Squawk Pod

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 shares of Newsmax surge for a second day after a massive IPO debut on Monday. Sen. Bill Cassidy - 16:57Kate Rooney - 28:22John Hope Bryant - 30:33 In this episode:Becky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_KatieBill Cassidy, @SenBillCassidyJohn Hope Bryant, @johnhopebryantKate Rooney, @Kr00ney

1 Apr 36min

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 and business owners are bracing for President Trump’s tariffs set to take effect on April 3. Plus, President Trump has once again floated the idea for a third term, and the President has commuted Ozy Media founder Carlos Watson’s prison sentence.  Makan Delrahim - 18:20Dr. Scott Gottlieb - 29:53 In this episode:Becky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

31 Mar 38min

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 Musk and DOGE members gave an interview on Fox, explaining their intentions with America’s budget. Plus, Russian President Vladimir Putin has weighed in on President Trump’s intentions for Greenland, and the European Union might hit Meta and Apple with smaller fines than expected.  Sen. Chris Coons - 20:29Mike Intrator - 37:25 In this episode:Sen. Chris Coons, @ChrisCoonsBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

28 Mar 47min

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 the Treasury Department is set to furlough a “substantial number” of workers.  Senator Mark Warner - 18:29 In this episode:Becky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

26 Mar 30min

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 news headlines, and Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway March Madness bracket competition has a winner–or 12.  Arthur Brooks - 14:53David Rubenstein - 31:18 In this episode:Becky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

25 Mar 41min

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 children safe while respecting their privacy. Plus, Disney’s latest “Snow White” remake has hit theatres amid multiple controversies, South Korea’s Hyundai will announce a $20B investment in the U.S., the IRS might collect less tax revenue this year, and tariffs are still shaking the markets.  Paul Alivisatos - 15:01Jeffrey Katzenberg & Hari Ravishandran - 26:14 In this episode:Becky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

24 Mar 36min

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 Elon Musk is headed to the Pentagon, Tesla is weathering protests and vandalism, and Home Depot CEO has weighed in on President Trump’s tariffs.  Margaret Spellings - 16:04Dr. Scott Gottlieb - 28:43 In this episode:Dr. Scott Gottlieb, @ScottGottliebMDCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNYMelissa Lee, @MelissaLeeCNBCJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

21 Mar 33min

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 legend Stan Smith helped found the ATP in the 1970s. Today he weighs in on the future of the sport, player pay, and his legacy as a player and as the face of a beloved sneaker. Happy March Madness! Chris Wright - 16:07Stan Smith - 30:16 In this episode:Melissa Lee, @MelissaLeeCNBCJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

20 Mar 34min