Squawk Pod Walter Isaacson & Business Roundtable CEO Josh Bolten 5/19/25
May 19, 2025
Joining the conversation are Josh Bolten, CEO of the Business Roundtable and former White House Chief of Staff, as well as Walter Isaacson, renowned biographer and professor. They delve into the impact of President Trump’s policies on corporate America, including the challenges of tariffs faced by retailers like Walmart. Isaacson discusses crucial biotech innovations hindered by funding cuts, especially in gene editing. Bolten emphasizes the cautious optimism among CEOs regarding the economy while addressing concerns over tax hikes and trade negotiations.
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U.S. Deficit Challenges Persist
- Moody's credit downgrade reflects long-term deficit issues, not recent administration actions.
- Political challenges prevent sustained deficit reductions despite rhetoric.
Tariffs Put Businesses in Bind
- Businesses face political and economic pressure to absorb tariff costs and avoid passing them to customers.
- President Trump's public scrutiny creates uncertainty about regulatory risks for companies.
Biotech Advances vs Funding Cuts
- Gene editing and biotech breakthroughs are rapidly progressing, curing rare genetic diseases.
- However, federal funding cuts threaten U.S. leadership in basic science and innovation.
