Squawk Pod

UnitedHealth stock fell on a Wall Street Journal report that the DOJ is investigating the insurer’s Medicare billing protocol. Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb explains the nuances of the health insurance system, and he considers how the Trump administration will handle rising cases of bird flu. And big news from Coinbase: CEO Brian Armstrong says the SEC will drop its case against the company. Armstrong explains his approach to regulation in a new administration, the future of memecoins, and the merit in prediction markets. CNBC’s Robert Frank discusses the IRS plan to cut 6% of its workforce. Plus, Meta has approved a plan for bigger bonuses for some executives. Robert Frank - 10:23 Dr. Scott Gottlieb - 18:40 Brian Armstrong - 32:57 In this episode: Robert Frank, @robtfrank Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

President Trump has declared New York City “saved” from congestion pricing in a recent Truth Social post. President and CEO of the Partnership for New York Kathryn Wylde weighs in whether the state is his to save, and shares the pros and cons for the city’s plan. Palantir is plunging after the CEO Alex Karp unveiled his share sale plan, and President Trump is weighing a plan to offer DOGE dividends. Plus, Andrew Ross Sorkin has written a new book! “1929: The Inside Story of the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History” is out in October. Kathryn Wylde - 21:28 In this episode: Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has met with NYC officials amid resignations and corruption and quid pro quo allegations in Mayor Eric Adams’s office. NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, who attended Gov. Hochul’s meeting and is currently running against Mayor Adams in the 2025 mayoral race, explains his concerns about a “leadership vacuum” in New York. Lander weighs in on immigration policy and the city’s future. President Trump has moved to expand the White House’s authority in his second term; UC Berkeley law professor and former official in President George W. Bush’s Department of Justice John Yoo explains the tension between the branches of government, as well as the constitutional implications of President Trump’s executive orders. Plus, DOGE’s power and 25% tariffs are brewing–and concerning–for pharma companies and autos. Happy Birthday, Andrew! Brad Lander - 15:01 John Yoo - 32:58 In this episode: Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Palantir CEO and co-founder Alex Karp has written a new book: “The Technological Republic: Hard Power, Soft Belief, and the Future of the West.” Karp explains his call to arms for Silicon Valley, underscoring the geopolitics ingrained in Western tech innovation. In Riyadh, the Saudis hosted the U.S. and Russia for discussions to end the Ukraine-Russia War–without the Ukrainians or any other Europeans. Former Deputy National Security Advisor to President Trump Victoria Coates explains the significance of the meetings and what it might portend for geopolitics, including global energy markets, and access to rare earth minerals in Ukraine. Plus, four officials have resigned from the NYC Mayor’s office amid calls for Mayor Adams’ own resignation, and a Delta plane crash in Toronto resulted in zero fatalities. Phil LeBeau - 10:08 Victoria Coates - 18:09 Alex Karp - 27:48 In this episode: Phil LeBeau, @Lebeaucarnews Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Maryland's proposed tax overhaul aims to address a $3 billion budget deficit by increasing taxes on the wealthiest residents. Governor Wes Moore discusses the details of the state’s new budget proposal, weighing spending cuts versus raising taxes and strategies to spur growth in the state. Then, "Saturday Night Live" celebrates its 50th anniversary with a special three-hour live broadcast. Former and current cast members including Alex Moffat, Garrett Morris, Taran Killam, Jay Pharoah, and Chloe Fineman crash the Squawk set to discuss the show's 50-year legacy. Plus, CNBC's Eamon Javers analyzes President Donald Trump's flurry of executive orders, and GameStop explores potential investments in bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. Eamon Javers - 02:16 Gov. Wes Moore - 18:09 SNL Cast - 29:25 Eamon Javers, @EamonJavers Saturday Night Live Cast, @nbcsnl Wes Moore, @GovWesMoore Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Kelly Evans, @KellyCNBC Zach Vallese, @zachvallese

Elon Musk will withdraw his $97.4 billion bid for OpenAI’s nonprofit arm if the ChatGPT maker stops its conversion into a for-profit entity, according to a court filing. Geoff Lewis, Bedrock founder and an investor in OpenAI, discusses AI competition, Elon Musk, and more. President Trump announced new 25% tariffs on all steel and aluminum imports into the U.S., on top of existing metals duties, in another major escalation of his trade policy overhaul. Jeff Currie, Carlyle chief strategy officer of energy pathways, discusses the impact of President Trump’s tariffs on commodities, producer inflation, and the state of U.S. oil production. Plus, Alibaba says it will be Apple’s AI partner in China, and President Trump announced his call with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, during which they discussed negotiating to end the war in Ukraine. Geoff Lewis - 8:46 Jeff Currie - 17:20 In this episode: Geoff Lewis, @GeoffLewisOrg Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

