Squawk Pod

Comcast plans to spin off its cable networks, including CNBC, E!, and MSNBC. CNBC’s founder and NBC Cable’s first president Tom Rogers is optimistic about the move and the influx of resources it might present for cable channels. Delta CEO Ed Bastian joins ahead of the airline’s 100-year anniversary and Delta’s annual investor day. Despite retailers like Target reporting inflation-conscious customers, Bastian says consumers are still spending on travel. While Bastian is confident that Boeing’s new CEO is working on the supplier’s many issues, for now, Delta is “an Airbus customer.” Plus, Kansas City Chiefs President Mark Donovan’s NFL team is partnering up with Hallmark! Donovan discusses the Taylor Swift tailwinds for his fandom. Tom Rogers - 2:21 Ed Bastian - 17:09 Mark Donovan - 28:02 In this episode: Mark Donovan, @Chiefs Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Department of Justice antitrust officials will reportedly ask a judge to force Alphabet to sell its Chrome browser. Google’s former CEO Eric Schmidt considers the friction between big tech and the government, and weighs how tech regulation might change under another Donald Trump administration. In Schmidt’s new book “Genesis: Artificial Intelligence, Hope, and the Human Spirit,” he explores the future of tech and AI regulation, as well as the line between humanity and technology. Martha Stewart is now an author of 100 books! Stewart’s newest cookbook coincides with drama over the Netflix documentary chronicling her life. She sets the record straight on her feud with a journalist and her “brat” attitude, as lauded by Charli XCX on Saturday Night Live. Plus, Russia says Ukraine launched an attack with U.S.-made long-range missiles, and CNBC’s Megan Casella has the latest on the sweepstakes for Trump’s Treasury Secretary pick. Eric Schmidt - 12:54 Martha Stewart - 27:10 In this episode: Eric Schmidt, @ericschmidt Martha Stewart, @MarthaStewart Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

As President-elect Donald Trump quickly reveals his picks for roles in his administration, Axios co-founder Mike Allen suggests what each name means for Trump’s priorities in his next administration. While some picks are surprises, the contenders for Treasury Secretary are predictable, so far. In the AI revolution, platform Perplexity is rolling out a shopping feature to extend user queries from informational to transactional. CEO and co-founder Aravind Srinivas says, successful AI models will start narrowing focus and offering actions, as well as answers. Plus, Tesla stock is surging, Spirit Airlines has filed for bankruptcy, and the NBA and Warner Bros. Discovery have reached a settlement. Mike Allen - 05:39 Aravind Srinivas - 26:57 In this episode: Mike Allen, @mikeallen Aravind Srinivas, @AravSrinivas Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Vaccine stocks are falling after President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to be his Secretary of Health and Human Services. Former Walgreens Boots Alliance executive, John Driscoll, shares his concerns about the potential impact and what it could mean for the future of healthcare policy. Home Depot CEO, Ted Decker, discusses how inflation is hitting consumers and how the company is responding to the pressure. Plus, Ark Invest’s Cathie Wood discusses her bet on Tesla and what she thinks Elon Musk’s new role in government could mean for the company - and for the future of innovation in the U.S. John Driscoll - 02:24 Ted Decker - 13:11 Cathie Wood - 30:29 In this episode: Cathie Wood, @CathieDWood Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Zach Vallese, @zachvallese

President-elect Donald Trump said he will nominate Rep. Matt Gaetz, (R) Florida, to be attorney general. CNBC’s Eamon Javers has the latest from Florida on the surprising selection, as Gaetz is the subject of a House Ethics Committee investigation into whether he engaged in sexual misconduct. Tom Barrack, a longtime Trump ally who chaired his 2016 inaugural committee, shares his insight on the president-elect’s hiring style, the Department of Government Efficiency and expectations for Trump’s second term. Plus, the FBI raided Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan’s home and the AI version of Andrew Ross Sorkin makes a special Squawk Box appearance. Eamon Javers - 02:23 Tom Barrack - 19:32 In this episode: Eamon Javers, @EamonJavers Tom Barrack, @TomBarrackJr Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Zach Vallese, @zachvallese

