Squawk Pod

Elon Musk has spoken out against President Trump’s mega-bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination” in a recent post on X. As the Senate negotiates changes to that reconciliation bill, Senator Ron Johnson is pushing to split the legislation into at least two parts to address his concerns about government spending. Plus, former eBay and StockX CEO Scott Cutler is now leading HealthEquity, where he’s taking on the challenges and promises of flexible savings accounts for U.S. employees. Ron Johnson - 16:37 Scott Cutler - 35:38 In this episode: Senator Ron Johnson Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

We’re trying something new! The 5 things you need to know before the stock market opens today: President Trump tries to make a deal with China’s President Xi, The White House sent Congress a $9.4B rescissions package, the Bank of Japan is worried about U.S. tariffs hurting exports, challenges at Nissan, and shareholders rebuke Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav. Squawk Box is hosted by Joe Kernen, Becky Quick and Andrew Ross Sorkin. Follow Squawk Pod for the best moments, interviews and analysis from our TV show in an audio-first format. Let us know what you think of Squawk Pod by leaving a comment or review!

Partners at 1789 Capital Donald Trump Jr. and Omeed Malik are betting on building the “Amazon of guns” through GrabAGun’s SPAC deal. Both discuss their “ideological investments” and the future of conservatism, and Trump Jr. weighs in on his father’s $TRUMP meme coin. After Lester Holt hosted his last Nightly News, Tom Llamas stepped into the role. Llamas explains how he sees his role as a mainstream journalist in the current news environment. Plus, Chicago Fed president Austan Goolsbee and Dallas Fed president Lorie Logan have spoken out on inflation, Neuralink has raised $650m in fresh capital, and CNBC’s Courtney Reagan itemizes the costs of tariffs in retail. Donald Trump Jr. & Omeed Malik - 14:30 Courtney Reagan - 38:33 Tom Llamas - 45:37 In this episode: Donald J. Trump Jr., @DonaldJTrumpJr Omeed Malik, @RealOmeedMalik Courtney Reagan, @courtreagan Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

In a roughly $1 billion deal, Roark Capital has added Dave’s Hot Chicken to its portfolio of Auntie Anne’s, Subway, and Dunkin’. CEO of the chicken chain Bill Phelps recounts the company’s journey from folding tables in a parking lot to hundreds of locations around the world. The reconciliation bill has moved from the House to the Senate; Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma) serves as the legislation’s liaison between both branches of Congress and the White House, and he’s confident that the Senate’s changes to the bill will remain cosmetic, rather than structural. Plus, a moment from Squawk Box made it to the Oval Office, and the state of trade and tariffs is still in flux. Mike Santelli - 15:12 Sen. Markwayne Mullin - 21:05 Bill Phelps - 34:14 In this episode: Markwayne Mullin, @SenMullin Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

We’re trying something new! The 5 things you need to know before the stock market opens today: the big, beautiful bill hits the U.S. Senate, the Trump Administration continues to find ways to cut costs, Ukraine lands a strategic hit on Russia, good news for travelers at Newark Airport and the power of Lilo & Stitch. Squawk Box is hosted by Joe Kernen, Becky Quick and Andrew Ross Sorkin. Follow Squawk Pod for the best moments, interviews and analysis from our TV show in an audio-first format. Let us know what you think of Squawk Pod by leaving a comment or review.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer explains the current state of negotiations with America’s trade partners, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s comment that trade talks with China are “stalled” and President Trump’s latest accusation that China violated its preliminary trade agreement. Ambassador Greer discusses the seesaw of politcy progress around the world. Elon Musk is winding down his time at DOGE, and Ulta Beauty is upbeat on consumer spend. Plus, wellness and supplement company AG1 is worth over $1B, and CEO Kat Cole is aiming for even more medicine cabinets. Amb. Jamieson Greer - 17:17 Kat Cole - 38:30 In this episode: Jamieson Greer, @USTradeRep Kat Cole, @KatColeATL Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby discusses the future of flights out of Newark, the time horizon for supersonic air travel, and regulatory scrutiny on his industry. CNBC’s Phil Lebeau has the details on United’s new collaboration with JetBlue, aimed to add value for frequent flyers of each respective airline. Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget president Maya MacGuineas issues a warning on government spending. The reconciliation bill making its way through Congress doesn’t restrict spending enough, according to the CRFB. Plus, Nvidia lost billions in the Chinese market last quarter, Elon Musk has hinted at a pullback from his DOGE role, and President Trump is pushing back against the “Trump Always Chickens Out” trade on Wall Street. Megan Cassella - 06:03 Phil LeBeau - 22:13 Scott Kirby - 24:39 Maya MacGuineas - 45:17 In this episode: Megan Cassella, @mmcassella Phil LeBeau, @Lebeaucarnews Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon discusses the Trump administration’s feud with Harvard, as well as the idea of taxing well-endowed universities more like corporations. Bonnie Hammer, former Vice Chair of NBCUniversal and dubbed the “queen of cable,” discusses the future of streamed and linear content. This graduation season, Hammer warns that AI could be more a hindrance than a help for fresh applicants on the job hunt. Plus, Elon Musk has expressed doubts about the GOP’s “big, beautiful bill,” and CNBC’s MacKenzie Sigalos is in Las Vegas with the crypto world for Bitcoin 2025. MacKenzie Sigalos - 07:30 Linda McMahon - 16:21 Bonnie Hammer - 30:20 In this episode: Sec. Linda McMahon, @EDSecMcMahon MacKenzie Sigalos, @KenzieSigalos Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

