Trump’s meltdowns get worse as new left movement rises

The David Pakman Show - June 26, 2025

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A growing movement on the American left, led by figures like Zohran Mamdani, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Bernie Sanders, is challenging the Democratic establishment by rejecting corporate money and demanding bold structural change. This insurgent left is largely driven by younger voters who see the Democratic Party as too cautious, too tied to donor interests, and ineffective at confronting right-wing threats like Donald Trump.

Donald Trump’s recent behavior has raised serious concerns about his stability and leadership. At a NATO event, he appeared confused and fixated on criticizing allies like Spain, delivering rambling and contradictory remarks. Overnight on Truth Social, Trump posted a series of emotional and unfounded rants attacking major media outlets and even called to cancel the corruption trial of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.

Trump’s hostility toward the press has become increasingly aggressive and authoritarian. At the NATO press conference, he accused reporters of undermining military efforts and emotionally harming service members by reporting facts. He demanded uncritical praise of the military and disparaged media scrutiny as disloyalty. This demand for media compliance continued at a Pentagon press conference where Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth scolded journalists and insisted on glowing, propaganda-style coverage of Trump’s military decisions.

Some Republicans and right-wing media normalize and glorify Trump’s unstable behavior. Figures like Maria Bartiromo and Senator Ted Cruz portrayed his frenetic social media activity as “extraordinary leadership,” echoing authoritarian tactics that celebrate a leader’s irrational actions as brilliant.

Lastly, historian Rutger Bregman appeared on the show to highlight the urgent challenge of finding meaningful work in today’s shifting economy. In his book Moral Ambition, he argues that many people feel trapped in unfulfilling “bullshit jobs” and calls for a cultural shift that embraces moral purpose and social impact. In the midst of political upheaval, Bregman urges individuals to dedicate their talents toward solving pressing global problems and building a better future.

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On today’s bonus show:

Republican lawmakers face deep divisions over Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” with disputes on Medicaid cuts, rural hospital funding, and the SALT deduction, while Democrats oppose it. In New York, Republicans want to revoke immigrant mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s citizenship amid fears of his democratic socialist rise. Meanwhile, the White House sparked ridicule by embracing the nickname “Daddy” for Trump, highlighting his personality cult.

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