Squawk Pod

Gary Cohn, IBM Vice Chairman and former National Economic Council Director, dives into the current economic landscape, discussing inflation and the Federal Reserve's policy direction. Jake Loosararian, CEO of Gecko Robotics, shares insights on their AI-driven technology used for inspecting critical infrastructure. The conversation also covers Boeing's aviation challenges and the future of robotics in essential industries. Both guests highlight the need for innovation to navigate economic uncertainty and enhance infrastructure safety.

Len Schleifer, Founder and CEO of Regeneron, discusses the potential acquisition of 23andMe, emphasizing the value of genetic data in drug development. He highlights how DNA insights can shape future therapies. Meanwhile, Robert Frank dives into the legal complexities surrounding Jimmy Buffett's $275 million estate amid fierce disputes between trustees. The episode tackles the intersection of healthcare innovation and personal legacies, revealing both the promise and challenges of navigating genetic information and wealth distribution.

Elon Musk's surprising comments about President Trump spark discussions on shifting public relations. Tesla gears up for its innovative robotaxi service in Austin. U.S. and China are inching closer to a trade resolution, much to market watchers' relief. Meanwhile, speculation surrounds Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's potential Fed chair candidacy, though the White House downgrades the chatter. These developments set the stage for an intriguing market opening.

Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania discusses the vital role of clear communication during civil unrest, especially as federal forces are deployed in Los Angeles. He voices concerns about the changing dynamics of vaccine advisory panels and their impact on public trust. Shapiro also highlights Pennsylvania's $20 billion investment from Amazon aimed at boosting local job creation and educational partnerships in artificial intelligence. Additionally, the governor touches on the importance of maintaining democratic values amidst widespread protests.

Kevin Hassett, former National Economic Council Director, shares insights on U.S.-China trade negotiations, emphasizing the urgency of securing rare earth metals for tech industries. David Faber, CNBC's financial reporter, breaks down Warner Brothers Discovery's ambitious plan to split into two public companies by next year, exploring its ramifications for the media landscape. They dive into market dynamics, inflation, and tensions stemming from trade discussions, keeping the conversation engaging and insightful.

Trade talks between the U.S. and China are heating up as exports from China decline. Negotiations with India are also in the spotlight. Meanwhile, college athletes might see financial changes thanks to a landmark settlement, allowing universities to pay Division I players directly. Speculation arises about upcoming shifts in Federal Reserve leadership, affecting interest rates and the economy. Tune in for insights on these critical financial developments!

President Trump and Elon Musk are in a very public clash on social media, an explosive end to a bromance that began on the President’s campaign trail. The allegations, the X posts, and what’s next–plus, what Congress and the reconciliation bill have to do with the fight. Musk targeted House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) in some of his latest social media posts, but Speaker Johnson tells us, “it doesn’t need to be personal.” He explains the GOP rifts over addressing the national deficit. U.S. hiring in May slowed, but not as much as economists expected. CNBC’s Mike Santoli, Steve Liesman, and Rick Santelli join former CBO Director Doug Holtz-Eakin, Nuveen’s Saira Malik, and former Treasury official Kitty Richards to discuss the report and what the numbers tell us about the country’s economic trajectory.  Speaker Mike Johnson - 16:13Jobs Panel - 34:10 In this episode:Mike Johnson, @SpeakerJohnsonSteve Liesman, @steveliesmanMike Santoli, @michaelsantoliBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkKatie 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.

The 5 things you need to know before the stock market opens today: it’s jobs Friday, Circle’s celebrating as a public company, Lululemon and Docusign shares are pressured, Broadcom likes AI, and celebrate - it’s national donut day! 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.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Washington, Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) discusses the Senate’s ongoing edits to the reconciliation bill, including deficit debates and AI regulation moratorium. On X, Elon Musk has expressed disappointment and disgust at the legislation, calling to “kill the bill.” The Tesla CEO’s biographer Walter Isaacson discusses the wind-down of DOGE, its lasting impact, and the shifting relationship between Elon Musk and President Trump. CNBC’s Eamon Javers discusses the President’s travel ban and the evolution of the Republican Party. Plus, Reddit has sued Anthropic, the Fed has reported an economic contraction, and President Trump has halted Harvard’s student-visa program. Eamon Javers - 15:38Walter Isaacson - 23:25Sen. Ted Cruz - 35:56 In this episode: Ted Cruz, @SenTedCruzWalter Isaacson, @WalterIsaacsonEamon Javers, @EamonJaversBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkKatie 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.

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