Iran situation explodes, administration goes completely unhinged

The David Pakman Show - June 23, 2025

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Donald Trump’s recent bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities sparked widespread criticism for being an unauthorized military strike carried out without congressional approval, public debate, or credible evidence of an imminent threat. Trump’s administration offered shifting justifications for the attack, with some officials initially denying regime change as a motive, only for Trump to later openly embrace it.

Trump’s foreign policy has shifted dramatically since his 2016 campaign, when he portrayed himself as an opponent of endless wars and regime change. Now, he openly advocates for regime change in Iran, embracing interventionist policies once widely rejected. His press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed that the bombing was part of a broader effort to unseat Iran’s government, signaling a return to aggressive military posturing.

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth blamed President Biden for escalating tensions with Iran, North Korea, China, and Russia, despite clear evidence that Trump’s own actions—such as withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal and conducting joint military exercises with China and Iran—contributed to the rising instability. Intelligence reports from Trump’s own administration indicated Iran was not close to developing a nuclear weapon, yet Trump ignored this and acted impulsively.

Concerns about Trump’s health have also resurfaced amid visible bruising and swelling on his right hand, symptoms that medical experts say may indicate underlying medical issues. Despite these signs, the administration has provided vague explanations, and media coverage remains muted compared to the intense scrutiny faced by President Biden for minor health matters.

Finally, California Governor Gavin Newsom appeared on The David Pakman Show to sharply criticize Trump’s authoritarian deployment of federal troops in Los Angeles and question his cognitive fitness and erratic behavior. The interview gained significant attention, with clips airing on MSNBC and Fox News. In response, Trump launched a furious, factually inaccurate tirade on social media, revealing how deeply rattled he is by the growing credible criticism.

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On today’s bonus show:

Tensions with Iran raise concerns about rising oil prices due to fears over the Strait of Hormuz, as Trump makes contradictory statements and shows a misunderstanding of the global oil market. The Kilmar Abrego Garcia immigration case highlights the clash between due process and political pressure. Meanwhile, New York City’s mayoral race remains unpredictable, with Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdani in a tight contest and both possibly running third-party if they lose.

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