President-elect Trump announced last night that Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy will head a Department of Government Efficiency, DOGE for short, to trim government spending during his second administration. CNBC’s Eamon Javers has the Trump team’s latest from West Palm Beach. Next, the Senate is gearing up for a vote today on who will be the next majority leader. Eric Cantor, Wall Street executive and former Republican House leader, gives his prediction on the leadership race and discusses his outlook for M&A and regulation under Trump. Also, shares of fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant Cava are soaring on the company’s earnings beat. CEO Brett Schulman says Cava is a “category-defining brand” and discusses his growth outlook. Eamon Javers - 02:23 Eric Cantor - 16:21 Brett Schulman - 27:20 In this episode: Eamon Javers, @EamonJavers Eric Cantor, @EricCantor Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Lawmakers and economists are debating the future of the Federal Reserve after President-elect Trump’s promises to fire Fed Chair Jay Powell and Senator Mike Lee’s (R-UT) call to #EndTheFed. Judy Shelton and CNBC’s Steve Liesman to discuss the role of the central bank and the constitutional precedent for Fed independence. As the AI revolution ramps up, Goldman Sachs’s Jared Cohen highlights the infrastructure needed to support the technology’s energy demands. Cohen calls for “data center diplomacy” as AI underscores geopolitics and competition between China and the United States. Plus, the price of bitcoin reached nearly $90,000, Trump’s victory has lifted Elon Musk’s net worth by $70 billion, and Trump’s latest picks for his second administration include Sen. Marco Rubio, Rep. Mike Waltz and Gov. Kristi Noem. Jared Cohen - 12:43 Judy Shelton - 25:53 In this episode: Jared Cohen, @JaredCohen Judy Shelton, @judyshel Steve Liesman, @steveliesman Eamon Javers, @EamonJavers Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

President-elect Donald Trump has begun to make his first appointments in his new administration. Over the weekend, he named Tom Homan as border czar, said Nikki Haley and Mike Pompeo will not join his second term, and wrote on Truth Social that the Senate majority leader should agree to allow recess appointments to Trump’s cabinet. On X, Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) suggested reasons to “#EndtheFed,” garnering support from Elon Musk. Lazard CEO Peter Orszag weighs in on Fed independence and discusses what to expect after the transfer of power, including the market impact and the M&A cycle. Next, Property Brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott discuss the state of the housing market and their new HGTV show “Don’t Hate Your House,” focused on how homeowners who can't move are renovating their homes. Peter Orzag - 14:21 Drew & Jonathan Scott - 29:01 In this episode: Drew Scott, @MrDrewScott Jonathan Scott, @JonathanScott Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

In the central bank’s latest decision, the Federal Reserve cut its benchmark rate by 25bps. While Democrats wrestle with what went wrong for Vice President Harris, Republicans are making plans for President-Elect Trump 2.0. Former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and former Trump staffer turned Harris-backer Anthony Scaramucci debate immigration policy and whether the country can “turn the page” under the new administration. Plus, Susie Wiles will be Donald Trump’s White House chief of staff, the Washington Post has called employees back to the office five days a week, and a New Jersey voter endorsed a certain Squawk anchor for president. Steve Liesman - 06:53 Vivek Ramaswamy & Anthony Scaramucci - 19:58 In this episode: Vivek Ramaswamy, @VivekGRamaswamy Anthony Scaramucci, @Scaramucci Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

In the week leading up to election day, presidential election contracts on Polymarket, Kalshi, and PredictIt all indicated Donald Trump had a wider lead ahead of Kamala Harris than traditional polls. In his first-ever TV interview, Polymarket CEO Shayne Coplan discusses his company’s role in elections and the rising popularity of prediction markets, which allow bettors to wager on election outcomes. The Wall Street Journal’s Tim Higgins highlights Elon Musk’s influence among young men, saying Musk gave them “purpose” in voting for Trump. Plus, the House race remains uncalled, smart ring maker Oura is out with a new report on election day stress levels, and Wall Street awaits the Federal Reserve’s next rate cut decision. Shayne Coplan - 14:51 Tim Higgins - 32:15 In this episode: Shayne Coplan, @shayne_coplan Tim Higgins, @timkhiggins Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Another Trump administration might mean big changes to America’s financial system. Scott Bessent, economic advisor to Trump and potential Treasury Secretary pick, shares insights on Trump’s proposed tariffs and a red Senate. Plus, Bessent discusses his behind-the-scenes role in shaping Trump’s economic policies. Bessent - 03:33 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

What are the market implications of a potential "red sweep" in the 2024 election? Billionaire private equity investor and Carlyle Group co-founder David Rubenstein offers his take on what the outcome could mean for the country’s economic future and the markets. Plus, Rubenstein weighs in on the challenges ahead, from tackling the national deficit to navigating political divisions. Rubenstein - 03:42 In this episode: David Rubenstein, @DM_Rubenstein Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

In this special episode, we dive deep into morning-after analysis of the 2024 election. How did former President Donald Trump pull off his win? Investment banker Roger Altman breaks down the campaign’s winning argument, pointing to a crucial shift in voter sentiment: "Are you better off than you were four years ago?" Plus, pollster Frank Luntz weighs in on the unwavering support behind Trump and what that means for the future of American politics. He also offers Democrats some advice to move forward. Altman - 04:32 Luntz - 20:53 In this episode: Frank Luntz, @FrankLuntz Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

