What does it mean to win at this point?
The David Pakman Show - March 23, 2026
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Donald Trump is creating confusion over the Iran conflict, claiming victory while threatening escalation. Goals have shifted repeatedly from nuclear capabilities to regime change, to missile strikes, and now to reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Trump threatened attacks on Iranian power plants if the Strait is not opened within 48 hours.
Later, Trump posted on Truth Social that the United States and Iran had productive talks and that he would delay strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure. This led to stock futures jumping and oil prices falling. However, Iranian officials quickly denied that any talks had taken place.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent struggled to explain the Iran policy in an interview with Kristen Welker. He gave contradictory answers about whether the conflict is escalating or winding down. He said “sometimes you have to escalate to deescalate” and gave inconsistent answers on sanctions, taxes, and war funding.
Trump celebrated the death of former FBI Director Robert Mueller, an 81-year-old decorated Vietnam veteran. He posted that he was “glad he’s dead.” Treasury Secretary Bessent did not condemn the comment, instead deciding to focus on past grievances against Mueller.
Gas prices have risen 44 percent in two months. The increase is linked to Trump’s escalation of the Iran conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Promises of lower prices and economic stability have failed and Americans are facing higher costs across the board.
Trump claimed a CNN poll shows he has 100 percent support, a number that is fabricated and virtually impossible. With the Iran war floundering, gas prices high, and administration messaging collapsing, Trump is creating a simple narrative for his base.
During a Navy football team visit, Trump confused himself on trans athletes. He asked about women playing in men’s sports before returning to men in women’s sports. He knows the slogans but cannot explain them.
Finally, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins claimed on TV that almost all food prices are down. This is false given rising grocery and energy costs. In pro-Trump media, repeated false claims create the illusion of success.
On today’s bonus show:
Elon Musk offers to pay TSA workers' salaries, the cost of Trump's Golden Dome spikes 50%, lawmakers introduce a bill to ban sports betting on prediction markets, and much more...
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