The David Pakman Show
The David Pakman Show
PREVIEW: Trump police state grows as health concerns explode
31
19
0:00
-3:33

PREVIEW: Trump police state grows as health concerns explode

Morning newscast for August 25, 2025
31
19

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Here’s what we’re talking about today.

This is a quick rundown of the topics we’ll be covering on today’s show. You can hit play to listen, or read the transcript below if that’s more your style.

Transcript:

Today is Monday, August 25, 2025, and this is your news and preview of today's show.

The White House and Pentagon are preparing possible deployments to major Democratic-led cities, including Chicago, New York, and Baltimore. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson are rejecting the plan, calling it an abuse of presidential power. Maryland Governor Wes Moore and Baltimore officials have also spoken out after President Trump suggested troops could be sent there following disputes with state leadership. Legal challenges are being prepared over the constitutionality of overriding local governments to deploy troops into American cities.

In other news, Ghislaine Maxwell has given a rare interview from prison, and it is generating new controversy. Maxwell stated she never witnessed Donald Trump behave inappropriately. But she also added that she never saw anyone in Epstein’s circle do anything wrong, denying knowledge of abuse, blackmail, or a client list. Victims’ families have condemned the interview as an attempt to rewrite history, calling it insulting to survivors.

Meanwhile, questions continue to mount about the president’s health. Recent public appearances have shown dark bruising and swelling on the backs of both Trump’s hands, sometimes concealed under makeup several shades lighter than his natural skin tone. At a White House event Friday, Trump was observed covering his right hand with his left and twisting it away from cameras. The White House has cited frequent handshaking and circulation issues as possible causes.

The climate of uncertainty is affecting some Americans’ decisions about whether to remain in the country. Canadian immigration data shows a sharp rise in U.S. citizens applying for refugee status, with more claims filed in the first half of 2025 than in all of last year. While the total number is still small, lawyers say many applicants are transgender Americans who say they no longer feel safe in the U.S. under current policies. Similar trends have been reported in Ireland and Spain, where American asylum claims and citizenship applications are rising.

Vice President JD Vance is also drawing scrutiny after comments on Ukraine. In an NBC interview, Vance claimed “all wars end with negotiation,” citing World War II as an example. Historians immediately corrected the statement, noting that World War II ended with the unconditional surrender of Germany and Japan, not a negotiated settlement.

And in Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis has claimed that the state was “shortchanged” in the last U.S. census, blaming the Biden administration. However, the 2020 census took place under President Trump, with his appointees overseeing the process.

On the Bonus Show today:

Hispanic voters are turning on Trump.

Cracker Barrel's new logo sparks MAGA outrage.

And Florida cities ordered to remove rainbow crosswalks.

Don't miss the full show with these stories and others, plus all of our analysis. Tune in at 2:30 pm eastern on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or catch the video show at 6:00 pm eastern on YouTube. Consider becoming a paid Substack supporter to support extras like these news episodes. Thank you.

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