Squawk Pod

Latest Episodes:

FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson’s Big Plans for Big Tech 3/13/25 Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

New Federal Trade Commission Chair Andrew Ferguson sits down with CNBC’s Eamon Javers to discuss antitrade policy and his plans for Big Tech, saying he’s “unequivocally” not backing off of a case against Amazon. Plus, former Aetna CEO and current Oscar Health CEO Mark Bertolini weighs in on how to improve the messy, frustrating world of health insurance in what’s been a rocky start to the year for the industry. Plus, two astronauts are still stuck in space, JPMorgan Chase’s Jamie Dimon offers a word of caution on consumer spending and the countdown to a possible government shutdown continues.

Andrew Ferguson - 18:02

Mark Bertolini - 35:22

Andrew Ferguson, @AFergusonFTC

Mark Bertolini, @mtbert

Eamon Javers, @EamonJavers

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin

Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trump’s Tariff Takeoff with Altimeter Capital’s Brad Gerstner 3/12/25 Mar 12, 2025

Show notes

As markets react sharply to President Trump’s 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum, Altimeter Capital CEO Brad Gerstner weighs in on the escalating market turmoil and the broader implications of Trump’s trade policies. Amid these developments, CNBC’s Eunice Youn reports from Beijing on talks between China’s Ministry of Commerce and Walmart, which is seeking price reductions from Chinese suppliers to mitigate tariff impacts. Plus, CNBC’s Eamon Javers delivers insights on Trump FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson’s recent remarks to CEOs, emphasizing that while he won’t allow mergers to falter unnecessarily, automatic approvals for significant mergers aren’t guaranteed.

Eamon Javers - 09:14

Eunice Yoon - 16:13

Brad Gerstner - 22:51

Eunice Yoon, @onlyyoontv

Eamon Javers, @EamonJavers

Brad Gerstner, @altcap

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin

Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tesla Bull Ron Baron & Education Secretary Linda McMahon 3/11/25 Mar 11, 2025

Show notes

Tesla shares have lost 50% of their value ($800B in market cap) since their peak in December, dropping 15% in Monday’s trading session alone. Despite the slide–and Elon Musk’s increased visibility in DC–longtime Tesla shareholder Ron Baron says he's still a believer in the company’s fundamentals and the company’s leader. Tesla comprises 32% of one of his funds, and Baron explains his persistent optimism. Tesla isn’t the only stock under pressure; the Dow dropped 900 points on Monday, and the Nasdaq suffered its worst day since 2022. Plus, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon explains why, as a bureaucrat, she believes bureaucracy hurts more than helps education outcomes. Sec. McMahon discusses the imminent unwinding of her own department.

Ron Baron - 13:56

Linda McMahon - 45:05

In this episode:

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin

Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Populism in DC, NEC Director Kevin Hassett, & RHONY Mezcal 3/10/25 Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

As Wall Street stumbles on fears of a trade war, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett discusses the U.S. economy and the uncertainties that are shaking investors. Tariff concerns extend to small businesses, too; Mezcalum co-founders (and Real Housewives of New York stars) Erin and Abe Lichy share how they’re absorbing raised costs in their supply chain for mezcal from Mexico. CNBC’s Eamon Javers reports on President Trump’s latest comments from Washington, including a shift away from the stock market as a barometer for success. Plus, Tesla stock is experiencing its longest losing streak since going public.

Eamon Javers -

Kevin Hassett - 26:29

Erin and Abe Lichy - 41:17

In this episode:

Erin Lichy, @Erindlichy

Eamon Javers, @EamonJavers

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin

Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent: The Market’s Detox 3/7/25 Mar 07, 2025

Show notes

In an extended interview, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discusses the Trump administration’s tariffs, including the timeline of his trip to Kiev and President Zelenskyy’s trip to Washington, DC. Secretary Bessent considers the strength of the U.S. dollar, President Trump’s executive order establishing a strategic bitcoin reserve, and what he calls the market’s “detox” from excessive government spending. Plus, CNBC’s MacKenzie Sigalos explains bitcoin’s reaction to the strategic reserve and the likelihood of foreign governments following suit.

MacKenzie Sigalos - 08:33

Scott Bessent - 16:45

In this episode:

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin

Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Taut Trade Friendship & A Temporary Relief for Autos 3/6/25 Mar 06, 2025

Show notes

As the United States and Canada spar over tariffs, Karina Gould, a candidate for Canadian Prime Minister and former Canadian government House leader, explains Canada’s retaliation against the Trump administration’s tariffs and the Canadian frustration at the current relationship between neighbors. Then, pollster and political strategist Frank Luntz provides insights into swing voters 6 weeks into President Trump’s second term. Luntz discusses the public’s opinion on Elon Musk's influence in Washington and the economic messaging from the White House. Plus, some Senate Republicans push to codify DOGE cuts after meeting with Elon Musk, and automakers have one month’s reprieve from tariffs on autos coming into the U.S. from Mexico and Canada.

Karina Gould - 14:02

Frank Luntz - 25:44

In this episode:

Frank Luntz, @frankluntz

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin

Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tariff Tolls: Price “Disturbance” & Friction for the NHL 3/5/25 Mar 05, 2025

Show notes

Wednesday marks day two of President Trump’s 25% levies on Mexico and Canada. In his joint address to Congress, the President warned about “a little disturbance” as American industries and neighbors digest his administration’s tariffs. CNBC’s Eamon Javers reports on the rest of the news out of Tuesday’s address, and Phil LeBeau reports that the administration may consider a delay on tariffs for autos. Former US Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman explains the toll tariffs may take on the longstanding relationship between neighbors, including social and economic ties. The friction between the U.S. and Canada extends to the ice; National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman discusses the cross border relationships in sport and in finance.

Eamon Javers - 9:48

Bruce Heyman - 19:32

Gary Bettman - 29:12

Phil LeBeau - 37:12

In this episode:

Phil LeBeau, @Lebeaucarnews

Eamon Javers, @EamonJavers

Robert Frank, @robtfrank

Michael Santoli, @michaelsantoli

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Target CEO Brian Cornell & Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick 3/4/25 Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

President Trump’s tariffs on Mexico and Canada take effect today. Target CEO Brian Cornell sits down with Becky Quick to discuss the impact they’ll have on his business and on price tags for consumers; Cornell warns, costs at checkout will likely go up, and soon. While U.S. stocks and investors waver on the new trade rules, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick explains the long term vision for “fair” trade, as well as the price the Trump administration is willing to pay to curb fentanyl’s flow into the country and bring more manufacturing stateside. Plus, President Trump has paused all U.S. military aid to Ukraine.

Brian Cornell - 14:50

Howard Lutnick - 31:48

In this episode:

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Shaky Markets & the Fight Heard ‘Round the World 3/3/28 Mar 03, 2025

Show notes

The markets ended February on a low note as investors digest global and domestic uncertainty and prepare for tariffs set to take effect on Tuesday. Cryptocurrency, however, has rallied on President Trump’s announcement of a strategic crypto reserve. In the aftermath of the heated discussion between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, author, editor, and international affairs professor Nina Khrushcheva examines the U.S. agenda and next steps for Russian President Putin. Hayman Capital Management founder Kyle Bass considers Ukraine’s geopolitical position and the shift in war sentiment among conservatives in the United States. Plus, Anora took home 5 awards from Sunday’s Oscars. Puck founding partner Matt Belloni discusses the other winners, the surprises, and the streaming factor in this year’s Academy Awards.

Megan Cassella - 07:23

Nina Khrushcheva - 12:57

Kyle Bass - 21:11

Matt Belloni - 31:45

In this episode:

Matt Belloni, @MattBelloni

Kyle Bass, @Jkylebass

Megan Cassella, @mmcassella

Melissa Lee, @MelissaLeeCNBC

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A Measles Outbreak, A New AI App, & the Oscar Buzz 2/28/25 Feb 28, 2025

Show notes

Uncertainty from U.S. tariffs and the DOGE agenda has prompted a volatile week in the financial markets. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited President Trump days ahead of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s Washington visit; both leaders have tariffs and war top of mind. In Texas, a child has become America’s first measles-related death in almost a decade. Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb discusses the measles outbreak risks of declining vaccination rates in certain communities, bringing down the average vaccination rates in some states. Plus, Meta plans to release its own AI app, and it’s awards season! Variety’s Cynthia Littleton discusses the expected Oscar wins at the 97th Academy Awards this Sunday.

Dr. Scott Gottlieb - 16:36

Cynthia Littleton - 27:06

In this episode:

Dr. Scott Gottlieb, @ScottGottliebMD

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin

Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.