Squawk Pod

President Trump intensified attacks on Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell, fueling market volatility and concerns over the central bank’s independence. At the Chevron Leadership Initiative's CoMission Champions of Women in Sports event, Becky Quick sits down with Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon to discuss market volatility, trade policy, economic uncertainty, and investing in women’s sports. Facebook co-founder and chair of the Economic Security Project Chris Hughes is out with a new book, “Marketcrafters.” Hughes discusses Fed independence and the future of capitalism. Plus, Harvard is suing the Trump administration, the Academy Awards set new AI rules, and the FTC is suing Uber over premium billing. Chris Hughes - 15:43David Solomon - 26:53 In this episode:Chris Hughes, @chrishugesBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Austan Goolsbee, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago and former economic advisor under Obama, teams up with Krishna Guha, Vice Chairman at Evercore ISI and central banking expert. They dive into the current state of the economy, scrutinizing the Fed's inflation strategies amid political pressures. Guha discusses the potential fallout of threats to Fed leadership, while Goolsbee emphasizes the critical need for central bank independence. The duo also reflects on how tariffs influenced economic policy, providing insights into the future landscape of monetary challenges.

Peter Kraus, Chairman and CEO of Aperture Investors and former head of Alliance Bernstein, dives into the shifting landscape of tech and finance. He discusses NVIDIA's role amid U.S.-China tensions, especially in AI chip supply. The conversation pivots to the Federal Reserve's struggles with inflation and economic growth, while President Trump calls for drastic changes in leadership. They also touch on Harvard's tax-exempt status and the broader implications of political decisions on the market, revealing a complex interplay of economics, education, and national security.

Elise Stefanik, a U.S. Representative and Harvard alumna, pushes for defunding her alma mater over concerns about antisemitism and free speech on campus. She argues for government accountability in academic funding. Former SEC Chair Gary Gensler shares insights on U.S.-China trade dynamics, touching on tariffs and negotiation strategies, along with reflections on cryptocurrencies. They engage in a lively discussion about the implications of regulatory actions and economic forecasts, blending politics with humor.

Glenn Youngkin, Governor of Virginia and former CEO, discusses the impact of federal policies on Virginia's economy. He expresses optimism despite job losses related to the DOGE phenomenon. Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA Commissioner, highlights concerns over rising costs in the pharmaceutical industry, warning that major medications could face production halts. The discussion also touches on the Trump administration's freeze on $2.2 billion in grants to Harvard, sparking a debate on free speech and government interference in education.

Janet Yellen, the former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, shares her thoughts on the chaotic tariff policies under the Trump administration and their impact on the economy. Lina Khan, former FTC Chair, brings her expertise on antitrust, discussing the legal challenges facing Meta over its acquisitions. Both guests emphasize the unpredictable nature of current tariffs and their implications for tech industries and international relations, even drawing parallels between market chaos and sports emotional journeys.

Nneka Ogwumike, WNBA Players Association President and Seattle Storm Forward, shares her insights on the evolution of women's sports. She discusses the impact of a new $2.2 billion TV deal and the need for equitable compensation in the WNBA. Nneka emphasizes the importance of empowering young female athletes and reimagining success in professional sports. She also highlights her leadership approach, focusing on representation and the critical role of advocacy in shaping a brighter future for women's basketball.

Neel Kashkari, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, shares insights on the U.S. economy amid rising trade tensions with China and significant tariff increases. He discusses investor sentiment moving away from the U.S. as a safe haven and the potential repercussions for markets. Meanwhile, the impact of political developments on economic stability is explored. The conversation also touches on the Fed's challenges with inflation management and the broader implications for consumers and retirement investments in light of these uncertainties.

Join Kevin Hassett, former National Economic Council Director, as he unpacks the recent turbulence in the markets following Trump’s unexpected tariff pause. He shares insights on how this might affect negotiations and consumer prices. Then, dive into a revealing conversation with Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon, who explains how rising tariffs could influence seller pricing strategies. Together, they shed light on the complexities of international trade and the future of consumer experiences amidst economic shifts. It's a compelling mix of politics, business, and market dynamics!

Senator Elizabeth Warren discusses the potential repeal of Trump's tariffs, cautiously emphasizing their usefulness when applied correctly. Marc Rowan, CEO of Apollo Global Management, shares insights on the economic slowdown and stresses that a recession isn't here yet. They explore the impacts of tariffs on market volatility, national debt implications, and political tensions surrounding tax policies. The conversation also touches on the influence of corporate leaders on discussions about tariffs and investment opportunities during economic uncertainty.