“The victims, or whatever” shocks MAGA

The David Pakman Show - April 17, 2026

Already a website member? Watch the show commercial-free here | Want to become a member? Sign up here

Donald Trump downplayed Jeffrey Epstein victims while making confusing claims about gas prices and Iran negotiations. He referred to the victims dismissively as “the victims or whatever,” suggesting they avoided testimony and shifted between vague promises of a deal with Iran and denying widely reported higher fuel prices.

Trump delivered a rambling speech featuring misleading claims about taxes on tips and moments where he appeared disengaged. He misrepresented how tip deductions work for low-income workers, making it seem as though tipped employees are saving more in taxes under his policies than they actually are.

Jessica Tarlov challenged Donald Trump’s approval ratings on Fox News, prompting an angry response from Trump on social media. Trump resorted to posting personal attacks, denying the numbers, and calling for her removal from television.

Donald Trump attacked Tucker Carlson and other former allies in a series of hostile posts, revealing fractures within his political coalition. He insulted their intelligence, revisited past grievances, and targeted figures who previously helped amplify his message.

Lauren Boebert commented on misconduct in Congress and distanced herself from certain political associations. She addressed workplace behavior concerns while positioning herself apart from broader criticism.

Private equity firms are quietly acquiring YouTube channels, raising concerns about transparency, editorial independence, and audience trust. These deals often happen without disclosure, allowing channels to appear unchanged while incentives shift toward profitability over authenticity.

Finally, Rep. Troy Nehls compared Donald Trump to Jesus, highlighting the cult-like nature of the Trump movement. He described Trump as “almost the second coming,” elevating a political figure in a way that makes criticism and accountability more difficult.

On today’s bonus show:

Stocks rally over suspicion that the Iran war is ending, the California governor's race is wide open following Swalwell's departure, Pete Hegseth quotes a fake Bible verse from Pulp Fiction, and much more...

Already a website member? Watch the bonus show here | Want to become a member? Sign up here

---

Don’t miss the full show with these stories and others, plus all of our analysis.

This episode is available completely free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.