After a whiplash weekend of trade news, the U.S. will institute a 50% tariff on goods from the EU, starting in July. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett discusses the goals for ongoing negotiations and offers a hint at new trade deals coming soon. Ray Washburne sits on the boards of Sunoco and Red Lobster, and he’s invested in luxury retail centers, offices, and restaurants. Based on his exposure to the American consumer, Washburne warns about consumer debt and suggests watching diesel as a barometer for U.S. economic and consumer health. Plus, Disney’s live-action remake of “Lilo and Stitch” led the box office over the long weekend, Japan’s long-dated bond yields have fallen, and Elon Musk will now be “super focused” on X, xAI, and Tesla. Ray Washburne - 14:20 Kevin Hassett - 31:37 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Co-founder and co-chairman of the Carlyle Group David Rubenstein addresses President Trump’s latest social media post threatening a 25% tariff on Apple iPhones made outside the U.S., as well as the bond market and the ongoing tension between America’s Ivy League institutions and the Oval Office. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz explains his perspective on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s “Make America Healthy Again” effort and proposed changes to Medicaid work requirements and SNAP benefits. Plus, President Trump hosted a dinner with top holders of the $TRUMP meme coin, and the Supreme Court ruled that the President could fire some leaders of independent federal agencies. However, SCOTUS strongly suggested that terminations at the Federal Reserve would be handled differently. MacKenzie Sigalos - 08:16 David Rubenstein - 19:49 Dr. Mehmet Oz - 41:54 In this episode: Dr. Mehmet Oz, @DrOzCMS David Rubenstein, @DM_Rubenstein MacKenzie Sigalos, @KenzieSigalos Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

After a near all-nighter of debate and amendments, House lawmakers passed President Trump’s mega-bill. CNBC’s Emily Wilkins explains the long road to a tight vote, and Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) discusses his own shift from a “nay” to a “yea” vote. Rep. Roy is hopeful that more revisions will be made during the legislation’s next stop in the Senate, namely those addressing his concerns about the deficit and Medicaid. OpenAI is bringing in ex-Apple innovator and designer Jony Ive to build a new, mystery project. In Washington, authorities have identified and detained the gunman in the killing of two Israel embassy staff. Plus, ahead of the holiday weekend, Brian Kelly (The Points Guy) shares travel trends among Americans. Steve Kovach - 4:28 Rep. Chip Roy - 17:29 Brian Kelly - 30:17 In this episode: Emily Wilkins,@emrwilkins Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

On this special episode of Squawk Pod, media icon Barry Diller reflects on his career and the release of his new memoir Who Knew. He discusses launching Fox with Rupert Murdoch, a bitter legal feud with John Malone, and high-stakes negotiations. Diller offers his insights into the evolving media landscape, warning that tech giants now control the industry’s future. He also opens up about his personal life lessons, his marriage to Diane von Furstenberg, and how fear shaped his fearlessness in business. An important conversation with one of media’s most influential figures. Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin

GOP leaders are working to finalize President Trump’s cornerstone legislation: a massive tax bill, with Speaker Mike Johnson pushing for a floor vote in the House as early as tonight. CNBC’s Emily Wilkins reports the latest developments from Washington. Deputy Treasury Secretary and Acting IRS Commissioner Michael Faulkender discusses the reconciliation bill, budget details, Medicaid reforms, efforts to reduce the federal deficit, the state of the IRS, and plans to modernize the agency. And, internet search is changing drastically; Cloudflare co-founder and CEO Matthew Prince weighs the impact of zero-click searches – where a user gets answers and information without further links and AI’s disruption of the search and creator economies. Meanwhile, Target lowers its sales outlook, citing tariff uncertainty and backlash over its DEI policy rollback. Plus, the FAA extends flight restrictions at Newark airport through June due to an air traffic controller shortage and ongoing technical issues. Michael Faulkender 25:46 Matthew Prince 40:04 Emily Wilkins, @emrwilkins Courtney Reagan, @courtreagan Michael Faulkender, @TreasuryDepSec Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

After conducting over 300 interviews and spending seven years reporting on artificial intelligence, tech journalist and Empire of AI author Karen Hao discusses the story behind OpenAI and its founder Sam Altman, the current state of AI development, the potential risks and benefits of the technology, and the company's relationship with Microsoft. Then, Mike Gallagher, head of defense at Palantir Technologies and former U.S. Congressman, shares insights on the U.S.-China tech conflict, the dangers of using Huawei chips, the role of American companies operating in China, and the future of Taiwan. Plus, Home Depot reaffirmed its full-year guidance and said it will not raise prices due to tariffs, and Republicans are making progress on advancing a bill aligned with former President Trump’s agenda in the House. Mike Gallagher 19:52 Karen Hao 29:20 Emily Wilkins,@emrwilkins Mike Gallagher, @RepGallagher Karen Hao, @_KarenHao Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Zach Vallese, @zachvallese

