The David Pakman Show The David Pakman Show

Dysfunction and instability are here to stay

Aug 28, 2026 · 59m

Summary

David Pakman critiques Donald Trump’s strategy to dominate the midterms by urging voters to "pretend he is on the ballot," arguing this backfires by energizing Democratic turnout. He analyzes the White House’s decision to leave the press secretary role vacant after Caroline Levitt’s departure, raising transparency concerns. The episode also covers Trump’s vanity project to rename the Kennedy Center, the administration’s incoherent plan to lower beef prices by blaming Biden, and national security risks posed by Natalie Harp’s unchecked access to the President.

Topics discussed

Trump's midterm strategy and the Dallas convention Caroline Levitt's departure and press secretary vacuum Sponsor reads for Ground News and Wild Grain Trump's vanity project to rename the Kennedy Center The 'War on Cattle' and rising beef prices Sponsor read for Incogni privacy service Natalie Harp and national security vulnerabilities Scott Bessent's Iran strategy and Canada comments Listener mail, book tour, and final thoughts
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