Squawk Pod

Ahead of the Chevron Championship in Houston, Becky Quick sits down with LPGA golfers Amy Alcott and Stacy Lewis. Alcott, a hall of famer and Chevron Champion, reflects on the history of fandom for women’s sports and the current momentum for sponsorships and viewership. Lewis, a competitor in the Chevron this week, explains golfing strategy off the green; for the athletes and fans of women’s sports, the time is now for investment and publicity. To watch Stacy Lewis and her competitors at the Chevron this week, tune into NBC or Peacock. Amy Alcott & Stacy Lewis - 6:06 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack was once a market participant at Goldman Sachs; she’s a policymaker now, but she says she’s still watching the markets during periods of volatility. Google is still under antitrust scrutiny, but regulation may affect AI innovation. Aravind Srinivas, CEO of AI engine Perplexity, discusses Google’s contributions to its competitors and the future of AI. Plus, Fed Chair Jay Powell, China, the Kentucky Derby, and even millionaires are caught in President Trump’s crosshairs. Aravind Srinivas - 33:13 Steve Liesman & Beth Hammack - 15:44 In this episode: Aravind Srinivas, @AravSrinivas Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

After news that Harvard is suing the Trump administration over its threats to cut funding, ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt discusses antisemitism on college campuses and beyond. Plus, Washington Post reporter Faiz Siddiqui discusses his new book about Elon Musk’s leadership: “Hubris Maximus: The Shattering of Elon Musk.” Third Point CEO Dan Loeb spoke on Tuesday night about his belief in the resilience of the American economy, while President Trump backtracked his previous comments and said he has no intention of firing Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Jonathan Greenblatt - 19:12 Faiz Siddiqui - 34:18 In this episode: Jonathan Greenblat, @JGreenblattADL Faiz Siddiqui, @faizsays Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

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 - 15:43 David Solomon - 26:53 In this episode: Chris Hughes, @chrishuges Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Pope Francis, the Argentine Jesuit and Roman Catholic pontiff, has died at age 88. Joe Kernen, Becky Quick, and Andrew Ross Sorkin reflect on his impact on the business community, and Andrew recalls his interview with the Pope just before the Covid-19 pandemic. President Donald Trump intensified his criticism of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, calling him a “major loser” and warning of a potential economic slowdown if interest rates are not lowered immediately. Krishna Guha, Evercore ISI vice chairman, weighs in on the possibility of Powell’s removal, the independence of the central bank, and the potential market implications. Then, CNBC’s Steve Liesman and Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee discuss the state of the economy, the Fed’s inflation strategy, and the impact of the Trump administration’s tariff policy on the economy. Krishna Guha - 16:58 Austan Goolsbee - 27:12 In this episode: Austan Goolsbee, @Austan_Goolsbee Steve Liesman, @steveliesman Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is in Beijing, just as U.S. officials are eyeing his company’s supply of AI chips to DeepSeek. CNBC’s Kristina Partsinevelos explains the line between maintaining competition and preserving national security when it comes to tech infrastructure. Federal Reserve chair Jay Powell expressed concern that the central bank could be caught between controlling inflation and supporting economic growth, as tariffs contribute to economic uncertainty. President Trump responded, calling for a rate cut and the termination of Jay Powell as chair. Plus, the IRS is attempting to rescind Harvard’s tax-exempt status, and shares of UnitedHealth Group plunged after the company cut its profit forecast. Kristina Partsinevelos - 26:40 Peter Kraus - 31:43 In this episode: Kristina Partsinevelos, @KristinaParts Kelly Evans, @KellyCNBC Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

The Trump administration’s standoff with Harvard has frozen $2.2B in grants to the university. Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) is a Harvard alumna as well as Chairwoman of the Republican Leadership, and she’s calling to “defund Harvard.” For Rep. Stefanik, the government has a right to demand changes on campus and to withhold grant money. She discusses issues of free speech and antisemitism on college campuses. In his first interview since leaving office, former SEC Chair Gary Gensler weighs in on tariffs, negotiating with China, cryptocurrencies, and the betting markets. Plus, United Airlines is offering two profit outlooks, just in case the economy falls into a recession, and critical minerals may be the Trump administration’s next target for tariffs. Elise Stefanik - 12:30 Gary Gensler - 31:11 In this episode: Rep. Elise Stefanik, @EliseStefanik Kelly Evans, @KellyCNBC Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

