MAGA voters as snapping out of it, but what comes next is ugly

The David Pakman Show - May 18, 2026

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Donald Trump traveled to China hoping Xi Jinping would help reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ease the economic fallout from the Iran conflict, but China publicly confirmed none of Trump’s claimed victories. With oil above $105 a barrel and economic approval collapsing, Trump responded by floating additional military action that could make fuel prices even worse.

Events like the Iraq War, the 2008 financial crisis, the opioid epidemic, and COVID confusion have led to rising distrust in government, media, and experts. Economic pain and political polarization now reinforce each other in a cycle that neither major party appears prepared to stop.

CNN analyst Harry Enten reported that Trump’s approval among Latino voters has collapsed after Republicans celebrated historic gains with Latino men in 2024. Many voters were reacting to frustration over the economy rather than forming a lasting ideological attachment to Trump or MAGA politics.

Trump appeared low-energy and struggled through a prerecorded video message tied to a national prayer celebration in Washington, D.C. The Rededicate 250 event mixed government with religion and reflects an alarmingly close connection between religion and politics.

Disillusioned Trump voters, including a three-time supporter from Hawaii, now call Trump a con man and compare his influence to authoritarian manipulation. Some former supporters are distancing themselves as Trump’s promises fail and his political movement loses momentum.

Maria Bartiromo delivered a dramatic Fox News monologue pushing claims about Russia investigations, the FBI, and Joe Biden’s health. The intensity of the defense reflects growing panic as Trump struggles politically.

Finally, polling shows most Republicans believe immigrants increase crime, despite data from national studies showing immigrants commit crimes at lower rates than native-born Americans. Oddly enough, tariff support remains high even as many Republican voters admit tariffs raise inflation and worsen household costs.

On today’s bonus show:

Trump drops his $10 billion IRS lawsuit, Trump's revenge tour in Republican primaries continues, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert enters its final week, and much more...

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