Squawk Pod

Private health insurance companies are in the spotlight, as public frustration with the American health system grows. Wendell Potter was once vice president of Cigna, until the work convinced him to quit the industry completely. In a recent op-ed, Potter highlights the pressure shareholders have placed on public health companies, and where the industry can go from here. Next, The Wall Street Journal’s Joanna Stern shares her top tech gift ideas for last-minute holiday shoppers. On her list are yearly digital subscriptions and paid password managers. Plus, lawmakers avoided a government shutdown, President-elect Trump has new picks for his administration, and the Lion King prequel fell flat during its box office opening weekend. Emily Wilkins - 02:28 Wendell Potter - 14:37 Joanna Stern - 23:45 In this episode: Wendell Potter, @wendellpotter Joanna Stern, @JoannaStern Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

A government shutdown looms this Friday, and Congress is scrambling to find a funding bill that both parties will approve. The rush comes after President-elect Trump (and Elon Musk) scrapped a bill, and then a short term bill backed by both Trump and Musk failed to pass on Thursday. Emily Wilkins reports from DC on plans for “plan C,” and Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma) discusses the likelihood of another funding fight after the holidays. Kentucky distiller Michter’s is bracing for the possibility of a 50% tariffs on exports to the EU. CEO Joe Magliocco explains the strain of tariffs on the whiskey business, as well as President-elect Trump’s overnight tariff threat to the European Union. Plus, there’s a new bipartisan push to extend the deadline to ban TikTok. Sen. Markwayne Mullin - 18:17 Emily Wilkins - 27:33 Joe Magliocco - 33:47 In this episode: Sen. Markwayne Mullin, @SenMullin Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

The Friday night deadline is looming for Congress to avoid a government shutdown after President-elect Trump, with the help of Elon Musk, sunk a compromise government funding bill. Representative Pete Sessions (R-Texas), DOGE Caucus Co-Chair, discusses where the negotiations stand and says he wants a “clean” continuing resolution without extraneous items. Next, Yale School of Management’s Jeffrey Sonnenfeld shares CEO sentiment on tariffs and RFK Jr., based on a Yale survey of 200 top executives. Sonnenfeld weighs in on leaders like Jeff Bezos visiting Mar-a-Lago ahead of the inauguration. Plus, markets sunk on the Fed’s 25 basis point rate cut and its signals for 2025. Rep. Pete Sessions - 16:42 Jeff Sonnenfeld - 26:53 In this episode: Rep. Pete Sessions, @PeteSessions Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, @JeffSonnenfeld Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Congressional leaders have unveiled a 1,547-page stopgap spending bill that intends to avoid a government shutdown by the end of the week. The bill includes funding for disaster aid and farmers, reforms for pharmacy benefit managers, pay raises for lawmakers, and more. CNBC’s Emily Wilkins has the latest on the hurdles Congress faces to pass the legislation. Next, MSNBC Morning Joe co-host Joe Scarborough discusses the funding bill, as well as the influence of DOGE on Congress and whether there should be a congressional stock trading ban. Plus, Cris Krebs, SentinelOne chief intelligence officer and former CISA Director, gives his insights on cybersecurity threats under the incoming Trump administration. Joe Scarborough - 21:45 Chris Krebs - 32:30 In this episode: Emily Wilkins, @emrwilkins Joe Scarborough,@JoeNBC Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan sits down with Becky Quick on the Bank of America trading floor. He discusses his market outlook for 2025, the current state of the consumer, the Federal Reserve’s next move, and the incoming Trump administration, including M&A and tariffs. Next, Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) discuss their bipartisan bill: the “Take It Down” Act would force social media companies to remove graphic deep fakes. Plus, Friday is the deadline for funding the government, Trump vows to “knock out” drug industry middlemen, and former TV host Carlos Watson is sentenced to nearly 10 years in prison. Brian Moynihan - 15:03 Amy Klobuchar & Ted Cruz - 34:12 In this episode: Sen. Amy Klobuchar, @SenAmyKlobuchar Sen. Ted Cruz, @SenTedCruz Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Zach Vallese, @zachvallese