President Trump and Elon Musk defended DOGE’s sweeping government reforms during a joint Oval Office appearance, highlighting their effort to curb what they call excessive federal spending. Trump signed an executive order providing new guidelines for agencies to implement DOGE, reinforcing Musk’s vision of a leaner bureaucracy. Joe Lonsdale, 8VC founding partner, Palantir co-founder, and friend of Elon Musk, shares his thoughts on Musk’s growing role in DC, his $97B+ bid for OpenAI, and the debate over carried interest. CNBC’s Phil LeBeau reports on whether the U.S. has hit peak truck and SUV demand, Disney, Goldman Sachs, and PBS are rolling back aspects of their DEI programs, and JPMorgan Chase workers are pushing back on the five-day office mandate. Joe Lonsdale 17:10 Phil LeBeau 37:34 Joe Lonsdale, @JTLonsdale5 Phil Lebeau, @Lebeaucarnews Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Hamas has postponed its next hostage release, alleging Israel of breaching their ceasefire agreement. Amos Hochstein, former Biden senior advisor and lead broker of the Israel-Lebanon deal, maps out the next incremental steps toward a stable Middle East. In the U.S., a judge has blocked the Trump administration’s proposed cuts to the National Institutes of Health's research funding. Dr. Scott Gottlieb addresses the potential impacts of these funding reductions on clinical studies, and he considers potential cuts to the FDA, as well. Elon Musk is leading an investor group’s $97.4B offer to take over OpenAI; CEO Sam Altman confirmed to CNBC, he is not taking it seriously. Plus, President Trump has paused enforcement of a law banning US companies from bribing foreign officials, claiming it puts American firms at a disadvantage. Amos Hochstein - 15:49 Dr. Scott Gottlieb - 28:34 In this episode: Amos Hochstein, @amoshochstein Dr. Scott Gottlieb, @ScottGottliebMD Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Yesterday, the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 to win their second Lombardi Trophy at Super Bowl 59. In interviews before and after the game, President Trump announced he would ask Elon Musk to review the Education Department’s spending and suggested “irregularities” at the Treasury. CNBC’s Eamon Javers wraps up the latest Trump administration headlines, and NEC Director Kevin Hassett addresses President Trump's comments on the Treasury and his newly announced tariffs on foreign steel and aluminum. Plus, EDO CEO Kevin Krim discusses the Super Bowl’s winners and losers–in commercials, that is. Kevin Hassett 17:30 Kevin Krim 33:26 In this episode: Eamon Javers, @EamonJavers Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Reps. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) and Darin LaHood (R-IL) are pushing bipartisan legislation to ban Chinese AI app DeepSeek on government devices. The two lawmakers discuss their concerns about CCP espionage on American data. Also in Washington, the Trump administration offered buyouts to millions to federal workers as part of a “deferred resignation” program, but a federal judge paused the offer just 11 hours before the deadline to accept. President of the American Federation of Government Employees Everett Kelley discusses Elon Musk’s effort to trim the budget fat, arguing that there’s a better way to go about doing it. Plus, the US economy added 143,000 jobs in January, and new Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent assures the American people that DOGE’s access to the Treasury is an “operational review, not an ideological review.” Reps. Josh Gottheimer & Darin LaHood - 14:38 Everett Kelley - 24:56 In this episode: Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

DOGE’s cuts in Washington have begun; former Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney explains the costs of running the government, the friction between Congress and the White House, and Elon Musk’s grand plan for efficiency. As we close in on the Super Bowl, CNBC’s Contessa Brewer reports on the game day bets, and sports entrepreneur Rich Kleiman discusses the networking opportunities for NFL players on and off the field in New Orleans. Kleiman, Kevin Durant’s longtime NBA agent, also weighs in on NBA trades. Plus, U.S. lawmakers are pushing to ban DeepSeek on government devices. Mick Mulvaney - 18:24 Rich Kleiman - 34:19 In this episode: Rich Kleiman, @richkleiman Contessa Brewer, @contessabrewer Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

China has retaliated against President Trump’s tariffs with trade restrictions on American imports. CNBC’s Eunice Yoon is on the ground in Beijing, reporting on the CCP’s strategy. In DC, CNBC’s Megan Cassella explains the status of tariff negotiations between the U.S. and both Canada and Mexico. Amazon Prime Vice President Jamil Ghani weighs in on the tariffs’ impact on his own business. Amazon’s competitors Temu and Shein may feel the squeeze from President Trump’s executive order eliminating a de minimis provision. Amazon’s Chinese sellers may also get hit by these changes. Plus, tech investor and Tesla bull Cathie Wood shares her big ideas for 2025. The Ark Invest CIO and CEO explains why she’s long bitcoin, humanoid robots, and robotaxis. Cathie Wood - 17:30 Jamil Ghani - 34:23 In this episode: Cathie Wood, @CathieDWood Eunice Yoon, @onlyyoontv Megan Cassella, @mmcassella Steve Liesman, @steveliesman Michael Santoli, @michaelsantoli Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

President Trump’s plans for tariffs on Canada and Mexico have prompted promises of retaliation from Canada, as well as concerns of a brewing trade war among America’s neighbors. In a newsmaking interview, the Trump administration’s National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett underscores a “misinterpretation” of President Trump’s executive order on tariffs. He says, it’s a drug war, not a trade war. CNBC’s Megan Cassella reports on the details of tariffs and their looming deadline, Phil LeBeau discusses their impact on the auto industry, and Steve Liesman explains the economic calculus of trade, the potential of recession for Canada, and the trajectory of the American economy. Plus, Elon Musk hosted a Spaces discussion on X late Sunday evening. CNBC’s Steve Kovach reports on the big takeaways, including Musk’s comment that President Trump gave him permission to end USAID. Megan Cassella - 03:56 Phil Lebeau - 08:29 Steve Kovach - 13:25 Kevin Hassett - 25:06 Steve Liesman - 42:23 In this episode: Phil LeBeau, @Lebeaucarnews Steve Liesman, @steveliesman Megan Cassella, @mmcassella Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Jason Wright has ended his tenure leading the NFL Washington Commanders and has joined Ariel Investments co-CEO Mellody Hobson in a women’s sports investing venture. The venture, Project Level, is a part owner in the newest National Women’s Soccer League franchise in Denver. The two leaders discuss investing in women’s sports and betting on diversity in boardrooms to boost corporate bottom lines. Plus, President Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services appeared on Capitol Hill for two intense days of confirmation hearings. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. answered Senator questions about Medicare, Medicaid, and vaccinations, but former FDA Commissioner and Pfizer board member Dr. Scott Gottlieb said RFK’s responses showed a failure to fully grasp the fundamentals of the current healthcare system. Plus, the clock is ticking on President Trump’s tariffs on Canada and Mexico. CNBC’s Steve Liesman breaks down the economics of the plans. Steve Liesman - 06:25 Dr. Scott Gottlieb - 15:46 Mellody Hobson & Jason Wright - 26:55

In the wake of the deadly aircraft crash over the Potomac River outside of the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, CNBC’s Phil LeBeau and Eamon Javers report the details of the fallout. American Airlines pilot and spokesman for the Allied Pilots Association Dennis Tajer explains how planes typically navigate the heavy flow of air traffic around this airport. Separately, Blackstone’s President and COO Jon Gray explains his firm’s multibillion dollar bets on AI infrastructure on the heels of impressive quarterly financial results. Jon Gray - 17:05 In this episode: Phil LeBeau, @Lebeaucarnews Eamon Javers, @EamonJavers Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Leslie Picker, @LesliePicker Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

With DeepSeek continuing to dominate the tech headlines, LinkedIn Co-Founder Reid Hoffman weighs in on the state of the AI race and the level of competition as the U.S. and China gear up for an innovation stand-off. Also, the market tries to keep up with the tech world’s reaction to DeepSeek. Plus, billionaire Elon Musk is working with Boeing to find ways to deliver delayed Air Force One replacements faster. And, the Trump administration has unfrozen a freeze on federal grants and loans, while Starbucks reported earnings that beat estimates. Reid Hoffman - 15:40 In this episode: Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Michael Santoli, @michaelsantoli Leslie Picker, @LesliePicker Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Reid Hoffman, @reidhoffman

The fate of the Panama Canal hangs in balance as lawmakers spar over whether the U.S. will try to take control of it. Texas Senator Ted Cruz, chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, offers his thoughts on the geopolitical battle ahead of the committee’s hearing. Plus, MSNBC’s Chris Hayes gives a preview of his new book, “The Sirens' Call: How Attention Became the World's Most Endangered Resource,” discussing how tech companies have monetized attention. Also, President Donald Trump says China's DeepSeek AI “should be a wake-up call” for American tech companies, Google says it will change Gulf of Mexico to ‘Gulf of America’ in the Maps app, and short seller Andrew Left is looking to dismiss his fraud case with the Justice Department. Ted Cruz - 17:59 Chris Hayes - 30:21 In this episode: Sen. Ted Cruz, @tedcruz Chris Hayes, @chrislhayes Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

A massive market sell-off prompts discussion – and fear – around Chinese AI startup DeepSeek; the company’s latest large language model innovation has displaced OpenAI’s ChatGPT in popularity and, possibly, effectiveness. AT&T CEO John Stankey weighs in on the rate of innovation and evolving business models, as well as the state of the wireless market. Plus, Former U.S. Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-North Carolina) discusses international technology and the future of TikTok. Relations between China and the U.S. have reached a possible inflection point. John Stankey - 19:12 Patrick McHenry - 31:00 In this episode: Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

In an extended interview at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff tells Andrew Ross Sorkin about the future of technology innovation. Benioff discusses AI, Microsoft, working with the Trump administration, and the White House’s joint venture Stargate, in partnership with SoftBank, OpenAI, and Oracle. Marc Benioff - 3:37 In this episode: Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

At the 55th annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Andrew Ross Sorkin sits down with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei. They discuss Anthropic’s large language model Claude, the future of artificial intelligence, and the AI arms race underway globally. Dario Amodei - 4:50 In this episode: Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY