Squawk Pod

Google has fired 50 employees over sit-in protests at the office. Yale Lecturer Joanne Lipman and The Verge’s Alex Heath discuss activism in the office, and tech’s inflection point with its employees. Jason Furman, a Democrat economist, is making his case against President Biden’s student debt relief plan, arguing that it will make inflation worse. CNBC’s Steve Liesman is breaking down U.S. productivity data and what it means for the Federal Reserve. Plus, the Federal Trade Commission has voted to ban non-competes for employee contracts, Jamie Dimon is speaking out with his concerns for the economy, and Meta’s AI glasses are getting an update.  Joanne Lipman & Alex Heath - 19:35Steve Liesman - 27:14Jason Furman - 30:28 In this episode:Joanne Lipman, @joannelipmanAlex Heath, @alexeheathSteve Liesman, @steveliesmanJason Furman, @jasonfurmanJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Elite university campuses are fraught with tension as students clash with each other and college administrations over the Israel-Hamas War. Over 100 students have been arrested from pro-Palestinian demonstrations on Yale, NYU, and Columbia campuses, videos of brazen antisemitism have gone viral, and one Rabbi in Columbia’s community encouraged Jewish students to go home for their own safety. NYC Rabbi David Ingber explains the escalations and safety concerns, while donor and Columbia Business School alumnus Leon Cooperman discusses the responsibilities of higher education institutions. Plus, Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz maps out the Federal Reserve’s road ahead, and Elon Musk is at odds with Australia’s Prime Minister over posts on X.  Rabbi David Ingber - 12:11Leon Cooperman - 22:44Joseph Stiglitz - 26:26 In this episode:Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

At Columbia in New York, protests and antisemitism on campus have prompted a day of remote learning for student safety, as well as commentary from Mayor Eric Adams. In DC, the House has passed a series of bills securing aid funding for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan, as well as the divest-or-ban TikTok bill. CNBC’s Emily Wilkins reports on the legislation and its impact on Speaker Mike Johnson’s career. In the thick of Wall Street’s earnings season, Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg discusses his company’s latest financial results and inflation’s pressures on consumers. Plus, pollster Frank Luntz is taking stock of Gen Z’s opinions on capitalism and democracy. He urges corporate America to pay attention to their grievances.  Emily Wilkins - 03:16Frank Luntz - 09:55Hans Vestberg - 19:42 In this episode:Emily Wilkins, @emrwilkinsJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

