Squawk Pod

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 - 2:55 Brian Sullivan - 13:51 Jacob Soboroff - 29:19 In this episode: Eamon Javers, @eamonjavers Brian Sullivan, @SullyCNBC Jacob Soboroff, @jacobsoboroff Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin 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.

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 - 4:04 Emily Wilkins - 24:23 Gov. Jeff Landry - 29:03 In this episode: Emily Wilkins, @emrwilkins Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin 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.

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 - 17:36 Mark Lazarus - 39:11 In this episode: Eamon Javers, @eamonjavers Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin 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 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 - 24:32 Bill Shufelt - 41:04 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Robert Frank, @robtfrank Michael Santoli, @michaelsantoli 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.

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 - 19:51 Courtney Reagan - 31:15 Bill Simon - 34:49 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Courtney Reagan, @CourtReagan 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.

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 10:44 Courtney Reagan 23:49 Dan Ives 29:43 In this episode: Ben Narasin, @BNarasin Dan Ives, @DivesTech Courtney Reagan, @CourtReagan Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Leslie Picker, @LesliePicker Michael Santoli, @michaelsantoli 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.

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 13:04 Bradley Tusk 29:29 In this episode: Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Leslie Picker, @LesliePicker Michael Santoli, @michaelsantoli 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.

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 - 10:25 Arthur Brooks - 20:45 In this episode: Arthur Brooks, @arthurbrooks Leslie Picker, @LesliePicker Contessa Brewer, @contessabrewer Steve Liesman, @steveliesman 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 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 - 11:20 Rich Kleiman - 19:13 Gen. Gregory Guillot - 28:52 In this episode: Steve Liesman, @steveliesman Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin 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.

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 - 17:54 Chris Kelly - 23:21 Anthony Pompliano - 31:45 In this episode: Anthony Pompliano, @APompliano Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin 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.

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 - 20:25 Dr. Scott Gottlieb - 40:33 In this episode: Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin 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.

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 - 05:51 Kevin Mayer & Eunice Yoon - 15:40 Ray Isle - 24:22 In this episode: Steve Liesman, @steveliesman Eunice Yoon, @onlyyoontv Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin 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.

Japan’s central bank has raised short term interest rates to their highest level in decades, data center deals have hit a record $61 billion in 2025, EU leaders will loan Ukraine $100 billion for defense, House leaders have committed to vote on an individual stock trading ban for lawmakers, and the U.S. government could be on its way to allowing Nvidia to sell its second-most powerful chip to China. 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.

President Trump defended his economic policies and outlined his agenda for the new year in a live address to the nation on Wednesday night. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-New York) responds to President Trump’s comments and discusses the push to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies for three years. Steve Schwarzman, CEO and co-founder of the world’s largest alternative asset manager Blackstone, sits down with Becky Quick as the firm celebrates forty years in business. He shares his perspective on the Federal Reserve’s monetary policy, AI, and the U.S. relationship with China. Plus, Trump Media announced a merger agreement with fusion power company TAE Technologies, Instacart shares are under pressure after an FTC probe into the company’s AI pricing, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries - 15:21 Steve Schwarzman - 26:28 In this episode: Hakeem Jeffries, @RepJeffries Michael Santoli, @michaelsantoli Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin 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.

The Warner Bros. Discovery board has unanimously recommended shareholders reject Paramount Skydance’s hostile bid for the company’s film and streaming assets. Netflix Co-CEO Greg Peters joins CNBC’s David Faber, Becky Quick, and Andrew Ross Sorkin to discuss Netflix’s winning bid for Warner Bros., HBO, and HBO Max. Media watcher Rich Greenfield delves into the funding details of each offer, and Becky shares her own reporting on shareholder Mario Gabelli’s reaction to the news. Plus, it’s likely to be the biggest IPO of the year: Medline, a 58-year-old company you may have never heard of. CEO Jim Boyle explains why now was the perfect time for a public listing. Greg Peters - 15:05 Rich Greenfield - 27:14 Jim Boyle - 38:26 In this episode: Rich Greenfield, @RichLightShed David Faber, @davidfaber Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin 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.

OpenAI is talking with Amazon about a possible investment, self-driving car company Waymo is in talks to raise $15 billion in 2026, bankrupt Spirit Airlines is looking to merge with Frontier Airlines again, reports say the Trump Administration is working on an executive order to speed up defense contractors’ production, and homebuilder Lennar is feeling the pressure from a cautious housing market. 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.