Squawk Pod

Happy election day! Results from the midterms could impact CEOs, dealmaking, and the regulatory landscape; CNBC’s Megan Cassella reports on the key races Wall Street is watching. Hedge funder Bill Ackman, with nearly $33 billion under management at Pershing Square, shares his perspective on the markets as the midterms begin. While he’s personally invested in SpaceX, he views the company as too uncertain for inclusion in his hedge funds. Rahm Emanuel, former White House Chief of Staff for President Obama, former congressman, and former Chicago Mayor, discusses America’s political landscape heading into the midterms. He’s calling for the Democratic Party to shift back to the center, rather than further left. Plus, OpenAI hired former U.S. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll as senior counselor for national security modernization.

Megan Cassella - 02:43

Rahm Emanuel - 12:45

Bill Ackman - 31:18

In this episode:

Bill Ackman, @BillAckman

Rahm Emanuel, @RahmEmanuel

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin

Megan Cassella, @mmcassella

Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a new travelogue docuseries, actor, comedian, and avid golfer Bill Murray joins friend and author Tom Coyne on a trip through Ireland’s golf courses. Bill and Tom share their journeys with Ireland, their own family roots, and their respective golf games. American Express CEO of 20 years Ken Chenault now serves as Chairman of the famed venture firm General Catalyst. He’s penned a book about his lessons from the C-suite, both on leadership and on citizenship: “Equal to the Task: A Life Forged Between America’s Promise and Its Truth.” Plus, after the biggest crypto heist in history, Binance said it processed $4.65 billion in withdrawals and $1.01 billion in deposits on November 1, with net outflows amounting to 2.1% of Binance’s $171 billion in total assets.

Ken Chenault - 14:11

Bill Murray & Tom Coyne - 28:15

In this episode:

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Binance was hacked in the largest crypto heist ever, impacting $6.3 billion, and Alphabet stock suffered its worst day since Google went public in 2004, dropping 13% on Thursday and wiping out roughly $500 billion in market cap. Just days away from the U.S. midterms, Representative Suzan DelBene (D-WA) addresses her party’s hopes for voters as they cast ballots with affordability in mind. As Chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, Rep. DelBene also addresses the Democrats’ voting scandal in Alaska. Plus, biographer Walter Isaacson discusses Elon Musk’s involvement in politics, including his latest X post warning that democracy is at stake in the upcoming election.

Suzan DelBene - 16:34

Walter Isaacson - 30:20

In this episode:

Rep. Suzan DelBene, @RepDelBene

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin

Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Fed Chair Kevin Warsh announced that the Federal Reserve is holding interest rates steady. CNBC’s Steve Liesman breaks down the decision, and former director of the National Economic Council Gary Cohn looks to the Fed’s future, risks in the AI economy, and what’s coming for consumers. Former New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu (R) now leads the Airlines for America trade organization, and he warns that jet fuel prices will continue to feel pressure from the Iran war. He’s watching his own brother’s election as well as the rest of the key midterms races around the country. Plus, ECB President Christine Lagarde is stepping down, and the Milwaukee Brewers are baseball’s world champions for the first time in their history.

Steve Liesman - 04:37

Gary Cohn - 16:23

Chris Sununu - 35:34

In this episode:

Gary Cohn, @Gary_D_Cohn

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin

Steve Liesman, @steveliesman

Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

California voters will decide next week whether to impose a one-time 5% taxon residents worth more than $1 billion. Paris School of Economics Professor Gabriel Zucman joins to advocate for the proposal while Stanford’s Joshua Rauh explains why it will generate far less revenue than projected. Former U.S. Ambassador to NATO Kurt Volker breaks down the pockets of unrest around the world: Houthis in Yemen, protests in Europe, and the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Israeli elections still have no clear winner, and Amb. Volker warns that it may be some time before results are declared. Plus, GM is planning to roll out new hybrid vehicles, and Sam Altman is warning the public about cybersecurity risks exposed by AI

Zucman/Rauh - 13:22

Volker - 31:55

In this episode:

Gabriel Zucman, @gabriel_zucman

Joshua Rauh, @joshrauh

Kurt Volker, @kvolker

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin

Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Anthropic’s S-1 is out! Wall Street, Silicon Valley, and Squawk Box are dissecting it and what it means for the AI ecosystem and other AI IPOs. CNBC’s Leslie Picker unpacks the eye-popping numbers and the remaining questions after the landmark filing. Microsoft is offering voluntary buyouts to 27% of its total workforce as the company ramps up its spend on AI compute power. In an exclusive conversation, World Bank President Ajay Banga explains the AI opportunities around the world, including in developed and developing economies. Fresh off the Global AI and Digital Summit in South Korea, he’s focused on developing critical mining infrastructure and AI innovation in agriculture, infrastructure, healthcare, and tourism. Electronic Arts co-founder Bing Gordon, the man responsible for Madden NFL and The Sims, is out with a book of life lessons, co-authored with his daughter.

Leslie Picker - 02:26

Ajay Banga - 17:16

Bing Gordon - 28:51

In this episode:

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin

Leslie Picker, @LesliePicker

Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SpaceX has secured a $40 billion debt financing package, Ukraine is disputing Elon Musk’s claim that the country violated Starlink’s terms, and Elon Musk himself is weighing in on neocloud companies, comparing their life spans to those of guppies. In Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won a fourth term, and in Europe, protests rage on. Editor in Chief of The Economist Zanny Minton Beddoes argues that the unrest has little to do with immigration, and everything to do with citizens deeply frustrated by their governments. Plus, BioMarin CEO Alexander Hardy is working to bring drugs to the 30 million patients with rare diseases.

Zanny Minton Beddoes - 10:27

Alexander Hardy - 25:10

In this episode:

Zanny Minton Beddoes, @zannymb

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin

Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

OpenAI is working on a $30 billion funding round from Coatue and the UAE, among others, which would bring the company’s valuation up to $1.25 trillion before Anthropic’s imminent IPO. Elon Musk's ambitions for SpaceX include a merger with Tesla and a strategy for cell towers. President Trump reportedly asked Elon Musk to restore Ukraine’s access to Starshield, but Business school professor Christopher Marquis wants to reform MBA programs, and Moderna’s new vaccine data is good news for melanoma treatment. Plus, CNBC’s Steve Liesman shares more results from his latest All-America Economic Survey, including the approval ratings for President Trump and American sentiment around AI.

Steve Liesman - 15:42

Christopher Marquis - 22:46'

In this episode:

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin

Steve Liesman, @steveliesman

Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ahead of Anthropic’s highly-anticipated IPO on the Nasdaq, Nasdaq CEO Adena Friedman discusses her exchange’s strategy to win listings in the AI IPO race. Tesla reported its latest financials as the board considers the details of a SpaceX-Tesla merger. CNBC’s Steve Liesman shares the results of his latest All-America Economic Survey: sentiment on the economy is about as gloomy as it was immediately after the pandemic. Plus, former Bridgewater CIO Rebecca Patterson has penned a book of investing wisdom for market savvy folks without personal investing expertise. In a wide-ranging conversation, she discusses AI’s weights and buoys for the larger economy, global market risks, and market liquidity.

Steve Liesman - 08:21

Adena Friedman - 16:34

Rebecca Patterson - 28:26

In this episode:

Adena Friedman, @adenatfriedman

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin

Steve Liesman, @steveliesman

Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SpaceX shares jumped after it reported surging revenue growth and Elon Musk floated a potential merger of the company with Tesla. Altimeter Capital’s Brad Gerstner says Musk needs to make sure a deal is fair for Tesla shareholders and expects at least a 30% premium to where the stock trades today. United Airlines slashed its profit outlook as fuel costs continue to bite. CEO Scott Kirby says airfares will have to go up in order for carriers to be profitable.

Brad Gerstner - 18:18

Scott Kirby - 47:44

In this episode:

Brad Gerstner, @altcap

Phil LeBeau, @Lebeaucarnews

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin

Ryan Anastasio, @Ryan_Anastasio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In Europe, it’s an autumn season of unrest. Council on Foreign Relations President Michael Froman discusses protests across France, Belgium, Italy, and other EU nations as politics, affordability, and upcoming elections collide for frustrated citizens. Froman also considers the path forward for the war in Ukraine, particularly after President Trump, Russian President Putin, and Chinese President Xi are considering a trilateral meeting about the conflict. OpenAI is reportedly aiming to accelerate fundraising before its own IPO and before Anthropic’s IPO, and Chinese tech giants Bytedance, Alibaba, and Tencent have placed massive chip orders from Nvidia. Plus, Director of Villanova’s Sports Law and Business Program Andrew Brandt is ready for the first NBA faceoffs of the season. The most anticipated game will tip off at Madison Square Garden, where LeBron James will make his season debut at the Knicks and 76ers match-up.

Michael Froman - 17:31

Andrew Brandt - 28:26

In this episode:

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin

Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From the White House, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett emphasizes consumer sentiment as key to interpreting economic and inflation data. As national cases of the measles rise, former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb discusses public health and the FDA’s launch of its Rare Disease Framework Initiative for drug development. Russian President Putin has floated a summit between himself, Chinese President Xi, and President Trump to discuss ending the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, reportedly not included in that summit, has suggested that the U.S. government’s actions have hindered Ukraine’s war defense, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has fired back at President Zelenskyy’s accusations. Plus, the Elizabeth Holmes documentary scored the largest open for a non-music documentary in two decades, Anthropic has announced an intention to donate 5% of its shares to a “public benefit fund,” and Elon Musk has pledged a SpaceX share to every child in America.

Kevin Hassett - 15:32

Dr. Scott Gottlieb - 28:13

In this episode:

Scott Gottlieb, @scottgottliebMD

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin

Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The White House “Super Intelligence” task force held its first meeting yesterday amid growing calls to regulate AI. The group’s chair Jay Clayton joins us on his takeaways from the meeting and why the U.S. needs to be wary offoreign espionage attempts related to AI. Singer and songwriter John Legend’s pet food brand “Kismet” is sponsoring an upcoming Halloween dog parade in New York City. The EGOT-winner talks about why he built the business and his growing portfolio outside of music. Plus, Fed chairman Kevin Warsh refrains from signaling whether there will be another interest rate hike this year and Netflix replaces its Chief Content Officer.

Steve Liesman 02:44

Jay Clayton 17:39

John Legend 34:47

In this episode:

John Legend, @johnlegend

Steve Liesman, @steveliesman

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Investors are rotating out of tech stocks amid growing concerns around record-high interest rates and possible overspending on artificial intelligence. Rockefeller Capital CEO Greg Fleming, a Wall Street veteran, discusses his take on the markets and the policy driving unease. New York City Comptroller Mark Levine sent a letter to Anthropic’s CEO Dario Amodei asking the company to delay its upcoming IPO. He says the listing will distract the company from focusing on safety and that the U.S. needs federal regulation on AI. Plus, Ukraine says it will restart strikes on Russian oil refineries and Berkshire Hathaway makes a $330 million investment in Bending Spoons.

Greg Fleming 21:11

Mark Levine 39:26

In this episode:

Mark Levine, @NYCComptroller

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin

Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Fighting intensified overnight in the Middle East between Saudi-backed forces and Iran’s Houthi rebel allies. Former Biden White House Senior Advisor Amos Hochstein tells us why the U.S. has been sitting out the conflict and that he’s stopped understanding U.S. strategy in the region. Fanatics is upping its advertising spend in its gambling business as it looks to compete with industry giants Fanduel and DraftKings. Founder & CEO Michael Rubin says he believes it is a good long-term business despite persistent headwinds. Plus, the FBI arrests an OpenAI employee who allegedly planted a recording device in a conference room and more Senators come out against President Trump’s diesel deal with Russia.

Eamon Javers 06:04

Amos Hochstein 16:09

Michael Rubin 26:55

In this episode:

Eamon Javers, @EamonJavers

Amos Hochstein, @amoshochstein

Michael Rubin, @michaelrubin

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin

Ryan Anastasio, @Ryan_Anastasio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Amid growing concerns about valuations and the AI boom, legendary investor Paul Tudor Jones joins for his take on the markets and his outlook for the new year. He predicts a strong fourth-quarter post the midterm elections but warns of challenges in 2027 due to negative flow pictures in the stock market. Author and professor Adam Grant is out with a new book, “Vibe: The Secrets of Strong Connections in a Lonely World.” He says we need to engage in “deep talk” when meeting someone new and ask questions that we would normally wait to ask at a second or third meeting. Plus, Anthropic warns AI models could soon copy themselves across home devices and hackers target French supermarket fridges.

Paul Tudor Jones 11:53

Adam Grant 38:59

In this episode:

Paul Tudor Jones, @ptj_official

Adam Grant, @AdamMGrant

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin

Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tensions are heightened in the Middle East following a deadly attack on Saudi Arabia’s airport in Riyadh. CNBC’s Dan Murphy joins from the region with the latest, while Brian Sullivan reports on the move in oil and President Trump’s claim of an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine. Amid growing concerns about rogue AI agents and personal security, XMTP Labs Co-Founder & CEO Shane Mac describes how an agent shared his personal bank statement in a work group chat. Plus, Nvidia is reportedly in talks to buy open-source startup Reflection AI and “The Social Reckoning” disappoints at the box office.

Dan Murphy 02:34

Brian Sullivan 18:49

Shane Mac 35:12

In this episode:

Dan Murphy, @dan_murphy

Brian Sullivan, @SullyCNBC

Shane Mac, @ShaneMac

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin

Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In a move that’s pushing telecom stocks lower, SpaceX has agreed to purchase a nationwide spectrum portfolio. Elon Musk biographer Walter Isaacson explains how this move fits into the rest of Musk’s vision for connectivity around the world–and around the solar system. As concerns about AI-fueled job displacement mount around the world, Chieh Huang–founder of Boxed–has started a new re-training venture for laid off employees. Huang explains how Pelgo translates layoffs and employer investment into a more skilled, less anxious workforce. Plus, Starbucks could be prepping to acquire Chipotle, and the Gulf Coast is bracing for Hurricane Isaias.

Walter Isaacson 17:29

Chieh Huang 32:06

In this episode:

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin

Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Trump has suggested that the U.S. may initiate more attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure, and tariffs remain on center stage as the midterm elections draw nearer. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer discusses both from the White House North Lawn. Mathematician and NYU professor Tristan Buckmaster has been working on solving the Navier-Stokes Problem for years; now OpenAI agents have solved it, but Buckmaster believes his work was used in the process. The mathematician discusses his conversations with OpenAI’s leadership and his own concerns about models training on private work. Plus, CNBC’s Contessa Brewer is in Macao for the NBA’s latest push, and a missed email at UPS resulted in China’s receipt of U.S. F-35 parts.

Contessa Brewer - 04:39

Jamieson Greer - 11:34

Tristan Buckmaster - 24:24

In this episode:

Amb. Jamieson Greer, @USTradeRep

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin

Contessa Brewer, @contessabrewer

Ryan Anastasio,@Ryan_Anastasio

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s day two of a new media behemoth under David Ellison’s Skydance umbrella. Founding partner of Puck Matt Belloni details the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger, and he considers the giant’s headwinds, including cable’s declining profits and ~$80 billion in debt. Michael Lewis wrote “Moneyball,” “The Big Short,” “Going Infinite,” and “The Blind Side,” and he’s now out with a new book: “Blockers: Rebels in the Deep State.” The bestselling author discusses government efficiency and his own dive into the federal workers who resisted in the early days of Elon Musk’s DOGE effort. Plus, protests rage on in France, young people are leaning away from beer, and tech billionaires are only getting bigger.

Robert Frank - 08:23

Michael Lewis - 21:55

Matt Belloni - 35:07

In this episode:

Matt Belloni, @MattBelloni

Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk

Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick

Andrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkin

Robert Frank, @robtfrank

Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.