Global financial panic unleashed by Trump’s Iran war
The David Pakman Show - March 9, 2026
Already a website member? Watch the show commercial-free here | Want to become a member? Sign up here
Rising costs and concerns about retirement are weighing heavily on Americans, and the situation is being worsened by the escalating conflict in Iran. Donald Trump’s actions, including the killing of the Ayatollah and attempts at regime change, have backfired. Iran named the Ayatollah’s son as Supreme Leader, oil prices surged, American troops faced casualties, and the Strait of Hormuz is effectively blocked. Markets reacted negatively, GDP estimates dropped, and economic uncertainty has spread worldwide, creating a combined political, humanitarian, and economic crisis.
Trump attended the dignified transfer of U.S. service members killed in the conflict with Iran, but wore a large white baseball hat instead of following protocol. Military tradition calls for hats to be removed during such ceremonies. This reflects a broader pattern of Trump using the military politically without showing the troops genuine respect.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Levitt refused to rule out a military draft and left open the possibility of U.S. ground troops in Iran. She also blamed rising gas prices on President Biden, despite disruptions stemming from Trump’s actions and the conflict in global oil markets. The administration frames higher energy costs as short-term pain for long-term gain, signaling that Americans should accept the economic impact as part of Trump’s strategy.
Trump gave vague and contradictory answers when asked about deploying U.S. ground troops to Iran. He claimed any deployment would “decimate” the enemy, misrepresented civilian casualties, and struggled to define what “unconditional surrender” would look like. By his own standards, the regime change he promised has already failed.
During Pete Hegseth’s 60 Minutes interview on the Iran conflict, he brushed off reports that Russia may be supplying intelligence to Iran, praised Trump’s decision‑making, and refused to rule out sending ground troops. He also framed American deaths as an acceptable sacrifice and claimed the U.S. has “the best intelligence in the world.”
The Department of Justice released previously withheld FBI summaries from the Epstein investigation, including interviews with a woman who alleges Trump sexually assaulted her as a minor in the 1980s. The documents describe the alleged assaults in detail and indicate the accuser was interviewed multiple times, suggesting investigators considered her credible.
Finally, Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts, joins us to discuss Donald Trump’s failure to coordinate with governors ahead of military action against Iran and her efforts to limit ICE activity in the state.
On today’s bonus show:
Travelers encounter long delays as the DHS shutdown continues, Cory Booker wants to make the first $75k of income tax-free, Alabama is ready to execute someone who didn't kill anyone, and much more...
Already a website member? Watch the bonus show here | Want to become a member? Sign up here
Don’t miss the full show with these stories and others, plus all of our analysis.
This episode is available completely free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
This is nothing to be surprised about. We all know it was going to happen.America citizens voted for this, but because they don’t seem to like themselves! When they do wake up it would be too late!!!
YOUR son’s death is acceptable. Mine or my spawn are not! Bone spurs run in the family! Chicken shit is our main meal.