Squawk Pod

The House of Representatives is voting on a stopgap funding bill–but Washington expects it to fail. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) discusses the voter verification legislation that he’s attached to the bill, despite limited Republican support. Actor, writer, and producer Mark Duplass is known for his roles on The Morning Show and The Mindy Project, but he’s betting on a big shift for streaming. Ahead of the launch of “Penelope,” Duplass explains his inspiration for his new series and for a new approach to the entertainment business. The EU has ruled to annul a $1.7B fine on Alphabet, and Steve Cohen is stepping further back from the trading desks at Point72, and Ozempic might be targeted for a price cut. Plus, former President Trump has vowed to “get SALT back” if reelected, despite having signed the SALT deduction cap into law during his first term. Speaker Mike Johnson - 16:02 Mark Duplass - 32:38 In this episode: Mike Johnson, @SpeakerJohnson Mark Duplass, @MarkDuplass Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Amazon is calling all employees back to the office 5 days a week, your Apple Watch can now detect sleep apnea, and TikTok is in an uphill battle in US courts. Less than 50 days until the Presidential election, former President Trump’s senior economic advisor Stephen Moore debates former campaign manager for President Obama and informal advisor to the VP Kamala Harris’ campaign Jim Messina. The two spar over economic proposals from each candidate. Plus, for an annual $40,000, you can have access to a concierge doctor like Private Medical. Founder and Chairman Dr. Jordan Shlain explains the next level of “investing” in your health. Jim Messina & Stephen Moore - 17:39 Dr. Jordan Shlain & Robert Frank - 33:25 In this episode: Jim Messina, @Messina2012 Stephen Moore, @StephenMoore Robert Frank, @robtfrank Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

After an apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump’s life, CNBC’s Eamon Javers reports on the latest details, the suspect, and the possible impact on the Presidential race. If Trump wins a second term, the campaign has tapped Cantor Fitzgerald CEO Howard Lutnick as Co-Chair of the transition team; Lutnick makes his case for Trumponomics 2.0. Today TikTok is in court, fighting to remain operational in the US. Entrepreneur Frank McCourt says he’s ready to buy TikTok, but not out of love for the platform. Plus, Apple shares slid after reports of lackluster demand for the iPhone 16, and SpaceX successfully completed the first civilian space walk. Eamon Javers - 02:58 Howard Lutnick - 14:30 Frank McCourt - 31:09 In this episode: Eamon Javers, @eamonjavers Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Over 30,000 Boeing employees are on strike after the workers union rejected its negotiated contract. After “China week” on Capitol Hill, Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) discusses the 2 dozen China-focused bills lifted in Congress, and argues that the CCP would prefer the uncertainty and division of a second Donald Trump presidency. Companies including Tractor Supply, Molson Coors, John Deere, Lowe’s, and Ford have announced they’re rolling back Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies at their respective companies. Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson calls the decisions shortsighted for employees and customers, and says, at least $1.4T of LGBTQ+ spending power is at stake. Plus, tech CEOs like Nvidia’s Jensen Huang went to the White House this week. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi - 14:34 Kelley Robinson - 21:47 In this episode: Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, @CongressmanRaja Kelley Robinson, @HRC_President Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Senator and Vice Presidential Candidate JD Vance discusses former President Donald Trump’s plans for the economy, the impact of tariffs, and the urgency of immigration policy in an extended conversation. Days after the Presidential debate, Sen. Vance explains how he plans to prepare–sort of–for his own debate against Minnesota Governor and Democratic Vice Presidential Candidate Tim Walz. Best-selling author of “Moneyball” and “The Blind Side” Michael Lewis reacts to that discussion and shares takeaways from his new book on the rise and fall of Sam Bankman-Fried, “Going Infinite.” Plus, Moderna plans to launch new vaccines amid cost cutting, young bankers are putting in very long hours, and OpenAI is now eyeing an even higher valuation: over $150B. JD Vance - 14:34 Michael Lewis - 42:31 In this episode: Sen. JD Vance, @JDVance Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

CNBC’s Eamon Javers and pollster Frank Luntz help digest the fireworks of the Presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, including the big Taylor Swift endorsement that came after. On Wall Street, investors were unsurprised by the Labor Department’s August Consumer Price Index. Neuberger Berman’s Steve Eisman discusses the likelihood of a 25 basis point interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve next week. And, 23 years later, Americans come together to remember those lost in the September 11th terrorist attacks. Eamon Javers - 4:31 Frank Luntz - 15:35 Steve Eisman - 27:23 In this episode: Eamon Javers, @eamonjavers Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