Drones have been spotted flying above New Jersey over the past several days, sparking concern among residents and local lawmakers. New Jersey Representative Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) serves on the House Armed Services Committee and is urging action and clear communication from the federal government to quell public concern. Elon Musk biographer Walter Isaacson discusses Musk’s DOGE leadership and his relationship with President-elect Trump. A former news editor, Isaacson weighs in on ABC’s $15M defamation settlement with Trump and the flow of CEOs visiting Mar-a-Lago. Plus, the President-elect is reportedly considering privatizing the U.S. Postal Service, and Apple plans to introduce a foldable iPhone. Mikie Sherrill - 14:49 Walter Isaacson - 23:51 In this episode: Rep. Mikie Sherrill, @RepSherrill Walter Isaacson, @WalterIsaacson Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

President-elect Trump has reportedly invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to Washington for his inauguration next month. CNBC Beijing Bureau chief Eunice Yoon says it’s unlikely that Xi will attend, but shares her insight on Trump’s China policy, including the threat of tariffs and his stance on Taiwan. Next, Spanx founder Sara Blakely has a new venture: a high-heeled sneaker called “Sneex.” The self-made billionaire discusses her entrepreneurship journey and inspiration, from shapewear to shoes. Plus, Amazon reportedly plans to donate $1M to Trump’s inauguration, higher egg prices are back, just in time for the holidays, and mysterious drone sightings continue over New Jersey. Eunice Yoon - 15:35 Sara Blakely - 23:38 In this episode: Eunice Yoon, @onlyyoontv Sara Blakely, @sarablakely Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

New bipartisan legislation in Washington aims to break up pharmacy benefit managers after years of scrutiny on PBMs from Congress and the FTC. Health care insurance executive Mark Bertolini is now CEO of Oscar Health, and he spent years leading Aetna and CVS Health. Today, he reflects on American health care, his vision for an improved system, and his own security detail in the wake of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson’s murder. In a wide ranging and very personal conversation, Bertolini shares his experience with 18 years of chronic pain and the treatment that changed his life. Plus, Representative Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) is explaining his edited Spotify wrapped, and Elon Musk is inching closer to trillionaire status, thanks to a new Tesla stock milestone. Mark Bertolini - 17:42 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Preroll 00:00 ad 1 14:28 ad 2 36:18 TRT 36:44

Two major corporate deals withered on Tuesday. A judge blocked the pending $25 billion merger of grocery chains Kroger and Albertsons, and President Biden reportedly plans to block U.S. Steel’s $14.1 billion sale to Nippon Steel. Dealmaking on public markets will continue in 2025, according to Lead Edge Capital founding partner Mitchell Green. The Alibaba, Uber, and Spotify backer discusses the IPO window as we wind down 2024. His rationale for a slow year for market debuts: many of the best companies raised enough capital in 2021 and 2022 to hold off on an IPO. Plus, Port of Los Angeles executive director Gene Seroka discusses the potential impact of President-elect Trump’s tariff plans on the supply chain and consumer prices. Mitchell Green - 14:35 Gene Seroka - 23:31 In this episode: Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

