The David Pakman Show – May 5, 2025: Trump “Doesn’t Know” About Defending Constitution, Tesla Sales Collapse

Hosted by David Pakman, The David Pakman Show delivers insightful, fact-based analysis on pressing political, social, and economic issues. In this episode, Pakman delves into the dramatic decline of Tesla’s sales in Europe, scrutinizes President Donald Trump’s ambiguous stance on upholding the U.S. Constitution, and examines broader implications for American democracy.

1. Tesla’s Sales Collapse and Elon Musk’s Political Entanglements

Tesla’s Plunge in Sweden and Europe

David Pakman opens the episode by addressing Tesla's alarming sales decline in Sweden, citing only 203 vehicles sold in April 2025. This stark drop is not reflective of the broader electric vehicle (EV) market, which continues to grow across Europe. Instead, Tesla’s struggles are attributed to Elon Musk’s controversial political affiliations, particularly his alignment with Donald Trump.

"Tesla is experiencing a full-blown collapse in Sweden... the specifics of this are Tesla, Tesla is nosediving." [00:07]

Brand Toxicity Amidst a Thriving EV Market

While other automakers report stable or increasing EV sales, Tesla faces a unique predicament. Musk’s anti-union stance, far-right political posturing, and Twitter/X meltdowns have tarnished the brand’s image in progressive markets like Sweden and Norway, leading to a 50% drop in sales there.

"His disdain for unions doesn't play well. The far-right political posturing doesn't play well." [00:07]

Elon Musk and Trump’s Fractured Relationship

Pakman highlights the deteriorating relationship between Musk and Trump, noting that despite Musk’s efforts to support his faltering companies, Trump’s public mockery undermines any potential goodwill.

"...Donald Trump making fun of Elon Musk even though he says he's great, even though he says he accomplished everything." [00:07]

2. Trump’s Ambiguous Commitment to the Constitution

President Trump’s “I Don’t Know” on Upholding the Constitution

A pivotal moment in the episode centers on President Trump’s response to a question about his obligation to uphold the U.S. Constitution. During an interview with NBC News’ Kristen Welker, Trump responded with uncertainty, raising serious concerns about his commitment to foundational American principles.

"We cannot see this as an offhanded gaffe. This is the sitting president of the United States saying he's not sure whether he has to follow the foundational document that gives him the power that he wields." [06:08]

Detailed Exchange Highlighting Constitutional Uncertainty

The transcript details the exchange where Trump consistently deflects responsibility, indicating a lack of understanding or willingness to engage with constitutional duties.

Kristen Welker: "Your secretary of state says everyone who's here, citizens and non-citizens, deserve due process. Do you agree, Mr. President?" [07:11]
Donald Trump: "I don't know. I'm not a lawyer. I don't know." [07:17]
Kristen Welker: "But the Fifth Amendment, I don't know." [07:20]
Donald Trump: "It seems, it seems, it might say that..." [07:22]

3. Implications for American Democracy

Constitutional Emergency and Rule of Law Concerns

Pakman argues that Trump’s uncertainty about upholding the Constitution is not a trivial mistake but a significant threat to American democracy. He emphasizes that the Constitution is a binding legal document essential for preventing authoritarianism.

"This is a constitutional emergency in plain sight... This is a total and overt disregard for the rule of law." [08:08]

Comparison with Right-Wing Conservatism

Highlighting the irony, Pakman notes that traditionally, the right-wing has positioned itself as the defenders of the Constitution. Trump's inconsistent stance undermines this identity, contrasting sharply with how a Democrat like Joe Biden would be treated for similar statements.

"For decades, the right wing claim the core conservative identity was that they are the defenders of the Constitution... But then Trump goes on national television as president that and says he might not be obligated to do it." [09:17]

4. Trump’s Misunderstanding of Economic Policies and Tariffs

Incoherent Economic Statements

Trump's lack of comprehension regarding economic policies, especially tariffs, is a recurring theme. Pakman criticizes Trump for his misrepresentation of trade balances and the mechanics of tariffs, exposing a fundamental misunderstanding of economic principles.

"Trump lacks a firm grasp of the one issue that he built his campaign around. Who pays the tariffs? How do they work?" [22:37]

Failed Explanation of Tariffs and Trade Deficit

Trump incorrectly asserts that the U.S. is at a loss due to tariffs, claiming that halting trade with China will save billions, without acknowledging the complexities of global trade dynamics.

"We're making a lot of money... We're losing more than $5 billion a day... Now we're essentially not doing business with China, therefore, we're saving hundreds of billions of dollars." [22:03]

Historical Miscontextualization with Richard Nixon Reference

Trump erroneously credits Richard Nixon with initiating punitive trade relations with China, failing to recognize the strategic and economic evolution of U.S.-China relations since the 1970s.

"Maybe something should be thought about, you know, a little bit of retribution. China's been ripping us off for many years, ever since they started, to me, I think was the worst thing that Richard Nixon ever did." [58:06]

5. Concerns Over Trump’s Cognitive Decline

Evidence of Mental Deterioration

Pakman raises alarms about Trump’s apparent cognitive decline, pointing to consistent confusion, memory lapses, and language deterioration observed during interviews. He suggests that these symptoms might indicate a need to reconsider Trump’s suitability for the presidency.

"The floodgates on Donald Trump's mental decline have been blown wide open... significant language deteriorations." [34:47]

Historical Consistency of Trump’s Cognitive Patterns

Referencing past interviews, such as Bob Woodward’s in 2016, Pakman underscores that Trump has long exhibited signs of reduced cognitive sharpness, which have only worsened over time.

