Watch CNBC's full interview with President Donald Trump
Speakers
Donald Trump
— President of the United States
Summary
President Donald Trump joins Squawk Box for a wide-ranging interview covering the Iran negotiations, the Strait of Hormuz blockade, and his expectations for a deal. He also discusses his Fed chair nominee Kevin Warsh, the investigation into Jay Powell, the resilience of markets and oil prices during the conflict, and shares views on specific companies including airlines, defense contractors, and tech firms. The interview touches on tariff refunds, potential airline mergers, and financial assistance for allies like the UAE.
- Trump provides an update on Iran negotiations, expressing confidence in reaching a deal and detailing military successes.
- He discusses the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and its impact on oil shipping and prices.
- Trump comments on his Fed chair nominee Kevin Warsh and the ongoing DOJ probe into Jay Powell.
- He remarks on the stock market's and oil price's surprising resilience during the conflict.
- Trump shares views on specific companies: opposes a United-American merger, sees Spirit as a takeover target, and praises defense contractors building new plants.
- He mentions companies like Apple and Amazon in the context of tariff refunds, suggesting favor for those that don't seek refunds.
- Trump discusses Anthropic's issues with the Pentagon and their replacement with Sam Altman's group.
- He addresses potential financial assistance for the UAE, citing their investments in the U.S. and alliance status.
Trade Ideas
Companies avoiding tariff refunds gain favor.
If companies like Apple and Amazon do not seek tariff refunds, I will remember them. This is brilliant if they don't do that. I'm very honored by that. It suggests a favorable relationship with the administration for companies that avoid claiming refunds.
Spirit Airlines is a takeover target.
Spirit Airlines is in trouble, and I would love somebody to buy Spirit. It's 14,000 jobs. Maybe the federal government should help that one out. This suggests it's a takeover target and the government might facilitate a deal.
Defense contractors building plants will do well.
Defense companies like Raytheon and Lockheed are building new plants because I made it illegal for them to use funds for stock buybacks. They have to build new plants for speed and production, and they are going to do well for doing it. This implies they are investing in capacity and will benefit from increased orders and a focus on production speed.
