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Squawk Pod

A Tariff Tally & Blackstone’s Former President Tony James 2/27/25

Feb 27, 2025
Eamon Javers, a CNBC reporter, provides insights on the impending tariffs from the White House regarding Mexico and Canada. He highlights the economic uncertainties impacting various industries. Tony James, former COO of Blackstone and now Chairman of Costco, shares his views on the U.S. economy's slowdown and Costco's steadfast commitment to equity amid DEI rollbacks. The conversation also touches on Nvidia's earnings surpassing analyst expectations, a measles outbreak in Texas, and the potential implications of Elon Musk's government interactions.
43:17

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The fluctuating tariff policies under President Trump create substantial uncertainty, negatively impacting business investment decisions and overall economic confidence.
  • Costco's unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion stands in stark contrast to broader corporate rollbacks, highlighting its importance for operational success.

Deep dives

Elon Musk's Influence on Electric Vehicle Policy

Elon Musk’s engagement in the Trump administration raises questions about the intersection of politics and business, especially concerning electric vehicles (EVs). During a cabinet meeting, Musk discussed his cost-cutting measures, indicating a tightrope walk between managing workforce expectations and government relationships. As administration policies shift, Tesla's stock reflects uncertainty, dropping significantly after previously benefiting from Trump's election. Additionally, reports suggest a stark decline in Tesla sales in Europe, hinting at the potential backlash from Musk's political involvement, contrasting the anticipated support for the EV sector.

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