Leverage in the U.S. & China, Affirm CEO Max Levchin 5/9/25
In the latest global trade war development, India could be ready for a trade deal with the U.S. Ahead of the trade negotiations between the U.S. and China this weekend, CNBC contributor Michelle Caruso-Cabrera discusses the leverage of each nation and her observations on her recent trip to China with the Brookings Institution. In Washington, Emily Wilkins reports on the GOP’s tax package, including President Trump’s idea to raise taxes on top earners. Plus, shares of buy now, pay later platform Affirm fell after the company reported a beat on quarterly earnings but a disappointing revenue forecast. CEO and PayPal co-founder Max Levchin discusses the state of consumer spending, the rate of loan repayment delinquencies, and the evolution of payments. Emily Wilkins - 07:19Max Levchin - 16:10Michelle Caruso-Cabrera - 27:18 In this episode:Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, @MCaruso_CabreraMax Levchin, @mlevchinBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY
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31:35
The Fed, A “Fool,” & College Politics 5/8/25
President Trump has reached a trade deal with the United Kingdom, and the Federal Reserve is keeping interest rates steady. The decision prompted a post from President Trump calling Fed Chair Jay Powell a “fool,” but one that he likes. CNBC’s Steve Liesman breaks down Chair Powell’s commentary and the latest economic data. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) discusses US competition in AI ahead of his hearing with tech leaders including OpenAI’s Sam Altman and AMD’s Lisa Su. Sen. Cruz discusses the Trump administration’s tariffs and price controls on Medicaid drugs. Plus, Scott Bok was chair of the University of Pennsylvania’s board when the university’s president was pushed out after the Israel-Hamas war began in 2023. In this episode, he discusses the shifting culture and politics both on and toward U.S. college campuses. Sen. Ted Cruz - 22:42Scott Bok - 36:10 In this episode:Ted Cruz, @SenTedCruzSteve Liesman, @steveliesmanBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie
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41:23
Uber CEO, Lazard CEO, & ‘Versant’ 5/7/25
The U.S. and China will meet in Switzerland this weekend to negotiate global tariffs. Lazard CEO Peter Orszag discusses the likely outcome of that meeting, including what’s at stake for the global and domestic economies. Plus, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi discusses the company’s latest bookings results, including shifts in pricing for rides, the FTC’s lawsuit over Uber One, Uber’s expansion into Turkey, Uber’s lawsuit against Doordash, and consumer appetite for Uber Eats. Plus, India escalated tension with Pakistan, an appointment at the FDA has prompted a pharma stock drop, and Comcast’s cable spinoff has a name! Megan Cassella - 03:15Dara Khosrowshahi - 16:45Peter Orszag - 35:11 In this episode:Megan Cassella, @mmcassellaBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie
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42:21
Paul Tudor Jones & Mattel CEO Ynon Kreiz 5/6/25
Legendary investor and risk manager Paul Tudor Jones shares his concerns about AI in an extended interview. He argues, those who are creating and profiting from artificial intelligence should also be investing in its security. Barbie-maker Mattel will increase some toy prices to offset rising costs from tariffs. CEO Ynon Kreiz explains the toymaker’s supply chain in and out of China. Plus, Ford, pharmaceutical companies, and even Hollywood are also working to counter pressures from tariffs, OpenAI is making some changes to its structure, and concerns mount about safety at Newark airport. Ynon Kreiz - 20:40Paul Tudor Jones - 28:21 In this episode:Becky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie
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40:53
Bill Ackman & Updates from Omaha 5/5/25
In a surprise announcement at the 2025 Berkshire Hathaway Shareholder Meeting, Warren Buffett announced that Greg Abel will become CEO at year-end. Becky Quick is in Omaha recapping the highlights of that meeting and the shareholder reception to that moment. Meanwhile, Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square will invest $900 million in Howard Hughes, in a move that’s part of what Ackman considers his long-held ambition of building a company like Berkshire Hathaway. Check out the rest of CNBC’s Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting coverage here. Bill Ackman - 23:04 In this episode:Bill Ackman, @BillAckmanBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY
Squawk Pod is a daily, guided curation of the top moments and takeaways from CNBC’s flagship morning show, “Squawk Box”, anchored by Joe Kernen, Becky Quick and Andrew Ross Sorkin. Each day, the podcast includes news making interviews, perspective and analysis from iconic guest hosts, and slices of debate and discussion—from the heated to the hilarious— all wrapped with exclusive context and color from Senior Producer Katie Kramer.
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