Epstein causing total MAGA meltdown, Trump out of ideas, trade deals not coming

The David Pakman Show - July 17, 2025

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Donald Trump’s claims of securing numerous trade deals have been exposed as lies, with many of the “deals” actually being one-sided letters threatening tariffs rather than mutual agreements. Former adviser Peter Navarro in a Fox Business interview admitted these letters often go unanswered, revealing that Trump’s trade approach relies more on coercion than true diplomacy.

Trump’s presidency is increasingly imperiled by multiple crises, including falling approval ratings, a mishandled flood response in Texas, and the resurfacing Epstein scandal. Polls reveal that two-thirds of Americans, including half of Republicans, believe the administration is covering up evidence related to Jeffrey Epstein. After pledging transparency, the administration instead delivered redactions and denials, fracturing Trump’s base and leaving supporters feeling betrayed and disillusioned.

In a politically charged move, Maureen Comey—daughter of James Comey and a lead prosecutor in the Epstein and Maxwell cases—was abruptly fired by Trump’s Department of Justice. Her dismissal, ordered from Washington without explanation, sparked a solidarity walkout from colleagues. This firing aligns with the administration’s refusal to release Epstein-related files and signals a troubling pattern of using the justice system to shield allies and punish critics.

Trump’s behavior has become erratic, culminating in him attacking his own supporters who demand Epstein file transparency. Calling the investigation a “hoax” and labeling those seeking accountability as “stupid” and “duped,” Trump is alienating even longtime MAGA figures.

Adding to concerns, Trump recently expressed surprise that Jerome Powell was appointed Federal Reserve Chair—a position Trump himself filled—highlighting possible cognitive lapses. Meanwhile, his false claims about tax legislation and incoherent public statements raise questions about his mental fitness.

Finally, attorney Mark Bankston appears on the show to discuss his client, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s $787 million defamation lawsuit against Fox News for knowingly spreading false claims to protect Donald Trump. The suit argues Fox deliberately lied, harming Newsom’s reputation by calling him a liar—a clear case of defamation. The goal is to hold Fox accountable and deter future false reporting, with any damages donated to charity.

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On today’s bonus show:

After the DOJ confirmed Epstein died by suicide with no blackmail evidence, most Fox News hosts largely went silent on the story, following pressure from Trump. Meanwhile, the Senate passed a $9 billion cut to public broadcasting funding, raising concerns about impacts on news and emergency alerts. Democrats also introduced a bill to prevent ICE from detaining U.S. citizens, addressing civil rights abuses amid strict immigration enforcement.

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