Another war is starting and Trump’s confused about it

The David Pakman Show - December 30, 2025

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CNN revealed audio of Trump casually claiming the U.S. struck Venezuela, raising questions about whether he authorized it or was confused. CNN later confirmed a CIA drone hit a Venezuelan port linked to drug trafficking—the first known U.S. land attack there. Trump mentioned it offhandedly, showing dangerous uncertainty about what he knows and controls.

Trump has greatly misrepresented his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. He claimed no meaningful connection and called allegations a Democrat hoax. However, records, photos, and flight logs show a well-documented relationship. The question is whether he knew of Epstein’s crimes and ignored them, with redactions strongly suggesting a cover-up.

Before a Mar-a-Lago meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump made false and confused statements, taking credit for hostage releases largely secured under Biden, repeating unverified claims from Putin, and falsely claiming he ended eight wars.

At the post-meeting press conference, Trump spoke nonsensically about the West Bank, dismissed Chinese naval exercises, and boasted about the stalled White House ballroom project. The event resembled a reality show, showing cognitive and diplomatic decline, with Netanyahu indulging the spectacle.

Netanyahu announced he would award Trump the Israel Prize, a symbolic honor flattering his ego. Like the fictitious FIFA peace award, it fits a pattern of Trump collecting validation while boasting about wars he did not end. Netanyahu uses praise and awards to influence a president craving affirmation, while those around Trump avoid challenging him.

Fox News contributor Jessica Tarlov noted Trump’s Ukraine and Putin comments echoed the 2018 Helsinki press conference, siding with Putin over U.S. intelligence. Her point undercuts the myth of Trump as a shrewd negotiator, showing a pattern of trusting authoritarian claims while doubting democratic allies.

Trump’s claim that he inherited a mess from Biden is false. He uses it to deflect responsibility, though he inherited a post-pandemic economy with low unemployment, falling inflation, rising wages, and strong markets.

Finally, Trump claims he ended eight wars, though his definition is vague and the number fluctuates. Many conflicts were minor, temporary, or unresolved. By contrast, Obama ended at least 15 conflicts via withdrawals, diplomacy, and ceasefires.

On today’s bonus show:

Gen Z men drift away from Trump, Kennedy Center performers cancel events after Trump name change, Trump installs plaques in his White House “walk of fame,” and much more...

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