Narcissistic meltdown as trade deals might evaporate
The David Pakman Show - August 20, 2025
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Donald Trump’s claims about his trade deals have come under serious scrutiny, with doubts about whether they even exist formally. Despite promises of agreements with countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan, and the UK, officials have produced no signed documents or public confirmation. Many of these “deals” are vague frameworks or verbal understandings without enforcement mechanisms. Months after promises like “90 deals in 90 days,” little concrete evidence has emerged, highlighting a pattern of exaggeration and disorganization.
Trump’s recent statements have also raised concerns about his health and mental state. On Fox News, he said he worried about “getting into heaven,” framing his efforts to negotiate peace between Russia and Ukraine as a way to improve his afterlife prospects. This has come alongside visible physical issues, including swollen ankles and hand bruises, which the White House has downplayed.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is struggling to defend Trump, often deflecting or attacking reporters instead of answering questions. She frames meetings with European leaders and Putin as successes, claiming U.S. “respect” now comes from fear, though neither Putin nor Zelenskyy has shown intimidation. With few trade deals or real progress, her defensiveness highlights the administration’s reliance on loyalty and propaganda over actual accomplishments.
Trump made a baffling gaffe, claiming that poll workers asked him for his “license plate” when voting. Since no state requires this, it suggests confusion or a cognitive lapse. Beyond the error itself, it reveals an authoritarian mindset, imagining voting as a process where officials can arbitrarily demand documents. This fits with his history of gaffes and fixation on nonexistent voter fraud.
Politically, Trump faces obstacles at home. CNN analyst Harry Enten reports that his “big, beautiful bill” is the most unpopular major legislation in decades, with net approval at –17 and –39 among independents. Historical precedent suggests that such unpopularity could be weaponized by Democrats in the 2026 midterms, making it difficult to defend or rebrand.
Trump’s authoritarian impulses extend into culture. He attacked the Smithsonian for being “woke” and instructed lawyers to review exhibits, echoing efforts to police universities. He also called himself a “war hero,” despite dodging the Vietnam draft, while cutting VA funding and leaving veterans struggling.
On today’s bonus show:
MSNBC is rebranding as “MS NOW” (“My Source for News, Opinion, and the World”). Elon Musk is stepping back from plans to make a new political party. And the Mormon Church will allow women to wear sleeveless sacred undergarments.
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Donald, God doesn’t make deals. You don’t buy your way into heaven. You lead a life of humility respect and love for your neighbors.
Of course they will evaporate. The only people who will work for him are the people competent business and government people won't touch with a ten-foot pole. It is truly a kakistocracy, and their incompetence drives them into creating a mess reasonable people know it would. Mid term elections can't come too soon. Every Republican office holder is responsible for continuing this mess.