Squawk Pod

Nneka Ogwumike, WNBA Players Association President and Seattle Storm Forward, shares her insights on the evolution of women's sports. She discusses the impact of a new $2.2 billion TV deal and the need for equitable compensation in the WNBA. Nneka emphasizes the importance of empowering young female athletes and reimagining success in professional sports. She also highlights her leadership approach, focusing on representation and the critical role of advocacy in shaping a brighter future for women's basketball.

Neel Kashkari, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, shares insights on the U.S. economy amid rising trade tensions with China and significant tariff increases. He discusses investor sentiment moving away from the U.S. as a safe haven and the potential repercussions for markets. Meanwhile, the impact of political developments on economic stability is explored. The conversation also touches on the Fed's challenges with inflation management and the broader implications for consumers and retirement investments in light of these uncertainties.

Join Kevin Hassett, former National Economic Council Director, as he unpacks the recent turbulence in the markets following Trump’s unexpected tariff pause. He shares insights on how this might affect negotiations and consumer prices. Then, dive into a revealing conversation with Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon, who explains how rising tariffs could influence seller pricing strategies. Together, they shed light on the complexities of international trade and the future of consumer experiences amidst economic shifts. It's a compelling mix of politics, business, and market dynamics!

Senator Elizabeth Warren discusses the potential repeal of Trump's tariffs, cautiously emphasizing their usefulness when applied correctly. Marc Rowan, CEO of Apollo Global Management, shares insights on the economic slowdown and stresses that a recession isn't here yet. They explore the impacts of tariffs on market volatility, national debt implications, and political tensions surrounding tax policies. The conversation also touches on the influence of corporate leaders on discussions about tariffs and investment opportunities during economic uncertainty.

Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary, critiques China’s tariff decisions, labeling them a significant mistake, while expressing optimism for future trade deals. Meanwhile, Kentucky Senator Rand Paul advocates against tariffs, arguing every trade relationship is mutually beneficial. The discussion delves into the ramifications of Trump’s tariff policies on global markets, including Apple’s strategy to shift production to India. Both guests shed light on the intricate and often contentious dynamics of U.S. trade negotiations and their effects on American jobs.

Peter Navarro, former Senior Trade Advisor under Trump, dives into the pressing economic consequences of the White House's tariff policies. He discusses the current financial turmoil, analyzing market drops and the impact on consumer behavior, particularly for retirees and graduates. Navarro emphasizes the critical need for reform to address systemic issues amid recession fears. He also reviews the complexities of international trade tariffs, advocating for a strategic approach to protect American industries and enhance economic security.

Jeremy Siegel, Professor Emeritus at Wharton and Chief Economist at Wisdom Tree, critiques Trump's tariffs as a monumental policy blunder. He emphasizes the resulting economic turbulence and warns of a recession. Senators Maria Cantwell and Chuck Grassley discuss a bipartisan effort to limit presidential trade power, stressing the need for congressional oversight. CEO Nick Pinchuk shares insights on the complexities facing manufacturers under these tariffs, highlighting the urgent need for a cultural shift towards valuing American production.

In remarks in the Rose Garden on April 2, President Trump announced steep tariff rates on many countries, including 34% on China, 20% on the European Union, 46% on Vietnam and 32% on Taiwan. Citi Wealth CIO Kate Moore explains the implications for the markets, and CNBC’s Steve Liesman explains the administration’s calculus in arriving at these numbers. Courtney Reagan and Phil LeBeau report on how retailers and automakers are navigating the changes. Finally, an extended interview with the official at the center of it all: Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Sec. Lutnick defends and explains the tariff strategy, underscoring his and the President’s hopes to bring manufacturing back on shore.  Kate Moore - 11:21Steve Liesman - 24:21Phil LeBeau - 36:14Courtney Reagan - 38:37Howard Lutnick - 43:07 In this episode:Steve Liesman, @steveliesmanPhil LeBeau, @LebeaucarnewsCourtney Reagan, @courtreaganHoward Lutnick, @howardlutnickBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Ontario Premier Doug Ford, known for his candid views on trade, discusses the looming tariffs by President Trump and proposes a mutual reduction of tariffs between Canada and the U.S. He emphasizes the importance of trade relationships, particularly in the automotive sector. The conversation also delves into the rising threats of AI technology, including deepfakes, as OpenAI's Brian Long reveals innovative cybersecurity strategies. Together, they highlight the pressing need for effective security measures amid evolving digital challenges.

Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana and a key player on the Finance Committee, discusses the urgent need to curb rising national debt to protect the American Dream. He highlights the alarming reality that 70% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. John Hope Bryant, CEO of Operation Hope, champions the integration of financial literacy into education at all levels, advocating it as essential for economic empowerment. They explore the intersection of fiscal responsibility and financial education as vital to achieving personal and national prosperity.