The David Pakman Show - June 11, 2025: Trump Threatens Protesters, Tulsi Resurfaces with Putin Propaganda
In the June 11th, 2025 episode of The David Pakman Show, host David Pakman delves into a series of pressing political issues, highlighting Donald Trump's ongoing influence, media censorship accusations, the politicization of the military, and alarming moves within the intelligence community. The episode is structured around key events and figures, providing insightful analysis and critical commentary on the state of American democracy.
1. The Firing of Terry Moran: A Case of Media Censorship
The episode opens with Pakman discussing the recent termination of Terry Moran, a veteran reporter from ABC News with nearly three decades of service. Moran was dismissed after tweeting critical remarks about Donald Trump and Stephen Miller, labeling them as "world-class haters."
Notable Quote:
David Pakman [00:07]: “ABC News chose to fire Terry Moran. Now, let's look at the tweet in question just to remind ourselves. What Terry Moran posted on June 8th was... ‘Stephen Miller is a world-class hater.’”
Pakman argues that Moran's firing exemplifies a growing climate of fear and self-censorship within mainstream media, suggesting that media outlets are increasingly bowing to political pressure rather than maintaining journalistic integrity.
Key Points:
- Violation of Objectivity Policies: ABC News cited Moran's tweet as a breach of their objectivity standards.
- Authoritarian Tendencies: Pakman posits that such actions reflect authoritarian methods of silencing dissent without overt force.
- Impact on Journalism: The dismissal serves as a warning to other journalists about the consequences of criticizing the Trump administration.
2. Authoritarianism Through Subtle Coercion
Pakman elaborates on how authoritarian regimes often suppress opposition not through overt violence but through strategic pressuring of institutions and individuals.
Notable Quote:
David Pakman [02:30]: “ABC News chose to fire Terry Moran... this is about power and fear... it's about a quieter way in which authoritarianism spreads.”
He emphasizes that fear of retaliation, loss of access, and financial pressures are tools used to enforce compliance and loyalty, thereby weakening democratic checks and balances.
3. Legal Maneuvers and the Insurrection Act
The conversation shifts to Attorney General Pam Bondi's recent statements regarding the potential invocation of the Insurrection Act to address protests in Los Angeles. Pakman critiques Bondi's understanding and application of the law, highlighting the lack of clear legal standards.
Notable Quote:
David Pakman [08:58]: “Pam Bondi has become one of the strongest defenders of Donald Trump rolling out this military response in domestic protests...”
Key Points:
- Misapplication of the Insurrection Act: Bondi's inability to define the legal threshold for invoking the Act raises concerns about misuse.
- Polarization of Law Enforcement: The suggestion to deploy the National Guard and Marines in response to localized protests is seen as disproportionate and politically motivated.
- Credibility Issues: Bondi's deflection and blame-shifting undermine trust in governmental institutions.
4. Trump's Confused Communication with Gavin Newsom
Pakman examines Donald Trump's recent claims about a phone call with California Governor Gavin Newsom, revealing inconsistencies and possible cognitive decline.
Notable Quote:
David Pakman [20:17]: “Number one, Trump's memory really isn't great. Number two, Trump lied that he told Gavin Newsom that he was going to be doing this.”
Key Points:
- Inaccurate Statements: Trump claimed to have spoken with Newsom "a day ago" about deploying federal forces, but evidence shows the call occurred three days prior.
- Public Discrepancies: The confusion surrounding the call time and content highlights potential deception or cognitive issues.
- Implications for Leadership: These inconsistencies contribute to concerns about Trump's ability to lead effectively and truthfully.
5. Misinformation About Protest-Related Deaths
Pakman addresses Trump's false assertion that Governor Newsom's handling of protests has led to significant casualties, clarifying that no deaths have been reported as a result of the protests in Los Angeles.
Notable Quote:
David Pakman [28:22]: “A lot of death and a lot of potential death. No one has died.”
Key Points:
- Fact-Checking Claims: Despite Trump's statements, evidence indicates no fatalities linked to the protests, undermining his narrative.
- Psychological Warfare: The spread of misinformation serves to justify heavy-handed interventions and delegitimize opposition.
- Public Perception: Such false claims can stoke fear and justify authoritarian responses to peaceful dissent.
6. Politicization of the Military and Threats Against Protesters
A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to Trump's recent speech at Fort Bragg, where he politicized the military by encouraging troops to boo the media and political opponents.
Notable Quote:
David Pakman [36:04]: “Trump goads the troops at Fort Bragg into booing fake news, booing Joe Biden and generally pulling them into the political world in a way that I thought that the founders intended and that we aren't supposed to pull members of the military into.”
Key Points:
- Militarization of Politics: Bringing the military into political discourse erodes the non-partisan nature of the armed forces.
- Historical Precedent: Authoritarian leaders have historically relied on military support to consolidate power.
- Risks to Democracy: Encouraging the military to engage in political theater blurs the lines between civilian governance and military authority, posing a threat to democratic norms.
7. Tulsi Gabbard's Resurfacing and Propaganda Efforts
Pakman highlights the concerning actions of Tulsi Gabbard, now serving as the Director of National Intelligence, who has released a propaganda video echoing Kremlin-style fearmongering about nuclear war.
Notable Quote:
David Pakman [52:36]: “This is agit prop. Or we might... call it agit trash... it is the kind of narrative that Russia has been pushing for, for years now.”
Key Points:
- Undermining Intelligence Credibility: Gabbard's statements contradict the expected neutrality and factual grounding of intelligence officials.
- Echoing Russian Propaganda: Her rhetoric mirrors tactics used by foreign adversaries to sow discord and fear within American society.
- Institutional Corruption: Such behavior from a high-ranking intelligence official signifies deep-seated issues within governmental institutions.
8. Elon Musk's Public Apology to Trump
The episode also covers Elon Musk's unexpected apology to Donald Trump following Musk's criticisms of the former president, highlighting the dynamics of power and loyalty in contemporary politics.
Notable Quote:
David Pakman [40:38]: “Power in the United States of America right now works like this. Elon owns the platforms, he owns the satellites, he owns the cars, he owns the Rockets, and he is ending up groveling because he criticized Donald Trump.”
Key Points:
- Influence and Power Dynamics: Musk's shift in stance underscores Trump's significant influence over powerful figures in various industries.
- Suppression of Dissent: The apology reflects the broader trend of silencing or undermining those who oppose Trump's agenda.
- Implications for Free Speech: Such actions have chilling effects on open discourse and the willingness of influential individuals to voice opposition.
9. Conclusion: The Path Towards Authoritarianism
Pakman wraps up the episode by emphasizing the signs of creeping authoritarianism in the United States, illustrated by media censorship, misuse of legal powers, the politicization of the military, and the undermining of intelligence integrity.
Notable Quote:
David Pakman [43:27]: “Trump has been promising that they're going to do what they can to make it illegal to burn pieces of fabric that you own...”
Key Points:
- Erosion of Democratic Norms: The cumulative effect of these actions points towards a significant threat to democratic institutions and freedoms.
- Call to Action: Pakman urges listeners to recognize and resist these authoritarian tendencies to preserve constitutional rights and democratic governance.
Final Thoughts
This episode of The David Pakman Show provides a critical examination of the current political landscape, highlighting the dangers of authoritarianism disguised within legal and institutional frameworks. Through detailed analysis and the inclusion of impactful quotes, Pakman underscores the urgent need to safeguard democratic principles against growing threats from powerful individuals and systemic pressures.