The Trump administration is investigating semiconductors and pharmaceutical ingredients, the first steps toward tariffs in those industries. Former FDA Commissioner and board member at Pfizer and Illumina Dr. Scott Gottlieb shares his concern that if costs get any higher for generics like heparin, hydrocortisone, and amoxicillin, drugmakers might stop manufacturing them. Dr. Gottlieb explains America’s pharma supply chain through China and India, as well as the thin margins on some of the most commonly used drugs in the United States. The Trump administration ordered a freeze on $2.2B grants to Harvard after the university rejected the White House’s demands for changes, including to DEI programs. The move has sparked another debate about free speech on higher education campuses. Plus, the Chinese government has reportedly ordered Chinese airlines to stop buying Boeing aircraft, and DOGE cuts in DC have hit the workforce in Virginia. Governor Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) is still optimistic about his state’s future. Glenn Youngkin - 21:21 Dr. Scott Gottlieb - 39:36 In this episode: Glenn Youngkin, @GovernorVA Dr. Scott Gottlieb, @ScottGottliebMD Kelly Evans, @KellyCNBC Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

President Trump exempted consumer technology and components from his reciprocal tariffs on Friday, though by the end of the weekend, his advisors warned that those exemptions may not be permanent. Apple has reportedly increased its iPhone production in India to avoid the impact of the White House’s tariffs on goods imported from China. In an extended conversation, former Federal Reserve Chair and former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen weighs in on the Trump administration’s tariff agenda, as well as the stability of U.S. treasurys. Former FTC Chair Lina Khan shares her own perspective on President Trump’s tariff agenda, and the two guests both align on one descriptor: chaotic. Khan, once the top antitrust watchdog, discusses the beginning of the FTC’s case against Meta, calling into question Facebook’s acquisitions of Whatsapp and Instagram. Janet Yellen - 17:25 Lina Khan - 35:47 In this episode: Lina Khan, @linamkhan Kelly Evans, @KellyCNBC Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

This bonus episode of Squawk Pod, from our partners at “The Keynote” features a leader at the forefront of women’s sports. Seattle Storm Forward Nneka Ogwumike has already built her legacy as a WNBA Champion with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2016. TheMVP of league (also 2016). The first overall pick in 2012, and before that she brought Stanford to the Final Four, four years in a row. Now after the players opted out of their collective bargaining agreement her next challenge will be leading negotiations for a new contract in a pivotal time for women’s hoops. She spoke with Becky Quick about the growth of the WNBA, advocating for players and her approach to leadershipat the CNBC Sport: Inside the Business of Women’s Basketball event on April 5th 2025. To listen to other interviews from events check out “The Keynote by CNBC Events” here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-keynote-by-cnbc-events/id1493248246 For information on upcoming events visit: CNBCevents.com In this episode: Nneka Ogwumike, @NnekaOgwumike Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

China strikes back at the U.S. with 125% tariffs on goods – CNBC’s Eunice Yoon reports on the latest. BCA Research’s Marko Papic says it’s dangerous to get overly bearish in a policy-induced recession. Plus, Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari says the market trends show that investors are increasingly moving away from the U.S. as the safest place to invest while President Trump’s tariff tensions continue to rise. Meanwhile, in the nation’s capital, the House paves the way for Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” and over in Hollywood, John Malone gives up his seat on the Warner Bros. Board of Directors to become Chair Emeritus. Neel Kashkari - 15:48 Marko Papic - 43:17 In this episode: Neel Kashkari, @neelkashkari Eunice Yoon, @onlyyoontv Marko Papic, @Geo_papic Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Zach Vallese, @zachvallese

Just days after the White House shut down rumors of a potential pause on tariffs, the world reacts to a swift reversal. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett discusses the market’s reaction to President Trump declaring a 90-day pause on tariffs and how a spike in the bond market possibly changed negotiations. Plus, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy sits down in an exclusive interview at the company’s headquarters, saying he believes sellers will pass increased tariffs costs on to consumers. Meanwhile, Becky Quick revisited her 2019 conversation with Warren Buffett, Charlie Munger and Bill Gates discussing the then-latest developments in the U.S.-China trade talks and what they thought would benefit all parties involved. Watch the video from that discussion here. Kevin Hassett 25:37 Andy Jassy 47:07 In this episode: Andy Jassy, @ajassy Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Senator Elizabeth Warren weighs in on legislation aimed at repealing President Trump’s tariffs by canceling the emergency declaration used to justify them, saying that tariffs can be useful tools when used correctly – which is not the case right now. Meanwhile, Apollo CEO Marc Rowan said he’s seeing things slow down due to the economic uncertainty, but we’re not in a recession yet. Plus, CNBC’s Robert Frank reports on why the bond market may be the biggest risk to the president’s tax bill, China announces an 84% tariff on U.S. goods and President Trump delivers remarks at the National Republican Congressional Committee President’s Dinner. Sen. Elizabeth Warren - 24:35 Marc Rowan - 36:53 In this episode: Elizabeth Warren, @SenWarren Robert Frank, @robtfrank__ Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent calls China’s tariff escalation a “big mistake,” adding that he expects the U.S. to be able to reach deals with its trading partners. On the other hand, Kentucky Senator Rand Paul says while he supports President Donald Trump, he does not support tariffs, emphasizing that every trade relationship is mutually beneficial. Plus, Apple is reportedly planning to source more iPhones from India after Trump’s China tariffs, and Shopify CEO Tobi Lutke told employees that they’ll have to show their jobs can’t be done by artificial intelligence before asking for more headcount and resources. Sec. Scott Bessent - 16:39 Sen. Rand Paul - 34:52 In this episode: Scott Bessent, @SecScottBessent Rand Paul, @SenRandPaul Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @cameroncostany

