Squawk Pod: State of the Union Digest — Dr. Mehmet Oz & Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ)

Date: February 25, 2026
Hosts: Joe Kernan, Becky Quick, Andrew Ross Sorkin
Guests: Eamon Javers, Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Dr. Mehmet Oz

Episode Overview

This episode dissects President Trump’s historic, nearly two-hour State of the Union address, focusing on economic policy, affordability, pharma reforms, and polarization in American politics. The hosts are joined by CNBC’s Eamon Javers for a play-by-play, New Jersey Democrat Rep. Josh Gottheimer for the Democratic perspective, and Dr. Mehmet Oz, head of Medicare & Medicaid, for insights on pharmaceutical pricing and healthcare policy.

Key Segments & Insights

1. President Trump’s State of the Union: Tone, Content, and Theatrics

With Eamon Javers
Timestamps: 03:01–11:59

• Historic Length and Mood:

  • President Trump’s address was the longest ever, described as “aggressive and confrontational toward Democrats” but also “charming and endearing” at moments.
  • Notable moments included honoring the U.S. men’s Olympic gold hockey team and awarding two Congressional Medals of Honor (04:00–04:21, 06:38–08:17).

• Economic Boasting and Tariffs:

  • The President touted a “booming economy” and signaled defiance after the Supreme Court struck down part of his signature tariff plan:

    “The good news is that almost all countries and corporations want to keep the deal that they already made… knowing that the legal power that I as president have to make a new deal could be far worse for them...” — President Trump, quoted by Eamon Javers (03:55)

• Retirement Savings Proposal:

  • Proposed extending the federal Thrift Savings Plan to 56 million private workers with up to $1,000 in matching per year (04:51–05:55).
  • White House did not clarify funding sources or legislative path.

• Room Dynamics and Partisanship:

  • Stark divide in the chamber; confrontational exchanges, especially “using Democrats in the room as props.” Yet, unifying moments like the hockey team ovation stood out (06:38–08:17).
  • Quote:

    “This was as partisan a speech as I’ve heard a president give…using the Democrats in the room as props.” — Andrew Ross Sorkin (06:38)

• What Wasn’t Addressed:

  • No mention of recent violence in Minneapolis or any substantive discussion of AI and its economic impact (10:57–11:59).

2. Roundtable Reactions: Divisiveness, Tax Cuts, and Stamina

Timestamps: 08:17–14:52

• On Tone:

  • Debate over whether Trump’s rhetoric was more or less divisive compared to previous State of the Union addresses from both parties.

    “He may be crazy, but he’s the same crazy he always was. He hasn’t gotten more crazy.” — Joe Kernan (13:39)

• No Major “New” Tax Cut Announcement:

  • Despite prior hints, Trump did not announce a significant new tax cut in the speech, leading to speculation about the administration’s strategic timing.

• Personal Anecdotes:

  • Lighthearted behind-the-scenes stories from a White House lunch, including viewing the Gettysburg Address and remodeled bathrooms (12:16–13:17).

• Presidential Stamina:

  • The panel marveled at Trump’s enduring energy and long speeches, dismissing critics who questioned his vigor (13:39).

3. AI, Anthropic, and National Security

Timestamps: 13:39–19:22

• Anthropic/Pentagon Standoff:

  • Coverage of the Defense Department’s pressure on Anthropic for AI model access, and Anthropic’s resistance over ethical concerns, including AI for weapons or surveillance (14:52–16:35).

• AI Regulation and Safety:

  • Industry self-regulation is seen as weak; competition might force even "responsible" actors to lower standards (16:35–16:48):

    “You’re only as strong as your weakest link and that’s why [self-regulation] traditionally has never worked.” — Becky Quick (16:35)

• AI Copyright Drama:

  • Discussion of model training ethics, with all major players facing copyright complaints or lawsuits (18:20–19:05).

• AI Integration:

  • Concerns raised about future AI risks, both mundane (automated email access) and profound (autonomous weapons).

4. Rep. Josh Gottheimer: Democratic Response

Timestamps: 21:28–27:25

• General Impression:

  • Gottheimer found the speech "not Lincoln-esque" and heavy on theatrics but light on solutions for real issues (21:47):

    “He wasn't exactly binding up the nation's wounds in his approach… but overall I was a little shocked that [he] didn't spend more time with the elephant in the room, which are costs.” — Rep. Josh Gottheimer (21:47)

• Affordability as the Core Issue:

  • Criticized the President for downplaying the squeeze on utility bills, childcare, food, and tariffs:

    “People are really feeling the crush of these things. So to turn around and say to them, don't worry, you're fine. Nothing to see here. I think people don't buy.” — Rep. Gottheimer (23:13)

• Housing Market:

  • Called for more housing supply and permitting reform, noting that "average age of a new homebuyer is 40" (24:17–25:33).

• Tariffs and Local Taxes:

  • Noted tariffs cost the typical NJ family $1,700 per year, urging real relief.

• Foreign Policy & Iran:

  • Dismissed Congress limiting the President during nuclear negotiations with Iran:

    “You don’t tie up hands in the middle of a negotiation. Everybody knows that. And that’s exactly what the Massie proposal would do.” — Rep. Gottheimer (26:46)

5. Dr. Mehmet Oz: Pharma Reform & Innovation

Timestamps: 29:41–39:30

• Pharmaceutical Pricing Reform:

  • 16 of the top 17 pharma companies have signed “most favored nation” pricing deals ensuring equal pricing for Americans and foreign buyers (30:37–32:10).
  • Urged Congress to codify these deals to secure lower drug prices for future generations.

• On Innovation & Global Fairness:

  • Defends American pharma’s leading role but wants Europe to stop “freeloading”:

    “No more global freeloading. And you know what, Joe? Pharma wouldn’t have signed on if they didn’t think that made sense.” — Dr. Mehmet Oz (38:28)

• Balancing Affordability with Innovation:

  • “We’re not limiting their [drugmakers’] prices at all. They get to set their prices… But whatever they’re going to sell the drug for in America must be the price that they collect from other countries.” (32:10–32:54)

• CRISPR and Gene Therapy:

  • Expressed optimism about single-therapies that could cure diseases using CRISPR; highlighted cost savings and improved patient outcomes (35:40–36:50).

• Healthcare Technology:

  • Announced Medicare and Medicaid will pay for digital solutions if they demonstrate improved outcomes. Envisions a tech-driven future for personal healthcare management (36:50–37:53).

• On U.S. Versus European Drug Pricing:

  • Explains U.S. innovation leads globally, but calls for shared global investment:

    “Europe’s cancer survival rates are better in America…because you’re able to get access to these drugs faster… Europe needs to carry its fair share.” — Dr. Mehmet Oz (38:28)

6. Notable Quotes & Moments

• Eamon Javers (on the House Chamber):

  “This was as partisan a speech as I’ve heard a President give…using the Democrats in the room as props.” (06:38)

• Josh Gottheimer (on affordability):

  “To turn around and say to them, ‘don’t worry, you’re fine. Nothing to see here.’ I think people don’t buy.” (23:13)

• Dr. Mehmet Oz (on pharma reform):

  “One in three families, when they go to the pharmacy just for basic medications for chronic illnesses are unable to afford their treatments. That’s not right. That doesn’t happen in other countries.” (36:50)

• Becky Quick (on AI regulation):

  “You’re only as strong as your weakest link and that’s why [self-regulation] traditionally has never worked.” (16:35)

• Joe Kernan (on Trump):

  “He may be crazy, but he’s the same crazy he always was. He hasn’t gotten more crazy.” (13:39)

Episode Timeline

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|---------| | 03:01–11:59 | State of the Union Analysis w/ Eamon Javers | | 13:39–19:22 | AI, Anthropic & DoD Battle; Ethics | | 21:28–27:25 | Rep. Josh Gottheimer Reacts | | 29:41–39:30 | Dr. Mehmet Oz on Pharma, Healthcare, and Innovation |

Takeaway

This episode delivers a thorough bipartisan breakdown of the State of the Union, spotlighting the parade of economic promises, pointed rhetoric, and the ever-present issue of affordability in America. The podcast’s interviews offer a ground-level reflection of middle-class frustrations, while Dr. Oz’s discussion on healthcare adds depth to the ongoing battle between innovation, affordability, and international fairness in drug pricing.

For listeners in a hurry:

• The episode covers Trump’s economic claims and style (03:01–11:59), ethical and competitive dilemmas in AI (13:39–19:22), Democratic frustrations with the affordability crisis (21:28–27:25), and the future of healthcare affordability and innovation with Dr. Mehmet Oz (29:41–39:30).
• Notable for candid reflections on partisanship, overlooked topics (like AI and Minneapolis violence), and efforts to balance American global leadership in both technology and health care.