Declaring victory when you’re losing is a bad idea

The David Pakman Show - March 16, 2026

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The latest GDP data shows the U.S. economy grew just 0.7% in Q4 2025, far below expectations and signaling a severe slowdown. Rising energy costs from Donald Trump’s optional Iran war, a weakening labor market, and falling consumer confidence are worsening the situation.

Trump declared on Truth Social that the U.S. has “completely decimated” Iran and won the war, but the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted, tankers are under attack, and Iran has refused negotiations. His calls for allied nations to send warships underscore that victory hasn’t been achieved.

Trump appeared desperate and unprepared when asked about deploying 5,000 troops to the Middle East. He avoided substantive answers, insulted journalists, and sidestepped questions about casualties. His statements on the Strait of Hormuz and claims of victory conflict with facts, revealing both confusion and a lack of strategy.

Karoline Leavitt defended Trump on Fox News, emphasizing the SAVE America Act and culture war issues while largely ignoring skyrocketing gas prices, oil market chaos, and American service members dying. She claimed Trump was coordinating with allies on the Strait of Hormuz, despite clear signs of panic and unpreparedness.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was abruptly pulled from a live interview to meet Trump, returning nearly two hours later visibly shaken and stuttering. This contrast with his earlier calm discussion of Iran’s economic impact underscores the chaos inside the White House’s erratic crisis management.

Leavitt resurfaced defending Trump’s Strategic Petroleum Reserve release, claiming it was morally responsible compared to Biden’s similar action. She also insisted Trump was prepared for the Strait of Hormuz crisis, contradicting evidence of his surprise.

Trump has entered full “downer” mode: sweaty, incoherent, and rambling. In a recent press appearance, he contradicted himself on the Iran war, justified military action as “for peace,” and made delusional energy promises. His statements on unconditional surrender and military targets show a leader out of touch with reality.

Finally, Trump’s interview with Jake Paul was bizarre and revealing. He rambled about preemptive strikes in Iran, recounted breaking up a fight with Kobe Bryant, and promoted Paul’s deodorant line. The exchange highlighted his ongoing struggle to communicate coherently with the American public amid serious crises.

On today’s bonus show:

The State Department slashes the fee to renounce US citizenship to $450, Republicans plan to disrupt Congress to pass the SAVE Act, Missouri changes state law to allow pregnant women to get divorces more easily, and much more...

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