Shutdown ends, Disney earnings, Anthropic's $50 billion AI investment and more in Morning Squawk

In a significant turn of events, President Donald Trump has officially ended the longest government shutdown in U.S. history by signing a short-term funding bill. This legislation, which was passed by the House of Representatives, will keep the government funded through January. On the corporate front, Disney faced a setback as it reported fiscal fourth-quarter earnings that fell short of Wall Street's expectations. As a result, shares of the entertainment giant dropped over 4% in premarket trading. Although Disney+ continues to see growth, the company struggles with its traditional TV business and film releases. However, Disney's earnings did surpass analyst forecasts, prompting CFO Hugh Johnston to express optimism about the future, highlighting momentum in the streaming and experience sectors. Investors should also note a key date: the Supreme Court will hear arguments regarding Trump's efforts to dismiss Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook on January 21. The court previously allowed Cook to maintain her position while the case is under consideration. In related news, Atlanta Fed President Raphael Bostic announced his upcoming departure when his term concludes in February, emphasizing his pride in promoting an inclusive economy. As prescription drug prices continue to soar in the U.S., a new trend is emerging with alternative funding programs (AFPs) that aim to make specialty medications more accessible, often sourcing drugs from overseas. However, federal officials are raising concerns about the legitimacy and safety of these programs, warning that they may involve unverified suppliers and questionable online pharmacies. In the tech sector, Anthropic has made headlines by announcing a staggering $50 billion investment in building artificial intelligence infrastructure. This substantial commitment positions the company as a significant player in the U.S. AI landscape, with plans for custom data centers in Texas and New York, which are expected to generate 800 permanent jobs and over 2,000 construction roles. Yet, this move has sparked political controversy, as rising electricity costs have drawn criticism from voters, including newly elected Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger, who vowed to hold the industry accountable. Lastly, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has released over 20,000 documents from the estate of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including emails that mention Trump. The President has repeatedly denied any knowledge of Epstein's illegal activities and has not faced charges related to the case. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that the House will vote next week on the release of additional files concerning Epstein. This daily briefing from CNBC aims to keep investors informed of critical developments as the stock market prepares to open.