Squawk Pod

Leaders in Washington continue their debate of “infrastructure” as some lawmakers begin crafting counters to President Biden’s $2T plan. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg discusses the bipartisan effort to invest in America’s infrastructure--and to define what the word should encompass. Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla discusses the Covid-19 crisis in India and addresses the global impact of vaccine hesitancy, at home and abroad. New Bank of America research reveals that amid a busy earnings week, many CEOs are signaling inflation concerns to their investors. Plus, GameStop is in the market for a new leader, and CNBC’s Eamon Javers reports that Washington is budgeting out the minimum wage. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

27 Apr 202133min

As vaccinations in the U.S. continue, health officials may consider relaxing some guidelines for wearing masks outdoors. Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb considers spring and summer Covid safety and suggests that the low infection rates across the country may finally be here to stay. In the wake of a volatile week in crypto, Coinshares’ Chief Strategy Officer Meltem Demirors explains the rise of Dogecoin, the fall of Bitcoin, and this pivotal moment in the crypto-finance ecosystem. Plus, the U.S. could be bracing for a rally in everything, from social lives to economics, and Elon Musk will be live, from New York! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

26 Apr 202132min

President Joe Biden is expected to propose doubling the tax rate wealthy Americans pay on investment returns when they sell stocks and other assets. CNBC’s Ylan Mui reports on the possible hike in capital gains taxes that sent a shockwave through Wall Street. Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) also discuss Biden’s new proposal as well as the lawmakers’ recently formed bipartisan SALT caucus. The Oscars will air on Sunday and many are anticipating a lower interest in the award show this year. Despite that, advertising costs have continued to rise; Ed Lee, corporate media reporter for The New York Times, and Sara Fischer, Axios media reporter, discuss the Hollywood economics behind award season. Plus, get your questions ready, it’s time to #AskWarren! Ahead of the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting, CNBC is collecting your questions for Warren Buffett, the Oracle of Omaha, at berkshirequestions@cnbc.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

23 Apr 202130min

AT&T CEO John Stankey says “the glory days are still in front of us” when it comes to the future of HBO. He discusses the company’s first quarter results, prioritizing dividends for shareholders, and voting rights across America. CNBC’s Diana Olick reports President Joe Biden’s aggressive new sustainability goals, targeting a 50-52% reduction from 2005 levels of greenhouse gas pollution by 2030. Pets became an even bigger part of our lives throughout the pandemic and stay-at-home mandates. Ron Coughlin, CEO of Petco, discusses the surge in pet adoptions, and the push for pet-friendly workplaces. Plus, crypto madness and (maybe) understanding Dogecoin. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

22 Apr 202137min

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) have introduced their College for All Plan, legislation that would make college education free; CNBC’s Ylan Mui reports concerns that the costs of free education may hit some folks on Wall Street harder than intended. In the wake of rising hate crimes against Asian Americans across the country, Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI) details the COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which pushes Congress to combat racially motivated harassment and violence. Senator Hirono discusses President Biden’s infrastructure plan and bipartisanship on the Hill. Apple’s Tim Cook has whipped up a new batch of tech treats for worldwide consumers, including a springy new iPhone color and a tracking device for all your other devices. Plus, a new study finds that sleep deprivation could increase risk of dementia; Joe, Becky, and Andrew swap secrets for sound sleep, even with a 4AM wake-up call. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

21 Apr 202131min

GOP lawmakers are pushing to shrink President Biden’s more than $2 trillion infrastructure plan. Sen. Rob Portman (R-OH) discusses his pitch to pay infrastructure reforms, potential bipartisan support on gun control, and keeping the crypto community out of the legal shadows. In the wake of a fatal Model S crash outside of Houston, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has denied that “autopilot” features were responsible. CNBC’s Phil LeBeau discusses the two federal probes investigating Musk’s claims. PayPal’s Venmo will now let users buy, hold, and sell bitcoin and other digital tokens, a potentially significant step toward moving cryptocurrencies into the mainstream. Homeowners in the United States likely saw their property taxes jump. CNBC’s Robert Frank reports how much more Americans are paying and who’s feeling the most pain. Plus, CNBC’s Frank Holland shares the green behind the green: a look at the marijuana marketplace on the famed 4/20. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

20 Apr 202132min

Half of all U.S. adults have received at least one dose of a Covid vaccine. Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb discusses this major milestone and considers hurdles in the next phases of the pandemic. Republicans and Democrats continue to clash over interpretations of “infrastructure” as lawmakers debate President Biden’s $2.25T plan to invest in bridges, roads, water supply, electric vehicles, and family care. Contributing writer for The Atlantic and “The Art of Happiness” host Arthur Brooks unpacks the compromise needed from both sides of the aisle to achieve any kind of progress. CNBC’s Phil LeBeau reports on a Tesla crash in Texas and unpacks the regulatory implications of testing “autopilot” cars and self-driving technology. Plus, Beijing has changed its tune when it comes to cryptocurrency; China now considers bitcoin an “investment alternative.” Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

19 Apr 202133min

We’re capping off our inaugural week packed with powerhouse guests and the top stories in tech with an exclusive interview with Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky. He discusses the future of work and his travel expectations post-Covid with our Deirdre Bosa. Plus, big time tech investor Jason Calacanis joins us to weigh in on the week of market debuts, Coinbase’s implications for crypto and Robinhood’s fight in Massachusetts. We’ve also got new product news coming up next week from Apple-we’re digging into customer loyalty to both Apple and Amazon remaining high. And our Julia Boorstin takes us live to Universal Studios Hollywood on re-opening day. CNBC’s Josh Lipton also joins to break down the chip stocks to invest in right now. That and so much more today on the show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

16 Apr 202143min