Bloomberg Talks

Jay Timmons, President and CEO of the National Association of Manufacturers, dives into the pressing issues facing American manufacturing. He discusses how technology is reshaping industry skill requirements and the urgent need for retraining programs. Timmons champions bipartisan efforts to lower production costs and revive advanced manufacturing jobs. He also highlights the importance of resilient supply chains, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the need to inspire youth to pursue careers in this vital sector.

Whitney Tilson, a former hedge fund manager and NYC Mayoral candidate, shares his vision for the city’s future. He discusses the urgency for a change agent to rejuvenate New York's economy and the need to challenge conventional political channels. Tilson critiques current zoning laws, arguing for private sector investment to resolve the housing crisis. He also draws parallels between extreme mountain climbing and navigating the complexities of a mayoral campaign, emphasizing public safety and business optimization.

Larry Summers, former Treasury Secretary and president of Harvard University, dives into the institution's recent clashes with the Trump administration. He discusses the challenges Ivy League schools face regarding government pressure and academic freedom. Summers highlights the tension between funding and ideological influence, raising concerns about the potential impact of funding cuts on medical advancements and research. He also critiques the IRS's performance during the Trump era, shedding light on political interference and its effects on tax compliance.

Scott Kirby, the CEO of United Airlines, shares insights on the airline's best first quarter performance in five years. He discusses the impact of economic fluctuations on airline strategies and highlights consumer travel trends showing resilience in international travel. Kirby delves into challenges posed by tariffs and the importance of domestic maintenance for long-term growth. Additionally, he outlines innovative measures United is taking to enhance the flying experience, including larger overhead bins and free high-speed Wi-Fi to boost customer loyalty.

Rick Rieder, Senior Managing Director and Chief Investment Officer at BlackRock, shares insights on navigating today's complex market. He discusses the implications of ongoing trade tensions, particularly on the tech sector and Treasury markets. Rieder highlights investment opportunities amid price volatility, the liquidity challenges of U.S. treasuries versus European rates, and emphasizes the importance of high-quality assets and cash reserves. He also addresses strategies for managing risk in uncertain times, including the potential role of gold as an inflation hedge.

Eric Cantor, Vice Chairman of Moelis & Co and former House Majority Leader, delves into the economic landscape shaped by the Trump Administration. He discusses Jamie Dimon's insights on trade policies and negotiations with Japan and India. Cantor highlights the implications of tariffs and the urgent need for congressional Republicans to showcase economic achievements before midterms. He also warns of potential shifts in governance, advocating for effective political strategies to counter extremist policies while maintaining economic growth.

José Muñoz, the CEO of Hyundai Motor Company, shares insights on the automaker's significant investments in the U.S. and their approach to managing the complexities of trade tariffs. He emphasizes the commitment to keeping prices stable through June 2. The conversation also covers strategies to maintain competitiveness amid market changes, highlighting collaborations with tech firms to drive innovation and efficiency in production. Muñoz outlines the balancing act of cost management while upholding quality and safety in their vehicles.

Mike Wilson, a strategist at Morgan Stanley, dives deep into the uncertainties surrounding tariffs and their impact on S&P 500 earnings. He revises his earnings-per-share forecasts for 2025 and 2026, expressing concerns about the broader economic challenges, including AI spending and fiscal policies. The conversation also touches on trade policy tensions with China and how these affect not just corporate profits but the overall strength of the U.S. dollar. Wilson remains cautiously optimistic about the potential for market recovery despite ongoing volatility.

Scott Stringer, former NYC Comptroller and Mayoral candidate, shares his insights into the chaos plaguing the city under Mayor Eric Adams and former Governor Andrew Cuomo. He emphasizes the urgency for reform in governance and public safety. Stringer discusses innovative housing solutions like Mitchell-Lama 2.0 and a strategy to enhance community safety by integrating mental health support into policing. He also addresses the complexities of immigration policy and critiques the current gap in Democratic leadership, aiming for a more accountable and effective administration.

Virginia Governor Glenn Allen Youngkin discusses the impact of tariffs on his state’s economy and industries. He addresses the challenges and complexities of current trade negotiations while highlighting optimism for infrastructure investment. Youngkin emphasizes the importance of job reskilling initiatives in Virginia, where low unemployment signifies successful transitions from public to private sectors. He also advocates for better policies to enhance economic mobility and reflects on his leadership as he approaches the end of his term.