Squawk Pod

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis discusses his push for efficiency in state governance and the influence of tech leaders like Elon Musk on federal directives. He shares insights on the evolving dynamics between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine amidst rising tensions. The creators of 'Zero Day,' Eric Newman, Noah Oppenheim, and Michael Schmidt, reflect on the show's timely narrative around cybersecurity threats and political crises. Discussions also touch on Home Depot's strong earnings amid economic challenges and the impact of past national tragedies on American unity.

Dr. Toby Cosgrove, former CEO of the Cleveland Clinic, shares insights on the troubling practice of medical upcoding in American healthcare. He discusses its negative legacy and possible solutions. Congressman Ritchie Torres also visits to analyze the political dynamics in NYC, including his endorsement of Andrew Cuomo in the mayoral race and Mayor Eric Adams' connection with Trump. The conversation dives into the economic challenges facing the city and the stock market amid Warren Buffett's cash moves.

Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA commissioner and Pfizer board member, breaks down the complexities of UnitedHealth's Medicare billing amid a DOJ investigation. He discusses healthcare system inefficiencies and the potential impact of bird flu cases. Meanwhile, Brian Armstrong, Coinbase's CEO, shares exciting news about the SEC dropping its lawsuit, emphasizing the need for clear regulations in cryptocurrency. He also touches on meme coins and prediction markets, illuminating the evolving landscape of digital finance.

The podcast tackles the heated debate over New York City's congestion pricing and the tug-of-war between state and federal rights. Business leaders weigh in on the pros and cons of this controversial plan. Meanwhile, Palantir's stock takes a hit amidst CEO Alex Karp's share sale news. Discussions also include Trump's potential plan for DOGE dividends and Andrew Ross Sorkin's upcoming book about the 1929 Wall Street crash, linking past financial crises to today's challenges. It's a riveting mix of economics, politics, and urban strategy.

Brad Lander, NYC Comptroller and 2025 mayoral candidate, shares his thoughts on the leadership void in New York, touching on pressing immigration policies. John Yoo, law professor and former DOJ official, delves into the constitutional tensions between government branches exemplified by Trump's executive orders. The discussion captures the challenges faced by local governance amid accusations of corruption and evolving political dynamics. Plus, they touch on the implications of rising tariffs on key industries.

Alex Karp, CEO and co-founder of Palantir and author of "The Technological Republic," discusses the intersection of technology and geopolitics. He emphasizes the urgent need for Silicon Valley to recognize its political impact. Karp also shares insights on recent diplomatic efforts in Saudi Arabia to address the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Additionally, the podcast tackles the complexities of U.S. governance, upcoming changes in New York City, and critiques of conventional education in the context of rapid technological advancements.

Governor Wes Moore of Maryland talks about his state's bold budget proposal, aiming to tackle a $3 billion deficit with tax reform focused on the wealthiest residents. He discusses balancing spending cuts with economic growth strategies. Eamon Javers, CNBC reporter, provides insight into President Trump’s executive orders and their effects on Wall Street. The conversation also celebrates 'Saturday Night Live's' 50-year legacy with anecdotes from cast members, highlighting the show's cultural impact and their humorous reflections.

Jeff Currie, chief strategy officer at Carlyle, discusses the ripple effects of President Trump's new 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. He shares insights on how these tariffs impact commodities, producer inflation, and U.S. oil production. The conversation also touches on the competitive landscape of AI with Elon Musk's financial maneuvers regarding OpenAI adding intrigue. Plus, the implications of energy demands from different industries are explored, showcasing how tariffs shake up American market dynamics.

President Trump and Elon Musk advocate for cryptocurrency reforms to reduce government spending in a surprising Oval Office meeting. Tech entrepreneur Joe Lonsdale discusses Musk's influence while highlighting his massive bid for OpenAI. Meanwhile, the podcast dives into shifting corporate diversity strategies, with firms like Goldman Sachs reevaluating their DEI programs. There's also humor about workweek preferences and a debate on whether the U.S. has hit peak demand for trucks and SUVs as consumer tastes evolve.

Amos Hochstein, a former Biden senior advisor, shares insights on the fragile ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict and the urgent humanitarian needs. Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA commissioner, examines the alarming potential impacts of proposed NIH funding cuts on public health research. The conversation also touches on Elon Musk's ambitious $97.4 billion bid for OpenAI and tensions with CEO Sam Altman, and President Trump's pause on anti-bribery law enforcement, raising ethical concerns in international business.