Peter Navarro - 22:06 In this episode: Peter Navarro, @RealPNavarro Leslie Picker, @LesliePicker Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

China announced a 34% retaliatory tariff on all goods imported from the U.S. on Friday morning following President Trump’s decision to slap steep tariffs on many countries. University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business professor Jeremy Siegel calls Trump’s actions the “biggest policy mistake in 95 years.” Meanwhile, in the nation’s capital, Senators Maria Cantwell and Chuck Grassley introduced bipartisan legislation to give Congress more power in setting and approving trade policy. Sen. Cantwell explains the push to limit the President’s authority. Plus, Snap-on CEO Nick Pinchuk weighs in on whether the broad tariffs were actually necessary and how they place the spotlight on the difficulties of manufacturing. Jeremy Siegel - 11:40 Sen. Maria Cantwell - 25:46 Nick Pinchuk - 33:18 In this episode: Maria Cantwell, @SenatorCantwell Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

In remarks in the Rose Garden on April 2, President Trump announced steep tariff rates on many countries, including 34% on China, 20% on the European Union, 46% on Vietnam and 32% on Taiwan. Citi Wealth CIO Kate Moore explains the implications for the markets, and CNBC’s Steve Liesman explains the administration’s calculus in arriving at these numbers. Courtney Reagan and Phil LeBeau report on how retailers and automakers are navigating the changes. Finally, an extended interview with the official at the center of it all: Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Sec. Lutnick defends and explains the tariff strategy, underscoring his and the President’s hopes to bring manufacturing back on shore. Kate Moore - 11:21 Steve Liesman - 24:21 Phil LeBeau - 36:14 Courtney Reagan - 38:37 Howard Lutnick - 43:07 In this episode: Steve Liesman, @steveliesman Phil LeBeau, @Lebeaucarnews Courtney Reagan, @courtreagan Howard Lutnick, @howardlutnick Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

More details on President Trump’s tariff plans are imminent, but Ontario Premier Doug Ford says POTUS can spare the trouble; Canada would be willing to drop its own tariffs, if the United States agreed to drop tariffs, as well. TikTok US buyers are lining up, as the deadline for Bytedance’s divestiture looms. Plus, OpenAI has made its first investment in cybersecurity: Adaptive Security. The company’s co-founder and CEO Brian Long explains how to mitigate risks to your own security and offers a strange surprise: AI anchors. Doug Ford - 12:37 Brian Long - 27:24 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

The reconciliation bill remains stalled in Congress. Senator Bill Cassidy (R- Louisiana) says the government must first reel in its “out-of-control” spending and debt to defend the American Dream. John Hope Bryant weighs in on why he believes financial literacy needs to be taught to every American at every education level. Plus, OpenAI closes a funding round at $40 billion, the largest private tech deal on record, Johnson & Johnson loses in court again in its bid to settle talc cases and shares of Newsmax surge for a second day after a massive IPO debut on Monday. Sen. Bill Cassidy - 16:57 Kate Rooney - 28:22 John Hope Bryant - 30:33 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Bill Cassidy, @SenBillCassidy John Hope Bryant, @johnhopebryant Kate Rooney, @Kr00ney

The FDA’s top vaccine official has resigned from the agency, citing what he called “misinformation and lies” from HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about vaccinations. Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb discusses the official’s departure, the U.S. measles outbreak, and the importance of bolstering public trust in science and health systems. Former antitrust assistant attorney general Makan Delrahim discusses the future of M&A under the second Trump administration, and investors and business owners are bracing for President Trump’s tariffs set to take effect on April 3. Plus, President Trump has once again floated the idea for a third term, and the President has commuted Ozy Media founder Carlos Watson’s prison sentence. Makan Delrahim - 18:20 Dr. Scott Gottlieb - 29:53 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie