The David Pakman Show 12/5/25: Presidency coming apart as economy becomes a nightmare
Dec 5, 2025
The podcast dives into the alarming rise in layoffs amid the AI revolution and Trump’s controversial policies. It critiques optimistic economic predictions as the reality of financial fragility looms. Dan Bongino admits to promoting baseless conspiracies for profit, raising questions about media responsibility. Trump’s public blunders, including dozing off at events, spark health concerns and demand for transparency. The stalled renovation of the East Wing underscores ongoing chaos in the administration.
AI Snips
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Transcript
Episode notes
AI Promises Versus Economic Reality
- Kevin Hassett and Maria Bartiromo promise imminent AI-driven prosperity and 4% GDP growth that David Pakman calls delusional.
- Pakman argues technology trends are real but won't magically fix stagnant wages or widespread financial insecurity.
Record Layoffs Reveal Structural Weakness
- Layoffs hit a record with over 1.17 million job cuts through November 2025, far above last year.
- Challenger Gray and Christmas data indicate structural weakness not explained by a one-time shock like COVID.
Tariffs Are Harming Jobs, Not Saving Them
- Trump-era tariffs and corporate restructuring are cited as key drivers of layoffs and higher costs.
- Pakman says tariffs raised input costs, undermining manufacturing and costing jobs rather than saving them.