The 2024 presidential election has come to a dramatic close. CNBC’s Senior Washington Correspondent, Eamon Javers, discusses President Trump's stunning electoral victory and the shifting balance of power in Washington. Plus, CNBC’s DC Correspondent, Emily Wilkins, with the latest on the Senate flip that’s reshaping Capitol Hill. Javers - 03:10 Wilkins - 13:25 In this episode: Emily Wilkins, @emrwilkins Eamon Javers, @EamonJavers Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Election day 2024 is finally here! Voters across the country head to the polls today, but results may take longer than 24 hours to confirm. If the race is close, Al Gore’s 2000 campaign chairman Bill Daley tells Americans, have faith in the process! The former chief of staff for President Obama expects to have a sense of the returns on Wednesday morning. Plus, Boeing machinists approved a labor deal, ending the seven-week strike, a judge has rejected a request to block Elon Musk's daily giveaway to Pennsylvania voters, a Wall Street Journal report says Russia is suspected of plotting to sell incendiary devices to U.S.-bound planes, and Fox sold out its Super Bowl ad inventory at record pricing. Daley - 20:33 In this episode: Eamon Javers, @EamonJavers Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

In the final 24 hours until election day, media mogul Barry Diller, chairman of IAC and Expedia, discusses the state of the race and his support for Kamala Harris. He says if Harris wins, she should consider asking Elon Musk to serve on her cabinet to help with cutting government costs. Diller also weighs in on the likelihood of an Uber-Expedia deal and a Comcast spin-off. Plus, the Dow Jones Industrial Average is swapping Intel and Dow Inc for Nvidia and Sherman Williams, a Semafor report says policymakers have begun discussing whether Intel needs more assistance, Berkshire Hathaway sold another chunk of its Apple stake, and Salesforce Co-founder Marc Benioff is in talks to sell media company Time. Barry Diller - 16:34 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Oil giant Exxon Mobil reported quarterly results today that beat expectations. Ahead of the presidential election next week, Exxon CEO Darren Woods discusses oil prices, supply and demand, tariffs, Donald Trump’s “drill baby drill” perspective, and the California lawsuit over Exxon’s plastics waste. Next, Arthur Brooks, author and AEI president emeritus, gives a mood check on the country as we head into the election. He says, don’t let the election “ruin your life.” Plus, shares of Amazon and Intel are rising after earnings beat estimates, Boeing and its machinist union have negotiated a new contract offer, Sony is suing CBS over game show revenue from Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune, and economists are parsing a “noisy” jobs report. Darren Woods - 14:40 Arthurt Brooks - 34:30 In this episode: Arthur Brooks, @arthurbrooks Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

After leaving Chipotle to lead Starbucks, CEO Brian Niccol has a plan to turn the iconic coffee brand around. Niccol sat for an exclusive interview with Andrew Ross Sorkin after his first eight weeks at the helm of Starbucks; he’s learning from three straight quarters of declining sales and implementing menu, pricing, and timing changes to the coffee chain. Next, SharkNinja manufactures appliances like robot vacuums, air fryers and ice cream makers, and CEO Mark Barrocas says, those are just the beginning. He discusses the company’s diversification and the impact tariffs could have on his business. Plus, a district attorney ordered Elon Musk to attend an emergency court hearing over his pledge to award $1 million to registered voters in Pennsylvania, eBay’s current quarter guidance fell short of expectations, and Comcast is exploring a separation of its cable networks business. Brian Niccol - 12:21 Mark Barrocas - 24:12 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Silicon Valley is split over the 2024 US Presidential election - Elon Musk and Mark Cuban are making waves, while Mark Zuckerberg has chosen to sit this one out. Chris Kelly, Kelly Investments founder and former Facebook general counsel and chief privacy officer, discusses the role of business leaders in this election, the future of Crypto, and Kelly’s support for Vice President Kamala Harris. CNBC’s Robert Frank reports on shares of Trump Media and its rollercoaster trading session. Trump owns nearly 57% of the company, which operates the Truth Social platform. His stake at Monday’s closing price was worth upward of $5.4 billion. Plus, Reddit’s bet on AI pays off and Starbucks ditches its olive-oil infused coffee. Chris Kelly - 2:27 In this episode: Robert Frank, @robtfrank Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

A Donald Trump presidency could be worse for the federal budget than a Harris presidency, according to a new report from the Committee For a Responsible Federal Budget. Either way the election goes, CNBC’s Eamon Javers says the deficit will grow. CNBC’s Steve Liesman considers why neither politicians nor the broader public seem to care about America’s soaring debt, and shares his concerns about the deficit’s economic impact. A week out from election day, Axios co-founder Mike Allen says the MAGA-World is confident. While the election seems like a coin flip, it could end up a landslide for either candidate. Plus, Trump Media shares surged and Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos published an op-ed defending the newspaper’s decision against endorsing a presidential candidate this election cycle. Mike Allen - 30:35 In this episode: Mike Allen, @mikeallen Eamon Javers, @EamonJavers Steve Liesman, @steveliesman Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie