Squawk Pod

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer explains the current state of negotiations with America’s trade partners, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s comment that trade talks with China are “stalled” and President Trump’s latest accusation that China violated its preliminary trade agreement. Ambassador Greer discusses the seesaw of politcy progress around the world. Elon Musk is winding down his time at DOGE, and Ulta Beauty is upbeat on consumer spend. Plus, wellness and supplement company AG1 is worth over $1B, and CEO Kat Cole is aiming for even more medicine cabinets. Amb. Jamieson Greer - 17:17Kat Cole - 38:30 In this episode:Jamieson Greer, @USTradeRepKat Cole, @KatColeATLJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, details the airline's collaboration with JetBlue, aiming to enhance value for frequent flyers. He shares insights on Newark's challenges and the future of supersonic travel. Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, warns about unsustainable government spending. Meanwhile, Phil LeBeau discusses the tech-financial landscape, including NVIDIA’s struggles in China and the implications of recent trade policies on the airline industry.

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon discusses the Trump administration’s feud with Harvard, as well as the idea of taxing well-endowed universities more like corporations. Bonnie Hammer, former Vice Chair of NBCUniversal and dubbed the “queen of cable,” discusses the future of streamed and linear content. This graduation season, Hammer warns that AI could be more a hindrance than a help for fresh applicants on the job hunt. Plus, Elon Musk has expressed doubts about the GOP’s “big, beautiful bill,” and CNBC’s MacKenzie Sigalos is in Las Vegas with the crypto world for Bitcoin 2025.  MacKenzie Sigalos - 07:30Linda McMahon - 16:21Bonnie Hammer - 30:20 In this episode:Sec. Linda McMahon, @EDSecMcMahonMacKenzie Sigalos, @KenzieSigalosBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

After a whiplash weekend of trade news, the U.S. will institute a 50% tariff on goods from the EU, starting in July. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett discusses the goals for ongoing negotiations and offers a hint at new trade deals coming soon. Ray Washburne sits on the boards of Sunoco and Red Lobster, and he’s invested in luxury retail centers, offices, and restaurants. Based on his exposure to the American consumer, Washburne warns about consumer debt and suggests watching diesel as a barometer for U.S. economic and consumer health. Plus, Disney’s live-action remake of “Lilo and Stitch” led the box office over the long weekend, Japan’s long-dated bond yields have fallen, and Elon Musk will now be “super focused” on X, xAI, and Tesla.  Ray Washburne - 14:20Kevin Hassett - 31:37 In this episode:Becky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

David Rubenstein, co-founder of the Carlyle Group and owner of the Baltimore Orioles, shares his insights on President Trump's proposed tariffs and the implications for the economy. Dr. Mehmet Oz, head of CMS, discusses proposed Medicaid reforms and the ethical concerns surrounding the cryptocurrency dinner hosted by Trump. The conversation dives into the evolving landscape of U.S. higher education, tackling contemporary issues like safety for Jewish students and the influence of political bias. Expect a mix of healthcare debates and economic commentary!

After a near all-nighter of debate and amendments, House lawmakers passed President Trump’s mega-bill. CNBC’s Emily Wilkins explains the long road to a tight vote, and Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) discusses his own shift from a “nay” to a “yea” vote. Rep. Roy is hopeful that more revisions will be made during the legislation’s next stop in the Senate, namely those addressing his concerns about the deficit and Medicaid. OpenAI is bringing in ex-Apple innovator and designer Jony Ive to build a new, mystery project. In Washington, authorities have identified and detained the gunman in the killing of two Israel embassy staff. Plus, ahead of the holiday weekend, Brian Kelly (The Points Guy) shares travel trends among Americans.  Steve Kovach - 4:28Rep. Chip Roy - 17:29Brian Kelly - 30:17 In this episode:Emily Wilkins,@emrwilkinsBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

On this special episode of Squawk Pod, media icon Barry Diller reflects on his career and the release of his new memoir Who Knew. He discusses launching Fox with Rupert Murdoch, a bitter legal feud with John Malone, and high-stakes negotiations. Diller offers his insights into the evolving media landscape, warning that tech giants now control the industry’s future. He also opens up about his personal life lessons, his marriage to Diane von Furstenberg, and how fear shaped his fearlessness in business. An important conversation with one of media’s most influential figures. Becky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin

GOP leaders are working to finalize President Trump’s cornerstone legislation: a massive tax bill, with Speaker Mike Johnson pushing for a floor vote in the House as early as tonight. CNBC’s Emily Wilkins reports the latest developments from Washington. Deputy Treasury Secretary and Acting IRS Commissioner Michael Faulkender discusses the reconciliation bill, budget details, Medicaid reforms, efforts to reduce the federal deficit, the state of the IRS, and plans to modernize the agency. And, internet search is changing drastically; Cloudflare co-founder and CEO Matthew Prince weighs the impact of zero-click searches – where a user gets answers and information without further links and AI’s disruption of the search  and creator economies.  Meanwhile, Target lowers its sales outlook, citing tariff uncertainty and backlash over its DEI policy rollback. Plus, the FAA extends flight restrictions at Newark airport through June due to an air traffic controller shortage and ongoing technical issues. Michael Faulkender    25:46Matthew Prince       40:04 Emily Wilkins, @emrwilkinsCourtney Reagan, @courtreaganMichael Faulkender, @TreasuryDepSecJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

After conducting over 300 interviews and spending seven years reporting on artificial intelligence, tech journalist and Empire of AI author Karen Hao discusses the story behind OpenAI and its founder Sam Altman, the current state of AI development, the potential risks and benefits of the technology, and the company's relationship with Microsoft. Then, Mike Gallagher, head of defense at Palantir Technologies and former U.S. Congressman, shares insights on the U.S.-China tech conflict, the dangers of using Huawei chips, the role of American companies operating in China, and the future of Taiwan. Plus, Home Depot reaffirmed its full-year guidance and said it will not raise prices due to tariffs, and Republicans are making progress on advancing a bill aligned with former President Trump’s agenda in the House. Mike Gallagher 19:52Karen Hao  29:20 Emily Wilkins,@emrwilkinsMike Gallagher, @RepGallagherKaren Hao, @_KarenHaoBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinZach Vallese, @zachvallese

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.