After Israel’s retaliatory strike at Iran, NBC’s Raf Sanchez is on the ground in Tel Aviv, reporting that both countries are downplaying an escalation. Stateside, CNBC’s Emily Wilkins discusses the TikTok divest-or-ban bill’s road through Congress, including its vote this weekend. Former White House Chief Technology Officer Aneesh Chopra explains the national security threats and TikTok’s road ahead. Plus, Meta has launched its newest AI tool, former President Trump’s criminal trial jury has been selected, and HGTV’s Property Brothers Drew and Jonathan Scott discuss the housing market, maximizing value, and flipping for profit.  Raf Sanchez - 02:49Emily Wilkins - 13:32Aneesh Chopra - 16:43Drew & Jonathan Scott - 23:53 In this episode:Raf Sanchez, @rafsanchezEmily Wilkins, @emrwilkinsMelissa Lee, @MelissaLeeCNBCAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Caitlin Clark will make under $77,000 a year as the WNBA’s top pick, while her counterpart in the NBA will make $10.5m. CNBC’s Jon Fortt explains the gender gap in sports salaries and in revenues. Microsoft has found that Russia’s election interference is already underway; the company’s former cyber policy head and current chief public policy officer at SentinelOne Chris Krebs says it’s a group effort, to keep global votes safe from bad actors. Plus, Google employees were laid off after protesting, President Biden is reimposing sanctions on Venezuelan oil, and The Wall Street Journal uncovered Amazon’s secret operation to gather intel on competitors like Walmart: Big River. Plus, Squawk Pod is nominated for a Webby Award! It’s your last day to vote for us, so don’t forget to show your support here. If you haven’t heard our nominated episode, check out our special series, "Charlie Munger: A Life of Wit and Wisdom," featuring our final interview with the Berkshire Hathaway Vice Chair. Steve Kovach - 12:54Chris Krebs - 17:55 In this episode:Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinJon Fortt, @jonforttMichael Santoli, @michaelsantoliKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Months after a Delaware judge voided Elon Musk’s pay package from Tesla, Tesla is asking shareholders to vote again on Musk’s $56B compensation deal. In a proxy statement, the company is also asking shareholders to approve moving Tesla’s incorporation from Delaware to Texas. Tulane Law professor Ann Lipton parses the proxy and the legal precedent for this shareholder vote. President Biden is hoping to triple the China tariff rate on steel and aluminum imports, and Federal Reserve Chair Jay Powell is signaling a longer wait for rate cuts. Plus, the 2024 Paris Olympics are 100 days away! Olympians Maggie Steffens, the Team USA Women’s Water Polo Captain, her teammate Ashleigh Johnson, and Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Paralympian Courtney Ryan say their training is just as intense as ever. And don’t forget to show your support for Squawk Pod! We’re up for a Webby Award, but we can’t win without your votes. Vote for Squawk Pod here, and check out our nominated special series, "Charlie Munger: A Life of Wit and Wisdom," featuring our final interview with the Berkshire Hathaway Vice Chair. Ann Lipton 15:08Ashleigh Johnson, Courtney Ryan, Maggie Steffens - 26:12 In this episode:Ashleigh Johnson, @theAshJohnsonMaggie Steffens, @maggiesteffensMelissa Lee, @MelissaLeeCNBCAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Days after bitcoin’s weekend plunge and days before the bitcoin halving, Galaxy Digital CEO Michael Novogratz discusses the trajectory of crypto assets amid geopolitical and monetary policy uncertainty. Shares of Trump Media are down 60% from the company’s high in March, after its debut. Semafor business and finance editor Liz Hoffman discusses Truth Social, the platform Trump Media owns, and she considers who owns the volatile stock–and why. House Speaker Mike Johnson plans to split an aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and other U.S. allies into separate bills. Punchbowl News co-founder Jake Sherman discusses what’s at stake for Speaker Johnson (R-LA) and for the GOP. Plus, CNBC’s Emily Wilkins reports on lawmakers encouraging the Nasdaq to delist Chinese companies blacklisted by the Defense Department. And don’t forget to show your support for Squawk Pod! We’re up for a Webby Award, but we can’t win without your votes. Vote for Squawk Pod here, and check out our nominated special series, "Charlie Munger: A Life of Wit and Wisdom," featuring our final interview with the Berkshire Hathaway Vice Chair. Jake Sherman - 02:27Emily Wilkins - 06:33Mike Novogratz - 12:06Liz Hoffman - 24:02 In this episode:Liz Hoffman, @lizrhoffmanJake Sherman, @JakeShermanEmily Wilkins, @emrwilkinsMelissa Lee, @MelissaLeeCNBCAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

In a first-ever direct attack, Iran launched 300 drones and missiles at military targets inside Israel. The New York Times National Security Correspondent David Sanger explains the geopolitics at play in the Middle East and beyond, including the roles of China and Russia in a conflict between Iran and Israel. CNBC’s Eamon Javers discusses the US response in Washington, and CNBC’s Steve Liesman explains the impact of escalating tensions on the markets and on Fed policy. Plus, it’s tax day! IRS Commissioner Daniel Werfel shares news we can all use: late filing fees, online returns, and the probability of a refund–even from 2020! And, Squawk Pod is nominated for a Webby Award! Vote for Squawk Pod here and support our special series, "Charlie Munger: A Life of Wit and Wisdom," featuring our final interview with the Berkshire Hathaway Vice Chair. Eamon Javers - 02:55David Sanger - 11:00Steve Liesman - 18:54Daniel Werfel - 29:01 In this episode:Eamon Javers, @EamonJaversAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinLeslie Picker, @LesliePickerMichael Santoli, @michaelsantoliKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

The Anti-Defamation League has released its Antisemitism Report Cards, grading U.S. universities on rates of antisemitism and administration responses to discrimination against Jewish students. ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt explains why institutions like MIT, Harvard, and Princeton got failing grades, and what it means for prospective students. As food inflation rises, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack discusses rising costs, dwindling farmland, and encouraging entrepreneurship among American farmers. Amazon stock has hit an all-time-high, nearing a $2T market capitalization; head of internet research at Evercore ISI Mark Mahaney explains his stock picks for the tech sector. CNBC’s Julia Boorstin reports that the divest-or-ban TikTok bill is hitting snags in the Senate. Plus, what do Taylor Swift and Squawk Pod have in common? We’re both nominated for a Webby Award! Vote for Squawk Pod here and support our special series, "Charlie Munger: A Life of Wit and Wisdom," featuring our final interview with the Berkshire Hathaway Vice Chair. Mark MahaneyJulia Boorstin 13:37Tom Vilsack 16:34Jonathan Greenblatt 24:48 In this episode:Jonathan Greenblatt, @JGreenblattADLAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie 

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy sits down with Andrew Ross Sorkin at Amazon headquarters in Seattle, the morning Jassy published his annual letter to shareholders. In an extended, wide-ranging conversation with Andrew, Andy Jassy discusses AI-enabled transformations (like delivery drones!), building out technology for every part of the tech stack, and streaming sports on Amazon Prime. Plus, Jassy weighs in on regulator scrutiny on the tech industry, as well as in-office work. Plus, Squawk Pod is up for a Webby Award! Vote for us here and support Squawk Pod’s special series, "Charlie Munger: A Life of Wit and Wisdom," featuring our final interview with the Berkshire Hathaway Vice Chair. Andy Jassy - 10:48 In this episode:Andy Jassy, @ajassyAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickMichael Santoli, @michaelsantoliKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

The Consumer Price Index came in hotter than expected, rising 3.5% from a year ago and 0.4% on the month. CNBC’s Rick Santelli and Steve Liesman break down the report and its implications for the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy with former Labor Department Chief Economist Betsey Stevenson. A Boeing engineer has turned whistleblower, alleging issues on the Boeing aircraft assembly line. Former FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt discusses the workplace culture across the airline industry, taking stock of the toll manufacturing culture takes on aircraft safety. Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo is urging Congress to approve regulatory tools to crack down on cybercriminals using cryptocurrencies. Adeyemo explains his concerns with crypto crime, including the Treasury's recommended reforms. Plus, Intel has unveiled a new AI chip, the USPS is raising the price of stamps, and Scrabble is making board changes to encourage teamwork. Wally Adeyemo - 12:55Randy Babbitt - 19:00 In this episode:Wally Adeyemo, @wallyadeyemoSteve Liesman, @steveliesmanBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

President Biden will host Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in the first White House visit from Japan’s PM since 2015. U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel discusses geopolitics in Asia and managing a “frenemy” relationship with China. YouTuber group Dude Perfect has secured over $100m from investor Jason Illian, the general partner at Highmount Capital. They discuss the group's expansion beyond YouTube and the many trickshots in their 15 years of content creation. Plus, the UConn Huskies triumphed in the men's March Madness tournament, Google is making adjustments to its employee message board, and Elon Musk's predicts AI will be outsmarting humans by the end of next year. Rahm Emanuel - 10:27Dude Perfect - 23:35 In this episode:Rahm Emanuel, @USAmbJapanDude Perfect, @DudePerfectJason Illian, @JasonIllianBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinZach Vallese, @zachvallese

Former NASA astronaut Mike Massimino is watching the eclipse from Arkansas, square in the path of totality. He explains how to safely view the event, either with special glasses or with a pinhole camera. South Carolina women’s basketball defeated Caitlin Clark’s Iowa team in the NCAA championship. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, former Deloitte CEO, discusses the victory’s momentum for women’s sports and record breaking viewership. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is in China, and CNBC’s Sara Eisen reports that her visit has been covered positively by the Chinese media. Plus, Snapchat is responding to backlash for its “friend ranking” feature, and Brazilian Supreme Court Justice has initiated an investigation of Elon Musk over his refusal to restrict certain X accounts in Brazil. Happy eclipse viewing! Cathy Engelbert - 15:44Mike Massimino - 21:32 In this episode:Mike Massimino, @Astro_MikeSara Eisen, @SaraEisenBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

After the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, Baltimore is hoping to clear debris in the port and rebuild. Ahead of President Biden’s visit to the city, Maryland Governor discusses Baltimore’s importance to the entire U.S. economy, and delivers a message to lawmakers in Washington reluctant to approve federal funds for the rebuild. Venture capitalist Alan Patricof has seen many tech revolutions, and he’s optimistic about AI’s. At 89, he’s not slowing down; he discusses his investments in the AI-enabled longevity economy, and his perspective on America’s retirement ecosystem. Plus, the U.S. economy added 303,000 jobs in March, well above expectations. CNBC’s Rick Santelli and Steve Liesman break down the unemployment rate and what the numbers mean for the Federal Reserve’s fight against inflation.  Rick Santelli & Steve Liesman - 04:49Emily Wilkins - 17:02Gov. Wes Moore - 18:25Alan Patricof - 26:24 In this episode:Gov. Wes Moore, @iamwesmooreEmily Wilkins, @emrwilkinsBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer: @Kramer_Katie

