The Brian Lehrer Show The Brian Lehrer Show

A Wall Street Fall

Sep 17, 2026 · 22m

Summary

William Cohen discusses his new book on Leon Black and the rise of "New Wall Street," detailing how Black’s Apollo firm now dominates private credit and manages billions in retirement savings. The conversation also covers the Federal Reserve’s recent interest rate hike, analyzing its critical role in maintaining market confidence and fighting inflation despite political pressure from President Trump. Additionally, Cohen explains the context behind Black’s recent contempt of Congress charges, arguing that the investigation into his Epstein connections and nondisclosure agreements is driven b…

Topics discussed

Sponsor: Lavender Locksmith Intro: Leon Black, Apollo, and the Epstein Files Guest Introduction: William Cohen Fed Raises Rates Against Trump's Wishes Fed Independence, National Debt, and Market Confidence Trump Reacts to Interest Rate Hike Debunking 'Transitory Inflation' and Fiscal Responsibility Why Cohen Wrote About Leon Black and Apollo Leon Black's Father and the Chiquita Scandal Black's Contradictions: Tough Negotiator vs. Art Patron Contempt of Congress and the NDA Dispute Black's Resignation from Apollo CEO Role The Rise of 'New Wall Street' and Private Credit The Wealthy Class and Insulation from Accountability Closing Remarks and Sponsorship
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