Squawk Pod

Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) is pitching a universal savings account starting at birth, and he has a partner in Silicon Valley: Altimeter’s Brad Gerstner. Gerstner is in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as the Saudi-U.S. Investment Forum kicks off with President Trump, Elon Musk, OpenAI’s Sam Altman, Nvidia’s Jensen Huang, and many other CEOs and leaders. At the Newark Liberty International Airport, flights are delayed amid communication issues and a shortage of air traffic controllers. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy explains the many issues facing America’s air traffic system, including outdated technology and a backlog of air traffic controllers in training. Plus, House Republicans are inching closer to a tax plan.  Sen. Ted Cruz & Brad Gerstner - 15:37Sec. Sean Duffy - 35:07 In this episode:Sean Duffy, @SecDuffyTed Cruz, @SenTedCruzBrad Gerstner, @altcapBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Scott Bessent, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, shares insights from the recent U.S.-China trade negotiations, revealing a pivotal 90-day pause on tariffs. He emphasizes the importance of ongoing dialogues and strategic decoupling to enhance supply chain resilience. Phil LeBeau, CNBC's auto and airline industry expert, discusses the chaos at Newark Airport, including ground delays and communication breakdowns affecting airlines. Together, they explore the broader implications of trade dynamics and the challenges within the transportation sector.

Max Levchin, CEO of Affirm and co-founder of PayPal, discusses the evolving landscape of consumer spending and the impact of buy now, pay later solutions. Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, a CNBC contributor and CEO of MCC Global Enterprises, shares insights from her recent trip to China, highlighting the complexities of U.S.-China trade relations. They explore the resilience of the U.S. economy compared to China's current challenges, and the implications of ongoing trade negotiations, and offer a glimpse into the future of payment models.

Ted Cruz, the U.S. Senator from Texas, shares insights on AI competition and discusses the implications of tariffs and price controls on Medicaid drugs. Scott Bok, former chair of the University of Pennsylvania’s board, reflects on the shifting political dynamics and culture on college campuses amid recent geopolitical tensions. The conversation also touches on President Trump’s trade deals and the current economic landscape, making for a captivating discourse on technology, politics, and education.

Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, and Peter Orszag, CEO of Lazard and former economic director under Obama, tackle pressing topics. Khosrowshahi highlights Uber's expansion plans and the competitive delivery landscape, including legal tussles with DoorDash. Orszag shares insights on U.S.-China trade negotiations and their economic implications. They also discuss cultural differences in service ratings, especially in New York, and the impact of geopolitical tensions on market dynamics, including healthcare implications and corporate identity shifts.

Paul Tudor Jones, a legendary investor and founder of the Robin Hood Foundation, discusses the urgent need for AI security investments alongside its growth. He expresses his concerns about the broader implications of artificial intelligence. Ynon Kreiz, CEO of Mattel, shares how rising tariffs are affecting toy prices and the supply chain challenges faced by the company. Both guests delve into economic pressures on industries like pharmaceuticals and Hollywood, highlighting the interconnected nature of today’s market landscape.

Bill Ackman, CEO of Pershing Square Capital Management and a prominent activist investor, shares insights from the Berkshire Hathaway Shareholder Meeting. He discusses his bold $900 million investment in Howard Hughes, driven by his vision to create a diversified holding company akin to Berkshire Hathaway. The conversation includes reflections on Warren Buffett's leadership transition to Greg Abel and optimistic economic forecasts despite geopolitical tensions. Ackman also emphasizes the importance of company culture and strategic reforms in investment practices.

Warren Buffett, Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, discusses his upcoming retirement and endorses Greg Abel as his successor. Greg provides insight into Berkshire's strategic direction. Board member Ron Olson shares thoughts on leadership transitions, while Congressman French Hill delves into trade policies and economic complexities. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship and capital allocation. They also explore renewable energy challenges and the future of the healthcare system, making for a thought-provoking dialogue on economic sustainability.

Warren Buffett, the "Oracle of Omaha," shares his investment wisdom during a lively Q&A with Berkshire Hathaway shareholders. He discusses everything from global tariffs to his recent correspondence with Apple CEO Tim Cook. Steve Kovach elaborates on Apple's earnings and the impacts of tariffs, while David Samra highlights Berkshire’s international investments, including Japan. Ajit Jain provides insights into the insurance industry’s future as it adapts to new challenges. This engaging dialogue captures the essence of strategic investment and corporate dynamics.

Charlie Munger, the Vice Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway and Warren Buffett's right-hand man, shares his candid reflections just weeks before his passing. He discusses the childhood experiences that shaped his investment philosophy and the vital lessons learned from both successes and failures, including a noteworthy misstep with Alibaba. Munger emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, friendships, and resilience in navigating life's chaos, while offering a thoughtful look at current geopolitical issues and leadership in challenging times.