The David Pakman Show 10/30/25: Trump demands nuke tests as Xi dominates him, 14 Republicans turn on Trump
Oct 30, 2025
Jonathan Karl, Chief Washington Correspondent for ABC News and author of 'Retribution', dives into the tumultuous world of Trump-era politics. He discusses Trump's surprising eagerness to restart nuclear tests, revealing his attempts to assert dominance. The conversation highlights a significant rift in the GOP as 14 Republicans reject his trade deal with Argentina, which they argue harms U.S. ranchers. Karl also shares insights on Trump's confusing tariff statements and his peculiar admiration for Xi Jinping during their meeting in Argentina.
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GOP Breaks Publicly Over Trade
- Fourteen Republican members publicly rebuked Trump's Argentina beef plan, signaling growing GOP resistance on trade.
- David Pakman argues this is a sign the Republican coalition is fracturing over Trump's trade priorities.
Nuclear Posturing Mirrors Authoritarian Theater
- Trump publicly demanded resuming nuclear tests and misstated facts about U.S. and Russian stockpiles.
- Pakman warns this posturing mirrors authoritarian theater and risks unnecessary escalation.
Confused Tariff Messaging
- Trump gave inconsistent, confused answers about tariff rates and fentanyl adjustments.
- Pakman highlights Trump's lack of clarity as evidence he doesn't grasp key trade mechanics.
