Squawk Pod

As Iran denies President Trump’s assertion that the U.S. and Iran have held talks to end the war, CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports from Dubai. Former deputy national security advisor for the Trump administration Victoria Coates shares her perspective on the region’s future, including support for reliable, secure internet in Iran. On the ground at CERAWeek with the world’s energy executives, Brian Sullivan reports on oil pricing and supply amid the Iran War. Plus, prediction markets Kalshi and Polymarket are moving to ban insider trading, asset management giant Apollo is limiting withdrawals this quarter in the latest concerning signal in private credit, and Valley National CEO Ira Robbins shares what he’s seeing from the small and medium sized businesses that he banks.    Dan Murphy - 04:09 Brian Sullivan - 17:41 Victoria Coates - 24:44 Ira Robbins - 36:26   In this episode: Dan Murphy, @dan_murphy Brian Sullivan, @SullyCNBC Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Energy prices are on the move after President Trump posted on Truth Social that he ordered the U.S. military to postpone strikes on Iran’s power plants and energy infrastructure for five days. Shortly after the post, he spoke directly with Joe Kernen, mentioning “productive talks” with Iranian representatives and regime change. While Iranian media denied any such talks had taken place, the markets moved on each chapter of the news as it unfolded. Allianz chief economic advisor Mohamed El-Erian shares his own economic perspective, and then Richard Goldberg offers his analysis on the military operations still in play in Iran, as the former White House National Security Council Director for Countering Iranian Weapons of Mass Destruction. In Dubai, CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports on sentiment among the Gulf nations, including from his sources in Emirati leadership.    Mohamed El- Erian - 06:49 Richard Goldberg - 18:28 Dan Murphy - 29:21   In this episode: Dan Murphy, @dan_murphy Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Aaru cofounders Ned Koh, Cameron Fink, and John Kessler discuss their company’s AI-driven shakeup of the market research industry and their journey building it—as teenagers. Legendary venture capitalist Katie Haun backed BVNK, a stablecoin infrastructure company being acquired by Mastercard for $1.8B. Haun discusses the deal and growing connections between blockchain technology and fintech. Plus, Dan Murphy reports on the latest in the Iran War, Amazon is planning a smartphone comeback, and an AI controversy has struck a horror novel.    Dan Murphy - 02:54 Aaru Cofounders - 17:50 Katie Haun - 32:03   In this episode: Dan Murphy, @dan_murphy Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Baby KJ was a pioneer before he was even a year old.  Born in 2024 with a rare, life-threatening genetic mutation, Nicole and Kyle Muldoon’s son is the world’s first patient to receive successful personalized gene editing therapy.  Doctors at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Penn Medicine collaborated to create a unique drug just for KJ, to treat his disorder known as severe carbamoyl phosphate synthetase 1 (CPS1) deficiency. After spending the first months of his life in the hospital, KJ’s medical breakthrough came with his first dose in February 2025 when he was 6 months old.    Now, a busy toddler and youngest brother, KJ is a piece of medical history – and he just started to walk.    Join us in advancing awareness and understanding of rare diseases. Visit CNBC.com/Cures to access clips, resources, or to sign up for our weekly newsletter.    Learn more about rare disease – and what to do in a diagnosis – at  the National Organization for Rare Disorders: https://rarediseases.org/   Follow Becky Quick on X: @BeckyQuick   Please share your thoughts or rare disease story in the comments, and join us on The Path. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the funding shutdown of the DHS wears on, TSA agents and regional airports are under pressure. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy discusses the looming airport shutdowns and his concern about national security amid funding squabbles on Capitol Hill. CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports on the latest strikes in the Gulf region and the potential long term effects for oil supply. Former EU Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager discusses Europe’s relationship with the U.S. in wartime, including the bloc’s perspective on AI innovation, independence, and propping up the EU’s own strength. Plus, the Federal Reserve has kept interest rates unchanged, and Micron reported blowout earnings, but the stock fell on concerns of chip supply crunch.   Dan Murphy - 03:41 Sec. Sean Duffy - 16:32 Margrethe Vestager - 28:59   In this episode: Sean Duffy, @SecDuffy Dan Murphy, @dan_murphy Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From Dubai, CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports on the latest in the Middle East as Iran retaliates against other states in the region. CEO of the Anti-Defamation League Jonathan Greenblatt discusses the state of antisemitism in the U.S., weighing in on university campus changes and potential bias in anti-Iran War sentiment. Plus, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is calling OpenClaw “the next ChatGPT,” and MSNow’s Morning Joe co-host Mika Brzezinski and HSBC’s Racquel Oden discuss their Know Your Value venture, highlighting financial fluency among women.    Dan Murphy - 02:45 Jonathan Greenblatt - 13:30 Mika Brzezinski & Racquel Oden - 24:01   In this episode: Jonathan Greenblatt, @JGreenblattADL Dan Murphy, @dan_murphy Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett discusses President Trump’s resolve in the Iran War, as well as the conflict’s timeline. Senator Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) is preparing for the confirmation hearing for President Trump’s pick for DHS Secretary, Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma). In addition to the hearing, Sen. Paul discusses his opposition to the Iran War. Plus, the Property Brothers Jonathan and Drew Scott discuss the regulatory and “NIMBY” hurdles to solving America’s affordable housing crisis.   Kevin Hassett - 4:57 Senator Rand Paul - 17:33 Jonathan & Drew Scott - 28:35   In this episode: Rand Paul, @SenRandPaul Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Katie Kramer,  @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Starting the third week of the war in the Middle East, Morgan Stanley’s chief of U.S. equity strategy Mike Wilson discusses the energy and broader markets and considers the likelihood of a recession in the short term. On the ground in Dubai, CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports on Iran’s strikes on the UAE’s critical energy infrastructure and transportation hub. The Strait of Hormuz is pivotal to the conflict; President Trump is reportedly planning a coalition of naval escorts through the channel key for the world’s energy supply. Michelle Caruso-Cabrera offers her perspective on the oil markets, investor sentiment, and geopolitics. Plus, the U.S. and China are holding trade talks in Paris, and a federal judge has blocked subpoenas to the Federal Reserve in the criminal investigation of Jerome Powell.    Steve Liesman - 13:13 Mike Wilson - 19:12 Michelle Caruso-Cabrera - 27:48   In this episode: Dan Murphy, @dan_murphy Steve Liesman, @steveliesman Robert Frank, @robtfrank Michael Santoli, @michaelsantoli Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Trade tensions between the U.S. and China are rising ahead of a high-stakes summit in Beijing now less than three weeks away. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer discusses the administration’s new trade investigations, the state of relations with China, the impact of the Iran war, and President Trump’s tariff agenda. Then, with TSA workers set to miss their first paycheck of the shutdown, former DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson explains what the Senate’s funding fight could mean for airport staffing and air travel. Plus, CNBC’s Robert Frank on Democrats’ plan to raise taxes on the rich, and CNBC’s Dan Murphy on the drone strike that hit Dubai’s financial district Friday morning.   Jamieson Greer -13:18 Robert Frank - 24:13 Jeh Johnson - 30:24   In this episode: Robert Frank, @robtfrank Jamieson Greer, @jamiesongreer Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Zach Vallese, @ZachVallese Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

More than 30 countries have agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil from strategic reserves as the war-driven supply shock sends crude above $100 a barrel. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright discusses America’s plan to release 172 million barrels from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the effort to stabilize oil prices, and whether the U.S. Navy could help escort tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Then, CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports on Iran’s escalating attacks on shipping and energy infrastructure across the Gulf. And, Defense Department CTO Emil Michael takes aim at Anthropic’s AI models over concerns about ideology in military supply chains. Plus, Elon Musk unveils the new Tesla-xAI project “Macrohard,” and CNBC’s Eamon Javers reports on the Trump administration’s next tariff steps.   Sec. Chris Wright - 15:39 Emil Michael - 33:28   In this episode: Sec. Chris Wright, @SecretaryWright Eamon Javers, @EamonJavers Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Microsoft is backing Anthropic in its skirmish with the Trump Administration’s Pentagon, arguing a temporary restraining order would avoid disrupting the military’s use of AI. North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis maintains his blockade on voting for Fed chair nominee Kevin Warsh as long as there is a still a DOJ criminal investigation against current Chair Jerome Powell, and key traffic remains stalled in the Strait of Hormuz.  Then, entrepreneur, author and sometime politician Andrew Yang warns today’s young people could struggle in a job market changed by the speedy rise of AI technology.  And CNBC’s Robert Frank looks into what the wealthy are buying at auction – to stave off worries from volatile markets.    Sign up for CNBC’s Inside Wealth newsletter: https://www.cnbc.com/newsletter/inside-wealth/   Andrew Yang     20:37 Robert Frank    34:04   In this episode: Andrew Yang, @AndrewYang Robert Frank, @robtfrank Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chevron and Shell are nearing their first big production deal in Venezuela since the capture of Nicolas Maduro, Disney names its next president of Disneyland Resort, Senate aids get approval to use three AI chatbots for work, the Trump Administration restarts Global Entry after a pause, and Softbank’s Japanese Payment app PayPay sets a price range for its IPO.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Wall Street witnessed a stunning recovery Monday after President Donald Trump indicated the U.S.-Iran war could be over soon. Trump told a CBS News reporter on Monday that “the war is very complete, pretty much” and later said during a press conference that the conflict would end “very soon.”  Sen. Ted Cruz weighs in on the potential duration of the conflict in Iran, and Armadin CEO Kevin Mandia describes the AI-enabled future of warfare, that is already here. Plus, CNBC’s Steve Liesman on the tough road volatile energy prices make for the Federal Reserve and CNBC’s Eamon Javers reports on Defense Secretary Hegseth’s description of the latest strikes of Operation Epic Fury.   Eamon Javers  16:18 Sen. Ted Cruz   18:43 SteveLiesman 33:25 Kevin Mandia 39:19   In this episode: Eamon Javers, @eamonjavers Steve Liesman, @steveliesman  Ted Cruz, @SenTedCruz Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oil surged above $100 a barrel as the war with Iran disrupts global supply and tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains at a standstill. Amos Hochstein, TWG Global managing partner and former senior advisor to President Biden, discusses the state of the conflict, the historic shock to oil markets, and what a possible endgame could look like. Then, Goldman Sachs President of Global Affairs Jared Cohen examines what the war means for the future of Iran’s regime and the broader geopolitical fallout, including China’s potential role. Plus, CNBC’s Dan Murphy breaks down the latest developments in the region.   Dan Murphy: 3:09 Amos Hochstein: 12:53 Jared Cohen: 26:28   In this episode: Amos Hochstein, @amoshochstein Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A surprising February jobs report is raising new questions about the strength of the labor market. The economy lost 92,000 jobs last month weighed down by severe winter weather and a strike at a major health care provider. CNBC’s Steve Liesman and San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly break down the data, the broader economic picture, and what it could mean for the Federal Reserve’s interest rate path. Then, former U.S. Congressman Sean Maloney, now CEO of the Coalition for Prediction Markets, discusses the future of prediction markets, concerns about insider trading, and what regulation might look like in this fast-growing space. Plus, Kristi Noem is out as Homeland Security Secretary, the Pentagon labels Anthropic a “supply chain risk,” and the war with Iran enters its seventh day.   Mary Daly - 16:08 Sean Maloney - 33:25   In this episode: Steve Liesman, @steveliesman  Mary Daly, @MaryDalyEcon Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For the first time since Lyndon Johnson was in the White House, Berkshire Hathaway has a new CEO.  Greg Abel joins us in his major interview since taking over for the legendary Warren Buffett at the beginning of the year.  The company has resumed repurchasing its own shares for the first time since 2024, and Abel announced his plans to use his annual compensation each year to buy additional shares in Berkshire. Plus, the latest in the he-said, he-said drama of OpenAI, Anthropic and the Pentagon.    Greg Abel: 16:00   In this episode:  Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the Trump Administration will roll out a series of measures aimed at stabilizing oil shipments through the Persian Gulf, as Washington steps into the oil tensions.  He also addressed President Trump’s latest tariff policy.  CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports from Dubai on the main energy traffic artery the Strait of Hormuz, and Sam Altman told OpenAI employees the company doesn’t get to choose how the military uses its technology.  And, CNBC Cures’ first summit brought together rare disease families, care providers, regulators and innovators to tackle some of the world’s most difficult diagnoses.  Check out CNBC Cures and watch videocasts of The Path with Becky on YouTube.   Scott Bessent         14:16 CNBC Cures             35:32   In this episode: Dan Murphy, @dan_murphy Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Trump says the U.S. will provide insurance to Persian Gulf tankers to ease the traffic slowdown in the Straight ot Hormuz, tech companies are scrambling to ensure safety of employees in the Middle East, cybersecurity company Crowdstrike beat analysts’ expectations for the fourth quarter, Ross Stores seeing an uptick in shoppers at the off-price retailer, and Democratic lawmakers are potentially working on a proposal that could lead to the breakup and American meatpacking companies Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The U.S.-Iran conflict enters its fourth day, spreading across the region and pushing oil prices higher. CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports on the latest military developments and what the surge in energy costs could mean for markets. On Capitol Hill, lawmakers prepare to vote on President Trump’s war powers in Iran. Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) explains why he opposes the strikes and argues Congress must reassert its authority. And, as AI becomes a tool of modern combat, Christoff & Co. CEO Niki Christoff discusses the Pentagon’s partnerships, Anthropic’s dispute with the Defense Department, and whether meaningful guardrails are possible. Plus, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon addresses President Trump’s $5 billion debanking lawsuit, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman admits a recent defense deal was rushed.   Dan Murphy - 02:49 Sen. Tim Kane - 15:35 Nikki Christoff - 27:37   In this episode: Niki Christoff, @NikiChristoff Sen. Tim Kaine, @TimKaine Kelly Evans, @KellyCNBC Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Zach Vallese, @zachvallese  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In 2024, Jeffrey Allen applied to the first season of “Beast Games,” a reality competition show on Amazon Prime Video that was inspired by the Netflix series “Squid Game” and created by YouTuber MrBeast. Why did this California Dad want to be on a game show?  “Beast Games” offered the largest cash prize in history – and Allen wanted to make a difference in the search for a cure for his son Lucas’ rare disease.   Lucas was diagnosed as a toddler with Creatine Transporter Deficiency, or CTD, a rare genetic mutation that blocks the transport of the natural source of energy from the brain and muscle.  Symptoms can include difficulty growing and gaining weight, slowed development of motor skills, intellectual disabilities, autistic behaviors and seizures, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders. There are, estimated, just a few hundred CTD patients worldwide.   Known as Player 831, Jeffrey Allen won the first season of “Beast Games” and the massive $10 million prize. “It’s all a miracle,” he says about the serendipitous achievement and the gift of parenting Lucas.    To follow “Ruck for Rare,” visit: https://creatineinfo.org/ruck4rare/   Join us in advancing awareness and understanding of rare diseases. Visit CNBC.com/Cures to access clips, resources, or to sign up for our weekly newsletter.    Follow Becky Quick on X: @BeckyQuick   Please share your thoughts or rare disease story in the comments, and join us on The Path. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.