Squawk Pod

Former President Donald Trump was found guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to a hush money payment made to a porn star before the 2016 election. Following the verdict, Trump's campaign raised $34.8 million from small-dollar donors in less than seven hours, nearly doubling its single-day fundraising record and crashing the donation website. CNBC’s Brian Schwartz discusses the implications for the election in November. Plus, veteran tech investor and longtime Democrat donor Alan Patricof discusses Silicon Valley's political ties, the 2024 race, and the AI industry's impact on tech valuations. At the Consensus conference in Austin, former NYSE president and Bullish CEO Tom Farley shares both Presidential candidates’ approaches to crypto, and weighs in on the politicization of digital assets. Brian Schwartz - 03:10 Alan Patricof - 16:55 Tom Farley - 27:20 In this episode: Brian Schwartz, @schwartzbCNBC Tom Farley, @thomasfarley Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick,@BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin Zach Vallese, @zachvallese

Foot Locker posted better-than-expected comparable sales as CEO Mary Dillon’s turnaround plan shows signs of success. Dillon discusses the company’s “Lace Up” strategy, innovations in sneakers, and catering to all kinds of consumers. The Wall Street Journal’s Emily Glazer shares her scoop: former President Trump is considering a special advisor role for Elon Musk, should he win the presidency. Plus, Nelson Peltz sells his entire share of Disney stock, ExxonMobil shareholders voted to confirm the board after an activist fight, and McDonald’s says, prices are not too high. Mary Dillon - 11:44 Emily Glazer - 23:03 In this episode: Emily Glazer, @emilyglazer Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick,@BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

After two activist investors pushed ExxonMobil to reduce emissions, the company sued the activists, prompting them to withdraw their proposal. The litigation has cost ExxonMobil’s board the support of CalPERS, the largest public pension fund in the U.S. and a $1B stakeholder in Exxon. CalPERS CEO Marcie Frost discusses her position ahead of the company’s shareholder meeting on Wednesday, and U.S. Chamber of Commerce EVP of Capital Markets Competitiveness Tom Quaadman explains why the U.S. Chamber backed Exxon in its lawsuit against the activist investors. Plus, economist and University of Maryland professor Melissa Kearney says decades-long concerns of overpopulation were misguided; advanced economies are facing fiscal troubles as their working age populations dwindle. Frost - 05:02 Quaadman - 17:18 Kearney - 26:16 In this episode: Becky Quick,@BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

The McDonald’s $5 value meal is coming in June, aimed at relieving inflation-weary consumers. But franchisees are also inflation-weary; Scott Rodrick, a franchisee in California, discusses the pressures at his restaurants and the difficulty of offering value in a high-cost environment. The Department of Justice has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation, aiming to split up the parent company and Ticketmaster, its subsidiary. CEO of competitor SeatGeek Jack Groetzinger discusses competition for ticketing and best experiences for fans. The Tesla shareholder vote on Elon Musk’s pay deal is coming soon, but it’s only one of multiple weekend headlines on the tech billionaire. Musk’s startup xAI has notched another $6B in funding, pushing the company’s valuation to $24B. Musk is also reportedly planning an xAI supercomputer. Plus, China has created a nearly $48B fund to back Chinese chip companies, CNBC’s Eunice Yoon reports. Eunice Yoon - 08:01 Jack Groetzinger - 13:26 Scott Rodrick - 22:09 In this episode: Eunice Yoon @onlyyoontv Becky Quick,@BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Dan Doctoroff is the New Yorker largely responsible for rebuilding New York after 9/11. The legacy of his long career in business and government includes his oversight as deputy mayor in the creation of now-iconic spots: Hudson Yards, the High Line, Brooklyn Bridge Park, the new World Trade Center. Doctoroff reflects on his life and career two years after receiving his ALS diagnosis and shortly after learning about a project that celebrates his contributions to New York. In a surprise tribute, his friends and colleagues wrote, “The Urbanist: Dan Doctoroff and the Rise of New York.” Andrew Ross Sorkin sits down with Doctoroff in the Whitney Museum for a look at his legacy and his supercharged nonprofit venture, Target ALS, in this special Memorial Day episode. In this episode: Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer,@Kramer_Katie

