Squawk Pod

Retired four-star General David Petraeus delves into the high stakes of the Saudi crown prince's landmark visit, exploring Middle East diplomacy and potential U.S.-Saudi agreements like F-35 sales. He reflects on the legacy of Jamal Khashoggi and the complexities of U.S. relations in the region. Meanwhile, mentalist Oz Pearlman captivates with thrilling live demonstrations of mind-reading, revealing stunning connections to hosts’ thoughts and promoting his new book. It's a blend of serious politics and mind-bending entertainment!

Kevin Hassett, former National Economic Council director, dives into the administration's decisions to cut tariffs on over 200 food items, aiming to combat rising grocery prices and inflation. He discusses the importance of a data-driven Federal Reserve and the mixed signals from the labor market. Then, filmmaker Ken Burns shares insights from his PBS series The American Revolution, highlighting underrepresented voices and the significance of historical storytelling. Lori Calvasina discusses market sentiment and the implications of AI-driven stock movements.

Berkshire Hathaway just made headlines with a hefty $5 billion investment in Alphabet. Meanwhile, Apple is intensifying its search for a successor to Tim Cook, a move that has everyone speculating. On the streaming front, YouTube and Disney have brokered a deal to bring ABC and ESPN back to YouTube TV. Plus, Netflix is making waves with a major 10-for-1 stock split today. Financial insights and corporate strategies are heating up as the market prepares to open!

Ron Baron, a seasoned investor and chairman of Baron Capital, shares his insights on Elon Musk’s ambitious trillion-dollar pay plan for Tesla. He discusses the future of Tesla and SpaceX, emphasizing the potential of innovations like Optimus robots and Full Self-Driving technology. Baron also details his substantial profits from Musk’s ventures and outlines his long-term investment philosophy amid market fluctuations. He reveals his reasons for supporting Musk's pay package, citing Musk's transformative vision and legacy.

TSA officers are getting $10,000 bonuses after working without pay during a lengthy shutdown, highlighting their commitment. Boeing defense workers are back on the job after ratifying a contract with a 24% pay raise, ending a strike. On the flip side, Verizon plans to lay off 15,000 employees due to stiff competition. SoftBank's recent sell-off of its entire Nvidia stake is causing its shares to plummet. Meanwhile, Blue Origin is making strides with its New Glenn rocket, successfully launching towards Mars.

Hugh Johnston, CFO of The Walt Disney Company, shares insights on Disney's latest earnings, navigating a tough streaming landscape, and the impact of YouTube TV negotiations. He discusses the company's strong parks performance and the strategic advantages of its IP-driven ecosystem. Mark Bertolini, CEO of Oscar Health, dives into the rising insurance premiums and challenges of the Affordable Care Act. He proposes innovative solutions like qualified accounts to empower consumers and tackle inefficiencies in the healthcare system.

President Trump ends the longest government shutdown with a new funding bill. Missing economic data from this period may remain unreleased, posing challenges for analysis. The Supreme Court is set to hear a case regarding the President’s authority to fire a Federal Reserve Governor. In tech news, Alibaba is shifting its AI apps to mimic ChatGPT. Lastly, the U.S. Mint produces its final penny, marking the end of a 230-year legacy. Join the hosts for intriguing discussions and personal anecdotes about money!

Lisa Su, CEO of AMD, shares insights on the company's bold AI strategy and ambitious $100 billion data center chip target. She addresses the competitive landscape, discusses partnerships with OpenAI, and outlines the importance of U.S. manufacturing. Shaun White, three-time Olympic gold medalist, talks about launching The Snow League to provide consistent competition and better pay for athletes. He emphasizes storytelling to engage fans and the league's vision for global expansion, ensuring equality in athlete compensation.

Chris Hughes, co-founder of Facebook and co-chair of the Economic Security Project, critiques the Trump administration's approach to industrial policy, highlighting the need for a clearer strategy. Meanwhile, Dr. Marty Makary, FDA Commissioner, discusses the groundbreaking removal of black box warnings for hormone replacement therapy, emphasizing its benefits for women’s health, including reduced heart disease risk. He also addresses the historical context of hormone therapy and the importance of informed decision-making for women.

Real estate developer Don Peebles, a former Obama fundraiser, criticizes the Democratic Party's leftward shift and discusses the influx of New Yorkers to Florida. He warns about the financial impact of wealthy migrations on New York. Meanwhile, travel expert Brian Kelly shares crucial tips for navigating the current chaos in air travel, including using apps for real-time updates and booking backup flights with points. He highlights the ongoing disruptions and urges travelers to pack flexibility and snacks.