Newsom’s plan to end Trump presidency, Dems are finally fighting

The David Pakman Show - August 14, 2025

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California Governor Gavin Newsom has launched a high-stakes effort to redraw the state’s congressional maps, aiming to counteract Republican gerrymandering. The initiative seeks to flip up to five congressional seats in favor of Democrats for the 2026 elections. Unlike unilateral map changes in some states, such as Texas, Newsom’s plan would require voter approval through a referendum, adding a layer of democratic legitimacy.

Recent government data highlights a sharp rise in inflationary pressures. The producer price index (PPI) surged 0.9% in a single month, over four times the expected 0.2%, and jumped 3.3% year-over-year, marking the highest increase since February. Rising tariffs and import costs are driving production expenses higher, which businesses are passing onto consumers.

At a Kennedy Center event, Donald Trump delivered a meandering speech that reignited concerns about his cognitive state. He launched into an unusual tangent about “the finest grasses” for parks, drawing on his golf course experience. He also appeared to misunderstand a question about inviting Ukraine’s president and again repeated false claims that he won the 2020 election.

Meanwhile, the federal budget deficit under Trump’s administration continues to climb despite promises that tariffs would reduce it. In July, the deficit rose 20% year-over-year, even with record tariff revenue. Tariffs act as taxes on imports, raising costs for American businesses and consumers while slowing economic growth.

The real-world impact of Trump’s tariffs has been particularly evident in agricultural states like Nebraska. Republican Congressman Don Bacon noted that tariffs on corn and soybeans have cost Nebraska roughly 6% of its GDP.

Finally, in a Fox Business interview, Eric Trump overstated economic failures under Biden, claiming the economy was in serious trouble despite record-high stock markets during Biden’s presidency.

On today’s bonus show:

Texas Democrats who fled the state to block Republican redistricting are planning their return, though no consensus has yet been reached on their exit strategy. Some conservative donors want Trump to attempt reclassifying or restricting cannabis. Lastly, there is record low alcohol consumption in the U.S., particularly among younger adults, with social acceptance, cost, and lifestyle factors being key drivers.

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