Squawk Pod

Ron DeSantis, Florida governor focused on pro-business tax moves and an AI Bill of Rights. Chris Christie, former New Jersey governor turned gaming regulation advisor. They debate whether prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket function as unregulated sportsbooks and siphon state revenue. DeSantis explains why businesses and wealthy movers choose Florida and outlines property tax and infrastructure pressures.

A quick rundown of a possible U.S. military decision on Iran within days. News about Johnson & Johnson weighing a multibillion-dollar orthopedics sale. Reports that Amazon's AI tools may have caused cloud outages. Discussion of plans to release government files about possible extraterrestrial life. A lively debate on the risks and intrigue of making those files public.

Mario Gabelli, legendary value investor behind Gabelli Asset Management, discusses bids for Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix/Paramount dynamics, Versant and MSG’s potential split. Joseph Stiglitz, two-time Nobel-winning economist and professor, examines the Trump administration’s economic agenda, tariffs, inflation effects, and labor trends. Multiple short conversations cover deal strategy, franchise value, trade policy and macro risks.

Steven Fulop, Partnership for New York City CEO, on proposed property tax hikes and business impacts. Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA Commissioner, on baby formula safety, manufacturing hurdles, and regulatory effects on vaccines and biologics. They discuss city budget politics, supply-chain and safety reviews, and how policy choices shape investment in health and regional competitiveness.

Marc Morial, president and CEO of the National Urban League and former New Orleans mayor, reflects on Reverend Jesse Jackson's legacy and bridge-building across politics. David Faber, senior CNBC journalist, analyzes the Warner Bros. Discovery bidding saga and the rush for rival offers. They also touch on media valuations, regulatory risks, and ongoing global and tech policy developments.

John Stankey, AT&T CEO focused on fiber, wireless and AI integration. Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury Secretary leading financial enforcement and policy. They discuss a new whistleblower rewards program, Minnesota welfare fraud patterns, Fed nomination timing, AI-driven productivity and inflation, AT&T’s 60M fiber goal, satellite complements, and shareholder return plans.

Emily Wilkins, CNBC reporter on Washington policy. Patrick Doyle, restaurant executive and former Domino's CEO leading Restaurant Brands. Alex Bores, New York Assemblymember and AI policy author. They discuss fast food innovation and value strategies, AI tools reshaping restaurant operations, and a proposed AI regulatory framework focused on safeguards, competitiveness, and practical protections for kids and workers.

Steve Liesman, CNBC economics reporter, and Rick Santelli, longtime market commentator, break down January’s jobs data and big revisions. They discuss how payrolls, Fed policy signals, political reactions, and AI’s encroachment on financial services could reshape markets. Short, sharp takes on labor trends, Ford’s earnings miss, and what comes next for rates and wealth firms.

Tarek Mansour, CEO of Kalshi, a regulated U.S. prediction markets founder, and Scott Rechler, RXR CEO and New York Fed board member, discuss big Super Bowl trading volumes and how prediction markets handle surveillance and insider risks. They also cover NYC office leasing, housing affordability, supply solutions, and recent shifts in local politics and policy.

Adam Anderson, a Florida lawmaker and rare disease advocate who lost his son Drew to Tay‑Sachs, discusses expanding newborn whole genome sequencing. He shares the long diagnostic journey, building a statewide screening program, partnerships with researchers and industry, privacy safeguards, and how he turned personal loss into public policy to help other families.