Squawk Pod

As the DHS shutdown has crossed 60 days, pressure is on House Republicans to end the standoff. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin discusses the latest in the funding battle, Democratic demands for ICE reforms, policy changes at the department, and the real-world impact of the prolonged shutdown. As Anthropic’s “Mythos” model grows more advanced, concerns about AI risk are also accelerating. Stuart Russell, UC Berkeley professor and president of the International Association for Safe and Ethical AI, explains the potential harms of increasingly powerful systems, the push for safer development, and the case for regulation. Plus, the Trump administration taps automakers to boost weapons production, and LIV Golf faces a potential shutdown as Saudi backers weigh pulling funding. Dan Murphy - 08:11 Sec. Markwayne Mullin - 19:07 Stuart Russell - 29:49 In this episode: Sec. Markwayne Mullin, @SenMullin Kelly Evans, @KellyCNBC Michael Santoli, @michaelsantoli Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk 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.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) offers his party’s perspective on the Iran War, the President’s delivery on the economy, and America’s affordability crisis. This week, the market digested multiple economic data sets. On Tuesday, the producer price index, a gauge of pipeline costs for final demand goods and services, made the biggest 12-month gain since February 2023. Today, the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that U.S. import prices rose less than expected in March, and petroleum import prices increased 9.4% as the war in Iran drove energy prices higher. CNBC’s Steve Liesman and Rick Santelli break down the data and the market’s expectations for that data, and Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack explains what the numbers could mean for the Fed’s next interest rate decision. Plus, CNBC’s Phil LeBeau discusses the potential for airline mergers in the current administration, Anthropic is reportedly turning down VC money, and Kevin Warsh’s Fed nomination hearing has been scheduled after a delay. Phil LeBeau - 11:13 House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries - 19:33 Steve Liesman & Rick Santelli - 36:48 Beth Hammack - 42:47 In this episode: Hakeem Jeffries, @RepJeffries Phil LeBeau, @Lebeaucarnews Steve Liesman, @steveliesman Rick Santelli, @RickSantelli Kelly Evans, @KellyCNBC Michael Santoli, @michaelsantoli Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk 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.

Lowe’s is launching annual subscription service HomeCare+ to deepen the company’s relationship with customers. CEO Marvin Ellison discusses the initiative, the investment he’s making in trade skill training, the future of the labor market, and the ideal housing environment for his bottom line. Then, Robert Frank reports on the Iran War’s impact on luxury shoppers in the Middle East and, by extension, on luxury conglomerate LVMH. Plus, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby reportedly pitched a merger with American, and CNBC’s Steve Liesman reports that the NFIB small business optimism index for March of 2026 fell to its lowest level since the Liberation Day tariffs in April of 2025. Steve Liesman - 6:46 Marvin Ellison - 16:24 Robert Frank - 33:19 In this episode: Steve Liesman, @steveliesman Robert Frank, @robtfrank Kelly Evans, @KellyCNBC Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk 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 has announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after peace talks between the U.S. and Iran failed over the weekend. Founder and senior chairman of Evercore Roger Altman discusses the business community’s response to the conflict, CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports from the UAE, and former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg discusses the perspective of U.S. allies around the world as the Iran War continues. Plus, McDonald’s is exploring an expansion to its beverage menu, and Rory McIlroy won the Masters for the second year in a row. Dan Murphy - 08:27 Roger Altman - 21:37 Jens Stoltenberg - 34:16 In this episode: Dan Murphy, @dan_murphy Kelly Evans, @KellyCNBC Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk 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.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ March CPI data revealed an annual inflation rate of 3.3%. Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg discusses the pressures on American consumers, including an Iran War-prompted energy price surge and DHS funding. NYT investigative journalist John Carreyrou spent years digging into the real identity of bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto and concluded that it is famed computer scientist, Adam Back. Adam Back, though he’s made notable contributions to the foundations of bitcoin, denies the conclusion. Back makes his case directly–and explains why anonymity might be good for bitcoin. Plus, OpenAI has fired at Anthropic in a new memo to shareholders, Kevin Warsh’s Fed nomination hearing was delayed, and a fake research paper fooled AI models. Pete Buttigieg 15:09 Adam Back 31:29 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The state of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire appears fragile amid Israel’s strikes in Lebanon. Council on Foreign Relation president Michael Froman discusses the fog of the Iran war, the confusion in negotiation, and the many stakeholders in the region. Head of policy at Palisade Research Dave Kasten discusses Anthropic’s newest model Mythos, an LLM so powerful the company isn’t rolling it out to the public. Kasten shares his worries about the AI race, including developers’ increased tolerance of AI “bad behavior” in the name of innovation progress and speed. Plus, Anthropic has lost its bid to temporarily block the Pentagon’s blacklisting, and a few Polymarket users won big on particularly well-timed Iran war bets. Dan Murphy - 3:42 Michael Froman - 21:03 Dave Kasten 31:04 In this episode: Dan Murphy, @dan_murphy Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk 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.

After the U.S. and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, energy prices dropped. CNBC’s Brian Sullivan is watching the flow–or lack thereof–of ships through the Strait of Hormuz to monitor progress of the world’s oil supply. CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports on the ceasefire from the UAE, and CNBC’s Phil LeBeau gets the impact on jet fuel and air travel prices from Delta CEO Ed Bastian. Plus, Anthropic is holding the public release of its newest model Mythos over concerns about its capabilities to exploit digital weaknesses. Dan Murphy 2:52 Ed Bastian 22:02 Brian Sullivan 32:45 In this episode: Dan Murphy, @dan_murphy Phil LeBeau, @Lebeaucarnews Brian Sullivan, @SullyCNBC Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk 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 is threatening Iran that “a whole civilization will die tonight” unless a deal is struck tonight to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports from Dubai. The Artemis II crew is on its way home from the farthest away any human has ever been. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman discusses the agency’s space strategy into 2027 and beyond. Paul, Weiss Global Chair of M&A Robert Kindler advised Comcast in its $72 billion acquisition of AT&T Broadband and Time Warner Cable in its $78.7 billion acquisition by Charter Communications. Today, Kindler weighs in on Bill Ackman’s $64B pitch for Universal Music, the politics in business, and the IPO pipeline in 2026. Plus, the University of Michigan Wolverines have won the NCAA Championship. A block Dan Murphy 3:23 B block Robert Kindler 18:59 C block Jared Isaacman 35:07 In this episode: Dan Murphy, @dan_murphy Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk 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.

Former SEC Chair and current US Attorney for the Southern District of NY Jay Clayton addresses the firing of his boss, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. Clayton also discusses President Trump’s managerial style, American sentiment toward election interference, and the business of college sports. From Dubai, CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports on the Iran War, President Trump’s relationship with leaders in the Middle East, and the resulting volatility in the global oil markets. Plus, JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon highlighted geopolitical, inflationary, and regulatory risk in his annual shareholder letter, and Artemis II is ready to swing around the moon and return to Earth. Dan Murphy - 3:08 Jay Clayton - 20:13 In this episode: Dan Murphy, @dan_murphy Leslie Picker, @LesliePicker Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk 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.

Chris Male started the Autism Impact Fund in 2021, aiming to invest in life sciences that impact the 3.2% of U.S. children with autism. AIF is now announcing its first close of its second fund, celebrating $150 million under management. Male discusses the goals of the fund, the opportunities in behavioral health, mental health, and diagnostics, and the private sector’s role in impacting communities affected by autism. Chris Male - 03:49 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk 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.

After President Trump’s address to the nation, markets saw volatile energy prices. Eurasia Group’s Firas Maksad discusses the inflection point coming in the coming month, as well as the international energy supply chain. Harvard Professor Arthur Brooks has authored a new book, “The Meaning of Your Life.” He suggests which habits are making our lives feel emptier and which habits that can make us happier. Plus, NASA has launched four astronauts into space in the first lunar mission in 50 years, and CNBC’s Sharon Epperson reports on teens and sports betting. Sharon Epperson - 09:16 Arthur Brooks - 17:36 Firas Maksad - 30:32 In this episode: Sharon Epperson, @sharon_epperson Arthur Brooks, @arthurbrooks Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk 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.

OpenAI has closed a $122 billion funding round, bringing its valuation to $852 billion. Investor Cathie Wood discusses her bets on AI and the future of tech investing. Nike reported a struggle in the Chinese market for its latest quarter, and CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports on the latest in the Middle East. Plus, shares of biopharma company Veradermics are up well over 65% since its IPO in February, all thanks to investor appetite for pattern hair loss treatments. CEO and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Reid Waldman discusses the market, the audience, and the innovation in hair care. Dan Murphy - 07:03 Cathie Wood - 19:14 Dr. Reid Waldman - 32:01 In this episode: Dan Murphy, @dan_murphy Cathie Wood, @CathieDWood Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk 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.

In his first interview since stepping down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Warren Buffett sits down with CNBC’s Becky Quick in Omaha. He’s teaming up with Stephen and Ayesha Curry to revive his iconic charity lunch auction, bringing new attention to one of his most well-known philanthropic efforts. Buffett also discusses his continued involvement in Berkshire Hathaway’s investment decisions, saying he remains closely engaged and recently made a “tiny” new purchase. He shares his perspective on the current investing environment, his Apple stake, prediction markets, and the Iran War. He also addresses Jeffrey Epstein and the Epstein files, saying he has not spoken to his long-time friend Bill Gates since the revelations became public. In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick 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.

After a partial government shutdown disrupted travel nationwide, TSA workers are returning to work and could be getting paid as early as today. Former TSA Administrator John Pistole and BOS Security President Nat Carmack discuss the state of the DHS shutdown, ongoing staffing shortages, and whether privatized airport security could expand across the country. Then, CNBC’s Robert Frank reports on Sen. Bernie Sanders’ “tax the rich” rally, and Partnership for New York City President and CEO Steven Fulop examines whether the city’s tax policies could push Wall Streeters south. Plus, CNBC’s Dan Murphy has the latest on the war in Iran, Tiger Woods is arrested, and much more. Dan Murphy - 03:22 Robert Frank & Steven Fulop - 13:01 John Pistole & Nat Carmack - 26:54 In this episode: Steven Fulop, @StevenFulop Dan Murphy, @dan_murphy Robert Frank, @robtfrank Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Melissa Lee, @MelissaLeeCNBC 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.

An end to the DHS funding shutdown is in sight after the Senate passed a deal overnight. Despite the progress, US airports may take longer to get back on track. The Fundrise Innovation Fund listed on the NYSE one week ago, and in that week, the stock surged over 1500% (before sliding back down) and was halted twice for volatility. Fundrise CEO and co-founder Ben Miller discusses his goal of democratizing access to private companies like OpenAI and Anthropic. Stanford Life Design Lab co-creator Dave Evans co-authored “How to Live a Meaningful Life,” articulating design lessons from life and his careers at Apple and EA. Evans shares those lessons with Joe Kernen and Becky Quick. Plus, CNBC’s Robert Frank reports on an upcoming “tax the rich” rally in New York City. Robert Frank - 10:04 Ben Miller - 17:44 Dave Evans - 28:31 In this episode: Robert Frank, @robtfrank 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.

After 30 years at Coca-Cola and 9 years as the company’s CEO, James Quincey is handing the reins to his successor, Henrique Braun. Quincey discusses his legacy and the future of the “total beverage company.” As DHS funding has stalled on Capitol Hill, one Democrat is consistently breaking with his party: Senator John Fetterman (D-PA). Sen. Fetterman explains his reasoning for voting with Republicans on DHS Secretary Mullin’s confirmation, as well as the Congressional push to settle on legislation before their Easter recess. Plus, CNBC’s Dan Murphy reports on the Iran War, Meta and YouTube were found liable in a state social media addiction trial, and CNBC’s Alex Sherman reports from Citi Field on the MLB’s opening day. Dan Murphy 2:40 James Quincy 23:25 Sen. John Fetterman 40:44 In this episode: Dan Murphy, @dan_murphy Alex Sherman, @sherman4949 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.

As lawmakers take aim at prediction markets, Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA) and John Curtis (R-UT) discuss the bipartisan ‘Prediction Markets Are Gambling Act,’ why they support banning sports-style betting. The Senators and CNBC’s own Emily Wilkins all weigh in on the Capitol Hill negotiations on DHS funding. Then, a New Mexico jury has ordered Meta to pay nearly $400 million in a civil case over child safety on its platforms. New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez explains the ruling, what it could mean for big tech and social media, and what comes next in the appeals process. Plus, OpenAI shutters its video app Sora. Emily Wilkins - 12:04 Senators John Curtis & Adam Schiff - 17:23 Raúl Torrez - 35:56 In this episode: Emily Wilkins, @emrwilkins John Curtis, @SenJohnCurtis Adam Schiff, @SenAdamSchiff Raúl Torrez, @TorrezforNM 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.

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.