Everything is suddenly going wrong

The David Pakman Show - March 17, 2026

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Donald Trump’s recent actions, particularly his tariffs and the invasion of Iran, have seriously damaged Republican prospects for the midterms. What was once an 80% chance of keeping the Senate has fallen to about 50/50, while Democrats are heavily favored to retake the House.

Chaos is growing within the MAGA movement. A public feud between Megyn Kelly and Mark Levin has erupted, with Trump defending Levin. If Republicans lose the House and Senate, this infighting could intensify, further weakening Trump’s influence and eroding loyalty among his base.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is struggling to explain Trump’s decisions, especially regarding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Her responses rely on evasions and repetition, failing to clarify why other countries should intervene in a conflict they weren’t consulted on.

Trump posted another rambling message on Truth Social, obsessing over tariffs and the Supreme Court. He praised justices who sided with him while attacking others, portraying the courts as “weaponized.”

JD Vance is struggling to blame rising gas prices on Joe Biden. Prices are actually driven by global demand and Trump’s own actions, particularly the war with Iran. Vance’s incoherent messaging highlights panic within Trump’s orbit as fuel costs threaten Republican prospects in the midterms.

Trump celebrated the media figures and outlets he claims to have “taken down” on Truth Social. By naming journalists and noting layoffs, he signals that criticizing him could put careers at risk. This underscores his deeply anti-First Amendment stance and serves as an attempt to intimidate the press.

Gavin Newsom called out Stephen Miller as the “dark heart” of the Trump administration during our interview last week. In response, Trump’s communications director, Stephen Chung, attacked Newsom personally on X rather than addressing the substance of the critique.

Finally, Comedian Tim Dillon, like other soft Trump-supporting podcasters, is now critical of Trump. He points out that Trump’s policies no longer benefit the average American, highlighting risks of war, rising costs, and disregard for the future.

On today’s bonus show:

Trump pressures Johnson to discuss a GOP rep's terminal diagnosis, rumors spread about Netanyahu being replaced by a body double, and much more...

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