The NCAA has signed off on a deal that could change college sports–and student athletes–forever. Chair of Carolina Coastal University Athletics Joe Moglia discusses the $2.8B that could be coming to college players over the next decade, as well as the winners and losers in a new business plan for university athletics. Elon Musk says he doesn’t support President Biden’s tariffs on Chinese EVs, Novo Nordisk says Ozempic could slow kidney disease, and the number of 401(k) millionaires has hit a new high. Plus, Nick and Gabe Safier have been spreading joy and special needs advocacy on social media. The brothers and creators of the Safier Universe join Becky Quick and Andrew Ross Sorkin for a conversation on the bright side of the internet. Joe Moglia - 13:14 Nick and Gabe Safier - 24:28 In this episode: Joe Moglia, @CoachJoeMoglia Nicholas Safier, @NicholasSafier Becky Quick,@BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer,@Kramer_Katie

The Department of Justice has sued Live Nation, the parent of Ticketmaster. Attorney General Merrick Garland alleged that the company “relies on unlawful, anticompetitive conduct to exercise its monopolistic control over the live events industry in the United States at the cost of fans, artists, smaller promoters, and venue operators.” Tim Wu, former Special Assistant to the President for Technology and Competition Policy, considers the DOJ’s potential actions moving forward. In Paris, Andrew Ross Sorkin sat down with French President Emmanuel Macron for an exclusive, extended interview. The discussion spans Federal Reserve and European Central Bank policy, as well as the Israel-Hamas War and funding to rebuild Gaza. Plus, Nvidia’s revenue more than tripled in its latest quarter. President Emmanuel Macron - 13:40 Tim Wu - 22:05 In this episode: President Emmanuel Macron, @EmmanuelMacron Tim Wu, @superwuster Becky Quick,@BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin Michael Santoli, @michaelsantoli Katie Kramer,@Kramer_Katie

The 2024 campaign cycle is in full swing. Pollster Frank Luntz discusses the candidate appeals to voters, and the first debate’s details that remain unconfirmed. President Biden announced a plan to forgive $7.7B in student loans, former President Trump will start accepting crypto donations, and challenger Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is rallying retail traders on X. Plus, Urban Outfitters brands Free People and Anthropologie performed well in the last quarter, Vivek Ramaswamy has taken a stake in Buzzfeed, and CNBC’s Phil LeBeau reports that America’s cars are aging. Almost 9% of registered vehicles in the U.S. were made before 2000. Frank Luntz - 13:53 Phil LeBeau - 21:51 In this episode: Frank Luntz, @FrankLuntz Phil LeBeau, @Lebeaucarnews Becky Quick,@BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin Michael Santoli, @michaelsantoli Katie Kramer,@Kramer_Katie

Scarlett Johansson is taking aim at OpenAI after the company used a voice “eerily similar” to hers for its ChatGPT40 chatbot. Former White House CTO Aneesh Chopra weighs in on the controversy, the latest leadership shakeups at OpenAI, and the ways to build guardrails for society’s newest technology. Whole Foods co-founder and former CEO John Mackey shares his journey bringing health foods mainstream. Mackey discusses his new book, “The Whole Story,” as well as GMOs and the future of grocery. Plus, JPMorgan’s Jamie Dimon is discussing his succession plan, and Andrew Ross Sorkin is in Paris just 66 days until the 2024 Olympic Games. John Mackey 16:46 Aneesh Chopra 32:17 In this episode: Joe Kernen,@JoeSquawk Becky Quick,@BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer,@Kramer_Katie

Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi has died in a helicopter crash. Karim Sadjadpour, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for Peace Middle East Program, explains the issues Raisi’s death poses for Iranian leadership and succession. Hayman Capital Management founder and CIO Kyle Bass discusses China’s real estate crisis, its impact on GDP, and the CCP’s electric vehicle strategy. CNBC’s Kristina Partsinevelos explains Microsoft’s plans for AI PCs, many of which will be unveiled at the company’s Build developer conference. Plus, Xander Schauffele won his first major PGA title, and Blue Origin’s tourism rocket launched passengers to the edge of space after a two year hiatus. Karim Sadjadpour - 16:15 Kyle Bass - 22:50 Karim Sadjadpour, @ksadjadpour Kyle Bass, @Jkylebass Joe Kernen,@JoeSquawk Becky Quick,@BeckyQuick Katie Kramer,@Kramer_Katie

NYU Social Psychologist Jonathan Haidt discusses “The Anxious Generation,” his new book that explores the impact of social media on childhood mental health. Limits of screen time, age verification, and delaying smartphone introduction for kids are among Haidt’s suggestions for a safer youth. The Supreme Court has rejected an argument against the funding structure for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; CFPB Director Rohit Chopra says he’s relieved to get back to work protecting consumers and companies. Plus, Reddit and OpenAI have teamed up, Boeing supplier Spirit Aerosystems and the world’s top golfer Scottie Scheffler was arrested at a PGA championship event. Rohit Chopra - 12:37 Jonathan Haidt - 23:43 In this episode: Rohit Chopra, @chopracfpb Joe Kernen,@JoeSquawk Becky Quick,@BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer,@Kramer_Katie

President Biden and former President Trump have agreed to two unorthodox debates this election season. Former communications director for President Trump Anthony Scaramucci reacts to the news and the prospect of another Trump presidency. Scaramucci, an outspoken bitcoin bull, also discusses crypto’s recent surge. Sean Evans, host of viral YouTube show “Hot Ones,” discusses how he monetizes his celebrity interviews over hot chicken wings. Plus, Berkshire Hathaway has announced its secret stock pick: Chubb. Anthony Scaramucci - 13:16 Sean Evans - 26:43 In this episode: Sean Evans, @seanseaevans Anthony Scaramucci, @Scaramucci Joe Kernen,@JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer,@Kramer_Katie

VaynerX Chairman and branding expert Gary Vaynerchuk discusses the evolution of media and advertising as upfront season kicks into gear. Federal prosecutors at the Department of Justice say Boeing breached its 2021 settlement protecting the company from criminal prosecution for the two fatal 737 Max crashes. CNBC’s Phil LeBeau discusses the implications for Boeing and the importance of the company for the industry at large. Senator Mark Warner (D-VA) is honing in on risks for the 2024 election, less than 6 months away. Plus, Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang made over $30m last year, a 60% hike from the year prior, Vanguard hired a former BlackRock executive as CEO, and the meme stock rally continues! But it might be fizzling out. Phil LeBeau - 07:28 Sen. Mark Warner - 15:57 Gary Vaynerchuk - 23:43 In this episode: Gary Vaynerchuk, @garyvee Sen. Mark Warner, @MarkWarner Phil LeBeau, @Lebeaucarnews Joe Kernen,@JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer,@Kramer_Katie

In a rare extended interview, Saba Capital Management founder and CIO Boaz Weinstein explains his campaign against the world’s largest asset manager, BlackRock. Weinstein, a renowned risk-taking trader on Wall Street, takes on BlackRock’s closed end funds over a decade after he famously “harpooned” the London Whale in 2011. Plus, meme stocks like GameStop are still surging, thanks to “Roaring Kitty,” the Biden administration is ramping up China tariffs, and Kraft Heinz is reportedly exploring an Oscar Mayer sale. Boaz Weinstein - 16:10 In this episode: Joe Kernen,@JoeSquawk Becky Quick,@BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer,@Kramer_Katie

The Biden administration is planning to quadruple tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Investment banker and former Treasury official Roger Altman discusses fiscal policy’s impact on inflation and the road ahead for the American economy. Warby Parker co-CEOs Neil Blumenthal and David Gilboa are doubling down on their brick and mortar strategy, despite starting as an e-commerce brand. The two discuss their company’s journey since IPO, their history of monetization, and their omnichannel approach to driving revenue. Plus, OpenAI is launching a new product, Apple workers at a store in New Jersey have voted against unionization, GameStop is on the rise again, and some Duke students walked out of Jerry Seinfeld’s commencement speech in protest. Roger Altman - 12:47 Neil Blumenthal & David Gilboa - 24:02 In this episode: Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Microsoft is investing $3.3 billion in an AI strategy in Wisconsin. Steve Case, co-founder of AOL and chairman and CEO of Revolution, discusses his own investments in projects in middle America and his optimism about big tech’s opportunities for economic growth outside of Silicon Valley. Happiness expert, author, AEI president emeritus, and Harvard professor Arthur Brooks weighs in on the turmoil across American college campuses. He’s optimistic about America’s period after unrest, and encourages listeners to love challenges to their perspectives, and to view the world beyond a good/evil binary. Plus, Chinese EV company Zeekr is ready to IPO, and Target is reportedly scaling back its Pride collections this summer. Steve Case - 12:04 Author Brooks - 24:45 In this episode: Arthur Brooks, @arthurbrooks Steve Case, @SteveCase Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) discusses his own party’s push to oust him from his role. He says, lawmakers cannot afford to play petty politics with tensions high at home and abroad. Journalist Johann Hari has taken Ozempic for a year. He says it’s changed his life, but his new book “Magic Pill” details the dangers of weight loss drugs as well as their benefits. Plus, President Biden has given Israel an ultimatum, Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery are set to bundle their streaming content, and China’s electric vehicle race is speeding up. Mike Johnson- 14:12 Johann Hari - 27:54 In this episode: Mike Johnson, @SpeakerJohnson Johann Hari, @johannhari101 Joe Kernen,@JoeSquawk Becky Quick,@BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Electric vehicle maker Rivian reported a quarterly revenue beat and a cut to its capital spending forecast. CEO RJ Scaringe explains his vision for the future of EVs, the total addressable market, and Rivian’s charging station partnership with Tesla. NBCUniversal Vice Chair Bonnie Hammer has compiled the best–and worst–advice for workers new and seasoned in her new book, “15 Lies Women Are Told at Work…and the Truth We Need to Succeed.” After years in the business, Hammer shares her favorite moments of mentorship, and encourages younger generations to differentiate “personal worth” from “professional worth.” Microsoft will make a $3.3B AI investment in Wisconsin, and the Biden administration has revoked certain licenses to export chips to Huawei, the Chinese tech company. Plus, Disney stock is under pressure, and FTX is officially able to pay its customers back…with interest. RJ Scaringe 16:00 Bonnie Hammer 22:54 In this episode: RJ Scaringe. @RJScaringe Phil LeBeau, @Lebeaucarnews Joe Kernen,@JoeSquawk Becky Quick,@BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer,@Kramer_Katie

Duquesne Family Office CEO Stanley Druckenmiller says he was perplexed by the Fed’s pivot, and that the Federal Reserve “fumbled on the five yard line with the game on the line.” In an extended interview, Druckenmiller discusses his famously successful investing track record and his bets on AI. SEC Chair Gary Gensler has put pressure on crypto, recently delivering “Wells Notice” to Robinhood and Consensys; the crypto community is firing back, and he’s ready to defend the SEC’s perspective on Ethereum and its role in protecting investors. Plus, Hims & Hers CEO walked back some of his comments on hiring pro-Palestinian protesters after Wall Street and Main Street pushed back on him and his stock. Stanley Druckenmiller - 4:15 Gary Gensler - 38:40 In this episode: Gary Gensler, @GaryGensler Joe Kernen,@JoeSquawk Becky Quick,@BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer,@Kramer_Katie

We bring you part two of CNBC’s trip to Omaha, Nebraska for the Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting, where tens of thousands of Berkshire shareholders convene to hear from Warren Buffett every spring. It’s part shareholder meeting, part shopping spree, and for Bertie Buffett Elliott, part family reunion. Warren Buffett’s little sister Bertie sits down with Becky Quick in a special conversation about the Buffett family upbringing and her own Warren memories. The highlights of the 2024 meeting include Warren Buffett’s take on AI, his plans for Berkshire’s $182 billion cash pile, and his pieces of advice for all listeners, old and young. Plus, catch a cameo from the Harlem Globetrotters and celebrity shareholder Bill Murray, as well as a conversation between venture capitalist Ann Winblad and CNBC’s Mike Santoli and Becky Quick.