China tariffs and tax reform are key topics in the 2024 election–and in the first debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Former SEC Chair Jay Clayton and Hayman Capital Management Founder & CIO Kyle Bass discuss America’s shifting trade politics, the case for tariffs, and which tax changes they’d like to see from the White House. Horror filmmaker Jason Blum is out with his latest fright flick this Friday. Blumhouse Productions, which brought audiences “Get Out” and “Paranormal Activity” presents a parenthood-inspired scary movie for the start of spooky season: “Speak No Evil.” Plus, Apple unveiled new iPhone AI features and a new Apple Watch at its launch event, and SpaceX will attempt the first civilian space walk in history. Jay Clayton & Kyle Bass - 16:33 Jason Blum - 29:45 In this episode: Jason Blum, @jason_blum Kyle Bass, @Jkylebass Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump both agree on tax free tips for service workers. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) shares his take on tax reform, including the tip economy. Bestselling author of “Sapiens” Yuval Noah Harari is out with a new book; Harari explains how we should be thinking about–and controlling–AI in “Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI.” Plus, the star studded cast of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” jolted the box office opening weekend, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) has weighed in on the capital gains tax debate, and the markets are awaiting more economic data this week. Sen. Ted Cruz - 14:25 Yuval Noah Harari - 30:08 In this episode: Sen. Ted Cruz, @tedcruz Yuval Noah Harari, @harari_yuval Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

The most decorated American woman in Olympic history, Katie Ledecky has written a memoir, “Just Add Water.” In a special interview with Andrew Ross Sorkin, Ledecky shares details about her swimming life–including both leisurely and competitive moments in the pool. She explains what she thinks about, while swimming 1500 meters, and how she’ll prepare for the 2028 Olympic Games. Plus, CNBC’s Megan Cassella reports on the CEOs backing former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, but venture capitalist Ben Narasin is unhappy with both candidates running for President this year. The startup investor explains why he votes as an Independent every election. Berkshire Hathaway is selling Bank of America shares (again), Red Lobster’s hoping for a turnaround, and the August jobs report did very little to clarify the Fed’s path forward. Megan Cassella - 11:21 Ben Narasin - 12:59 Katie Ledecky - 23:04 In this episode: Ben Narasin, @BNarasin Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Investor and entrepreneur Mark Cuban discusses VP Kamala Harris’ new tax proposal: a 28% capital gains tax. Based on his conversations with the Harris campaign, Cuban explains his faith in her policy’s benefit for entrepreneurs and investors. Nvidia is denying reports that it had received a subpoena from the Department of Justice, Verizon is buying Frontier Communications in a $20B deal, and the White House is reportedly aiming to block Nippon Steel’s takeover of U.S. Steel. Plus, the co-founder of Airbnb Joe Gebbia has founded a new housing company with former CEO of Flex, Mike McNamara. The two share how their “Accessory Dwelling Units” are addressing the housing crisis in California, and how the small installable homes are offering more space and income for owners. Robert Frank - 11:41 Mark Cuban - 17:41 Joe Gebbia & Mike McNamara - 39:17 In this episode: Mark Cuban, @mcuban Robert Frank, @robtfrank Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

The Department of Justice has issued a subpoena to Nvidia over antitrust practices; shares of the chipmaking giant fell 9% in the session, losing more than any company ever has in a single trading day: $279 billion. Democrat and Harris Campaign surrogate Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA) discusses ideas to reform the U.S. tax code, including taxing loans related to unrealized gains. Rep. Khanna’s district includes Silicon Valley, its trillions of value to the American economy, and their many wealthy leaders. Elon Musk’s fight with Brazil continues, as does the contractual dispute between DirecTV and Disney, keeping many customers in the dark. Plus, the U.S. Open is underway in New York. Tennis coach for Coco Gauff Brad Gilbert steps off the court to cheer the many Americans in this year’s tournament–and to discuss the ever-rising costs of the iconic Honey Deuce cocktail. Rep. Ro Khanna - 14:08 Brad Gilbert - 27:18 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Over the weekend, Hamas killed 6 hostages in Rafah, heightening the pressure on Prime Minister Netanyahu and escalating the Middle East conflict. “The Genius of Israel” author Dan Senor explains the politics inside and outside of Israel in the aftermath of the murders. L’Attitude founder Sol Trujillo once advised Presidents Bush & Clinton on trade issues; he’s now advocating for a better system at the U.S. border. A registered Republican, Trujillo argues that America needs workers, and a smarter, more efficient border will help immigrants and the U.S. economy. Plus, hotel workers are on strike, Elon Musk is still fighting with Brazil, and DirecTV customers are without Disney channels like ESPN and ABC after a contract dispute. Dan Senor 14:48 Sol Trujillo 25:26 In this episode: Dan Senor, @dansenor Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Heading into Labor Day Weekend, The Points Guy Brian Kelly explains generational travel trends and airport efficiency. Plus, cases of mosquito-borne viruses are ticking up in the US. Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb discusses late summer safety. Dr. Gottlieb is also calling for regulations to ensure safety in medical labs and prevent another pandemic from breaking out. Brian Kelly - 02:31 Dr. Scott Gottlieb - 11:05 In this episode: Leslie Picker, @LesliePicker Mike Santoli, @michaelsantoli Brian Sullivan, @SullyCNBC Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Nvidia reported surging demand for its chips, but after much anticipation around the company’s Q2 report, Wall Street was unimpressed. Semiconductors are part of America’s strategy for tech dominance; the White House’s former CHIPS Coordinator Ronnie Chatterji explains the players in the global chips game. OpenAI is eyeing a funding raise to bring its valuation to $100 billion, and Berkshire Hathaway is now in the $1 trillion club. Plus, CNBC’s Emily Wilkins is on the ground in Virginia, where federal employees are concerned about former President Trump’s proposal to move the workforce away from the DC-metro area. Ronnie Chatterji 17:25 Emily Wilkins 25:39 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Mike Santoli, @michaelsantoli Robert Frank, @robtfrank Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

