Squawk Pod

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ March CPI data revealed an annual inflation rate of 3.3%. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg discusses the pressures on American consumers, including an Iran War-prompted energy price surge and DHS funding. NYT investigative journalist John Carreyrou spent years digging into the real identity of bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto and concluded that it is famed computer scientist, Adam Back. Adam Back, though he’s made notable contributions to the foundations of bitcoin, denies the conclusion. Back makes his case directly–and explains why anonymity might be good for bitcoin. Plus, OpenAI has fired at Anthropic in a new m...

The state of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire appears fragile amid Israel’s strikes in Lebanon. Council on Foreign Relation president Michael Froman discusses the fog of the Iran war, the confusion in negotiation, and the many stakeholders in the region. Head of policy at Palisade Research Dave Kasten discusses Anthropic’s newest model Mythos, an LLM so powerful the company isn’t rolling it out to the public. Kasten shares his worries about the AI race, including developers’ increased tolerance of AI “bad behavior” in the name of innovation progress and speed. Plus, Anthropic has lost its bid to temporarily...

After the U.S. and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, energy prices dropped. CNBC’s Brian Sullivan is watching the flow–or lack thereof–of ships through the Strait of Hormuz to monitor progress of the world’s oil supply. CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports on the ceasefire from the UAE, and CNBC’s Phil LeBeau gets the impact on jet fuel and air travel prices from Delta CEO Ed Bastian. Plus, Anthropic is holding the public release of its newest model Mythos over concerns about its capabilities to exploit digital weaknesses. 

Dan Murphy       2:52

Ed Bastian       ...

President Trump is threatening Iran that “a whole civilization will die tonight” unless a deal is struck tonight to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports from Dubai. The Artemis II crew is on its way home from the farthest away any human has ever been. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman discusses the agency’s space strategy into 2027 and beyond. Paul, Weiss Global Chair of M&A Robert Kindler advised Comcast in its $72 billion acquisition of AT&T Broadband and Time Warner Cable in its $78.7 billion acquisition by Charter Communications. Today, Kindler weighs in on Bill Ackman’s $64B pitch f...

Former SEC Chair and current US Attorney for the Southern District of NY Jay Clayton addresses the firing of his boss, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. Clayton also discusses President Trump’s managerial style, American sentiment toward election interference, and the business of college sports. From Dubai, CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports on the Iran War, President Trump’s relationship with leaders in the Middle East, and the resulting volatility in the global oil markets. Plus, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon highlighted geopolitical, inflationary, and regulatory risk in his annual shareholder letter, and Artemis II is ready to swing around...

Chris Male started the Autism Impact Fund in 2021, aiming to invest in life sciences that impact the 3.2% of U.S. children with autism. AIF is now announcing its first close of its second fund, celebrating $150 million under management. Male discusses the goals of the fund, the opportunities in behavioral health, mental health, and diagnostics, and the private sector’s role in impacting communities affected by autism. 

Chris Male - 03:49

In this episode:

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Hosted b...

After President Trump’s address to the nation, markets saw volatile energy prices. Eurasia Group’s Firas Maksad discusses the inflection point coming in the coming month, as well as the international energy supply chain. Harvard Professor Arthur Brooks has authored a new book, “The Meaning of Your Life.” He suggests which habits are making our lives feel emptier and which habits that can make us happier. Plus, NASA has launched four astronauts into space in the first lunar mission in 50 years, and CNBC’s Sharon Epperson reports on teens and sports betting. 

Sharon Epperson - 09:16

OpenAI has closed a $122 billion funding round, bringing its valuation to $852 billion. Investor Cathie Wood discusses her bets on AI and the future of tech investing. Nike reported a struggle in the Chinese market for its latest quarter, and CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports on the latest in the Middle East. Plus, shares of biopharma company Veradermics are up well over 65% since its IPO in February, all thanks to investor appetite for pattern hair loss treatments. CEO and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Reid Waldman discusses the market, the audience, and the innovation in hair care. 

Dan Murphy...

In his first interview since stepping down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett sits down with CNBC’s Becky Quick in Omaha. He’s teaming up with Stephen and Ayesha Curry to revive his iconic charity lunch auction, bringing new attention to one of his most well-known philanthropic efforts. Buffett also discusses his continued involvement in Berkshire Hathaway’s investment decisions, saying he remains closely engaged and recently made a “tiny” new purchase. He shares his perspective on the current investing environment, his Apple stake, prediction markets, and the Iran War. He also addresses Jeffrey Epstein and the Epstein fi...

After a partial government shutdown disrupted travel nationwide, TSA workers are returning to work and could be getting paid as early as today. Former TSA Administrator John Pistole and BOS Security President Nat Carmack discuss the state of the DHS shutdown, ongoing staffing shortages, and whether privatized airport security could expand across the country. Then, CNBC’s Robert Frank reports on Sen. Bernie Sanders’ “tax the rich” rally, and Partnership for New York City President and CEO Steven Fulop examines whether the city’s tax policies could push Wall Streeters south. Plus, CNBC’s Dan Murphy has the latest on the war in I...

An end to the DHS funding shutdown is in sight after the Senate passed a deal overnight. Despite the progress, US airports may take longer to get back on track. The Fundrise Innovation Fund listed on the NYSE one week ago, and in that week, the stock surged over 1500% (before sliding back down) and was halted twice for volatility. Fundrise CEO and co-founder Ben Miller discusses his goal of democratizing access to private companies like OpenAI and Anthropic. Stanford Life Design Lab co-creator Dave Evans co-authored “How to Live a Meaningful Life,” articulating design lessons from life and his caree...

After 30 years at Coca-Cola and 9 years as the company’s CEO, James Quincey is handing the reins to his successor, Henrique Braun. Quincey discusses his legacy and the future of the “total beverage company.” As DHS funding has stalled on Capitol Hill, one Democrat is consistently breaking with his party: Senator John Fetterman (D-PA). Sen. Fetterman explains his reasoning for voting with Republicans on DHS Secretary Mullin’s confirmation, as well as the Congressional push to settle on legislation before their Easter recess. Plus, CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports on the Iran War, Meta and YouTube were found liable in a state...

As lawmakers take aim at prediction markets, Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA) and John Curtis (R-UT) discuss the bipartisan ‘Prediction Markets Are Gambling Act,’ why they support banning sports-style betting. The Senators and CNBC’s own Emily Wilkins all weigh in on the Capitol Hill negotiations on DHS funding. Then, a New Mexico jury has ordered Meta to pay nearly $400 million in a civil case over child safety on its platforms. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez explains the ruling, what it could mean for big tech and social media, and what comes next in the appeals process. Plus, OpenAI shutte...

As Iran denies President Trump’s assertion that the U.S. and Iran have held talks to end the war, CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports from Dubai. Former deputy national security advisor for the Trump administration Victoria Coates shares her perspective on the region’s future, including support for reliable, secure internet in Iran. On the ground at CERAWeek with the world’s energy executives, Brian Sullivan reports on oil pricing and supply amid the Iran War. Plus, prediction markets Kalshi and Polymarket are moving to ban insider trading, asset management giant Apollo is limiting withdrawals this quarter in the latest...

Energy prices are on the move after President Trump posted on Truth Social that he ordered the U.S. military to postpone strikes on Iran’s power plants and energy infrastructure for five days. Shortly after the post, he spoke directly with Joe Kernen, mentioning “productive talks” with Iranian representatives and regime change. While Iranian media denied any such talks had taken place, the markets moved on each chapter of the news as it unfolded. Allianz chief economic advisor Mohamed El-Erian shares his own economic perspective, and then Richard Goldberg offers his analysis on the military operations still in play in Ir...

Aaru cofounders Ned Koh, Cameron Fink, and John Kessler discuss their company’s AI-driven shakeup of the market research industry and their journey building it—as teenagers. Legendary venture capitalist Katie Haun backed BVNK, a stablecoin infrastructure company being acquired by Mastercard for $1.8B. Haun discusses the deal and growing connections between blockchain technology and fintech. Plus, Dan Murphy reports on the latest in the Iran War, Amazon is planning a smartphone comeback, and an AI controversy has struck a horror novel. 

Dan Murphy - 02:54

Aaru Cofounders - 17:50

Katie Haun - 32:03

 <...

Baby KJ was a pioneer before he was even a year old.  Born in 2024 with a rare, life-threatening genetic mutation, Nicole and Kyle Muldoon’s son is the world’s first patient to receive successful personalized gene editing therapy.  Doctors at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Penn Medicine collaborated to create a unique drug just for KJ, to treat his disorder known as severe carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) deficiency. After spending the first months of his life in the hospital, KJ’s medical breakthrough came with his first dose in February 2025 when he was 6 months old. 

As the funding shutdown of the DHS wears on, TSA agents and regional airports are under pressure. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy discusses the looming airport shutdowns and his concern about national security amid funding squabbles on Capitol Hill. CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports on the latest strikes in the Gulf region and the potential long term effects for oil supply. Former EU Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager discusses Europe’s relationship with the U.S. in wartime, including the bloc’s perspective on AI innovation, independence, and propping up the EU’s own strength. Plus, the Federal Reserve has kept inter...

From Dubai, CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports on the latest in the Middle East as Iran retaliates against other states in the region. CEO of the Anti-Defamation League Jonathan Greenblatt discusses the state of antisemitism in the U.S., weighing in on university campus changes and potential bias in anti-Iran War sentiment. Plus, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is calling OpenClaw “the next ChatGPT,” and MSNow’s Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski and HSBC’s Racquel Oden discuss their Know Your Value venture, highlighting financial fluency among women. 

Dan Murphy - 02:45

Jonathan Greenblatt - 13:30

Mika Brzez...

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett discusses President Trump’s resolve in the Iran War, as well as the conflict’s timeline. Senator Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) is preparing for the confirmation hearing for President Trump’s pick for DHS Secretary, Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma). In addition to the hearing, Sen. Paul discusses his opposition to the Iran War. Plus, the Property Brothers Jonathan and Drew Scott discuss the regulatory and “NIMBY” hurdles to solving America’s affordable housing crisis.

Kevin Hassett - 4:57

Senator Rand Paul - 17:33

Jonathan & Drew Scott - 28:35

In th...

Starting the third week of the war in the Middle East, Morgan Stanley’s chief of U.S. equity strategy Mike Wilson discusses the energy and broader markets and considers the likelihood of a recession in the short term. On the ground in Dubai, CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports on Iran’s strikes on the UAE’s critical energy infrastructure and transportation hub. The Strait of Hormuz is pivotal to the conflict; President Trump is reportedly planning a coalition of naval escorts through the channel key for the world’s energy supply. Michelle Caruso-Cabrera offers her perspective on the oil markets, inv...

Trade tensions between the U.S. and China are rising ahead of a high-stakes summit in Beijing now less than three weeks away. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer discusses the administration’s new trade investigations, the state of relations with China, the impact of the Iran war, and President Trump’s tariff agenda. Then, with TSA workers set to miss their first paycheck of the shutdown, former DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson explains what the Senate’s funding fight could mean for airport staffing and air travel. Plus, CNBC’s Robert Frank on Democrats’ plan to raise taxes on the rich...

More than 30 countries have agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves as the war-driven supply shock sends crude above $100 a barrel. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright discusses America’s plan to release 172 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the effort to stabilize oil prices, and whether the U.S. Navy could help escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Then, CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports on Iran’s escalating attacks on shipping and energy infrastructure across the Gulf. And, Defense Department CTO Emil Michael takes aim at Anthropic’s AI models over concerns about ideology...

Microsoft is backing Anthropic in its skirmish with the Trump Administration’s Pentagon, arguing a temporary restraining order would avoid disrupting the military’s use of AI. North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis maintains his blockade on voting for Fed chair nominee Kevin Warsh as long as there is a still a DOJ criminal investigation against current Chair Jerome Powell, and key traffic remains stalled in the Strait of Hormuz.  Then, entrepreneur, author and sometime politician Andrew Yang warns today’s young people could struggle in a job market changed by the speedy rise of AI technology.  And CNBC’s Robert Frank...

Chevron and Shell are nearing their first big production deal in Venezuela since the capture of Nicolas Maduro, Disney names its next president of Disneyland Resort, Senate aids get approval to use three AI chatbots for work, the Trump Administration restarts Global Entry after a pause, and Softbank’s Japanese Payment app PayPay sets a price range for its IPO. 

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Wall Street witnessed a stunning recovery Monday after President Donald Trump indicated the U.S.-Iran war could be over soon. Trump told a CBS News reporter on Monday that “the war is very complete, pretty much” and later said during a press conference that the conflict would end “very soon.”  Sen. Ted Cruz weighs in on the potential duration of the conflict in Iran, and Armadin CEO Kevin Mandia describes the AI-enabled future of warfare, that is already here. Plus, CNBC’s Steve Liesman on the tough road volatile energy prices make for the Federal Reserve and CNBC’s Eamon Javer...

Oil surged above $100 a barrel as the war with Iran disrupts global supply and tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains at a standstill. Amos Hochstein, TWG Global managing partner and former senior advisor to President Biden, discusses the state of the conflict, the historic shock to oil markets, and what a possible endgame could look like. Then, Goldman Sachs President of Global Affairs Jared Cohen examines what the war means for the future of Iran’s regime and the broader geopolitical fallout, including China’s potential role. Plus, CNBC’s Dan Murphy breaks down the latest developments in the...

A surprising February jobs report is raising new questions about the strength of the labor market. The economy lost 92,000 jobs last month weighed down by severe winter weather and a strike at a major health care provider. CNBC’s Steve Liesman and San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly break down the data, the broader economic picture, and what it could mean for the Federal Reserve’s interest rate path. Then, former U.S. Congressman Sean Maloney, now CEO of the Coalition for Prediction Markets, discusses the future of prediction markets, concerns about insider trading, and what regulation might look like...

For the first time since Lyndon Johnson was in the White House, Berkshire Hathaway has a new CEO.  Greg Abel joins us in his major interview since taking over for the legendary Warren Buffett at the beginning of the year.  The company has resumed repurchasing its own shares for the first time since 2024, and Abel announced his plans to use his annual compensation each year to buy additional shares in Berkshire. Plus, the latest in the he-said, he-said drama of OpenAI, Anthropic and the Pentagon. 

Greg Abel: 16:00

In this episode: 

Andrew Ros...

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the Trump Administration will roll out a series of measures aimed at stabilizing oil shipments through the Persian Gulf, as Washington steps into the oil tensions.  He also addressed President Trump’s latest tariff policy.  CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports from Dubai on the main energy traffic artery the Strait of Hormuz, and Sam Altman told OpenAI employees the company doesn’t get to choose how the military uses its technology.  And, CNBC Cures’ first summit brought together rare disease families, care providers, regulators and innovators to tackle some of the world’s most difficult diagnose...

President Trump says the U.S. will provide insurance to Persian Gulf tankers to ease the traffic slowdown in the Straight ot Hormuz, tech companies are scrambling to ensure safety of employees in the Middle East, cybersecurity company Crowdstrike beat analysts’ expectations for the fourth quarter, Ross Stores seeing an uptick in shoppers at the off-price retailer, and Democratic lawmakers are potentially working on a proposal that could lead to the breakup and American meatpacking companies

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The U.S.-Iran conflict enters its fourth day, spreading across the region and pushing oil prices higher. CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports on the latest military developments and what the surge in energy costs could mean for markets. On Capitol Hill, lawmakers prepare to vote on President Trump’s war powers in Iran. Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) explains why he opposes the strikes and argues Congress must reassert its authority. And, as AI becomes a tool of modern combat, Christoff & Co. CEO Niki Christoff discusses the Pentagon’s partnerships, Anthropic’s dispute with the Defense Department, and whether meaningf...

In 2024, Jeffrey Allen applied to the first season of “Beast Games,” a reality competition show on Amazon Prime Video that was inspired by the Netflix series “Squid Game” and created by YouTuber MrBeast. Why did this California Dad want to be on a game show?  “Beast Games” offered the largest cash prize in history – and Allen wanted to make a difference in the search for a cure for his son Lucas’ rare disease.

Lucas was diagnosed as a toddler with Creatine Transporter Deficiency, or CTD, a rare genetic mutation that blocks the transport of the natural source of e...

More U.S. forces head to the Middle East, following the initial strikes in Iran by the U.S. and Israel. CNBC reporters Dan Murphy and Brian Sullivan on the market and global energy industry’s response.  Veteran and venture capitalist Alex Harstrick describes Operation Epic Fury as, potentially, the first “AI War” and the language barriers between Silicon Valley and the Pentagon when it comes to artificial intelligence.  And, former Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein looks back on an epic Wall Street career 

Dan Murphy          2:27

Brian Sullivan          11:37

Alex Harstrick       24:42

Lloyd Blankfein      34...

OpenAI has closed a staggering $110 billion funding round, more than doubling its record-setting raise from just a year ago. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman joins alongside Amazon CEO Andy Jassy to discuss the massive new capital infusion, the details behind OpenAI and Amazon’s $50 billion strategic partnership, and what comes next for agentic AI. Then, IBM vice chairman and former Trump NEC director Gary Cohn reacts to news that Block is cutting 40% of its workforce, citing AI efficiencies. Cohn discusses what those cuts signal about the future of work, the broader economy, and the market’s AI-fueled momentum. Plus, Paramount Skyd...

After reporting a strong quarter, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang speaks to Becky Quick about his company’s future and the future of the AI landscape–including the ongoing standoff between Anthropic and the Pentagon. FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary discusses the agency’s push for reforms and expedited drug approvals, particularly for rare disease therapies. Plus, Beast Games Season 2 finale is out on Amazon Prime, and season three is already in preproduction. Beast Industries CEO Jeff Housenbold discusses his ambitions of building another Disney while producing the most-followed person on the internet, Mr. Beast. 

Dr. Marty Mak...

After the President’s State of the Union address, Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-New Jersey) discusses his party’s response to the lengthy speech and underscores the affordability crisis facing many Americans. CNBC’s Eamon Javers recaps the evening’s highlights, including moments of partisan- and bipartisanship. Then, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz discusses the administration’s push to lower drug prices. Plus, Anthropic has changed its safety policy. 

Rep. Josh Gottheimer - 21:28

Dr. Mehmet Oz - 29:44

In this episode:

Josh Gottheimer, @RepJoshG

Dr. Mehmet Oz, @DrOz

Ahead of the President’s State of the Union address tonight, Joe Kernen sits down with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. First, Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) discusses the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling and his outlook for geopolitical shifts in the rest of President Trump’s term. Then, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) discusses tariff confusion and the latest development in Netflix’s and Paramount Skydance’s competing bids for Warner Bros. Discovery. 

Sen. Ted Cruz - 10:48

Sen. Maria Cantwell - 24:16

In this episode:

Ted Cruz, @SenT...

As a major blizzard blankets much of the East Coast, the bigger storm is in Washington. After the Supreme Court of the United States struck down President Donald Trump’s global tariff policy, the President responded with a new 15% tariff on all imports, putting U.S. trade deals and the broader global order in question. CNBC’s Steve Liesman explains the ruling and what comes next. Yale Law School professor and former Biden Treasury official Natasha Sarin debates former Trump economic advisor Stephen Moore on the economic impact and outlook of more tariffs. Then, Washington State Senator Jamie Pedersen discusse...

U.S. Customs will stop collecting IEEPA tariffs on Tuesday, after the Supreme Court deemed them illegal, TSA Pre-Check is once again operational, despite the partial government shutdown, Axios reports that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will meet with Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei to discuss the military’s use of Claude AI, Goldman Sachs has raised its end-of-year oil forecast, and “One Battle After Another” won BAFTA’s best film award. 

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