Squawk Pod

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.

Makan Delrahim, former antitrust assistant attorney general, shares insights on the future of mergers and acquisitions under Trump's administration, emphasizing the cautious strategies businesses are adopting amid regulatory scrutiny. Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA commissioner, discusses the resignation of the FDA's top vaccine official amid rising anti-vaccine sentiments and the U.S. measles outbreak. They highlight the urgent need to restore public trust in health systems and examine the complex interplay between politics and market dynamics.

Mike Intrator, CEO and co-founder of CoreWeave, dives into the company's transformative role in AI, servicing giants like Microsoft and OpenAI. Despite a conservative IPO pricing, CoreWeave makes waves as the largest venture-backed tech deal in years, hinting at a shifting market. Senator Chris Coons discusses the political backlash over DOGE and its impact on American budgeting. Insights into tech regulations' interplay with public discontent and military spending keep the conversation lively and pertinent in today's complex landscape.

Senator Mike Warner calls for the resignation of top officials after a sensitive Signal chat leaks to a journalist. The conversation highlights serious national security concerns and the risks of using encrypted messaging apps for official discussions. The hosts also delve into Boeing's ongoing legal troubles and contrasts between government and private sector efficiencies. Tensions emerge within the administration regarding military action strategies, raising questions about accountability in government communications and the implications for security.

Join David Rubenstein, co-founder of The Carlyle Group and owner of the Baltimore Orioles, alongside Arthur Brooks, Harvard professor and happiness expert, as they dissect the current economic landscape. Rubenstein predicts that tariffs won't lead to a recession, while discussing his roles in sports and the arts. Brooks remains hopeful about America's future amid political discord. They also touch on intriguing topics like M&A trends, Berkshire Hathaway's bracket competition, and the interplay between economics and personal fulfillment.

Paul Alivisatos, President of the University of Chicago, highlights a troubling crisis of trust in higher education, sparked by federal funding pressures. Jeffrey Katzenberg, co-founder of Dreamworks, introduces Aura, an innovative AI tool designed to keep children safe online without sacrificing their privacy. The conversation also touches on important issues like the challenges of academic freedom and the balance between parental oversight and kids' digital autonomy. They explore how technology can reshape the landscape of child safety in today's social media era.

Scott Gottlieb, former FDA Commissioner and CNBC contributor, dives into the pressing issues of avian flu and its potential threat to America’s food supply, especially rising egg prices. He emphasizes the urgent need for biosecurity measures and the complexities involved in managing the virus among poultry. The conversation also touches on President Trump's executive order to dismantle the Department of Education, highlighting the implications for student oversight and funding. Gottlieb's insights reveal the intersection of public health and economic stability.

Join U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright as he shares insights from his pivotal meeting with oil executives, discussing the Biden administration's energy strategies and the future of domestic production. Tennis legend Stan Smith reflects on his remarkable career, the evolution of the sport, and ongoing conversations about player compensation. With humor and candor, he also dives into his legacy symbolized by the iconic sneaker that bears his name, illustrating the intersection of sports and culture.

In an extended interview, Bank of America Chairman and CEO Brian Moynihan discusses inflation, trade policy, consumers, and the Federal Reserve. The head of the nation’s second largest bank says, though consumer sentiment is down, spending is up. President Trump has fired both Democratic commissioners at the Federal Trade Commission; CNBC’s Eamon Javers reports on the ensuing drama, lawsuits, and debates about Presidential constitutional authority. Plus, Nvidia’s week-long GTC developers conference is underway.  Eamon Javers - 08:57Brian Moynihan - 15:58 In this episode:Eamon Javers, @EamonJaversBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

The Federal Reserve begins its two-day meeting today, but Rockefeller Capital Management CEO Greg Fleming argues that uncertainty around economic factors like tariffs might have the central bank on hold. Google will make its biggest acquisition to date, agreeing to $32B for cloud security startup Wiz. In other news, President Trump and President Putin will meet via phone, and Chinese EV company BYD has unveiled supercharged EV charging. Plus, two astronauts are finally on their way home from the International Space Station, thanks to SpaceX; astronaut Mike Massimino answers all our questions about space travel, from bathroom concerns and hygiene strategies.  Greg Fleming - 13:22Mike Massimino - 24:28 In this episode:Becky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie