The David Pakman Show: June 23, 2025 Episode Summary Episode Title: Iran situation explodes, administration goes completely unhinged
Introduction
In this high-stakes episode of The David Pakman Show, host David Pakman delves into the explosive developments surrounding the United States' military actions against Iran. The episode examines former President Donald Trump's unorthodox announcement on Truth Social, the subsequent media reactions, and an in-depth interview with California Governor Gavin Newsom regarding the aftermath of recent protests and the broader implications for American democracy.
Trump's Bombing of Iran's Nuclear Sites
Initial Announcement and Pakman's Reaction ([00:07] - [05:41]) The episode opens with David Pakman addressing a monumental and unprecedented event: Donald Trump’s unilateral declaration on Truth Social that the U.S. has conducted “massive precision strikes” on three key Iranian nuclear facilities—Fordo, Natanz, and Esfahan. Pakman expresses skepticism, highlighting contradictions in Trump's message.
David Pakman ([00:07]): “It is definitely weird to bomb a country and then go, this is the time for peace.”
Trump’s Justification and Contradictions ([02:08] - [04:47]) Trump's address claims the strikes were a "spectacular military success" aimed at obliterating Iran's nuclear capabilities and stopping its nuclear threat. He paradoxically calls for peace immediately after the attacks, raising questions about the administration's true intentions.
Donald Trump ([03:00]): “Iran's key nuclear enrichment facilities have been completely and totally obliterated.”
Pakman points out inconsistencies, noting reports that suggest Iran had already moved nuclear material and that Fordo was damaged but not destroyed.
David Pakman ([03:00]): “Do the details matter? I think they do.”
Appeal to Divine Intervention ([04:04] - [05:41]) In a surprising twist, Trump invokes divine blessing multiple times, an unusual move given his often blasé approach to religion. Pakman criticizes this as inauthentic and hypocritical.
Donald Trump ([05:23]): “We love you, God. Protect our great military. God bless the Middle East, God bless Israel, and God bless America.”
David Pakman ([05:41]): “I don't know that I've ever seen anyone take the name of God in vain so shamelessly.”
Shift from Anti-War Rhetoric to Regime Change
From No New Wars to Active Intervention ([06:17] - [16:39]) Pakman outlines the stark transformation of Trump's foreign policy stance—from his 2016 campaign promises to avoid endless wars and oppose regime change, to actively seeking regime change in Iran. He criticizes Trump's actions as imperialistic and hypocritical.
David Pakman ([07:19]): “This is mega make Iran great again, not sustainable or logical, not common sense foreign policy.”
He highlights that Trump's ally, former National Security Adviser John Bolton, has embraced the regime change narrative, further distancing Trump from his original anti-war platform.
Caroline Levitt's Endorsement of Regime Change ([14:24] - [16:39]) Pakman references comments from Caroline Levitt, Trump’s White House Press Secretary, who implicitly supports regime change by suggesting Iranians should take control of their destiny by removing the regime.
Caroline Levitt ([14:46]): “If the Iranian regime refuses to come to a peaceful diplomatic solution… why shouldn't the Iranian people take away the power of this incredibly violent regime…”
Pakman argues this confirms the regime change objective behind the strikes, despite initial denials.
David Pakman ([16:39]): “This is Trump's second term foreign policy, a sort of Frankenstein's monster of neocon rhetoric.”
Interview with Governor Gavin Newsom
State of Affairs in California ([35:15] - [42:11]) David Pakman interviews California Governor Gavin Newsom to discuss the impact of recent federal interventions in response to protests in Los Angeles. Governor Newsom describes the situation as "remarkably peaceful" over the last three days despite the deployment of nearly 5,000 federal troops.
Governor Gavin Newsom ([35:15]): “Most of those troops had nothing to do over the course of last week… now they're being mission tasked to immigration enforcement.”
Authoritarian Tactics and Media Silence ([37:20] - [49:05]) Newsom draws parallels between current federal actions and historical authoritarian playbooks, expressing concern over the use of federal troops to enforce immigration laws and the suppression of dissent.
Governor Gavin Newsom ([37:20]): “This is America's coming attraction to cities and states all across this country.”
He criticizes Fox News for its role in amplifying misinformation and supporting Trump's narrative despite contradictory evidence.
Concerns Over Trump's Cognitive Abilities ([49:05] - [51:12]) Pakman raises questions about Trump's cognitive health, noting discrepancies in his statements and apparent confusion over historical facts. Newsom echoes these concerns, highlighting instances where Trump has displayed disoriented behavior.
Governor Gavin Newsom ([43:12]): “He's a stone cold liar… And Fox News knowingly backed him up.”
Media Reactions and Trump's Backlash
Fox News and Trump’s Response ([57:19] - [58:30]) The episode covers how clips from Pakman’s interview with Newsom were featured on MSNBC and Fox News. Fox News presenter Jessica Tarlov comments critically on Trump's handling of the situation in Los Angeles, prompting Trump's fierce rebuttal on Truth Social.
Donald Trump ([57:55]): “Gavin Newsom, who's really an incompetent governor. We saved Los Angeles by having the military go in.”
Trump Attacks Fox News ([58:30] - [59:46]) In response to Tarlov’s commentary, Trump accuses Fox News of allowing biased reporting that portrays him negatively, despite his assertions of strong poll numbers and electoral victories.
Donald Trump ([58:30]): “Why does Fox News allow failed TV personality Jessica Tarlov to soil the 5? Her voice, her manner and above all else, what she says are a disgrace to television broadcasting.”
Analysis and Progressive Perspective
Implications for American Democracy and Progressive Values ([30:03] - [51:14]) Pakman emphasizes the dangers of unchecked executive power and the erosion of democratic norms, drawing from both Trump's authoritarian tendencies and Iran's oppressive regime. He advocates for progressive values that oppose both foreign and domestic authoritarianism.
David Pakman ([45:56]): “No imminent threat, no intelligence briefing for Congress, no proof of a ticking clock.”
He argues that Trump's actions, lacking congressional approval and public debate, undermine democratic accountability and set a dangerous precedent.
Governor Newsom’s Critique of Federal Policies ([39:12] - [51:14]) Governor Newsom criticizes Trump's administration for destabilizing local governance by diverting National Guard troops from critical areas like border security and wildfire management to enforce immigration laws in California. He warns of the long-term economic and social impacts.
Governor Gavin Newsom ([36:31]): “Trump has pulled hundreds and hundreds of National Guardsmen and women away from counter drug interdiction… for a display.”
Conclusion
David Pakman wraps up the episode by reiterating the contradictions and dangers posed by the current U.S. administration's foreign and domestic policies. He underscores the importance of adhering to democratic principles and resisting authoritarian maneuvers, advocating for a progressive stance that supports both anti-authoritarianism and democratic integrity.
David Pakman ([51:14]): “I'm on the left. Much of my audience is on the left. So what I want to talk about is what this looks like, from my view, a progressive, anti-authoritarian perspective.”
This episode of The David Pakman Show provides a critical examination of the U.S. administration's handling of international conflicts and domestic policies, emphasizing the need for transparency, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to democratic values.