Surrender, betrayal, and the collapse of promises
The David Pakman Show - August 5, 2026
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Texas Senator John Cornyn agreed to advance Todd Blanche’s nomination for Attorney General after negotiating a written order to eliminate a $1.8 billion slush fund. When Donald Trump publicly expressed a desire to keep that money available, Cornyn admitted to reporters that lawmakers lack the ability to control his decisions.
Rep. Max Miller faced questioning from Jake Tapper on CNN regarding domestic violence claims from three women and unexplained medical needles found in his home. Miller dismissed the abuse allegations as false fabrications and claimed the needles were used for testosterone replacement therapy.
During his campaign, Donald Trump repeatedly framed himself as an anti-war candidate who would refrain from entangling the nation in overseas battles. Former followers are now speaking out after Trump abandoned that stance, comparing the political movement to a cult that demands absolute surrender of critical thinking.
Speaking with reporters, Donald Trump expressed sympathy for Rep. Max Miller following domestic abuse allegations while making no mention of the alleged victim. He also publicly criticized his own appointee, Jeanine Pirro, over prosecutions related to supposed vandalism at the reflecting pool.
In a televised interview, Donald Trump ranted about historical gas prices and vastly overstated foreign revenue figures. He also praised data center development and digressed into a discussion about using TiVo to watch television programs.
Economic reports showed that domestic manufacturing orders declined by 0.4% when stripping out transportation equipment, falling far short of growth expectations. The data undermines claims that broad import taxes would instantly rebuild industrial production.
Finally, Gabriel Zucman, internationally renowned economist, joins us to discuss his new book “We Need to Tax Billionaires” and Proposition 40 in California, which would impose a one-time 5% wealth tax on billionaires.
On today’s bonus show:
Results from Tuesday’s primary elections, a Republican Congressman ends his reelection bid amid a misconduct scandal, Rubio leads Vance by 36 points in a 2028 straw poll, and much more...
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My senator Tillis is a naive old man with no moral compass. He caved just like a concerned Susan Collins. I am glad he is leaving because he has proven to be as much of a good steward of this nation as a fence post. They are all in on the fix to drag this nation into third world status as far as I am concerned.
Lawmakers haven’t learned that just because they said it doesn’t mean they meant it; just because we heard it, doesn’t make it true. ( this holds true for all of magahood)