New York prosecutors have charged Ivy League grad Luigi Mangione with the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, court records show. Though a manhunt is over for now, the health care industry may be ready for change. Next, Carnegie Endowment senior fellow Karim Sadjapour examines the power vacuum in Syria and the new leadership’s agenda for the nation. Plus, Dunkin' Donuts is making waves, but not just in your cup—find out why they’re showing up in bathrooms. And as the holiday travel season ramps up, The Points Guy Brian Kelly shares his top tips on how to maximize travel rewards and save this season. Karim Sadjapour - 16:17 Brian Kelly - 26:43 In this episode: Karim Sadjadpour, @ksadjadpour Brian Kelly, @thepointsguy Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Rebel forces led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham overtook Damascus, prompting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to flee the country and seek refuge in Russia. NBC’s Raf Sanchez joins from the Golan Heights border with the latest developments in Syria. Council on Foreign Relations President Michael Froman explains what the Assad’s fall could mean for politics in the Middle East and beyond. Next, the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson has sparked security concerns for corporate leaders, as well as a surge of outrage online, as Americans seethe over denied insurance claims. Partnership for New York President Kathy Wylde says the reaction online is almost worse than the killing itself. Plus, TikTok is one step closer to being banned in the U.S., and Juan Soto signed an historic contract with the Mets. Eamon Javers - 02:46 Raf Sanchez - 12:17 Michael Froman - 17:36 Kathy Wylde - 25:47 In this episode: Kathy Wylde, @Partnership4NYC Eamon Javers, @EamonJavers Raf Sanchez, @rafsanchez Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Two days after a man fatally shot UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, NYPD’s manhunt is ongoing. Former Boeing Chief Security Officer Dave Komendat explains how executive security details assess threats to executive leaders, especially as negativity abounds on social media. New York City Mayor Eric Adams discusses safety in the city, as well as housing and immigration in his city. Next, Taylor Swift wraps up her record-breaking Eras Tour this weekend in Vancouver. Kara Reynolds, professor of “Swiftonomics” at American University, discusses the billions of dollars spent by fans across the world to see her perform. Plus, a cryptic post from Roaring Kitty sparked meme stock volatility and President-elect Trump has announced picks for ambassador to China and "AI and crypto czar." Dave Komendat - 16:53 Eric Adams - 21:25 Kara Reynolds - 37:05 In this episode: Mayor Eric Adams, @NYCMayor Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Andrew Ross Sorkin shares highlights from The New York Times DealBook Summit yesterday, including his interviews with Jeff Bezos, Fed Chair Jerome Powell, Prince Harry and former President Bill Clinton. Notable moments included Jay Powell comparing bitcoin to gold, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman calling Elon Musk a “mega hero,” and Google CEO Sundar Pichai’s comments on DEI. Plus, bitcoin has hit $100,000, and Majority Leader Rep. Steve Scalise (R-Louisiana) the race for House Financial Services Committee chairman and his plans to work with a potential Department of Government Efficiency. Rep. Steve Scalise - 27:10 In this episode: Rep. Steve Scalise, @SteveScalise Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol abruptly announced a period of emergency martial law on Tuesday, but reversed the order hours later after backlash from citizens and South Korean Parliament. In France, lawmakers will hold a vote of no-confidence today in Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s minority government. CNBC contributor Michelle Caruso-Cabrera discusses the international politics and economics at play. Next, Philips CEO Roy Jakobs highlights the use of AI in health care, including in imaging, administrative tasks, and patient care. Plus, Andrew Ross Sorkin previews his lineup at today’s New York Times DealBook Summit, President-elect Trump may be rethinking his Defense pick, and Campbell’s CEO is leaving to become an NFL team president. Michelle Caruso-Cabrera - 13:23 Roy Jakobs - 29:28 In this episode: Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, @MCaruso_Cabrera Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Following news that Tesla buyers could be excluded from lucrative EV credits in California, Rep. Ro Khanna (D-California) is urging the state’s leaders to keep manufacturing in the state. In the name of bipartisanship, Rep. Khanna shares a list of agenda items ripe for collaboration across the aisle. Next, Crunch Labs founder and YouTuber Mark Rober discusses how he’s making science cool for kids. The former NASA employee and Apple engineer discusses the creator economy, coding for adults, and taking selfies from space. Plus, Elon Musk lost his bid for his $56B pay package, and Trump vows to block Nippon Steel’s bid for U.S. Steel. Ro Khanna - 14:02 Mark Rober - 25:23 In this episode: Rep. Ro Khanna, @RepRoKhanna Mark Rober, @MarkRober Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

The holiday season is in full swing, and happiness guru Arthur Brooks is offering advice to maximize gratitude into the new year. Host of the “How to Build a Better Life” podcast says Thanksgiving offers a helpful psychology, and that an emphasis on being “grateful, not cheerful” can improve mental health. Next, on this Cyber Monday, Amber Venz Box discusses the rise of live shopping on social media via influencers or creators. She co-founded LTK, a platform that helps influencers earn commissions by connecting them with brands to promote and sell products on social media. She says over a thousand creators on her platform are now millionaires. Plus, President Biden pardoned his son, Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger has retired, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares has stepped down, and President-elect Trump has picked Charles Kushner for ambassador to France and Kash Patel for FBI director. Arthur Brooks - 17:20 Amber Venz Box - 31:38 In this episode: Arthur Brooks, @arthurbrooks Amber Venz Box, @AmberVenzBox Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Black Friday is here, and while many shoppers are hitting the malls, others are taking advantage of deals on social media. Marketing and social media expert Gary Vaynerchuk highlights the rise of live shopping on social media as a potential disruption to the retail industry. Influencers are making millions of dollars each month through live shopping events on TikTok, he says, much like QVC. Next, Dr. Scott Gottlieb gives his perspective on the future of health care as President-elect Trump’s transition team takes shape, including Trump’s pick of RFK Jr. as health secretary. CNBC’s wealth reporter Robert Frank shares the impact philanthropy has had on the net worth of America’s richest people–and explains why Warren Buffett has already shared his will with his family. Plus, the FTC has launched an antitrust investigation into Microsoft, and Moana 2, Wicked and Gladiator II had a successful Thanksgiving. Dr. Scott Gottlieb - 21:19 Gary Vaynerchuk - 34:52 In this episode: Gary Vaynerchuk, @garyvee Scott Gottlieb, @ScottGottliebMD Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Steve Liesman, @steveliesman Robert Frank, @robtfrank Zach Vallese, @zachvallese

In this bonus episode of Squawk Pod, the beloved “Roundball Rock” NBA theme song could make a return to NBC. CNBC’s Alex Sherman shares the latest on the rights to the iconic song and whether fans will hear it when the NBA returns to NBC starting in 2025. The Roundball Rock composer himself, John Tesh, heard us squawking about his song and reacted to it on his podcast. Tesh then joined Squawk Box to share his perspective on the likelihood of a rights deal and his song making a comeback. In this episode: Alex Sherman, @sherman4949 John Tesh, @JohnTeshMedia Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Israel and Hezbollah reached a permanent ceasefire agreement overnight after nearly 14 months of fighting. In Washington, CNBC’s Eamon Javers discusses the latest picks for Trump’s economic team, and in Silicon Valley, OpenAI is allowing employees to sell about $1.5 billion worth of shares in a new tender offer to SoftBank. Wall Street Journal columnist Peggy Noonan is turning her nearly 25-year-old “Declarations” column into a book. After years of speech writing for Ronald Reagan and writing on American politics, Noonan reflects on our nation’s journey to Trumpian conservatism. Plus, this Thanksgiving, a Squawk Box tradition: Butterball is back with its Turkey Talk-Line, helping holiday cooks avoid turkey turmoil. Supervisor Bill Nolan shares this year’s turkey trends and tips for the perfect bird. Eamon Javers - 03:23 Peggy Noonan - 17:28 Bill Nolan - 28:52 In this episode: Peggy Noonan, @Peggynoonannyc Eamon Javers, @EamonJavers Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Zach Vallese, @zachvallese

President-elect Trump says he plans to raise tariffs by an additional 10% on China and impose 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada. CNBC’s Megan Cassella talks through the latest reporting on Trump’s plans for tariffs on day one of his administration. Next, the U.S. has finalized a $7.9B award to Intel to fund chips projects. Chris Miller, Tufts Fletcher School professor and ‘Chip War’ author, discusses the future of semiconductor legislation in a second Trump administration, as well as the global competition for US chipmakers. Ahead of Thanksgiving, chef, restaurateur, and Eataly partner Lidia Bastianich shares her turkey dinner tips amid rising food prices and her experiments with a surprising ingredient: crickets. Plus, Walmart pulls back on DEI efforts and Qualcomm’s interest in taking over Intel is reportedly waning. Megan Cassella - 03:51 Chris Miller - 19:23 Lidia Bastianich - 27:55 In this episode: Megan Cassella, @mmcassella Chris Miller, @crmiller1 Lidia Bastianich, @LidiaBastianich Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie