Squawk Pod

In the second of two extended episodes, listeners hear the news that will come to define Berkshire Hathaway’s 2025 Annual Shareholder Meeting: Warren Buffett plans to step down at year-end. In another two hours of questions and answers, Buffett shares his thoughts on his recommendation for successor, Greg Abel, as well as Berkshire Hathaway’s cash pile. Then, CNBC’s Becky Quick and Mike Santoli discuss Berkshire’s succession plan and the highlights from the meeting with board member Ron Olson. Representative French Hill (R-AR) and his son also join the team, having attended the annual meeting for decades. Listener’s Guide: Warren Buffett plans to step down at year-end - 1:57:10 Berkshire board member Ron Olson - 2:16:12 Rep. French Hill b block 2:37:00

In the first of two special supersized episodes, Warren Buffett answers Berkshire Hathaway shareholder questions for hours. Hear the Oracle of Omaha’s entire exchange with the tens of thousands of shareholders in Nebraska for this year’s meeting, including his perspective on global tariffs, his comments to Apple CEO Tim Cook, Berkshire’s cash pile, and his thoughts on investing in Japan. Plus, CNBC’s Becky Quick and Mike Santoli sit down with special guests at the meeting, including Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, Irv Blumkin, CEO of Nebraska Furniture Mart, and Berkshire Automotive CEO Jeff Rachor. Listener’s guide: Artisan Partners’ David Samra - 8:10 CNBC’s Steve Kovach - 17:00 Berkshire Automotive CEO Jeff Rachor - 25:05 Q&A Session 1 begins - 32:17 Warren Buffett addresses Apple CEO Tim Cook - 39:00 Warren Buffett addresses tariffs - 49:27 Warren Buffett addresses Japan - 55:17 Halftime Show with CNBC’s Becky Quick & Mike Santoli - 3:02:11 Irv Blumkin, CEO of Nebraska Furniture Mart C block - 3:13:13 Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick C block - 3:20:24 Berkshire portfolio managers - 3:17:36 Katie Kramer and shareholder - 3:27:46

“I’m an accidental guru.” He was irreverent, he was focused, he was one of the world’s most successful investors, and he was one of a kind. Billionaire investor Charlie Munger, the longtime right-hand man and close friend of Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett, died a few weeks shy of what would have been his 100th birthday. Becky Quick, Squawk Box co-host, interviewed Munger two weeks before his death in his home in Los Angeles. In Part 2 of this special conversation, Charlie Munger reflects on the childhood traumas that shaped him and the investing wins and losses that made his career. For more, revisit our 2021 Squawk Pod series, Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger: A Wealth of Wisdom. Squawk Pod is produced by Katie Kramer, Cameron Costa, Karoline Rouhotas and Zach Vallese. CNBC’s Managing Editor is Lacy O’Toole. John Lazration edited this podcast series.

“I’m an accidental guru.” He was irreverent, he was focused, he was one of the world’s most successful investors, and he was one of a kind. Billionaire investor Charlie Munger, the longtime right-hand man and close friend of Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett, died a few weeks shy of what would have been his 100th birthday. Becky Quick, Squawk Box co-host, interviewed Munger two weeks before his death in his home in Los Angeles. In the first part of this special conversation, Charlie Munger reflects on his century of life and the perspective and knowledge he gained in his final years. For more, revisit our 2021 Squawk Pod series, Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger: A Wealth of Wisdom. Squawk Pod is produced by Katie Kramer, Cameron Costa, Karoline Rouhotas and Zach Vallese. CNBC’s Managing Editor is Lacy O’Toole. John Lazration edited this podcast series.

Berkshire Hathaway lead director Sue Decker sits down with Becky Quick in Omaha, Nebraska, ahead of the annual shareholders meeting, where Warren Buffett will hold court. Decker discusses her board directorships at Berkshire and Costco, as well as Warren Buffett’s leadership. Tune into CNBC’s TV and digital channels this weekend to catch every minute of the 2025 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting coverage. Sue Decker - 04:00 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Becky Quick is in Omaha, Nebraska, awaiting the tens of thousands of Berkshire Hathaway investors attending the company’s annual shareholders meeting, where Warren Buffett will hold court. Longtime Berkshire shareholder and GAMCO CEO Mario Gabelli stops by for an extended conversation about the markets, media consolidation, and Warren Buffett’s leadership. Tune into CNBC’s TV and digital channels this weekend to catch every minute of the 2025 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting coverage. Mario Gabelli - 04:49 In this episode: Mario Gabelli, @MarioGabelli Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

We bring you to Omaha, Nebraska, ahead of the tens of thousands of Berkshire shareholders that make the pilgrimage to Warren Buffett every spring. At this “Woodstock for Capitalists,” Berkshire’s 60+ portfolio companies sell limited edition and specialty wares to Buffett acolytes. See’s Candy CEO Pat Egan is ready to satisfy sweet-loving shareholders with 24,603 pounds and 41,156 units of product, and Brooks Running CEO Dan Sheridan has special, limited edition sneakers, just for this year’s meeting. Sheridan discusses the impact tariffs have had on his production, and both Berkshire portfolio company CEOs share their excitement for another festival of business. Tune into CNBC’s TV and digital channels this weekend to catch every minute of the 2025 Berkshire Hathaway Annual Meeting coverage. Dan Sheridan - 11:57 Pat Egan - 19:00 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

China has acknowledged that the Trump administration has reached out to negotiate tariffs, potentially signalling openness to a deal. CNBC’s Eunice Yoon in Beijing discusses the latest developments, and warns that Chinese people and businesses believe they can weather a trade war storm. On the White House North Lawn, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett discusses the state of the U.S.-China trade negotiations along with President Trump’s tariff policy. CNBC’s Phil LeBeau and General Motors chair and CEO Mary Barra discuss the company’s new 2025 guidance, the impact of President Trump’s auto tariffs and bringing auto manufacturing back to the U.S. Plus, Tesla has denied a Wall Street Journal report that its board was searching for a replacement for chief executive Elon Musk. In this episode: Kevin Hassett - 18:05 Mary Barra - 34:45 In this episode: Eunice Yoon, @onlyyoontv Mary Barra, @mtbarra Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Three months into President Trump’s second term, pollster Frank Luntz explains voter sentiment. While conservative and liberal Americans remain steadfast, Luntz says the political center has been disappointed with the execution of the promises it voted for. After a brief but heated spat between the White House and Amazon, President Trump has called Jeff Bezos a “good guy.” Wired Editor-at-Large Steven Levy explains Amazon’s idea–and then rejection–of marking the cost of tariffs on its low-cost site Amazon Haul. Levy discusses big tech’s complicated relationship with the administration. Plus, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says the U.S. has reached its first trade deal, and due to a surge in imports, the U.S. economy contracted during President Trump’s first 100 days. CNBC’s Steve Liesman discusses the intersection of a global trade war and America’s GDP. Frank Luntz - 23:00 Steve Liesman - 16:44 Steven Levy - 34:25 Rick Santelli & Steve Liesman - 40:26 In this episode: Steven Levy, @StevenLevy Frank Luntz, @FrankLuntz Steve Liesman, @steveliesman Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

The Trump administration will reduce some of the crippling tariffs for automakers. CNBC’s Phil LeBeau explains the potential impact on General Motors, and former Ford President Mark Fields explains how other automakers are preparing their supply chains for the White House’s trade agenda. The “Big 6” GOP leaders have met at the Capitol to discuss a mega-bill; attendee House Ways and Means Chairman Rep. Jason Smith explains his party’s revenue agenda. Plus, Nike is in hot water with shareholder Bill Ackman over a billboard, and Canada voted to keep the Liberal Party’s Mark Carney as Prime Minister. Rep. Jason Smith 16:25 Phil LeBeau 31:44 Mark Fields 37:47 In this episode: Jason Smith, @RepJasonSmith Phil LeBeau, @Lebeaucarnews Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discusses the state of global tariff negotiations; he says talks are ongoing, but it’s up to China to de-escalate. Secretary Bessent also warns that the Trump administration has an “escalation ladder” to climb, should it need more leverage in trade talks. Boardroom co-founder and CEO Rich Kleiman and MLB veteran pitcher CC Sabathia discuss the next era of baseball. The MLB is considering ways to better engage fans, including speeding up the pace of play. Plus, it’s a home buyer’s market, if they commit to deals, and Domino’s Pizza reported a beat, thanks to international customers. Scott Bessent - 15:44 Rich Kleiman & CC Sabathia - 33:43 In this episode: Rich Kleiman, @richkleiman CC Sabathia, @CC_Sabathia Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Axios White House reporter Marc Caputo and former U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns discuss the trade talks–or lack thereof–between the U.S. and China. Between comments from the Chinese embassy and President Trump’s interview with Time, the public has conflicting accounts of where trade negotiations currently stand. Plus, Apple may move manufacturing of its US iPhones to India, Google parent Alphabet has reported a beat on earnings, and Paramount is in talks with the FCC over its merger with Skydance. Marc Caputo - 17:29 Nicholas Burns - 24:50 In this episode: Marc Caputo, @MarcACaputo Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Ahead of the Chevron Championship in Houston, Becky Quick sits down with LPGA golfers Amy Alcott and Stacy Lewis. Alcott, a hall of famer and Chevron Champion, reflects on the history of fandom for women’s sports and the current momentum for sponsorships and viewership. Lewis, a competitor in the Chevron this week, explains golfing strategy off the green; for the athletes and fans of women’s sports, the time is now for investment and publicity. To watch Stacy Lewis and her competitors at the Chevron this week, tune into NBC or Peacock. Amy Alcott & Stacy Lewis - 6:06 In this episode: Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

Cleveland Fed President Beth Hammack was once a market participant at Goldman Sachs; she’s a policymaker now, but she says she’s still watching the markets during periods of volatility. Google is still under antitrust scrutiny, but regulation may affect AI innovation. Aravind Srinivas, CEO of AI engine Perplexity, discusses Google’s contributions to its competitors and the future of AI. Plus, Fed Chair Jay Powell, China, the Kentucky Derby, and even millionaires are caught in President Trump’s crosshairs. Aravind Srinivas - 33:13 Steve Liesman & Beth Hammack - 15:44 In this episode: Aravind Srinivas, @AravSrinivas Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

After news that Harvard is suing the Trump administration over its threats to cut funding, ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt discusses antisemitism on college campuses and beyond. Plus, Washington Post reporter Faiz Siddiqui discusses his new book about Elon Musk’s leadership: “Hubris Maximus: The Shattering of Elon Musk.” Third Point CEO Dan Loeb spoke on Tuesday night about his belief in the resilience of the American economy, while President Trump backtracked his previous comments and said he has no intention of firing Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Jonathan Greenblatt - 19:12 Faiz Siddiqui - 34:18 In this episode: Jonathan Greenblat, @JGreenblattADL Faiz Siddiqui, @faizsays Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

President Trump intensified attacks on Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell, fueling market volatility and concerns over the central bank’s independence. At the Chevron Leadership Initiative's CoMission Champions of Women in Sports event, Becky Quick sits down with Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon to discuss market volatility, trade policy, economic uncertainty, and investing in women’s sports. Facebook co-founder and chair of the Economic Security Project Chris Hughes is out with a new book, “Marketcrafters.” Hughes discusses Fed independence and the future of capitalism. Plus, Harvard is suing the Trump administration, the Academy Awards set new AI rules, and the FTC is suing Uber over premium billing. Chris Hughes - 15:43 David Solomon - 26:53 In this episode: Chris Hughes, @chrishuges Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Pope Francis, the Argentine Jesuit and Roman Catholic pontiff, has died at age 88. Joe Kernen, Becky Quick, and Andrew Ross Sorkin reflect on his impact on the business community, and Andrew recalls his interview with the Pope just before the Covid-19 pandemic. President Donald Trump intensified his criticism of Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, calling him a “major loser” and warning of a potential economic slowdown if interest rates are not lowered immediately. Krishna Guha, Evercore ISI vice chairman, weighs in on the possibility of Powell’s removal, the independence of the central bank, and the potential market implications. Then, CNBC’s Steve Liesman and Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee discuss the state of the economy, the Fed’s inflation strategy, and the impact of the Trump administration’s tariff policy on the economy. Krishna Guha - 16:58 Austan Goolsbee - 27:12 In this episode: Austan Goolsbee, @Austan_Goolsbee Steve Liesman, @steveliesman Becky Quick, @BeckyQuick Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is in Beijing, just as U.S. officials are eyeing his company’s supply of AI chips to DeepSeek. CNBC’s Kristina Partsinevelos explains the line between maintaining competition and preserving national security when it comes to tech infrastructure. Federal Reserve chair Jay Powell expressed concern that the central bank could be caught between controlling inflation and supporting economic growth, as tariffs contribute to economic uncertainty. President Trump responded, calling for a rate cut and the termination of Jay Powell as chair. Plus, the IRS is attempting to rescind Harvard’s tax-exempt status, and shares of UnitedHealth Group plunged after the company cut its profit forecast. Kristina Partsinevelos - 26:40 Peter Kraus - 31:43 In this episode: Kristina Partsinevelos, @KristinaParts Kelly Evans, @KellyCNBC Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Cameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY

The Trump administration’s standoff with Harvard has frozen $2.2B in grants to the university. Representative Elise Stefanik (R-NY) is a Harvard alumna as well as Chairwoman of the Republican Leadership, and she’s calling to “defund Harvard.” For Rep. Stefanik, the government has a right to demand changes on campus and to withhold grant money. She discusses issues of free speech and antisemitism on college campuses. In his first interview since leaving office, former SEC Chair Gary Gensler weighs in on tariffs, negotiating with China, cryptocurrencies, and the betting markets. Plus, United Airlines is offering two profit outlooks, just in case the economy falls into a recession, and critical minerals may be the Trump administration’s next target for tariffs. Elise Stefanik - 12:30 Gary Gensler - 31:11 In this episode: Rep. Elise Stefanik, @EliseStefanik Kelly Evans, @KellyCNBC Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie

The Trump administration is investigating semiconductors and pharmaceutical ingredients, the first steps toward tariffs in those industries. Former FDA Commissioner and board member at Pfizer and Illumina Dr. Scott Gottlieb shares his concern that if costs get any higher for generics like heparin, hydrocortisone, and amoxicillin, drugmakers might stop manufacturing them. Dr. Gottlieb explains America’s pharma supply chain through China and India, as well as the thin margins on some of the most commonly used drugs in the United States. The Trump administration ordered a freeze on $2.2B grants to Harvard after the university rejected the White House’s demands for changes, including to DEI programs. The move has sparked another debate about free speech on higher education campuses. Plus, the Chinese government has reportedly ordered Chinese airlines to stop buying Boeing aircraft, and DOGE cuts in DC have hit the workforce in Virginia. Governor Glenn Youngkin (R-VA) is still optimistic about his state’s future. Glenn Youngkin - 21:21 Dr. Scott Gottlieb - 39:36 In this episode: Glenn Youngkin, @GovernorVA Dr. Scott Gottlieb, @ScottGottliebMD Kelly Evans, @KellyCNBC Joe Kernen, @JoeSquawk Andrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkin Katie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie