Squawk Pod

Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) discusses the latest votes in Congress, including extensions of Obamacare subsidies and geopolitics at play in Venezuela. Sen. Hagerty responds to questions about immigration enforcement around the country, as protestors take to the streets in Minneapolis after an ICE officer fatally shot U.S. citizen Renee Good. California’s wealth tax debate has garnered national focus as billionaires spar with lawmakers in the state. San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan shares why he’s opposed to a proposed wealth tax, raising concerns about capital flight and sustaining an innovation economy. Plus, Glencore and Rio Tinto are exploring a mega merger that would create the world’s largest mining group, and the Iranian government has restricted phone and internet access as protestors continue to demonstrate across Iran.  Sen. Bill Hagerty - 10:57Mayor Matt Mahan - 27:37 In this episode:Bill Hagerty, @SenatorHagertyMatt Mahan, @MattMahanSJBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The 5 things you need to know before the stock market opens today: Merck is reportedly in talks to buy cancer drugmaker Revolution Medicines, fitness tracking app Strava will confidentially file for an IPO, Saks may be nearing a deal for a bankruptcy financing package of over $1B, Paramount Skydance is exploring adding strategic partners to its stake in MTV, and NASA will bring a crew home from space after they detected a “serious medical condition” aboard the ISS.  Squawk Box is hosted by Joe Kernen, Becky Quick and Andrew Ross Sorkin.  Follow Squawk Pod for the best moments, interviews and analysis from our TV show in an audio-first format. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pulitzer Prize-winning NYTimes Opinion columnist Tom Friedman shares his perspective on the United States’ indefinite involvement in Venezuela. He warns that without a pathway toward functioning democracy, the country’s “mafia leadership” may remain in place. President Trump is speaking out against defense company stock dividends and buybacks. Plus, Becky Quick shares her personal connection to CNBC’s newest initiative, CNBC Cures. In a conversation with former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb, she discusses the scale of rare diseases and the regulatory hurdles that impact treatments for diagnoses like that of her own daughter, Kaylie. Join us in advancing awareness and understanding of rare diseases. Listen to The Path with Becky Quick, and visit CNBC.com/Cures to access clips, resources, or to sign up for our weekly newsletter.  Tom Friedman - 13:05Dr. Scott Gottlieb - 26:06 In this episode:Becky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie 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.

It's the story Becky Quick never thought she would tell.  Her own.As a mom to a child with a rare genetic disease, Squawk Box co-host Becky Quick dove into the hidden world of the many ways biological chance can change our lives. Thirty million Americans have a rare disease, which impact small numbers of patients.  Two-thirds of those thirty million are children; 95% of rare diseases don’t have an FDA-approved treatment. But despite those eye-popping numbers, millions of people continue to suffer from diseases that often go overlooked by the broader healthcare industry. Small patient populations mean drug companies and investors aren’t willing to invest in the space, and outdated regulatory frameworks make the process of developing lifesaving treatments too slow for the families that need them.Becky and her husband Matt Quayle share the journey of their 9-year old daughter Kaylie, who has a rare genetic condition called SYNGAP-1.  Over the next several episodes of The Path, Becky will highlight the unique challenges faced by millions of Americans, put a spotlight on the bottlenecks slowing progress in the rare disease space, and talk with stakeholders who have the power to bring about change.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: @BeckyQuickPlease 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.

CNBC’s Eamon Javers and Brian Sullivan report on the flow of Venezuelan oil to the United States. Venezuela will give the U.S. sanctioned oil indefinitely, that oil will be sold to American oil companies, and the proceeds will be held in American banks until the President determines it can be returned to Venezuela. The other geopolitical headline today: the future of Greenland. While the State Department and President Trump have issued slightly different statements on the prospect of acquiring the country from Denmark, questions about implications for NATO remain. Plus, after MSNow Senior Political and National reporter Jacob Soboroff covered the LA fires last year, he wrote “Firestorm: The Great Los Angeles Fires and America’s New Age of Disaster.” He shares details of the devastation, the road to rebuilding LA, and his personal stake in the community that was impacted.  Eamon Javers - 2:55Brian Sullivan - 13:51Jacob Soboroff - 29:19 In this episode:Eamon Javers, @eamonjaversBrian Sullivan, @SullyCNBCJacob Soboroff, @jacobsoboroffBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Washington, Trump administration cabinet officials briefed lawmakers on the path forward in Venezuela. CNBC’s Emily Wilkins reports on the Republican and Democrat reactions to that meeting. Investor Daniel Osorio discusses the power and the oil at play in the region, including the opportunities for American oil companies and the likelihood of a large U.S. military presence in Venezuela. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, new Special Envoy to Greenland, discusses President Trump’s approach to the Monroe Doctrine and modern geopolitics, from Venezuela to Greenland. Happy birthday, Joe Kernen! Daniel Osorio - 4:04Emily Wilkins - 24:23Gov. Jeff Landry - 29:03 In this episode:Emily Wilkins, @emrwilkinsBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie 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.

Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores are being held in New York on drug trafficking charges after U.S. forces captured both in Venezuela over the weekend. The lead prosecutor in the case, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton, discusses his approach to the case and dates the effort back to 2011. In Washington, DC CNBC’s Eamon Javers reports on the weekend’s strikes in Venezuela, the subsequent press events from the administration, and the path forward. Then, Mark Lazarus, CEO of CNBC’s parent company Versant, discusses the company’s first trade as an independent company after successfully spinning off from Comcast. Jay Clayton - 17:36Mark Lazarus - 39:11In this episode:Eamon Javers, @eamonjaversBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie 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.

The 5 things you need to know before the stock market opens today: Chevron and Exxon are seeing shares rising after the U.S. capture of Venezuelan leader Maduro, airlines are adding extra flights to ferry passengers stranded in the Caribbean since that military operation, Philadelphia Federal Reserve President Anna Paulson says more interest rate cuts could be a ways off, Tesla under pressure after missing fourth quarter delivery expectations and the third “Avatar” film maintains box office dominance. Squawk Box is hosted by Joe Kernen, Becky Quick and Andrew Ross Sorkin.  Follow Squawk Pod for the best moments, interviews and analysis from our TV show in an audio-first format. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After 2025 ended on a high note for the major averages, Mike Santoli flags the market indicators he’ll be watching in January 2026. The first day of the new year also brings a new mayor for New York City and a new boss for Berkshire Hathaway. After 60 years, Warren Buffett has officially stepped down as CEO, handing the reins to successor Greg Abel. The national wealth tax debate is playing out in California, where billionaires are threatening to leave the state over proposed legislation. Former U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND) and Pat Toomey (R-PA) discuss the suggested policy and its implications. Plus, healthy resolution-makers have more nonalcoholic drink choices than ever. CEO and co-founder of Athletic Brewing Bill Shufelt discusses his brand’s 12 styles of NA beers, mocktails, and increased market share.  Heidi Heitkamp & Pat Toomey - 24:32Bill Shufelt  - 41:04 In this episode:Becky Quick, @BeckyQuickRobert Frank, @robtfrankMichael Santoli, @michaelsantoliKatie 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.

2026 celebrations begin in New Zealand, Australia, and the Pacific Islands! Stateside, it’s the last day of headlines in 2025: Warner Brothers Discovery  may reject Paramount’s latest bid for its spinoff assets, Warren Buffett is serving his last day as Berkshire Hathaway CEO, and Courtney Reagan and former Walmart U.S. CEO Bill Simon discuss the year’s winners and losers in retail as the holiday season winds down. Plus, Khan Academy CEO and founder Sal Khan warns of a looming jobs apocalypse, driven by AI automation. Happy New Year! Sal Khan - 19:51Courtney Reagan - 31:15Bill Simon - 34:49 In this episode:Becky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkCourtney Reagan, @CourtReaganKatie 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.

California labor groups are pushing to add a statewide wealth tax on billionaires to the November ballot, setting off a rift among Democrats and drawing backlash from the tech community. Ben Narasin, founder of Tenacity Venture Capital, breaks down the proposal, the response from Silicon Valley, and the political pressure facing Democrat Congressman Ro Khanna, who expressed support for the idea. Then, CNBC’s Courtney Reagan reports on the rising personalization of retail returns and Wedbush Securities’ Dan Ives shares his top AI stock picks for 2026. Plus, metals rebound, President Trump continues his pressure on Fed Chair Jay Powell, and Meta acquires AI developer Manus. Ben Narasin 10:44Courtney Reagan 23:49Dan Ives  29:43 In this episode:Ben Narasin, @BNarasinDan Ives, @DivesTechCourtney Reagan, @CourtReaganJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkLeslie Picker, @LesliePickerMichael Santoli, @michaelsantoliKatie 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.

New AI could bring new challenges in the new year. Investor and entrepreneur Bradley Tusk discusses AI regulation and AI power demands on the horizon. CNBC contributor Michelle Caruso-Cabrera explains the factors–drugs, oil, China, and immigration–at play in the Trump administration’s campaign against Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro. Also in geopolitics, President Trump will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today in Florida. Plus, silver briefly topped $80 for the first time, and Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan has spoken out about tariffs, labor, and the biggest challenges facing businesses in 2026.  Michelle Caruso-Cabrera 13:04Bradley Tusk 29:29 In this episode:Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawkLeslie Picker, @LesliePickerMichael Santoli, @michaelsantoliCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Happiness guru and Harvard professor Arthur Brooks discusses generosity, family, and gratitude this Boxing Day, and 5 New Digital founder Michael Zakkour shares insights about the holiday shopping season, including the retail winners across luxury and budget sectors. Plus, the news headlines that got us Squawking: a winter storm warning in the Northeast, U.S. military strikes in Nigeria, and one very lucky Poweball ticket holder.  Michael Zakkour - 10:25Arthur Brooks - 20:45 In this episode:Arthur Brooks, @arthurbrooksLeslie Picker, @LesliePickerContessa Brewer, @contessabrewerSteve Liesman, @steveliesmanKatie 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.

The 5 things you need to know before the stock market opens today: silver and gold prices are on the move, Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he plans to meet with President Trump soon, one lucky lottery player wins Powerball’s second-largest payout ever, self-driving car startup Waymo is pausing robotaxi service in San Francisco, and Snowflake is reportedly in talks to acquire artificial intelligence software developer Observe. Squawk Box is hosted by Joe Kernen, Becky Quick and Andrew Ross Sorkin.  Follow Squawk Pod for the best moments, interviews and analysis from our TV show in an audio-first format.  Thanks to Steve Liesman and Leslie Picker for sitting in today!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Two holiday traditions, this Christmas Eve: NORAD’s Santa Tracker and the NBA Christmas Games. First, CNBC’s Steve Liesman shares a Christmas movie ranking, according to respondents of CNBC’s All America Economic Survey. Then, longtime Kevin Durant agent Rich Kleiman chats through the five NBA matchups planned for Christmas Day. Finally, U.S. Air Force NORTHCOM Commander General Gregory Guillot explains how NORAD tracks Santa Claus along his journey around the globe on Christmas Eve. Turns out, Rudolph’s nose does help navigation. Plus, a U.S. judge rejected a challenge to President Trump’s $100K H1-B visa fee, and golfer Brooks Koepka has left Saudi-funded LIV Golf. Happy Holidays! Steve Liesman - 11:20Rich Kleiman - 19:13Gen. Gregory Guillot - 28:52 In this episode:Steve Liesman, @steveliesmanJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The 5 things you need to know before the stock market opens today: Metals are trading higher with gold and silver hitting fresh record closes, Alphabet-owned Waymo is updating its driverless fleet after cars stalled during a San Francisco blackout, Alphabet-backed firm Motive has filed for an IPO, the Supreme Court temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deploying National Guard troops to Chicago, and the Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $1.7 billion. Squawk Box is hosted by Joe Kernen, Becky Quick and Andrew Ross Sorkin.  Follow Squawk Pod for the best moments, interviews and analysis from our TV show in an audio-first format. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ahead for AI and tech: commoditization and consolidation. CNBC’s Steve Kovach and former Facebook Chief Privacy Officer and General Counsel Chris Kelly map out the road ahead for tech’s most innovative companies. After a volatile year for crypto, investor Anthony Pompliano discusses asset prices and Coinbase’s latest acquisition of a prediction markets platform. Plus, Jim Beam has stopped bourbon production at its Kentucky facility for the next year, and the Kansas City Chiefs are moving. Happy Festivus! Steve Kovach - 17:54Chris Kelly - 23:21Anthony Pompliano - 31:45 In this episode:Anthony Pompliano, @APomplianoJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In the latest chapter of the war for Warner Brothers Discovery, Paramount Skydance has amended its offering to outbid Netflix for the legacy assets. Gerry Cardinale, founder of one of Paramount’s key investors and strategic partners RedBird Capital Partners, addresses the WBD board’s concerns about the updated offer. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is reportedly exploring a U.S. vaccine schedule closer to Denmark’s. Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb discusses the potential changes to the American health care system, including recommended shots and drug prices. Plus, the U.S. Coast Guard is pursuing another ship off the coast of Venezuela, NEC Director Kevin Hassett has weighed in on the Supreme Court’s ruling on tariffs, and investor Bill Ackman suggested that Elon Musk take SpaceX public with a specific vehicle.  Gerry Cardinale - 20:25Dr. Scott Gottlieb - 40:33 In this episode:Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Waymo is back online in San Francisco after a service disruption during a city blackout, private equity firms Permira and Warburg have agreed to buy Clearwater Analytics in an $8.4B deal, the third installment of Avatar disappointed at the box office over the weekend, tonight’s Powerball jackpot is slated to be one of the biggest ever, and Softbank is working to close a $22B+ funding commitment to OpenAI before the end of the year.  Squawk Box is hosted by Joe Kernen, Becky Quick and Andrew Ross Sorkin.  Follow Squawk Pod for the best moments, interviews and analysis from our TV show in an audio-first format. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

After years of debate and scrutiny, TikTok has signed an agreement for a new U.S. joint venture. By January 22, TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC will be managed by three investors: Oracle, Silver Lake, and Abu Dhabi-based MGX. Former TikTok CEO Kevin Mayer joins CNBC’s Beijing Bureau Chief Eunice Yoon to discuss the implications of this deal for geopolitics and data safety. Executive wine editor of Food & Wine Ray Isle brings his holiday sips to set, including recommendations at varying price points and varying ABVs. Amid tariffs and a growing nonalcoholic beverage trend, Isle says the wine industry has always been cyclical. Plus, Barack Obama’s 2025 list of favorite books includes a familiar title, and the Trump administration continues its Fed Chair interviews.  Steve Liesman - 05:51Kevin Mayer & Eunice Yoon - 15:40Ray Isle - 24:22 In this episode:Steve Liesman, @steveliesmanEunice Yoon, @onlyyoontvBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie 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.