"We’ve seen the raw audio available in the audiobook war. It’s painful to listen to because Trump doesn’t explain policy." [34:47]

Impact on Presidential Duties

Pakman questions whether Trump’s cognitive issues impede his ability to effectively lead, uphold constitutional duties, and make informed decisions critical to national security and governance.

"But anybody can notice that he's constantly confused, doesn't understand the issues and has significant language deteriorations. He can't absorb basic information or remember what he said in past interviews. That alone is enough to say he shouldn't be president." [34:47]

6. Tulsi Gabbard’s Potential Presidential Run and Far-Right Influences

Encouragement from Far-Right Figures

In a segment analyzing the political landscape, Pakman discusses Megyn Kelly’s endorsement of Tulsi Gabbard’s potential candidacy in 2028. He portrays Gabbard as a weaponized contrarian whose alignment with far-right ideologies poses threats to national security and democratic integrity.

"Tulsi Gabbard is certainly one of [the dangerous figures]. Donald Trump gave a commencement speech at the University of Alabama... Tulsi Gabbard, with a national campaign platform, would be an unrestrained propaganda machine." [47:18]

Risks of Contrarianism Over Accuracy

Pakman warns that Gabbard’s approach—prioritizing contrarian positions over factual accuracy—could further disseminate harmful narratives and deepen political polarization.

"This is someone who realized how terrible the Democratic Party is and has come over to see the light fight... she is absolutely an intelligence community nightmare waiting to happen." [50:03]

7. Trump’s University Speech and Media Outbursts

Incoherent Address to Graduates

Pakman critiques Trump’s commencement speech at the University of Alabama, highlighting its self-centeredness and lack of substantive content, which contrasts sharply with the expectations of presidential rhetoric.

"It's all going to be great really soon, thanks to me. A really inspiring message to graduates who want to go out and chart their own path..." [53:39]

Hostility Towards Media Outlets

During a brief press conference on Air Force One, Trump attacks the Wall Street Journal, labeling it a “rotten newspaper” despite its right-wing stance, illustrating his intolerance for any criticism.

"Wall Street Journal has truly gone to hell. Go ahead. A rotten newspaper." [56:08]

Misrepresentation of Economic Indicators

Trump falsely claims that gasoline prices are below $2 a gallon, a statement contradicted by current data showing prices around $3.15 per gallon. Pakman exposes these inaccuracies, emphasizing Trump’s strategic confusion and misleading statements.

"You can check it out for yourself on GasBuddy's price charts. Gas prices have not been below 295 since Donald Trump became president." [28:39]

8. Allegations of Corruption and Potential Impeachment

Bribery Accusations by Legal Experts

Pakman references a 60 Minutes report where trial attorney John Kecker accuses Trump of potential bribery, alleging that Trump’s executive orders targeting law firms in exchange for official favors constitute corrupt practices warranted for impeachment.

"Donald Trump may be guilty of bribery... These could amount to a, quote, thing of value in return for an official act. We call that a bribe." [30:34]

Impact on Legal and Political Institutions

The episode details how Trump’s retaliation against law firms—by cutting off federal contracts and revoking security clearances—forces them into unfavorable agreements, undermining the independence of the legal system.

"Nine major law firms have already folded and they've agreed to provide nearly a billion dollars in free legal services." [31:13]

Judicial Pushback and Executive Overreach

Pakman notes that federal judges have begun to resist Trump’s executive orders, with at least one being blocked for unconstitutional retaliation, signaling a potential pathway toward impeachment.

"A federal judge has ruled that one of Trump's executive orders was unconstitutional retaliation and blocked its enforcement." [31:13]

Conclusion: The Dire State of Leadership and Democracy

David Pakman wraps up the episode by reflecting on the erosion of democratic norms under Trump’s presidency. He underscores the necessity for accountability and the dangers of leadership that disregards constitutional obligations. Pakman calls on listeners to engage critically and consider the long-term implications of current political trajectories on the nation’s future.

"We don't just see aging from Trump. It's deterioration... Pretending otherwise doesn't just lower the bar for what is acceptable leadership. It actually puts the entire country at risk." [34:47]

Pakman encourages audience interaction, inviting listeners to share their thoughts on Trump’s cognitive and leadership challenges, emphasizing the collective responsibility to uphold democratic principles.

"What do you think is at the root of what we are observing from Trump? ... Let me know if that's your opinion, but I want to hear from you." [34:47]

Key Takeaways:

1. Tesla’s Decline: Elon Musk’s political affiliations with Trump are undermining Tesla’s brand in progressive markets, leading to significant sales drops despite a thriving EV market.

2. Constitutional Crisis: President Trump’s expressed uncertainty about upholding the U.S. Constitution poses a profound threat to American democratic foundations.

3. Economic Mismanagement: Trump’s misunderstanding of tariffs and trade dynamics reveals a lack of fundamental economic knowledge, contributing to policy missteps.

4. Cognitive Concerns: Observable signs of Trump’s cognitive decline raise questions about his capability to effectively lead the nation.

5. Political Allies: The potential candidacy of figures like Tulsi Gabbard, encouraged by far-right influencers, further complicates the political landscape.

6. Corruption Allegations: Accusations of Trump engaging in bribery through coercive executive orders on law firms present serious legal challenges with impeachment as a possible outcome.

7. Media Relations: Trump’s antagonistic approach towards media outlets, even those aligned with his political stance, reflects his broader strategy to control narratives and silence dissent.

For a comprehensive understanding of these issues and more, tune into The David Pakman Show.