Obama breaks silence on Trump, Epstein fiasco gets deeper, Tulsi self-humiliates

The David Pakman Show - July 23, 2025

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Former President Barack Obama issued a rare statement condemning a conspiracy theory pushed by the Trump administration and DNI Tulsi Gabbard. The false claim says Obama orchestrated a plot to link Trump to Russia in 2016 and rig the 2020 election. Obama’s office called the allegations “outrageous” and “ridiculous,” saying they distract from the Epstein scandal and divisions in MAGA.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent denied on Morning Joe that American consumers pay tariffs. He said manufacturers absorb the costs instead of raising prices. In reality, tariffs raise costs that importers pass on to consumers, cut elsewhere, or absorb temporarily. Bessent’s denial seems like political theater supporting Trump’s false claim that tariffs bring money in from other countries, when Americans actually pay.

Donald Trump took credit for Stephen Colbert’s show cancellation and threatened other late-night hosts like Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon. On Truth Social, he announced a $36 million settlement from CBS and 60 Minutes, calling it a win against “fake news.”

Donald Trump’s loyal attorney Alina Habba was removed as interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey after federal judges declined to extend her appointment. Her initial elevation was widely seen as a political reward rather than based on merit, and the court instead supported Desiree Leigh Grace, a more experienced and qualified candidate.

When asked about the Department of Justice seeking an interview with Ghislaine Maxwell, Trump gave a vague and evasive response, dismissing the inquiry as a “witch hunt.” Despite his denials, multiple reports indicate that his administration has been actively trying to suppress Maxwell’s testimony and limit the fallout from the Epstein scandal.

Meanwhile, concerns about the health and fitness of senior lawmakers increased after Senator John Kennedy abruptly froze and stopped speaking during a live Fox Business interview.

Finally, Colorado Governor Jared Polis appears on the show to discuss the GOP tax bill’s impact on Medicaid and rural hospitals. He criticizes Republicans who supported it, and explains Colorado’s immigration enforcement stance—cooperation on criminal matters only. He calls for zoning reforms to boost housing supply and urges Democrats to focus on clear, solution-oriented messaging.

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On today’s bonus show:

A recent episode of Jubilee’s “Surrounded” debate series featured Mehdi Hasan and a self-described fascist who was later fired for his views. Conditions at “Alligator Alcatraz” are reportedly getting worse, with reports of overcrowding, contaminated water, extreme heat, and medical neglect. Meanwhile, the DNC’s ongoing 2024 election audit avoids tough questions about Biden’s decision to run again, prompting doubts about whether the party is serious about addressing past mistakes.

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