Squawk Pod

In remarks in the Rose Garden on April 2, President Trump announced steep tariff rates on many countries, including 34% on China, 20% on the European Union, 46% on Vietnam and 32% on Taiwan. Citi Wealth CIO Kate Moore explains the implications for the markets, and CNBC’s Steve Liesman explains the administration’s calculus in arriving at these numbers. Courtney Reagan and Phil LeBeau report on how retailers and automakers are navigating the changes. Finally, an extended interview with the official at the center of it all: Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Sec. Lutnick defends and explains the tariff strategy, underscoring his and the President’s hopes to bring manufacturing back on shore. Kate Moore - 11:21 Steve Liesman - 24:21 Phil LeBeau - 36:14 Courtney Reagan - 38:37 Howard Lutnick - 43:07 In this episode: Steve Liesman, @steveliesman Phil LeBeau, @Lebeaucarnews Courtney Reagan, @courtreagan Howard Lutnick, @howardlutnick Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

More details on President Trump’s tariff plans are imminent, but Ontario Premier Doug Ford says POTUS can spare the trouble; Canada would be willing to drop its own tariffs, if the United States agreed to drop tariffs, as well. TikTok US buyers are lining up, as the deadline for Bytedance’s divestiture looms. Plus, OpenAI has made its first investment in cybersecurity: Adaptive Security. The company’s co-founder and CEO Brian Long explains how to mitigate risks to your own security and offers a strange surprise: AI anchors. Doug Ford - 12:37 Brian Long - 27:24 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

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 - 16:57 Kate Rooney - 28:22 John Hope Bryant - 30:33 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Bill Cassidy, @SenBillCassidy John Hope Bryant, @johnhopebryant Kate Rooney, @Kr00ney

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 - 18:20 Dr. Scott Gottlieb - 29:53 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

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 - 20:29 Mike Intrator - 37:25 In this episode: Sen. Chris Coons, @ChrisCoons Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

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, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

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 - 14:53 David Rubenstein - 31:18 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

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 - 15:01 Jeffrey Katzenberg & Hari Ravishandran - 26:14 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

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 - 16:04 Dr. Scott Gottlieb - 28:43 In this episode: Dr. Scott Gottlieb, @ScottGottliebMD Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Melissa Lee, @MelissaLeeCNBC Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

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 - 16:07 Stan Smith - 30:16 In this episode: Melissa Lee, @MelissaLeeCNBC Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

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 - 08:57 Brian Moynihan - 15:58 In this episode: Eamon Javers, @EamonJavers Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

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 - 13:22 Mike Massimino - 24:28 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

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 - 16:51 Tim Higgins - 28:53 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

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 - 17:16 Jeff Sonnenfeld - 18:47 Jeff Sonnenfeld, @JeffSonnenfeld Leslie Picker, @LesliePicker Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

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 - 18:02 Mark Bertolini - 35:22 Andrew Ferguson, @AFergusonFTC Mark Bertolini, @mtbert Eamon Javers, @EamonJavers Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

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 - 09:14 Eunice Yoon - 16:13 Brad Gerstner - 22:51 Eunice Yoon, @onlyyoontv Eamon Javers, @EamonJavers Brad Gerstner, @altcap Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

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 - 13:56 Linda McMahon - 45:05 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

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 - 26:29 Erin and Abe Lichy - 41:17 In this episode: Erin Lichy, @Erindlichy Eamon Javers, @EamonJavers Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

In an extended interview, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discusses the Trump administration’s tariffs, including the timeline of his trip to Kiev and President Zelenskyy’s trip to Washington, DC. Secretary Bessent considers the strength of the U.S. dollar, President Trump’s executive order establishing a strategic bitcoin reserve, and what he calls the market’s “detox” from excessive government spending. Plus, CNBC’s MacKenzie Sigalos explains bitcoin’s reaction to the strategic reserve and the likelihood of foreign governments following suit. MacKenzie Sigalos - 08:33 Scott Bessent - 16:45 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

As the United States and Canada spar over tariffs, Karina Gould, a candidate for Canadian Prime Minister and former Canadian government House leader, explains Canada’s retaliation against the Trump administration’s tariffs and the Canadian frustration at the current relationship between neighbors. Then, pollster and political strategist Frank Luntz provides insights into swing voters 6 weeks into President Trump’s second term. Luntz discusses the public’s opinion on Elon Musk's influence in Washington and the economic messaging from the White House. Plus, some Senate Republicans push to codify DOGE cuts after meeting with Elon Musk, and automakers have one month’s reprieve from tariffs on autos coming into the U.S. from Mexico and Canada. Karina Gould - 14:02 Frank Luntz - 25:44 In this episode: Frank Luntz, @frankluntz Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY