Trump health goes viral over swollen ankles, top MAGA warns about 2026
The David Pakman Show - July 16, 2025
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A growing divide is erupting within the MAGA movement over the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, threatening to destabilize Trump’s base. Key figures like Steve Bannon are warning that Republicans could suffer significant electoral losses in 2026 unless Trump releases the Epstein files—documents that his allies now question even exist. As former loyalists like Kash Patel and Dan Bongino retreat from the conspiracy theories they once promoted, MAGA influencers are accusing them of betrayal, deepening mistrust among the base.
Trump’s evasive and contradictory responses to questions about Epstein have only fueled suspicion. Despite years of hyping the scandal, Trump now calls it “boring” and irrelevant, while blaming figures like Obama and Comey for supposed fabricated documents. A recently leaked letter shows that Epstein-related materials were indeed in the administration’s hands—despite current denials—raising serious concerns about cover-ups.
At the same time, new questions about Trump’s health have intensified after videos showed bruises on his hand concealed by makeup and swollen ankles. Speculation about serious medical conditions like congestive heart failure or blood thinning treatments is growing, yet the White House insists Trump is in perfect health.
In a familiar pattern, Trump has responded to rising pressure by lashing out, this time targeting Senator Adam Schiff with baseless accusations of mortgage fraud. It’s another instance of Trump trying to criminalize a political rival without evidence, a tactic he’s used repeatedly when cornered.
Bill O’Reilly exhibited confusion on NewsNation—claiming Epstein was arrested and died under Biden and Merrick Garland. In reality, Epstein was arrested and died in 2019 under Trump, with Bill Barr as Attorney General. When corrected, O’Reilly froze, visibly unsure how to respond.
Finally, CNN anchor Jake Tapper appears on the show to discuss his book Original Sin, which focuses on President Biden’s cognitive decline and the political implications surrounding it. Tapper examines how concerns about Biden’s mental fitness have been handled in the media and political spheres, highlighting the challenges of reporting on such a sensitive topic amid widespread misinformation. He also reflects on the broader difficulties journalists face in maintaining integrity and accountability in a highly polarized environment.
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On today’s bonus show:
Republicans are shifting on Ukraine aid as Trump’s mixed signals create confusion. Senator Josh Hawley tries to undo Medicaid cuts he approved in the “big beautiful bill.” Meanwhile, former national security adviser Mike Waltz blames Biden for the Signalgate scandal but is still rewarded with a new role as UN ambassador, showing the Trump administration’s pattern of rewarding loyalty over competence.
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You know what inquiring minds want to know? Is Josh Hawley in a love relationship with a certain NHL player? If so? How long? And is Speaker Mike Johnson in love with a certain political operative at Heritage Foundation? Is pedophilia likely to be legalized in lieu of the thousands of hours of investigations of Republican politicians who are guilty of it?
Increase the pressure on him!