The economic collapse that is dragging Trump

The David Pakman Show - December 16, 2025

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The Trump administration highlighted November’s gain of 64,000 jobs while downplaying October’s loss of 105,000 jobs. Taken together, the economy lost 41,000 jobs over two months, with losses in three of the last six months and unemployment rising to 4.6%, the highest since 2021. Officials focused on a single positive number, but the broader trend shows weakening job growth and rising unemployment.

Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to fire FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino over incompetence, particularly after the Brown University shooting. Unlike his first term, Trump now prioritizes loyalty above all. These firings suggest a shift: Trump removes loyalists only when their failures embarrass him.

Trump recently posted on Truth Social about the murder of Rob Reiner and his wife, framing their deaths as “Trump derangement syndrome” rather than acknowledging the tragedy. This contrasts with Reiner’s compassionate response to violence and highlights Trump’s moral emptiness. His post shows a lack of concern for human suffering unless it serves him.

Trump later doubled down, calling Reiner “deranged” and framing Reiner’s criticism of him as a personal flaw. He deflected accountability on issues like the FBI’s handling of the Brown University shooting, crypto pardons, and tariffs. His statements reveal impulsive, narcissistic behavior, refusal to take responsibility, and a detachment from reality.

A shift is emerging in the Republican Party. After Trump’s post about Reiner, more Republicans, including loyalists are speaking out. Trump ruled through fear for years, but cracks are showing as his influence slips. Without grassroots pressure to defend him, members feel emboldened to challenge his behavior, suggesting his grip on the party may be weakening.

Trump may be forced to turn over medical, psychological, and financial records after suing the Pulitzer Prize Board over awards for reporting on Russian interference in 2016. The defendants are demanding tax returns, medical records, and other financial disclosures. This is self-inflicted, as by suing, Trump has opened himself to scrutiny.

Trump’s obsession with “20% or 25% GDP growth” demonstrates his economic incompetence. Even his economist Kevin Hassett hedges, noting normal U.S. growth is 2–3%, with 5–6% achievable only after a recession. Realistic extraordinary growth would be 4–5% — impressive but far below Trump’s repeated claims.

Dr. Mike called out Dr. Daniel Amen for promoting SPECT brain scans as measures of cognition. Amen claimed Kim Kardashian’s “low frontal lobe flow” explained her impulse control, but no evidence links blood flow to judgment. Amen relies on observational data and sells supplements tied to results, while Dr. Mike’s evidence-based approach exposes the pseudoscience.

On today’s bonus show:

Trump declares fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction, Trump sues the BBC for $10 billion over an edited January 6 speech, Erika Kirk meets with Candace Owens amid conspiracy claims, and much more...

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