin Hassett, and two others are in the running to lead the central bank after Jerome Powell’s departure, but Treasury Scott Bessent will stay in his current role. While many trade negotiations are still in progress, President Trump shares details on his talks with India, China, and Switzerland, and warns that pharmaceutical tariffs will take effect soon. Plus, the Wall Street Journal reported that the White House is preparing an executive order that could fine banks for dropping customers for “political reasons.” President Trump weighs in with complaints of his own, including at Bank of America. In this episode: President Trump, @realDonaldTrumpJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

5 Elo 55min

President Trump fired the Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner Erika McEntarfer on Friday, after the agency reported a weak jobs report for the month of July. In the aftermath, the White House’s National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett discusses the decision and the concerned backlash it prompted. Elaine Chao served as Labor Secretary for eight years under President George W. Bush; she explains how BLS reports are calculated and shared with the public, and she underscores the importance of integrity in the agency. CNBC’s Steve Liesman and Rick Santelli debate the impact this jobs report has had on the markets as well as what it means for the larger economy. Plus, Tesla has awarded Elon Musk $29 billion worth of Tesla shares, and shares of Berkshire Hathaway dipped after the company reported lower-than-expected earnings.  Kevin Hassett - 19:20Rick Santelli and Steve Liesman - 34:13Elaine Chao - 39:42 In this episode:Steve Liesman, @steveliesmanRick Santelli, @RickSantelliJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

4 Elo 42min