Squawk Pod

Kevin Mayer, former CEO of TikTok and media executive, shares insights on the new U.S. joint venture involving Oracle and Silver Lake, emphasizing its importance for data safety. Eunice Yoon, CNBC's Beijing bureau chief, discusses China's regulatory nuances and state media's supportive signals regarding the deal. Ray Isle, the executive wine editor at Food & Wine, offers holiday wine recommendations while addressing the impact of tariffs and a shift towards nonalcoholic options, exploring the cyclical nature of the wine market.

Japan's central bank has made a bold move by raising short-term interest rates to their highest in decades. In a significant financial milestone, data center deals have surged, hitting a record $61 billion this year. EU leaders are stepping up with a substantial $100 billion loan to support Ukraine's defense efforts. Meanwhile, U.S. lawmakers are preparing to vote on banning individual stock trading for themselves. Lastly, there’s buzzing news regarding the potential approval for Nvidia to sell its powerful chips to China.

This discussion features Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader from New York, who dives into health care policy and efforts to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies. Steve Schwarzman, Chairman and CEO of Blackstone, shares insights on the firm's 40th anniversary, discussing the rise of AI and its impact on data centers, and the resilience of private credit. He also critiques Fed policies and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a stable U.S.-China relationship while remaining optimistic about AI-driven economic growth.

Rich Greenfield, a media industry analyst and founder of LightShed Partners, discusses the fierce competition in the media landscape as Warner Bros. Discovery's board pushes shareholders to reject Paramount's bid in favor of Netflix. Joining him is Netflix Co-CEO Greg Peters, who details why the acquisition enhances growth and the brand's value, while asserting regulatory strategies. The conversation also touches on the upcoming Medline IPO and its potential impacts, making for a riveting analysis of a rapidly changing entertainment sector.

Amazon is exploring a massive investment in OpenAI, while Waymo looks to raise $15 billion at a high valuation. Spirit Airlines may combine with Frontier again as they navigate bankruptcy. Meanwhile, the Trump administration plans an executive order aimed at speeding up defense production by limiting buybacks. In the housing market, Lennar's financial struggles highlight concerns about affordability and consumer confidence.

In this discussion, Steve Scalise, the House Majority Leader from Louisiana, shares insights on the GOP's health care proposal aimed at lowering premiums and increasing insurance choices for families. He addresses key points about the bill's structure, including association plans and health savings accounts. Meanwhile, Steve Liesman dives into the latest inflation and approval ratings from the CNBC All America Survey, revealing shifting views among voters. The panel also examines the implications of recent job data and economic trends affecting the labor market.

Eric Adams, the outgoing Mayor of New York City, reflects on his tenure, highlighting concerns about homelessness and public safety as he hands over to Zohran Mamdani. Frank Luntz shares troubling insights on America's affordability crisis, revealing that many Americans live paycheck to paycheck and cannot cover unexpected health costs. He emphasizes the need for political trust and clear messaging to address voter concerns on rising costs versus stagnant wages, urging both parties to empathize with the public's struggles.

China's economic slowdown deepens, revealing troubling data on consumption and investment. Sanofi faces setbacks with its multiple sclerosis drug, impacting share prices. In entertainment news, Zootopia 2 impressively crosses the $1 billion mark at the box office. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai faces serious charges in a historic trial. Lastly, ServiceNow is in talks to acquire cybersecurity firm Armis, highlighting the ongoing tech industry dynamics.

Senator Dave McCormick, a former business executive and current U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania, tackles the critical issues of health care policy and the implications of a national AI regulatory framework. He warns about the approaching expiration of ACA subsidies and suggests urgent reforms to stabilize healthcare costs. Eamon Javers, CNBC's Washington correspondent, shares insights on the White House's latest executive order to streamline AI regulation, emphasizing its potential impact on state laws. Together, they discuss the balance of innovation and risk in the evolving AI landscape.

President Trump aims to standardize AI regulations with a new executive order. The Federal Reserve reappoints most of its regional bank presidents, stabilizing expectations. Costco reports strong earnings, highlighting impressive growth in digital sales. NASCAR resolves an antitrust lawsuit, affecting team charters. Lastly, Elon Musk announces plans for a SpaceX IPO in 2026, sparking discussions about its valuation and implications for his other business interests.