On April 21, Greg Sargent hosted The Daily Blast podcast, produced by The New Republic and presented by the DSR Network. The episode explored Donald Trump’s escalating anger over gas prices, media narratives, and his diminishing control over global events.

Trump’s recent Truth Social posts reflect his frustration with coverage of the war, where he claimed victory despite what he called “fake news” suggesting otherwise. His statements, including “I’m in charge,” underscore his belief in quasi-absolute presidential authority.

Journalist David Sirota, host of the Master Plan podcast, joined the discussion to analyze Trump’s rhetoric. Sirota argued that Trump’s self-perception as an “elected king” stems from a long-standing trend of expanding presidential power, not just his own actions.

Trump’s Truth Social Outbursts and the War Narrative

During the podcast, Sargent highlighted Trump’s recent Truth Social post, where he declared:

“I’m winning the war by a lot. Things are going very well. Our military has been amazing. And if you read the fake news, you would actually think we are losing the war. The anti-America fake news media is rooting for Iran to win, but it’s not going to happen because I’m in charge.”

Sirota responded by noting Trump’s shock at not having full control over world events, despite his belief in unchecked executive power. “He genuinely sees himself as an elected king,” Sirota said. “That’s the culmination of this idea that the president is the only branch of government—not just the executive branch, but he individually is the executive branch—who gets to determine everything that goes on in the country.”

GOP’s Midterm Fears Over Economic Pressures

Separate reports indicate that Republicans are increasingly alarmed over rising gas prices and economic instability, fearing potential losses in the upcoming midterm elections. The disconnect between Trump’s rhetoric and economic realities is fueling panic within the party.

Sirota emphasized that Trump’s behavior reflects a broader trend of presidential power expansion, not just his personal tendencies. “Donald Trump is wielding powers that were given to him—and to the presidency—over many years,” he explained.