Disney’s Bob Iger has won his boardroom proxy battle against Nelson Peltz. Media mogul and IAC Chairman Barry Diller weighs in on the evolution of entertainment, including the path forward for Disney, for Paramount Global, and for streamers competing with Netflix. As founder of Fox Broadcasting and former CEO of Paramount, Diller shares his perspective on TikTok, AI, and a four-day workweek. Plus, Snapchat is testing a new feature for subscribed users: rankings in friend orbits. The Wall Street Journal suggests that Snapchat’s newest innovation could make social media’s toll on teen mental health even worse. Tech venture capitalist Bradley Tusk discusses the rising rates of anxiety and depression among young people, and he highlights the need for federal regulation of social media.  Barry Diller - 13:14Bradley Tusk - 33:51 In this episode:Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer: @Kramer_Katie

Billionaire hedge funder and Point72 CEO and Chairman Steve Cohen discusses his $2.4B purchase of the New York Mets, his investment in golf via the PGA and Tomorrow Golf League, and his bet on sports business. Cohen shares his view on AI equities and on the Federal Reserve’s goal of a 2% inflation rate. Plus, an update on the boardroom drama at Disney.  Steven Cohen - 10:52 In this episode:Steven Cohen, @StevenACohen2Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer: @Kramer_Katie

Neuberger Berman senior portfolio manager Steve Eisman weighs in on the Federal Reserve’s interest rate debate; Eisman says, the economy is fine, and the Fed has no reason to cut rates this year. Former Flywheel CEO Sarah Robb O’Hagan explains her experiment with a four-day-workweek at her new company, Exos. Plus, Disney’s future hangs in the balance of a board vote this week, shares of Trump Media stock DJT jumped and then stumbled over 20%, and Google is destroying billions of “private” and “incognito” data records, settling a consumer privacy lawsuit.  Steven Eisman - 16:14Sarah Robb O’Hagan - 29:54 In this episode:Steven Eisman, @EismanStevenJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer: @Kramer_Katie

Half a million California fast food workers are getting a pay bump, starting today. A $20 minimum wage might be good for workers, but McDonald’s franchisee Scott Rodrick warns, it might mean higher costs for business owners and for consumers. In DC, Mayor Muriel Bowser struck a deal to keep the Washington Capitals and Wizards playing in their home city. Mayor Bowser explains the sports deal and addresses concerns about crime in her city. Plus, CNBC’s Robert Frank reports that stocks have fueled a wealth boom, and the Federal Reserve has another data point to factor into interest rate policy: core PCE. Robert Frank - 09:03Mayor Muriel Bowser - 15:26Kate Rogers - 25:27Scott Rodrick - 28:54 In this episode:Muriel Bowser, @MayorBowserRobert Frank, @robtfrankJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer: @Kramer_Katie

Home Depot has made an $18B deal for SRS Distribution, attempting to expand its reach among home improvement professionals, and Federal Reserve Governor Chris Waller says he’s in no rush to cut interest rates. Ahead of FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried’s sentencing, Puck founding partner Teddy Schleifer considers the implications of the court proceeding, both for SBF and for America’s criminal justice system. Plus, TikTok has launched a $2.1 million advertising campaign aimed at Senators. CNBC’s Steve Liesman reports that the divest-or-ban TikTok bill in Congress has split support among voters in CNBC’s latest All America Survey. He joins Yale Lecturer Joanne Lipman and NYU’s Co-Director of the Center for Social Media and Politics Josh Tucker in a discussion about TikTok’s role in young voter behavior and the future of American democracy.  Steve Liesman - 8:42Teddy Schleifer - 16:49Joanne Lipman - 30:16Josh Tucker - 30:16 In this episode: Teddy Schleifer, @teddyschleiferSteve Liesman, @steveliesmanJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickKatie Kramer: @Kramer_Katie

Robinhood has unveiled its first credit card, and it’s made of gold. CEO Vlad Tenev shares details of his company’s foray into credit, and he weighs in on Elon Musk’s hopes for payment processing on X, as well as meme stock mania. The FDA has approved Merck’s treatment for a rare lung and cardiovascular condition, but the drug’s launch price is steep. Former FDA Commissioner and board member at Pfizer and Illumina Dr. Scott Gottlieb discusses the pressures and mandatory discounts that factor into drug pricing. Plus, Elon Musk’s Neuralink has enabled a person with paralysis to play chess online, but one lawmaker is raising concerns about whether the brain implant should have been approved for human testing so quickly.  And, the latest on the Baltimore bridge collapse, Gamestop’s miss and the NFL starts early on holiday planning. Vlad Tenev - 14:06Scott Gottlieb - 29:37 In this episode: Vlad Tenev, @vladtenevJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickKatie Kramer: @Kramer_Katie