Squawk Pod

CNBC
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May 22, 2025 • 33min

A Tight House Vote & OpenAI’s New AI Device 5/22/25

After a near all-nighter of debate and amendments, House lawmakers passed President Trump’s mega-bill. CNBC’s Emily Wilkins explains the long road to a tight vote, and Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) discusses his own shift from a “nay” to a “yea” vote. Rep. Roy is hopeful that more revisions will be made during the legislation’s next stop in the Senate, namely those addressing his concerns about the deficit and Medicaid. OpenAI is bringing in ex-Apple innovator and designer Jony Ive to build a new, mystery project. In Washington, authorities have identified and detained the gunman in the killing of two Israel embassy staff. Plus, ahead of the holiday weekend, Brian Kelly (The Points Guy) shares travel trends among Americans.  Steve Kovach - 4:28Rep. Chip Roy - 17:29Brian Kelly - 30:17 In this episode:Emily Wilkins,@emrwilkinsBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie
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May 21, 2025 • 37min

Barry Diller Breaks Down the Battle for Media’s Future 05/21/25

On this special episode of Squawk Pod, media icon Barry Diller reflects on his career and the release of his new memoir Who Knew. He discusses launching Fox with Rupert Murdoch, a bitter legal feud with John Malone, and high-stakes negotiations. Diller offers his insights into the evolving media landscape, warning that tech giants now control the industry’s future. He also opens up about his personal life lessons, his marriage to Diane von Furstenberg, and how fear shaped his fearlessness in business. An important conversation with one of media’s most influential figures. Becky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin
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May 21, 2025 • 44min

Trump Tax Bill’s Final Hours & Zero-Click Search 5/21/25

GOP leaders are working to finalize President Trump’s cornerstone legislation: a massive tax bill, with Speaker Mike Johnson pushing for a floor vote in the House as early as tonight. CNBC’s Emily Wilkins reports the latest developments from Washington. Deputy Treasury Secretary and Acting IRS Commissioner Michael Faulkender discusses the reconciliation bill, budget details, Medicaid reforms, efforts to reduce the federal deficit, the state of the IRS, and plans to modernize the agency. And, internet search is changing drastically; Cloudflare co-founder and CEO Matthew Prince weighs the impact of zero-click searches – where a user gets answers and information without further links and AI’s disruption of the search  and creator economies.  Meanwhile, Target lowers its sales outlook, citing tariff uncertainty and backlash over its DEI policy rollback. Plus, the FAA extends flight restrictions at Newark airport through June due to an air traffic controller shortage and ongoing technical issues. Michael Faulkender    25:46Matthew Prince       40:04 Emily Wilkins, @emrwilkinsCourtney Reagan, @courtreaganMichael Faulkender, @TreasuryDepSecJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie
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May 20, 2025 • 35min

Who is the real Sam Altman? 5/20/25

After conducting over 300 interviews and spending seven years reporting on artificial intelligence, tech journalist and Empire of AI author Karen Hao discusses the story behind OpenAI and its founder Sam Altman, the current state of AI development, the potential risks and benefits of the technology, and the company's relationship with Microsoft. Then, Mike Gallagher, head of defense at Palantir Technologies and former U.S. Congressman, shares insights on the U.S.-China tech conflict, the dangers of using Huawei chips, the role of American companies operating in China, and the future of Taiwan. Plus, Home Depot reaffirmed its full-year guidance and said it will not raise prices due to tariffs, and Republicans are making progress on advancing a bill aligned with former President Trump’s agenda in the House. Mike Gallagher 19:52Karen Hao  29:20 Emily Wilkins,@emrwilkinsMike Gallagher, @RepGallagherKaren Hao, @_KarenHaoBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinZach Vallese, @zachvallese
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May 19, 2025 • 37min

Walter Isaacson & Business Roundtable CEO Josh Bolten 5/19/25

Joining the conversation are Josh Bolten, CEO of the Business Roundtable and former White House Chief of Staff, as well as Walter Isaacson, renowned biographer and professor. They delve into the impact of President Trump’s policies on corporate America, including the challenges of tariffs faced by retailers like Walmart. Isaacson discusses crucial biotech innovations hindered by funding cuts, especially in gene editing. Bolten emphasizes the cautious optimism among CEOs regarding the economy while addressing concerns over tax hikes and trade negotiations.
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May 16, 2025 • 34min

The Orange Pill with Mike Novogratz & President Trump vs. Tim Cook 5/16/25

Yale professor Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, an expert on corporate governance, weighs in on President Trump's remarks about Apple CEO Tim Cook, revealing tensions between corporate and political leaders. Mike Novogratz, a seasoned crypto advocate, discusses the increasing mainstream acceptance of blockchain as his company goes public. The conversation also touches on trade policies affecting U.S. businesses, the rising influence of cryptocurrency among younger investors, and the implications of ongoing developments in tech and finance.
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May 15, 2025 • 30min

Alexis Ohanian’s New Stake in Chelsea Women FC 5/15/25

Alexis Ohanian, co-founder of Reddit and founder of VentureFirm 776, recently invested in Chelsea Women FC, showcasing his commitment to women's sports. He discusses the bright future of women's soccer and the challenges of monetizing sports in the digital age. The conversation touches on the role of AI in enhancing fan experiences and the broader implications for technology in sports. Ohanian also offers insights into major market trends, including corporate acquisitions and the latest controversies affecting platforms like Reddit.
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May 14, 2025 • 34min

A Qatari Plane & America’s Character 5/14/25

Retired U.S. Army General Stanley McChrystal, a noted leader and author, discusses America’s character amidst rising political division. He shares insights on leadership integrity and the impact of social media on societal values. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy delves into the controversial offer of a Qatari plane to President Trump and the implications for U.S. foreign policy. They navigate the intricate relationship between legislative efforts and national security, highlighting the current political climate.
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May 13, 2025 • 47min

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Chaos at Newark 5/13/25

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
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May 12, 2025 • 38min

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on the 90 Day Pause 5/12/25

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.

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