Squawk Pod

In the final 24 hours until election day, media mogul Barry Diller, chairman of IAC and Expedia, discusses the state of the race and his support for Kamala Harris. He says if Harris wins, she should consider asking Elon Musk to serve on her cabinet to help with cutting government costs. Diller also weighs in on the likelihood of an Uber-Expedia deal and a Comcast spin-off. Plus, the Dow Jones Industrial Average is swapping Intel and Dow Inc for Nvidia and Sherman Williams, a Semafor report says policymakers have begun discussing whether Intel needs more assistance, Berkshire Hathaway sold another chunk of its Apple stake, and Salesforce Co-founder Marc Benioff is in talks to sell media company Time. Barry Diller - 16:34 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Oil giant Exxon Mobil reported quarterly results today that beat expectations. Ahead of the presidential election next week, Exxon CEO Darren Woods discusses oil prices, supply and demand, tariffs, Donald Trump’s “drill baby drill” perspective, and the California lawsuit over Exxon’s plastics waste. Next, Arthur Brooks, author and AEI president emeritus, gives a mood check on the country as we head into the election. He says, don’t let the election “ruin your life.” Plus, shares of Amazon and Intel are rising after earnings beat estimates, Boeing and its machinist union have negotiated a new contract offer, Sony is suing CBS over game show revenue from Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, and economists are parsing a “noisy” jobs report. Darren Woods - 14:40 Arthurt Brooks - 34:30 In this episode: Arthur Brooks, @arthurbrooks Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

After leaving Chipotle to lead Starbucks, CEO Brian Niccol has a plan to turn the iconic coffee brand around. Niccol sat for an exclusive interview with Andrew Ross Sorkin after his first eight weeks at the helm of Starbucks; he’s learning from three straight quarters of declining sales and implementing menu, pricing, and timing changes to the coffee chain. Next, SharkNinja manufactures appliances like robot vacuums, air fryers and ice cream makers, and CEO Mark Barrocas says, those are just the beginning. He discusses the company’s diversification and the impact tariffs could have on his business. Plus, a district attorney ordered Elon Musk to attend an emergency court hearing over his pledge to award $1 million to registered voters in Pennsylvania, eBay’s current quarter guidance fell short of expectations, and Comcast is exploring a separation of its cable networks business. Brian Niccol - 12:21 Mark Barrocas - 24:12 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Silicon Valley is split over the 2024 US Presidential election - Elon Musk and Mark Cuban are making waves, while Mark Zuckerberg has chosen to sit this one out. Chris Kelly, Kelly Investments founder and former Facebook general counsel and chief privacy officer, discusses the role of business leaders in this election, the future of Crypto, and Kelly’s support for Vice President Kamala Harris. CNBC’s Robert Frank reports on shares of Trump Media and its rollercoaster trading session. Trump owns nearly 57% of the company, which operates the Truth Social platform. His stake at Monday’s closing price was worth upward of $5.4 billion. Plus, Reddit’s bet on AI pays off and Starbucks ditches its olive-oil infused coffee. Chris Kelly - 2:27 In this episode: Robert Frank, @robtfrank Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

A Donald Trump presidency could be worse for the federal budget than a Harris presidency, according to a new report from the Committee For a Responsible Federal Budget. Either way the election goes, CNBC’s Eamon Javers says the deficit will grow. CNBC’s Steve Liesman considers why neither politicians nor the broader public seem to care about America’s soaring debt, and shares his concerns about the deficit’s economic impact. A week out from election day, Axios co-founder Mike Allen says the MAGA-World is confident. While the election seems like a coin flip, it could end up a landslide for either candidate. Plus, Trump Media shares surged and Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos published an op-ed defending the newspaper’s decision against endorsing a presidential candidate this election cycle. Mike Allen - 30:35 In this episode: Mike Allen, @mikeallen Eamon Javers, @EamonJavers Steve Liesman, @steveliesman Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Donald Trump held a rally at Madison Square Garden in New York on Sunday, kicking off his final appeal to voters as election day approaches. One rally speaker, Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Florida), joined the Squawk set the morning after, discussing a rally joke that sparked controversy and the vitriol surrounding this year’s election. Former Rep. Donna Edwards (D-Maryland) suggests that votes for Vice President Harris are votes for a forward-looking administration, and weighs in on the political tension across the country. Next, Robinhood is joining the election betting game alongside platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi. Despite polls indicating a close race, betting platforms favor former President Trump to win the White House. Kalshi co-founder Tarek Mansour discusses betting market accuracy, as well as competition between the betting platforms. Plus, Boeing announced a capital raise of $18.9 billion, and McDonalds has returned its Quarter Pounder to the menu following the E. coli outbreak. Tarek Mansour - 27:21 Rep. Byron Donalds, fmr. Rep. Donna Edwards - 11:03 In this episode: Rep. Byron Donalds, @ByronDonalds Fmr. Rep. Donna Edwards, @DonnaFEdwards Tarek Mansour, @mansourtarek_ Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that Elon Musk has spoken to Russian President Vladamir Putin multiple times since 2022. CNBC’s Eamon Javers discusses the details of the report and what we know so far, including what Putin reportedly asked of Musk, and whether these conversations were known by the US government. Joe Lonsdale, Palantir co-founder and long-time friend of Elon Musk, says he thinks it’s highly unlikely Musk broke rules related to national security. Lonsdale also discusses U.S. diplomacy in the Middle East and the potential of a Department of Government Efficiency, should Donald Trump win the election. Plus, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella asked for pay reduction in the wake of cybersecurity issues within the company, and tickets to this year’s World Series between the Dodgers and the Yankees have a steep price. Javers - 02:33 Lonsdale - 20:28 In this episode: Eamon Javers, @EamonJavers Joe Lonsdale, @JTLonsdale Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

The Federal Reserve will make its next decision on interest rates immediately following election day. Former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh is advising his former colleagues at the central bank to do less talking, and more thinking. Warsh considers the meaning of inflation, the role of the Fed, and offers his perspective on the last decision to cut rates by 50 basis points. The morning after Vice President Kamala Harris’ town hall with Anderson Cooper on CNN, pollster and strategist Frank Luntz explains why Harris may be struggling to win over persuadable voters. Steve Liesman breaks down CNBC’s latest election survey and explains the margin for error in both state and national polling. Plus, Boeing machinists on strike rejected the company’s latest labor contract, and Peloton’s stock is surging after an investor’s bullish comments. Kevin Warsh 19:11 Frank Luntz 36:44 In this episode: Phil LeBeau, @Lebeaucarnews Steve Liesman, @steveliesman Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Pershing Square Capital Management CEO Bill Ackman discusses why, after years as a “centrist,” he is supporting Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Comparing the Harris campaign with Trump's, the hedge funder says a Trump win is “in the best interest of the country.” Ackman also discusses the spread of misinformation online–including in his own posts. Plus, a conversation about treasury yields evolves into a spirited political debate, and billionaire Warren Buffett tells CNBC he will not endorse any political candidates, despite impersonators and misinformation about him on social media. Bill Ackman - 19:17 In this episode: Bill Ackman, @BillAckman Becky Quick,@BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer,@Kramer_Katie

Billionaire and legendary investor Paul Tudor Jones is raising alarms about the U.S. government’s fiscal deficit and the increased spending proposed by both presidential candidates. In an extended interview, he warns that more spending could trigger a sell-off in the bond market. In managing his portfolio, Paul Tudor Jones is betting on commodities and the Nasdaq–but not on fixed income. Plus, Federal Reserve presidents Neel Kashkari and Mary Daly are speaking out on monetary policy, Nike renews its contract with the NBA and WNBA, and TGI Friday’s is filing for bankruptcy. Paul Tudor Jones 13:06 In this episode: Paul Tudor Jones, @ptj_official Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Billionaire investor Mark Cuban hit the campaign trail for Vice President Kamala Harris this weekend in battleground states Arizona and Michigan, while fellow billionaire Elon Musk campaigned for former President Donald Trump in Pennsylvania. Cuban discusses why he’s supporting Harris, why he finds Donald Trump’s tariff plans to be “insane,” and explains that he’ll continue speaking his politics in spite of name calling on social media. Plus, Starboard Value has amassed a significant stake in Kenvue, consumer products brand formerly owned by Johnson & Johnson, and Disney announced a plan for chairman and for Bob Iger’s CEO successor reveal. Mark Cuban: 4:10 Alex Sherman: 30:23 In this episode: Mark Cuban, @mcuban Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Zach Vallese, @zachvallese

Israeli military forces killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar on Thursday, the architect of the Oct. 7 terror attacks on Israel last year. Council on Foreign Relations president emeritus Richard Haass considers whether Sinwar’s death will be a turning point in the war in Gaza. Next, MIT’s Simon Johnson was awarded the 2024 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences this week. Though he’s newly decorated, he emphasizes the importance of intellectual discourse in democracy. In election news, billionaires Mark Cuban and Elon Musk are hitting the (separate) campaign trails to support their respective picks for president, and Donald Trump’s gains on the election betting platform Polymarket may be inflated by a few big betters. Plus, CVS share prices plummeted as the company replaced its CEO. Richard Haass - 21:14 Simon Johnson - 35:18 In this episode: Richard Haass, @RichardHaass Simon Johnson, @baselinescene Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

After years of catering to mobile traders, Robinhood is launching “Robinhood Legend,” a new platform for desktop traders. CEO and co-founder Vlad Tenev joins from the first-ever Hood Summit in Miami to discuss the new platform and explain why he’s working on a separate AI project called Harmonic. Next, Meta has rolled out a new Instagram campaign to educate teens about "sextortion" scams online. Meta’s VP & Global Head of Safety Antigone Davis discusses new safety features and the challenge of keeping Meta’s platforms safe for its youngest users. Plus, Uber has discussed a bid for travel booking company Expedia, Vice President Harris gave a contentious interview with Fox News, and Gen X is most likely to max out their credit cards. Vlad Tenev - 19:30 Antigone Davis - 30:01 In this episode: Vlad Tenev, @vladtenev Antigone Davis, @DavisAntigone Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

United Airlines has announced a $1.5B share buyback program, its first since before the pandemic. The plan has inflamed an already contentious relationship between the airline and its flight attendants, who have been pushing for a new contract. The Association of Flight Attendants International President Sara Nelson calls the buyback a “big mistake” and argues that some of that money belongs to the airline’s workers. United CEO Scott Kirby responds to Nelson’s comments, insisting that flight attendants will get an “industry-leading” contract. Plus, Qualcomm might wait until after the election to decide whether to buy Intel and Tom Brady will soon be a part owner of the Las Vegas Raiders. Sara Nelson - 15:19 Scott Kirby - 24:02 In this episode: Sara Nelson, @FlyingWithSara Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Johnson & Johnson released higher-than-expected third-quarter earnings; CFO Joseph Wolk discusses the company’s performance, the latest updates on its talc subsidiary’s bankruptcy and his thoughts on the corporate tax rate heading into the 2024 election. Next, Vice President Harris released a new economic plan on Monday to give Black men more economic opportunities. Charles Phillips, Recognize co-founder and Black Economic Alliance co-chair, discusses the plan and why he’s supporting the Harris economic agenda. Plus, Fed Gov. Waller sees the need for “more caution” going forward with rate cuts, shares of Covergirl’s parent Coty fell after reporting weaker-than-expected revenue, and Tesla’s Optimus robots were assisted by humans at last week’s Cybercab event. Joseph Wolk - 14:53 Charles Phillips - 32:39 In this episode: Charles Phillips, @PhillipsCE Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

During SpaceX’s latest Starship test flight on Sunday, its launch tower successfully caught the rocket’s “Super Heavy” booster. “Elon Musk” Biographer Walter Isaacson discusses the latest SpaceX milestone, Tesla’s pivot to AI and robotics, and the Cybercab reveal. He also weighs how Musk’s endorsement of Fmr. Pres. Trump could impact Tesla’s performance. Next, CNBC’s Kate Rooney reports that Wall Street’s hedge funds are competing for an edge using AI, for example through quickly analyzing financial reports or avoiding the “emotional” pitfalls of trading. Plus, the latest national NBC News poll shows the two presidential candidates in a deadlocked race, Musk’s X drops Unilever from its advertising lawsuit, and Delta pauses its hot meal service on more than 200 Detroit flights because of a “food safety issue.” Walter Isaacson 12:22 In this episode: Water Isaacson, @WalterIsaacson Kate Rooney, @Kr00ney Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Zach Vallese, @zachvallese

Companies like SiriusXM and Sonos are using AI chat bots to make customer service experiences “delightful,” thanks to new conversational AI technology from Sierra. The company’s Co-Founders Bret Taylor, who is also the Chairman of OpenAI, and Clay Bavor discuss the new technology and the competitive AI landscape. Next, Tesla held its highly anticipated Cybercab event last night and CNBC’s Phil LeBeau recaps what we learned – and didn’t learn – about the new Cybercab and Robovan. Plus, AMD launched a new AI chip to rival Nvidia’s, Pres. Biden urged Congress to pass Hurricane Milton relief funding, and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang stops by the Squawk Box set for a surprise appearance! Brett Taylor & Clay Bavor 11:29 Phil LeBeau 27:15 In this episode: Bret Taylor, @btaylor Phil LeBeau, @Lebeaucarnews Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Hurricane Milton hit Florida overnight as a Category 3 storm, leaving millions without power. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis discusses the recovery efforts and federal response in his state after experiencing two hurricanes in a row. Walmart U.S. President and CEO John Furner joins from the company’s emergency command center to talk about Walmart’s efforts to help victims of both storms. Next, Arthur Brooks, Harvard Kennedy School professor and former AEI president, says as we head into election day, the more you pay attention to politics, the more unhappy you will be. Plus, CNBC’s Robert Frank gives insight on Fmr. President Donald Trump’s promise to end ‘double taxation’ for Americans living abroad and Fed officials are divided on whether to cut rates by half a point in September. John Furner 13:00 Gov. Ron DeSantis 18:28 Albert Brooks 30:48 In this episode: Robert Frank, @robtfrank Gov. Ron DeSantis, @GovRonDeSantis Arthur Brooks, @arthurbrooks Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

The U.S. budget deficit has hit $1.8T, according to the Congressional Budget Office. As both presidential candidates discuss how to combat the federal deficit, Budget Committee Chair Rep. Jodey Arrington, (R) Texas, weighs in. Next, Carson Daly, host of “The Voice” and co-host of the “TODAY” show, talks about tackling mental health issues alongside Phil Schermer, CEO of Project Healthy Minds, as the organization prepares for its World Mental Health Day festival and gala tomorrow. Plus, Hurricane Milton is set to make landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast between Wednesday night and early Thursday morning and the Dept. of Justice is considering a breakup of Google as an antitrust remedy. Eamon Javers - 07:18 Rep. Jodey Arrington - 17:32 Carson Daly & Phil Schermer - 31:56 In this episode: Rep. Jodey Arrington, @RepArrington Phil Schermer, @philschermer Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

As we enter the final month before the election, Pollster and Political Strategist Frank Luntz discusses Vice Pres. Kamala Harris’ strategy and string of media appearances, including an interview on “60 Minutes” on Monday. Next, Rep. Chuck Edwards, (R) North Carolina, discusses the Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in his district and the difficulty of accessing reliable on-the-ground information about the storm amid a rise in misinformation. For a list of hurricane relief resources to help the Helene victims, visit edwards.house.gov/helpWNC. Plus, Tampa braces for Hurricane Milton and Hindenburg Research shorts Roblox, alleging the company inflates user metrics to investors and has insufficient safeguards for its child gamers. Frank Luntz 12:17 Rep. Chuck Edwards 27:23 In this episode: Frank Luntz, @FrankLuntz Rep. Chuck Edwards, @RepChuckEdwards Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie