CNBC’s Joe Kernen And Andrew Ross Sorkin Throw Down Over Trump’s Tariffs Versus Biden’s ‘Autopen’
CNBC’s Joe Kernen scoffed at his co-host Andrew Ross Sorkin on Wednesday as the two debated whether President Donald Trump or former President Joe Biden and an “autopen” are better for the economy.
On Wednesday’s Squawk Box, Kernen, Sorkin, and Rebecca Quick discussed ongoing trade negotiations by President Donald Trump’s administration and the uncertainty in the markets. Kernen argued there could be “more positive things that happen that negative when all is said and done” while Sorkin declared that the “toothpaste” is already out of the tube when it comes to global trade.
“Most Trump supporters at this point, even if they’re disillusioned, it would take probably World War III to wish that Kamala Harris had won,” Kernen said.
“I think that one of your fans and Trump supporters wrote on Twitter yesterday to you that an autopen would have been better,” Sorkin noted. “So just understand how people really, well, that was a remark about Biden.
“I don’t think that’s true,” Kernen said. “Did you like the four years of autopen?”
“Actually, the markets did, the economy did, yes,” Sorkin said, referring to stock market drops amid Trump’s trade wars. “Actually, yes.”
“No one’s wages went up and you had 11 million illegal aliens come into this country. I know that’s okay with you. You’re worried about this one guy going back,” Kernen said, referring to Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an illegal migrant who was deported to an El Salvadoran megaprison in what the administration admitted was an error.
Sorkin shot back, saying he cares about the “rule of law” and Kernen responded by accusing his colleague of not showing nearly as much interest in illegal immigration or problems at the southern border under former President Joe Biden.
“They totally ignored the rule law coming here. Now you’re talking about it again. So it’s back to what-about-ism. So 11 million is fine? When did you talk about the rule of law when the border was open?” Kernen asked.
“Constantly,” Sorkin shot back.
“Okay,” Kernen said, scoffing.
Watch above via CNBC.
