Squawk Pod

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 conference is underway.  Eamon Javers - 08:57Brian Moynihan - 15:58 In this episode:Eamon Javers, @EamonJaversBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

19 Mar 34min

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 the International Space Station, thanks to SpaceX; astronaut Mike Massimino answers all our questions about space travel, from bathroom concerns and hygiene strategies.  Greg Fleming - 13:22Mike Massimino - 24:28 In this episode:Becky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

18 Mar 32min

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 Tesla, as the company’s stock price feels the pressure. Plus, a government shutdown averted, two astronauts one step closer to Earth, and the public’s view on the economy, under President Trump. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Kevin Hassett - 16:51Tim Higgins - 28:53 In this episode:Becky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

17 Mar 33min

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 "productive," following disputes over tariffs. Then, Compass is in advanced talks to acquire Warren Buffett’s real estate brokerage and Marvel Entertainment is accelerating its production move out of China due to the ongoing trade war. Leslie Picker - 17:16Jeff Sonnenfeld - 18:47 Jeff Sonnenfeld, @JeffSonnenfeldLeslie Picker, @LesliePickerBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

14 Mar 31min

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 word of caution on consumer spending and the countdown to a possible government shutdown continues. Andrew Ferguson - 18:02Mark Bertolini - 35:22 Andrew Ferguson, @AFergusonFTCMark Bertolini, @mtbertEamon Javers, @EamonJaversBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

13 Mar 47min

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 Ferguson’s recent remarks to CEOs, emphasizing that while he won’t allow mergers to falter unnecessarily, automatic approvals for significant mergers aren’t guaranteed. Eamon Javers - 09:14Eunice Yoon - 16:13Brad Gerstner - 22:51 Eunice Yoon, @onlyyoontvEamon Javers, @EamonJaversBrad Gerstner, @altcapBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

12 Mar 47min

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 Nasdaq suffered its worst day since 2022. Plus, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon explains why, as a bureaucrat, she believes bureaucracy hurts more than helps education outcomes. Sec. McMahon discusses the imminent unwinding of her own department.  Ron Baron - 13:56Linda McMahon - 45:05 In this episode:Becky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

11 Mar 53min

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 from the stock market as a barometer for success. Plus, Tesla stock is experiencing its longest losing streak since going public. Eamon Javers - Kevin Hassett - 26:29Erin and Abe Lichy - 41:17 In this episode:Erin Lichy, @ErindlichyEamon Javers, @EamonJaversBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

10 Mar 46min