Squawk Pod: NYC Mayor Mamdani & $120 million for animal health - 01/28/26 | Audio Only

Summary

The episode features an exclusive interview with NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani on the city's $12 billion budget deficit, plans to raise taxes on the wealthy and corporations, and preparations for possible ICE activity. Becky Quick interviews former Citigroup CEO Sandy Weill about a $120 million gift to UC Davis veterinary school and the potential for animal health research to speed human cures. Sharon Epperson presents a CNBC flash survey on why CEOs have or have not spoken out about ICE activity in Minneapolis. The episode also covers AI funding news for OpenAI and Anthropic, upcoming mega-cap earnings, and the Fed rate decision.

• NYC Mayor Mamdani details a $12 billion fiscal deficit and plans to raise taxes on top earners and corporations.
• Sandy Weill announces a $120 million gift to UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine for animal health research.
• UC Davis leaders highlight animal-to-human medical research collaborations and a planned $750 million veterinary complex.
• Sharon Epperson shares a CNBC flash survey showing CEOs are divided on speaking out about ICE activity.
• The episode notes SoftBank's potential $30 billion OpenAI investment and Anthropic's new funding round.
• Market focus includes upcoming earnings from Meta, Microsoft, Tesla, and IBM, plus the Fed rate decision.
• Sandy Weill comments on a proposed 10% cap on credit card interest rates and the uncertain legislative path.