Trump Testimony Video Released and George Santos Steps Down From Committees

The David Pakman Show - February 1, 2023

Feb 1

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VIDEO: Trump Pleads Fifth 400+ Times!!!

The video of Donald Trump's deposition to New York prosecutors has been released and it features the failed former president pleading the Fifth Amendment over 400 times. We’ve known since the testimony happened back in September that Trump didn’t answer any of the investigators’ questions and instead chose to exercise his constitutional right against self-incrimination. In the past, Trump has criticized those who plead the Fifth Amendment, saying things like “the mob takes the Fifth” and “if you’re innocent, why are you taking the Fifth Amendment?” Now, all of a sudden, he appears to have a different take on the issue altogether. In the deposition, he repeatedly refers to a prepared statement in which he argues that he has become the target of an unjust politically motivated witch hunt and is the greatest victim in presidential history.

It Begins: DeSantis Takes a Swipe at Trump

The possible 2024 Republican primary matchup between Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis is already heating up despite the fact that DeSantis hasn’t even announced whether he’s running. Donald Trump recently criticized DeSantis, labeling him as disloyal because he’s considering his own campaign. Trump also made the case that DeSantis poorly handled COVID-19 which may become a contentious issue during the campaign since they were on different sides of the vaccine debate. In response to Trump's criticism, DeSantis shot back with a subtle dig at Trump about how he’s not electable. DeSantis mentioned that he himself was reelected with the highest percentage of the vote that any Republican governor candidate has ever had in the history of Florida, which he sees as a validation of his leadership and his ability to win against a Democrat in a general election.

From yesterday’s show:

Lauren Boebert Endorses Donald Trump For President

Congresswoman Lauren Boebert was asked during a recent interview whether she would endorse Donald Trump for the 2024 presidential race. Boebert said, “I don't think I haven't endorsed President Trump. Of course, I support him for being our next president. I think it's going to be a fantastic race. I can't wait until he actually starts campaigning. And of course, I endorse President Trump.” Boebert joins a number of politicians who have already backed Trump for 2024. The list includes individuals who worked for Trump in the White House, such as Michael Flynn, Sebastian Gorka, and Dan Scavino. It also includes senators Lindsey Graham and Tommy Tuberville, and representatives such as Andy Biggs, Matt Gaetz, and Marjorie Taylor Greene. The list also includes international politicians, party officials, and individuals such as Nick Adams and Jerry Falwell Jr. Part of Trump’s problem is that his campaign style of intimidation that has worked for him in the past seems to be diminishing, and there is a fear factor that may impact some people's decision to endorse him.

From yesterday’s show:

NY Prosecutors Presenting Trump Case to Grand Jury

Donald Trump is facing a criminal investigation in Manhattan related to the hush money payments he made to Stormy Daniels during his 2016 presidential campaign. The Manhattan District Attorney's office has begun presenting evidence to a grand jury and this is seen as a dramatic escalation of the inquiry. David Pecker, the former publisher of the National Enquirer, has spoken to the grand jury as a witness. Prosecutors have also sought to interview Dylan Howard, the former editor of the tabloid, and two employees at Trump's company. However, a conviction is by no means guaranteed as the case hinges on showing that Trump and his company falsified records to hide the payout from voters. The case would also rely on the testimony of Michael Cohen, Trump's former personal attorney, and fixer, who himself pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the hush money in 2018. The Manhattan DA, Alvin L. Bragg, is expected to make a decision about charging Trump in the coming months.

More on the show:

-- Jesse Dollemore, host of "Dollemore Daily" and the "I Doubt It" podcast, fills in for David while he's on vacation

-- Disgraced Congressman George Santos steps down from his committee assignments

-- Donald Trump reveals his policy objectives for his 2024 campaign

-- Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene oddly compares the killing of Tyre Nichols to Ashli Babbitt