Squawk Pod: Sen. Warren grills Jay Powell & Scott Gottlieb on vaccine future - 06/26/25

Market Trends & Economic Policy - The Nasdaq 100 climbed over 4% in June, indicating a strong performance in the tech sector [1] - Nvidia reclaimed its position as the most valuable company after a dip in January [1] - Senator Warren believes Trump's economic chaos, particularly tariffs, hinders interest rate cuts [2][3] - The Fed's inflation forecast increased from 25% to 31%, while GDP growth prediction decreased from 21% to 14%, attributed to Trump's tariffs [3] - Oil prices are back down to $64, influencing decisions to wait and see what happens [1] Federal Reserve & Monetary Policy - President Trump is considering naming a new Fed chair as early as this summer, potentially influencing investor expectations [1] - Potential Fed chair candidates include Kevin Walsh, Kevin Hasset, Scott Bessent, David Malpass, and Christopher Waller [1] - The dollar has slid about 10% this year [1] - The Fed acknowledges fiscal policy can theoretically add to inflation [3] Legal & Regulatory Issues - A mediator proposed a $20 million settlement between President Trump and Paramount Global over a 60 Minutes interview [2] - Paramount offered $15 million to settle the suit, but Trump's team seeks $25 million and an apology [2] - FCC Chairman Brendan Carr indicated a third-party complaint about the interview's edit could affect the Paramount Sky Dance merger review [2] - The Federal Housing Finance Agency is directing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to consider crypto assets in mortgage loan risk assessments [2] Vaccine & Public Health - Robert F Kennedy Jr's new vaccine advisory panel includes members with unabashed antivaccine views [1][19] - The panel is focusing on the MMR and varicella vaccine, with concerns about febrile seizures [20] - There are discussions about removing thyarasol, currently in 4% of vaccines, and alum from vaccines [23][24] - MMR vaccination rates are declining, with over 50% of states below herd immunity [41]