Is Trump’s $1776 a bonus or a bribe?

The David Pakman Show - December 19, 2025

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The term “surf and turf” in the military isn’t just about fancy meals. It also refers to leadership buttering up troops with perks or ceremonies before asking them to risk their lives. Recently, Trump announced a $1,776 “warrior dividend” for military members. The cash rewards combined with aggressive rhetoric about Venezuela raise serious questions about using the military for political leverage.

Trump signed an executive order rescheduling cannabis from Schedule One to Schedule Three. This acknowledges medical uses and makes research and banking easier. It does not, however, legalize recreational use.

Trump repeatedly appeared disoriented and even fell asleep during the cannabis order signing. He also made aggressive statements about Venezuela, implied he need not seek congressional approval for action there, and promoted mathematically impossible drug price reductions.

Trump’s recent national speech was widely seen as a disaster. Delivered in a rapid-fire, erratic style with false claims, it left him appearing exhausted and unstable. Reports suggest it was orchestrated by his chief of staff, Susie Wiles, likely to distract from a profile piece about her by Vanity Fair. The attempt backfired, making Trump look disconnected from reality.

Medical experts, including Dr. Jonathan Reiner, expressed concern over Trump’s behavior. His manic speech delivery and public sleep episodes suggest potential health issues. Combined with unexplained bruising and swelling, these signs raise serious questions about his fitness for office.

Finally, claims that the U.S. economy is about to reach perfection under Trump keep shifting. Advisers move timelines from quarter to quarter. Any successes are credited to Trump while shortcomings are blamed on Biden. Data on gas prices and inflation show little impact from Trump’s policies, creating a gap between political messaging and everyday reality.

On today’s bonus show:

The Epstein files were supposed to be released today, the Brown University shooting suspect was found dead, MAGA infighting spills into the Turning Point USA conference, and much more…

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