The House Budget Committee advanced President Trump’s multi trillion-dollar domestic policy package Sunday night, just two days after conservatives voted to reject it. CNBC’s Eamon Javers reports on this and President Trump’s clash with Walmart over tariff-driven price hikes. Walter Isaacson, biographer and Tulane professor, discusses gene editing breakthroughs and biotech innovation amid federal funding cuts, as well as the White House’s relationship with corporate America’s leaders. Then, Business Roundtable CEO Josh Bolten weighs in on how CEOs are responding to Trump-era policies, including the President’s trade agenda. Plus, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals has announced plans to acquire most of 23andMe’s assets for $256 million. Walter Issacson 18:22 Josh Bolten 28:39 In this episode: Eamon Javers, @EamonJavers Walter Isaacson, @WalterIsaacson Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Zach Vallese, @zachvallese

As President Trump wraps up his trip to the Middle East, Yale’s School of Management Jeffrey Sonnenfeld discusses the president’s comments about Apple CEO Tim Cook, as well as what they indicate about the relationships between corner offices and the oval office. Galaxy’s Mike Novogratz has been a crypto bull for years; today, his company lists on the Nasdaq in the latest chapter of society’s “orange pilling” of crypto. Novogratz discusses the mainstream adoption of blockchain technology and macroeconomics. CNBC’s MacKenzie Sigalos shares Eric Trump’s comments on his family’s bitcoin venture. Plus, cable companies Charter and Cox are merging, New Jersey Transit engineers are on strike, and Tiktok has launched a guided meditation for kids. Jeffrey Sonnenfeld - 13:29 MacKenzie Sigalos - 24:25 Mike Novogratz - 27:18 In this episode: Michael Novogratz, @novogratz MacKenzie Sigalos, @KenzieSigalos Kelly Evans, @KellyCNBC Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian is doubling down on his bets on women’s sports with a minority stake in the Chelsea Women FC. Ohanian discusses the future of sports and media, as well as the latest controversy over AI bots on Reddit. In Qatar, President Trump has a bone to pick with Apple CEO Tim Cook, and investor Steve Cohen made a call about the likelihood of recession at the Sohn Conference in New York. Plus, Warren Buffett has explained why he’s ready to step down from Berkshire Hathaway, and Dick’s Sporting Goods has agreed to buy Foot Locker. Alexis Ohanian - 17:24 In this episode: Alexis Ohanian, @alexisohanian Kelly Evans, @KellyCNBC Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

As President Trump begins his second day in the Middle East, lawmakers in the House in Washington are working out the details of a reconciliation bill. Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy explains what’s on the table and what’s likely to pass, this time around. He also discusses the growing concerns about the Qatari royal family’s offer to gift President Trump a plane to replace Air Force One. Retired Commander of the U.S. forces in Afghanistan General Stanley McChrystal discusses the current character of America, including partisan politics. Plus, Tesla CEO Elon Musk may have a new pay package option, fintech Chime has filed for an IPO, and the FAA will meet with major airlines to discuss solutions to issues at Newark Liberty International Airport. General Stanley McChrystal 12:52 Kevin McCarthy 25:07 In this episode: Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) is pitching a universal savings account starting at birth, and he has a partner in Silicon Valley: Altimeter’s Brad Gerstner. Gerstner is in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum kicks off with President Trump, Elon Musk, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, and many other CEOs and leaders. At the Newark Liberty International Airport, flights are delayed amid communication issues and a shortage of air traffic controllers. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy explains the many issues facing America’s air traffic system, including outdated technology and a backlog of air traffic controllers in training. Plus, House Republicans are inching closer to a tax plan. Sen. Ted Cruz & Brad Gerstner - 15:37 Sec. Sean Duffy - 35:07 In this episode: Sean Duffy, @SecDuffy Ted Cruz, @SenTedCruz Brad Gerstner, @altcap Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

After a weekend of negotiations in Switzerland, the U.S. and China have agreed to a 90-day pause on most of their tariffs. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was in the negotiating room, and in his first interview since the meeting, he suggests more meetings between the countries are still to come. CNBC’s Julianna Tatelbaum reports on the news from Geneva, and stateside, the markets recovered most of their losses since March 2nd in early trading immediately following the truce. CNBC’s Phil LeBeau reports on the ground delay currently in effect at Newark Liberty International, the latest issue for the beleaguered airport. Plus, according to sources, President Trump is poised to accept a luxury jet from the Qatari royal family, which he would then use as Air Force One. Julianna Tatelbaum - 04:41 Scott Bessent - 17:43 Phil LeBeau - 32:26 In this episode: Scott Bessent, @SecScottBessent Phil LeBeau, @Lebeaucarnews Julianna Tatelbaum, @CNBCJulianna Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie