Squawk Pod

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 Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy explains the many issues facing America’s air traffic system, including outdated technology and a backlog of air traffic controllers in training.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

In the latest global trade war development, India could be ready for a trade deal with the U.S. Ahead of the trade negotiations between the U.S. and China this weekend, CNBC contributor Michelle Caruso-Cabrera discusses the leverage of each nation and her observations on her recent trip to China with the Brookings Institution. In Washington, Emily Wilkins reports on the GOP’s tax package, including President Trump’s idea to raise taxes on top earners. Plus, shares of buy now, pay later platform Affirm fell after the company reported a beat on quarterly earnings but a disappointing revenue forecast. CEO and PayPal co-founder Max Levchin discusses the state of consumer spending, the rate of loan repayment delinquencies, and the evolution of payments. Emily Wilkins - 07:19 Max Levchin - 16:10 Michelle Caruso-Cabrera - 27:18 In this episode: Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, @MCaruso_Cabrera Max Levchin, @mlevchin Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

President Trump has reached a trade deal with the United Kingdom, and the Federal Reserve is keeping interest rates steady. The decision prompted a post from President Trump calling Fed Chair Jay Powell a “fool,” but one that he likes. CNBC’s Steve Liesman breaks down Chair Powell’s commentary and the latest economic data. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) discusses US competition in AI ahead of his hearing with tech leaders including OpenAI’s Sam Altman and AMD’s Lisa Su. Sen. Cruz discusses the Trump administration’s tariffs and price controls on Medicaid drugs. Plus, Scott Bok was chair of the University of Pennsylvania’s board when the university’s president was pushed out after the Israel-Hamas war began in 2023. In this episode, he discusses the shifting culture and politics both on and toward U.S. college campuses. Sen. Ted Cruz - 22:42 Scott Bok - 36:10 In this episode: Ted Cruz, @SenTedCruz Steve Liesman, @steveliesman Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

The U.S. and China will meet in Switzerland this weekend to negotiate global tariffs. Lazard CEO Peter Orszag discusses the likely outcome of that meeting, including what’s at stake for the global and domestic economies. Plus, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi discusses the company’s latest bookings results, including shifts in pricing for rides, the FTC’s lawsuit over Uber One, Uber’s expansion into Turkey, Uber’s lawsuit against Doordash, and consumer appetite for Uber Eats. Plus, India escalated tension with Pakistan, an appointment at the FDA has prompted a pharma stock drop, and Comcast’s cable spinoff has a name! Megan Cassella - 03:15 Dara Khosrowshahi - 16:45 Peter Orszag - 35:11 In this episode: Megan Cassella, @mmcassella Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Legendary investor and risk manager Paul Tudor Jones shares his concerns about AI in an extended interview. He argues, those who are creating and profiting from artificial intelligence should also be investing in its security. Barbie-maker Mattel will increase some toy prices to offset rising costs from tariffs. CEO Ynon Kreiz explains the toymaker’s supply chain in and out of China. Plus, Ford, pharmaceutical companies, and even Hollywood are also working to counter pressures from tariffs, OpenAI is making some changes to its structure, and concerns mount about safety at Newark airport. Ynon Kreiz - 20:40 Paul Tudor Jones - 28:21 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

In a surprise announcement at the 2025 Berkshire Hathaway Shareholder Meeting, Warren Buffett announced that Greg Abel will become CEO at year-end. Becky Quick is in Omaha recapping the highlights of that meeting and the shareholder reception to that moment. Meanwhile, Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square will invest $900 million in Howard Hughes, in a move that’s part of what Ackman considers his long-held ambition of building a company like Berkshire Hathaway. Check out the rest of CNBC’s Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting coverage here. Bill Ackman - 23:04 In this episode: Bill Ackman, @BillAckman Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

In the second of two extended episodes, listeners hear the news that will come to define Berkshire Hathaway’s 2025 Annual Shareholder Meeting: Warren Buffett plans to step down at year-end. In another two hours of questions and answers, Buffett shares his thoughts on his recommendation for successor, Greg Abel, as well as Berkshire Hathaway’s cash pile. Then, CNBC’s Becky Quick and Mike Santoli discuss Berkshire’s succession plan and the highlights from the meeting with board member Ron Olson. Representative French Hill (R-AR) and his son also join the team, having attended the annual meeting for decades. Listener’s Guide: Warren Buffett plans to step down at year-end - 1:57:10 Berkshire board member Ron Olson - 2:16:12 Rep. French Hill b block 2:37:00

In the first of two special supersized episodes, Warren Buffett answers Berkshire Hathaway shareholder questions for hours. Hear the Oracle of Omaha’s entire exchange with the tens of thousands of shareholders in Nebraska for this year’s meeting, including his perspective on global tariffs, his comments to Apple CEO Tim Cook, Berkshire’s cash pile, and his thoughts on investing in Japan. Plus, CNBC’s Becky Quick and Mike Santoli sit down with special guests at the meeting, including Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, Irv Blumkin, CEO of Nebraska Furniture Mart, and Berkshire Automotive CEO Jeff Rachor. Listener’s guide: Artisan Partners’ David Samra - 8:10 CNBC’s Steve Kovach - 17:00 Berkshire Automotive CEO Jeff Rachor - 25:05 Q&A Session 1 begins - 32:17 Warren Buffett addresses Apple CEO Tim Cook - 39:00 Warren Buffett addresses tariffs - 49:27 Warren Buffett addresses Japan - 55:17 Halftime Show with CNBC’s Becky Quick & Mike Santoli - 3:02:11 Irv Blumkin, CEO of Nebraska Furniture Mart C block - 3:13:13 Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick C block - 3:20:24 Berkshire portfolio managers - 3:17:36 Katie Kramer and shareholder - 3:27:46

“I’m an accidental guru.” He was irreverent, he was focused, he was one of the world’s most successful investors, and he was one of a kind. Billionaire investor Charlie Munger, the longtime right-hand man and close friend of Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett, died a few weeks shy of what would have been his 100th birthday. Becky Quick, Squawk Box co-host, interviewed Munger two weeks before his death in his home in Los Angeles. In Part 2 of this special conversation, Charlie Munger reflects on the childhood traumas that shaped him and the investing wins and losses that made his career. For more, revisit our 2021 Squawk Pod series, Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger: A Wealth of Wisdom. Squawk Pod is produced by Katie Kramer, Cameron Costa, Karoline Rouhotas and Zach Vallese. CNBC’s Managing Editor is Lacy O’Toole. John Lazration edited this podcast series.

“I’m an accidental guru.” He was irreverent, he was focused, he was one of the world’s most successful investors, and he was one of a kind. Billionaire investor Charlie Munger, the longtime right-hand man and close friend of Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett, died a few weeks shy of what would have been his 100th birthday. Becky Quick, Squawk Box co-host, interviewed Munger two weeks before his death in his home in Los Angeles. In the first part of this special conversation, Charlie Munger reflects on his century of life and the perspective and knowledge he gained in his final years. For more, revisit our 2021 Squawk Pod series, Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger: A Wealth of Wisdom. Squawk Pod is produced by Katie Kramer, Cameron Costa, Karoline Rouhotas and Zach Vallese. CNBC’s Managing Editor is Lacy O’Toole. John Lazration edited this podcast series.

Berkshire Hathaway lead director Sue Decker sits down with Becky Quick in Omaha, Nebraska, ahead of the annual shareholders meeting, where Warren Buffett will hold court. Decker discusses her board directorships at Berkshire and Costco, as well as Warren Buffett’s leadership. Tune into CNBC’s TV and digital channels this weekend to catch every minute of the 2025 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting coverage. Sue Decker - 04:00 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Becky Quick is in Omaha, Nebraska, awaiting the tens of thousands of Berkshire Hathaway investors attending the company’s annual shareholders meeting, where Warren Buffett will hold court. Longtime Berkshire shareholder and GAMCO CEO Mario Gabelli stops by for an extended conversation about the markets, media consolidation, and Warren Buffett’s leadership. Tune into CNBC’s TV and digital channels this weekend to catch every minute of the 2025 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting coverage. Mario Gabelli - 04:49 In this episode: Mario Gabelli, @MarioGabelli Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

We bring you to Omaha, Nebraska, ahead of the tens of thousands of Berkshire shareholders that make the pilgrimage to Warren Buffett every spring. At this “Woodstock for Capitalists,” Berkshire’s 60+ portfolio companies sell limited edition and specialty wares to Buffett acolytes. See’s Candy CEO Pat Egan is ready to satisfy sweet-loving shareholders with 24,603 pounds and 41,156 units of product, and Brooks Running CEO Dan Sheridan has special, limited edition sneakers, just for this year’s meeting. Sheridan discusses the impact tariffs have had on his production, and both Berkshire portfolio company CEOs share their excitement for another festival of business. Tune into CNBC’s TV and digital channels this weekend to catch every minute of the 2025 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting coverage. Dan Sheridan - 11:57 Pat Egan - 19:00 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

China has acknowledged that the Trump administration has reached out to negotiate tariffs, potentially signalling openness to a deal. CNBC’s Eunice Yoon in Beijing discusses the latest developments, and warns that Chinese people and businesses believe they can weather a trade war storm. On the White House North Lawn, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett discusses the state of the U.S.-China trade negotiations along with President Trump’s tariff policy. CNBC’s Phil LeBeau and General Motors chair and CEO Mary Barra discuss the company’s new 2025 guidance, the impact of President Trump’s auto tariffs and bringing auto manufacturing back to the U.S. Plus, Tesla has denied a Wall Street Journal report that its board was searching for a replacement for chief executive Elon Musk. In this episode: Kevin Hassett - 18:05 Mary Barra - 34:45 In this episode: Eunice Yoon, @onlyyoontv Mary Barra, @mtbarra Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Three months into President Trump’s second term, pollster Frank Luntz explains voter sentiment. While conservative and liberal Americans remain steadfast, Luntz says the political center has been disappointed with the execution of the promises it voted for. After a brief but heated spat between the White House and Amazon, President Trump has called Jeff Bezos a “good guy.” Wired Editor-at-Large Steven Levy explains Amazon’s idea–and then rejection–of marking the cost of tariffs on its low-cost site Amazon Haul. Levy discusses big tech’s complicated relationship with the administration. Plus, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says the U.S. has reached its first trade deal, and due to a surge in imports, the U.S. economy contracted during President Trump’s first 100 days. CNBC’s Steve Liesman discusses the intersection of a global trade war and America’s GDP. Frank Luntz - 23:00 Steve Liesman - 16:44 Steven Levy - 34:25 Rick Santelli & Steve Liesman - 40:26 In this episode: Steven Levy, @StevenLevy Frank Luntz, @FrankLuntz Steve Liesman, @steveliesman Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

The Trump administration will reduce some of the crippling tariffs for automakers. CNBC’s Phil LeBeau explains the potential impact on General Motors, and former Ford President Mark Fields explains how other automakers are preparing their supply chains for the White House’s trade agenda. The “Big 6” GOP leaders have met at the Capitol to discuss a mega-bill; attendee House Ways and Means Chairman Rep. Jason Smith explains his party’s revenue agenda. Plus, Nike is in hot water with shareholder Bill Ackman over a billboard, and Canada voted to keep the Liberal Party’s Mark Carney as Prime Minister. Rep. Jason Smith 16:25 Phil LeBeau 31:44 Mark Fields 37:47 In this episode: Jason Smith, @RepJasonSmith Phil LeBeau, @Lebeaucarnews Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discusses the state of global tariff negotiations; he says talks are ongoing, but it’s up to China to de-escalate. Secretary Bessent also warns that the Trump administration has an “escalation ladder” to climb, should it need more leverage in trade talks. Boardroom co-founder and CEO Rich Kleiman and MLB veteran pitcher CC Sabathia discuss the next era of baseball. The MLB is considering ways to better engage fans, including speeding up the pace of play. Plus, it’s a home buyer’s market, if they commit to deals, and Domino’s Pizza reported a beat, thanks to international customers. Scott Bessent - 15:44 Rich Kleiman & CC Sabathia - 33:43 In this episode: Rich Kleiman, @richkleiman CC Sabathia, @CC_Sabathia Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Axios White House reporter Marc Caputo and former U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns discuss the trade talks–or lack thereof–between the U.S. and China. Between comments from the Chinese embassy and President Trump’s interview with Time, the public has conflicting accounts of where trade negotiations currently stand. Plus, Apple may move manufacturing of its US iPhones to India, Google parent Alphabet has reported a beat on earnings, and Paramount is in talks with the FCC over its merger with Skydance. Marc Caputo - 17:29 Nicholas Burns - 24:50 In this episode: Marc Caputo, @MarcACaputo Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Ahead of the Chevron Championship in Houston, Becky Quick sits down with LPGA golfers Amy Alcott and Stacy Lewis. Alcott, a hall of famer and Chevron Champion, reflects on the history of fandom for women’s sports and the current momentum for sponsorships and viewership. Lewis, a competitor in the Chevron this week, explains golfing strategy off the green; for the athletes and fans of women’s sports, the time is now for investment and publicity. To watch Stacy Lewis and her competitors at the Chevron this week, tune into NBC or Peacock. Amy Alcott & Stacy Lewis - 6:06 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie