Squawk Pod

Baby Formula, A Tax Hike, & The Late Show 2/18/26

Amazon stock has snapped a nine day losing streak, oil prices have responded to U.S.-Iran talks in Geneva, and “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert is calling out CBS for allegedly blocking the broadcast of his interview with Texas state Rep. James Talarico. The FDA is looking into the safety and supply of baby formula in America with Operation Stork Speed. Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb explains the way formula manufacturing and safety protocols work in the U.S., including why reformulation is often a complicated, expensive process. Dr. Gottlieb also weighs in on the impact that Vinay Prasad’s leadership is having on investment in health, both for vaccine research and for cell and gene therapies. Plus, NYC Mayor Mamdani has proposed a property tax hike if Governor Hochul does not pass a wealth tax in the state. Partnership for NYC CEO Steven Fulop discusses the proposal and the impact it may have on business leaders based in New York.  Steven Fulop       23:29Dr. Scott Gottlieb  33:50 In this episode:Steven Fulop, @StevenFulopJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinCameron 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 Legacy of Reverend Jesse Jackson & the Future of WBD 2/17/26

In the latest chapter of the bidding war for Warner Brothers Discovery’s film and media assets, Paramount Skydance will have 7 days to submit an offer to rival Netflix’s. CNBC’s David Faber breaks down the morning’s news and the week to come. The U.S. and Iran are engaging in nuclear talks today in Geneva, and the U.S. military is at odds with Anthropic over the company’s concerns about the agency’s use of its AI Claude. Plus, mentions in the Epstein Files have prompted career decisions for media executive Casey Wasserman and Hyatt’s former executive chairman Thomas Pritzker. Then, president and CEO of National Urban League Marc Morial reflects on Reverend Jesse Jackson’s legacy, as he remembers his late friend and fellow civil rights leader.  David Faber, 11:30Marc Morial - 22:33 In this episode:Marc Morial, @MARCMORIALDavid Faber, @davidfaberBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AT&T CEO John Stankey & Treasury Sec. Bessent 2/13/26

In a newsmaking interview, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discusses the government’s plan to incentivize whistleblower tips on fraud, money laundering, and sanctions violations following the Trump administration’s focus on federally funded social welfare programs in Minnesota. Sec. Bessent also shares his expectation that the Senate confirmation of Fed chair nominee Kevin Warsh to proceed, despite Sen. Thom Tillis’s effort to block it. Plus, at the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am, Joe Kernen sits down with AT&T Chairman & CEO John Stankey to discuss the infrastructure of the future internet, including fiber optics and satellites. Sec. Scott Bessent - 04:33John Stankey - 33:17 In this episode:Scott Bessent, @SecScottBessentJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Fast Food Economy & America’s AI Regulation 2/12/26

New York State Assemblymember Alex Bores (D) has garnered national attention for his plan to regulate AI, both in New York and across the nation. He explains his view that regulation could support American competitiveness, rather than hinder it. Restaurant Brands chairman Patrick Doyle has a unique view of consumers through the Burger King, Popeyes, and Tim Hortons brands. After years of implementing an effective tech strategy at Dominos, Doyle discusses his plans for fast food innovation. Plus, Emily Wilkins reports on the House’s vote to overturn President Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Cisco stock dropped 7% after earnings, and Corning stock is outperforming its own recent history. Emily Wilkins - 09:28Patrick Doyle - 21:16Asm. Alex Bores - 29:18 In this episode:Alex Bores, @AlexBoresEmily Wilkins, @emrwilkinsKelly Evans, @KellyCNBCSteve Liesman, @steveliesmanBrian Sullivan, @SullyCNBCCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

January’s Jobs Picture & AI Disruption 2/11/26

After a short delay from the brief government shutdown, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has released January’s jobs data. In a better-than-expected report, the BLS revealed 130,000 jobs added in the first month of 2026, and the agency revised numbers previously reported. CNBC’s Steve Liesman and Rick Santelli join Groundwork Collaborative’s Kitty Richards and The Heritage Foundation’s Peter St. Onge to digest the numbers and what they mean for the Fed and for politics. Plus, Ford reported its worst quarterly earnings miss in years, and innovation in AI is taking a bite out of another sector: financial services.  Jobs Panel - 16:15 In this episode:Kelly Evans, @KellyCNBCRobert Frank, @robtfrankSteve Liesman, @steveliesmanRick Santelli, @RickSantelliBrian Sullivan, @SullyCNBCCameron Costa, @CameronCostaNY Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.