Squawk Pod

Elon Musk has spoken out against President Trump’s mega-bill, calling it a “disgusting abomination” in a recent post on X. As the Senate negotiates changes to that reconciliation bill, Senator Ron Johnson is pushing to split the legislation into at least two parts to address his concerns about government spending. Plus, former eBay and StockX CEO Scott Cutler is now leading HealthEquity, where he’s taking on the challenges and promises of flexible savings accounts for U.S. employees.  Ron Johnson - 16:37Scott Cutler - 35:38 In this episode:Senator Ron JohnsonBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

We’re trying something new!  The 5 things you need to know before the stock market opens today: President Trump tries to make a deal with China’s President Xi, The White House sent Congress a $9.4B rescissions package, the Bank of Japan is worried about U.S. tariffs hurting exports, challenges at Nissan, and shareholders rebuke Warner Bros Discovery CEO David Zaslav. Squawk Box is hosted by Joe Kernen, Becky Quick and Andrew Ross Sorkin.  Follow Squawk Pod for the best moments, interviews and analysis from our TV show in an audio-first format.  Let us know what you think of Squawk Pod by leaving a comment or review!

Partners at 1789 Capital Donald Trump Jr. and Omeed Malik are betting on building the “Amazon of guns” through GrabAGun’s SPAC deal. Both discuss their “ideological investments” and the future of conservatism, and Trump Jr. weighs in on his father’s $TRUMP meme coin. After Lester Holt hosted his last Nightly News, Tom Llamas stepped into the role. Llamas explains how he sees his role as a mainstream journalist in the current news environment. Plus, Chicago Fed president Austan Goolsbee and Dallas Fed president Lorie Logan have spoken out on inflation, Neuralink has raised $650m in fresh capital, and CNBC’s Courtney Reagan itemizes the costs of tariffs in retail.  Donald Trump Jr. & Omeed Malik - 14:30Courtney Reagan - 38:33Tom Llamas - 45:37 In this episode:Donald J. Trump Jr., @DonaldJTrumpJrOmeed Malik, @RealOmeedMalikCourtney Reagan, @courtreaganBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

In a roughly $1 billion deal, Roark Capital has added Dave’s Hot Chicken to its portfolio of Auntie Anne’s, Subway, and Dunkin’. CEO of the chicken chain Bill Phelps recounts the company’s journey from folding tables in a parking lot to hundreds of locations around the world. The reconciliation bill has moved from the House to the Senate; Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma) serves as the legislation’s liaison between both branches of Congress and the White House, and he’s confident that the Senate’s changes to the bill will remain cosmetic, rather than structural. Plus, a moment from Squawk Box made it to the Oval Office, and the state of trade and tariffs is still in flux.  Mike Santelli - 15:12Sen. Markwayne Mullin - 21:05Bill Phelps - 34:14 In this episode:Markwayne Mullin, @SenMullinBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

We’re trying something new!  The 5 things you need to know before the stock market opens today: the big, beautiful bill hits the U.S. Senate, the Trump Administration continues to find ways to cut costs, Ukraine lands a strategic hit on Russia, good news for travelers at Newark Airport and the power of Lilo & Stitch. Squawk Box is hosted by Joe Kernen, Becky Quick and Andrew Ross Sorkin.  Follow Squawk Pod for the best moments, interviews and analysis from our TV show in an audio-first format.  Let us know what you think of Squawk Pod by leaving a comment or review.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer explains the current state of negotiations with America’s trade partners, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s comment that trade talks with China are “stalled” and President Trump’s latest accusation that China violated its preliminary trade agreement. Ambassador Greer discusses the seesaw of politcy progress around the world. Elon Musk is winding down his time at DOGE, and Ulta Beauty is upbeat on consumer spend. Plus, wellness and supplement company AG1 is worth over $1B, and CEO Kat Cole is aiming for even more medicine cabinets. Amb. Jamieson Greer - 17:17Kat Cole - 38:30 In this episode:Jamieson Greer, @USTradeRepKat Cole, @KatColeATLJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, details the airline's collaboration with JetBlue, aiming to enhance value for frequent flyers. He shares insights on Newark's challenges and the future of supersonic travel. Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, warns about unsustainable government spending. Meanwhile, Phil LeBeau discusses the tech-financial landscape, including NVIDIA’s struggles in China and the implications of recent trade policies on the airline industry.

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon discusses the Trump administration’s feud with Harvard, as well as the idea of taxing well-endowed universities more like corporations. Bonnie Hammer, former Vice Chair of NBCUniversal and dubbed the “queen of cable,” discusses the future of streamed and linear content. This graduation season, Hammer warns that AI could be more a hindrance than a help for fresh applicants on the job hunt. Plus, Elon Musk has expressed doubts about the GOP’s “big, beautiful bill,” and CNBC’s MacKenzie Sigalos is in Las Vegas with the crypto world for Bitcoin 2025.  MacKenzie Sigalos - 07:30Linda McMahon - 16:21Bonnie Hammer - 30:20 In this episode:Sec. Linda McMahon, @EDSecMcMahonMacKenzie Sigalos, @KenzieSigalosBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

After a whiplash weekend of trade news, the U.S. will institute a 50% tariff on goods from the EU, starting in July. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett discusses the goals for ongoing negotiations and offers a hint at new trade deals coming soon. Ray Washburne sits on the boards of Sunoco and Red Lobster, and he’s invested in luxury retail centers, offices, and restaurants. Based on his exposure to the American consumer, Washburne warns about consumer debt and suggests watching diesel as a barometer for U.S. economic and consumer health. Plus, Disney’s live-action remake of “Lilo and Stitch” led the box office over the long weekend, Japan’s long-dated bond yields have fallen, and Elon Musk will now be “super focused” on X, xAI, and Tesla.  Ray Washburne - 14:20Kevin Hassett - 31:37 In this episode:Becky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

David Rubenstein, co-founder of the Carlyle Group and owner of the Baltimore Orioles, shares his insights on President Trump's proposed tariffs and the implications for the economy. Dr. Mehmet Oz, head of CMS, discusses proposed Medicaid reforms and the ethical concerns surrounding the cryptocurrency dinner hosted by Trump. The conversation dives into the evolving landscape of U.S. higher education, tackling contemporary issues like safety for Jewish students and the influence of political bias. Expect a mix of healthcare debates and economic commentary!