NFL owners have voted to allow private equity firms to invest at up to 10% of a team stake. Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, explains the long-deliberated move for the sport, and what it means for fans and players. Former National Economic Council deputy director Bharat Ramamurti once advised Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and now advises the Harris-Walz campaign on economic issues. He discusses VP Harris’ latest “opportunity and accountability” pitch: changes to the tax code. Plus, Warren Buffett is selling more of Berkshire Hathaway’s Bank of America shares, and hotel prices are moving higher and higher. Robert Kraft 13:57 Bharat Ramamurti 24:47 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Katie Kramer,@Kramer_Katie

Edgar Bronfman has dropped his bid for Paramount Global, clearing the way for a merger with Skydance. Media watcher Rich Greenfield explains that the hardest part is ahead for the legacy entertainment company and its new owner, billionaire David Ellison. CNBC’s Steve Kovach explains Apple’s c-suite reshuffling after the company announced its CFO will change roles in January. Mark Zuckerberg has spoken out in a letter airing frustration with the Biden administration over Covid-19 content on Meta’s platforms. Plus, we dive into space with NASA astronaut and Columbia professor Mike Massimino. SpaceX has postponed the first civilian spacewalk after a helium leak was detected on the Polaris craft. In February of 2025, the company will ferry two astronauts home after an eight day trip to the International Space Station turned into 8 months. Massimino describes how space travel safety has evolved in the past decade. Steve Kovach 3:08 Rich Greenfield 15:05 Mike Massimino 21:24 In this episode: Rich Greenfield, @RichLightShed Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Former Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy is now a surrogate for the Trump campaign. 70 days before the election, Ramaswamy takes on Democratic nominee Harris’ economic agenda, and calls for her to give an unscripted interview to mainstream media. Ahead of Labor Day, GasBuddy’s head of petroleum analysis Patrick de Haan says fuel prices will likely stay low and get lower by the weekend, in many states below $3 per gallon. Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell clearly signaled an interest rate cut in 2024, and Kroger and Albertsons are going to court to defend their merger, under FTC scrutiny. Plus, Elon Musk’s SpaceX might step in to help astronauts stranded by Boeing’s Starliner. Vivek Ramaswamy 16:31 Patrick de Haan 31:22 In this episode: Vivek Ramaswamy, @VivekGRamaswamy Leslie Picker, @LesliePicker Mike Santoli, @michaelsantoli Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

After the Democratic National Convention’s final night, Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) defends Democratic Presidential Nominee Kamala Harris’ economic plan in a lively debate. CNBC’s Megan Cassella recaps the evening–and the week–of joy from Democrats convening in Chicago. Plus, after lunch spot chain Cava reported healthy quarterly results, CEO and co-founder Brett Schulman shares his plans for fast casual Mediterranean food and his strategy for keeping prices reasonable for consumers. Sen. Elizabeth Warren - 15:11 Brett Schulman - 38:08 In this episode: Sen. Elizabeth Warren, @SenWarren Megan Cassella, @mmcassella Kelly Evans, @KellyCNBC Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

The third night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago featured speeches from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, former President Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Mindy Kaling, plus performances from Stevie Wonder and John Legend. Megan Cassella recaps the energetic evening on the ground in Chicago. Kamala Harris’ former chief economic advisor Mike Pyle discusses the campaign’s policy specifics so far, including corporate tax rates and a price gouging crackdown. CNBC’s Robert Frank breaks down Vice President Harris’ plans for taxing capital gains and unrealized gains. Plus, Peloton is still spinning along despite a slowdown in demand, Disney is searching for a Bob Iger successor, and Microsoft’s controversial AI Recall feature is coming soon to testers. Megan Cassella 19:17 Mike Pyle 22:46 Robert Frank In this episode: Megan Cassella, @mmcassella Robert Frank, @robtfrank Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Target has reported a strong second quarter. CEO Brian Cornell shares the results, what he’s seeing from inflation-squeezed shoppers, and his perspective on corporate tax rates. After the second night of the DNC, Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) discusses the overall sentiment of the event, highlighting the speakers’ focus on hope and unity throughout their remarks. CNBC’s Megan Cassella wraps up the highlights from night two, like a special appearance from Lil Jon and speeches from both Michelle Obama and former President Barack Obama. Plus, a federal judge struck down the FTC’s attempt to ban non-competes, and the Labor Department is revising down the jobs number. Brian Cornell - 11:19 Megan Cassella - 23:07 Rep. Josh Gottheimer - 28:09 In this episode: Rep Josh Gottheimer, @RepJoshG Megan Cassella, @mmcassella Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie