No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen Trump falls into trap at State of the Union
7 snips
Feb 25, 2026 
Alex Michelson, CNN television journalist covering national and California politics. Norm Eisen, attorney focused on defending democratic norms and litigation. They discuss Trump’s State of the Union messaging versus economic realities. They unpack the Supreme Court tariff ruling and paths to refunds. They analyze the Epstein files’ political fallout and shifting dynamics in California politics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Trump's State Of The Union Gaslight Creates GOP Trap
- Brian Tyler Cohen argues Trump publicly claimed prices fell despite tariffs and spending changes, creating a political trap by gaslighting voters about cost-of-living reality.
- That disconnect helped Republicans win 2024 and now forces GOP candidates to either embrace Trump or distance themselves, both risky options.
File Centralized Individual Claims For Tariff Refunds
- Norm Eisen recommends small businesses file individual claims that are centralized (a mass action) rather than rely solely on class actions to recover illegally imposed tariffs.
- Centralizing many streamlined individual suits can create test cases, speed resolution, and pressure Congress or the administration to reimburse businesses.
Use Lawsuits And Public Opinion To Force Refunds
- Norm Eisen advises pairing litigation with public pressure so Congress might pass a refund measure instead of forcing each business to litigate.
- Successful test cases or synchronized mass filings increase political and legal costs for the administration, motivating legislative fixes.