Trump medical misinformation explodes as CEO’s admit the truth

The David Pakman Show - September 23, 2025

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

Donald Trump recently held what may be his most dangerous press conference, spreading false and harmful claims about autism, vaccines, and Tylenol. He falsely claimed that Tylenol use during pregnancy causes autism, that the Amish and Cubans have “no autism,” and suggested splitting the MMR vaccine into separate shots. He also misrepresented the newborn Hepatitis B vaccine, downplaying its role in preventing lifelong infections.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt resurfaced for a controversial press briefing. When asked about Trump’s role in reducing political violence after Charlie Kirk’s death, she deflected, calling him “authentically himself.” She defended Tom Homan, falsely claiming he never accepted $50,000 despite government documents proving otherwise. Leavitt also exaggerated Trump’s economic record, claiming nearly $9 trillion in investments, and amplified a narrative about “transgender violence” despite evidence showing trans people are disproportionately victims, not perpetrators.

Trump’s administration has also shown confusion over H-1B visa policy. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick repeatedly called a proposed $100,000 fee “annual,” while Leavitt clarified it is a one-time fee for new visas. Intended to encourage domestic hiring, the policy risks harming small and mid-sized businesses, driving away skilled immigrants, and failing to address talent shortages caused by the education system. Even as a one-time payment, the policy is economically damaging and anti-immigration in effect.

Top U.S. CEOs privately admit Trump’s policies are harming the economy, even as they publicly praise him. They cite chaotic trade wars, tariffs, abrupt policy changes, attacks on Federal Reserve independence, and increased control over private markets. Rising costs, frozen investments, and uncertainty threaten businesses. Combined with other mismanagement, the administration is increasingly defined by economic disruption and authoritarian overreach.

Mass activism in 2025 is urgently needed under Trump’s second term. Courts are stacked, the federal government purged of dissent, and authoritarian measures are escalating. Peaceful left-wing organizing faces heavy policing, while right-wing provocations are celebrated. History shows that systemic change comes from marches, strikes, boycotts, and civil disobedience. Voting alone is insufficient; sustained public action is necessary to defend democracy and challenge entrenched power.

Finally, Nathan Taylor, Executive Director of Public Engagement for the Election Truth Alliance (ETA), joins us to discuss the organization's ongoing efforts to investigate potential irregularities in the 2024 U.S. elections.

On today’s bonus show:

ABC is bringing back Jimmy Kimmel’s show, but many stations owned by Sinclair and Nexstar won’t air it. Trump is pushing Attorney General Pam Bondi to bring charges against political opponents, which could undermine cases against them. And the Trump administration has canceled the annual hunger report amid food stamp cuts and rising food insecurity.

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