Squawk Pod

We bring you to Omaha, Nebraska, ahead of the tens of thousands of Berkshire shareholders that make the pilgrimage to Warren Buffett every spring. At this “Woodstock for Capitalists,” Berkshire’s 60+ portfolio companies sell limited edition and specialty wares to Buffett acolytes. See’s Candy CEO Pat Egan is ready to satisfy sweet-loving shareholders with 24,603 pounds and 41,156 units of product, and Brooks Running CEO Dan Sheridan has special, limited edition sneakers, just for this year’s meeting. Sheridan discusses the impact tariffs have had on his production, and both Berkshire portfolio company CEOs share their excitement for another festival of business. Tune into CNBC’s TV and digital channels this weekend to catch every minute of the 2025 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting coverage. Dan Sheridan - 11:57Pat Egan - 19:00 In this episode:Becky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

2 Maj 20min

China has acknowledged that the Trump administration has reached out to negotiate tariffs, potentially signalling openness to a deal. CNBC’s Eunice Yoon in Beijing discusses the latest developments, and warns that Chinese people and businesses believe they can weather a trade war storm. On the White House North Lawn, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett discusses the state of the U.S.-China trade negotiations along with President Trump’s tariff policy. CNBC’s Phil LeBeau and General Motors chair and CEO Mary Barra discuss the company’s new 2025 guidance, the impact of President Trump’s auto tariffs and bringing auto manufacturing back to the U.S. Plus, Tesla has denied a Wall Street Journal report that its board was searching for a replacement for chief executive Elon Musk.In this episode:Kevin Hassett - 18:05Mary Barra - 34:45 In this episode:Eunice Yoon, @onlyyoontvMary Barra, @mtbarraJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

1 Maj 41min

Three months into President Trump’s second term, pollster Frank Luntz explains voter sentiment. While conservative and liberal Americans remain steadfast, Luntz says the political center has been disappointed with the execution of the promises it voted for. After a brief but heated spat between the White House and Amazon, President Trump has called Jeff Bezos a “good guy.” Wired Editor-at-Large Steven Levy explains Amazon’s idea–and then rejection–of marking the cost of tariffs on its low-cost site Amazon Haul. Levy discusses big tech’s complicated relationship with the administration. Plus, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says the U.S. has reached its first trade deal, and due to a surge in imports, the U.S. economy contracted during President Trump’s first 100 days. CNBC’s Steve Liesman discusses the intersection of a global trade war and America’s GDP. Frank Luntz - 23:00Steve Liesman - 16:44Steven Levy - 34:25Rick Santelli & Steve Liesman - 40:26 In this episode:Steven Levy, @StevenLevyFrank Luntz, @FrankLuntzSteve Liesman, @steveliesmanBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

30 Apr 41min

The Trump administration will reduce some of the crippling tariffs for automakers. CNBC’s Phil LeBeau explains the potential impact on General Motors, and former Ford President Mark Fields explains how other automakers are preparing their supply chains for the White House’s trade agenda. The “Big 6” GOP leaders have met at the Capitol to discuss a mega-bill; attendee House Ways and Means Chairman Rep. Jason Smith explains his party’s revenue agenda. Plus, Nike is in hot water with shareholder Bill Ackman over a billboard, and Canada voted to keep the Liberal Party’s Mark Carney as Prime Minister.  Rep. Jason Smith 16:25Phil LeBeau 31:44Mark Fields 37:47 In this episode:Jason Smith, @RepJasonSmithPhil LeBeau, @LebeaucarnewsBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

29 Apr 44min

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discusses the state of global tariff negotiations; he says talks are ongoing, but it’s up to China to de-escalate. Secretary Bessent also warns that the Trump administration has an “escalation ladder” to climb, should it need more leverage in trade talks. Boardroom co-founder and CEO Rich Kleiman and MLB veteran pitcher CC Sabathia discuss the next era of baseball. The MLB is considering ways to better engage fans, including speeding up the pace of play. Plus, it’s a home buyer’s market, if they commit to deals, and Domino’s Pizza reported a beat, thanks to international customers.  Scott Bessent - 15:44Rich Kleiman & CC Sabathia - 33:43 In this episode:Rich Kleiman, @richkleimanCC Sabathia, @CC_SabathiaBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

28 Apr 44min

Axios White House reporter Marc Caputo and former U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns discuss the trade talks–or lack thereof–between the U.S. and China. Between comments from the Chinese embassy and President Trump’s interview with Time, the public has conflicting accounts of where trade negotiations currently stand. Plus, Apple may move manufacturing of its US iPhones to India, Google parent Alphabet has reported a beat on earnings, and Paramount is in talks with the FCC over its merger with Skydance.  Marc Caputo - 17:29Nicholas Burns - 24:50 In this episode:Marc Caputo, @MarcACaputoBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

25 Apr 32min

Ahead of the Chevron Championship in Houston, Becky Quick sits down with LPGA golfers Amy Alcott and Stacy Lewis. Alcott, a hall of famer and Chevron Champion, reflects on the history of fandom for women’s sports and the current momentum for sponsorships and viewership. Lewis, a competitor in the Chevron this week, explains golfing strategy off the green; for the athletes and fans of women’s sports, the time is now for investment and publicity. To watch Stacy Lewis and her competitors at the Chevron this week, tune into NBC or Peacock.  Amy Alcott & Stacy Lewis - 6:06 In this episode:Becky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

24 Apr 15min

Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack was once a market participant at Goldman Sachs; she’s a policymaker now, but she says she’s still watching the markets during periods of volatility. Google is still under antitrust scrutiny, but regulation may affect AI innovation. Aravind Srinivas, CEO of AI engine Perplexity, discusses Google’s contributions to its competitors and the future of AI. Plus, Fed Chair Jay Powell, China, the Kentucky Derby, and even millionaires are caught in President Trump’s crosshairs.  Aravind Srinivas - 33:13Steve Liesman & Beth Hammack - 15:44 In this episode:Aravind Srinivas, @AravSrinivasBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

24 Apr 43min