Leave Us Alone with Grover Norquist: Recent Episodes

Grover Norquist

Leave Us Alone with Grover Norquist examines the core components of the Center-Right Movement and how these groups want to be left alone on their vote-moving issues.

Each week, ATR President Grover Norquist interviews conservative leaders on their key issues and arms you with the information you need to push back against the Left.

What do federal regulations really cost American families?

In this episode of the Leave Us Alone podcast, Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist sits down with Kent Lassman, President & CEO of the Competitive Enterprise Institute, to examine the hidden costs of the federal regulatory state.

While taxes are easy to see, regulations quietly raise the price of nearly everything Americans buy, from housing and banking to transportation and everyday consumer goods. Lassman explains how federal regulations function as a hidden tax on families, why those costs are often overlooked, and how excessive regulation stifles innovation and economic growth.

The conversation also explores the history of deregulation, the incentives that allow regulatory burdens to grow over time, and why meaningful reform requires both policymakers and taxpayers to understand the true cost of government intervention.

The average American family pays roughly $4,200 every year because of lawsuit abuse.

In this episode of the Leave Us Alone Podcast, Grover Norquist sits down with Lauren Zelt of Protecting American Consumers Together and Ryan Patrick of Texans for Lawsuit Reform to discuss how lawsuit abuse drives up the cost of car insurance, home insurance, healthcare, and everyday goods.

They examine recent reforms in Florida and Georgia, why insurance rates are falling in some states, how trial lawyers influence state politics, and what policymakers can do to reduce costs for consumers.

If you've ever wondered why insurance premiums keep rising, this conversation explains one of the biggest hidden costs facing American families.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt joins Grover Norquist on the Leave Us Alone podcast to discuss Oklahoma's "Path to Zero" plan to eliminate the state income tax, build long-term taxpayer protections, and keep government spending under control.

Stitt explains how Oklahoma built billions in savings while cutting taxes, why economic growth accelerates when taxpayers keep more of their own money, and how the state is using spending discipline to move toward a zero income tax future.

The conversation also covers school choice, limited government, free markets, tort reform, and why Oklahoma is positioning itself as one of the most pro-growth states in America.

Governments at home and abroad are finding new ways to tax Americans while families struggle with inflation, housing costs, and affordability.

In this episode of Leave Us Alone, Mike Palicz and James Erwin break down Europe's digital taxes targeting American tech companies, rising energy costs, Virginia Democrats pushing new taxes, and why taxing inflation is making the housing market worse.

What does it take to eliminate a state income tax?

Grover Norquist sits down with Oklahoma House Speaker Kyle Hilbert to discuss how Oklahoma is charting a path to a 0% income tax and why other states are beginning to follow.

Oklahoma has reduced rates, simplified its tax code, and established a trigger-based path to zero as revenues grow. The goal is to lower the burden on taxpayers while maintaining responsible budgeting.

They also discuss:

How Oklahoma built the coalition to pass tax reform
Why a phased approach to zero is gaining traction
Tort reform and its impact on insurance costs
School choice and broader state-level reforms

As more states explore ways to reduce taxes and expand opportunity, Oklahoma offers a clear model for what comes next.

Inflation is driving up costs. But there's a simple policy change that could make a real difference.

Right now, the IRS taxes inflation as if it were real income. When your home, retirement savings, or small business increases in value because of inflation, you still pay taxes on the full gain.

That means millions of Americans are being taxed on "phantom gains."

Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform explains how indexing capital gains for inflation would fix this problem by ensuring taxpayers only pay taxes on real gains. He outlines how this reform could be implemented, why it would boost investment and economic growth, and how it could improve affordability across the economy.

This isn't a new idea. Policymakers in both parties have supported it in the past because it's practical, fair, and pro-growth.

If lawmakers are looking for a clear, immediate step to address inflation and costs, this is one of the most straightforward options.

Gavin Newsom's administration is targeting "Trump Accounts," tax free savings accounts designed to help families invest in their children's future. Critics are calling the move California's "Toddler Tax."

In this special staff takeover episode of the Leave Us Alone podcast, the ATR team breaks down:

• Why California wants to tax contributions to Trump Accounts • How these accounts help families build long term savings • Why blue states are resisting pro growth tax reforms • The latest push to index capital gains for inflation • Major Senate race developments and what they mean for tax policy The bigger question is simple. Should families be encouraged to save and invest, or should government claim a bigger share of their income? Listen to the full Leave Us Alone episode to hear the complete discussion.

The latest jobs report shows 172,000 private sector jobs added while the federal workforce shrinks by 327,000. Congress delivers a net discretionary spending cut, CBO projects stronger GDP growth, and Washington debates credit card interest rate caps and price controls.

Grover Norquist, James Erwin, and Mike Palicz break down job growth, federal spending cuts, tax reform, Medicaid savings, and why price controls historically lead to shortages.

Ronald Reagan's legacy continues to shape American politics, economic policy, and national security.

In this episode of Leave Us Alone, Grover Norquist is joined by David Trulio, President and CEO of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, and Rachel Loren of the Ronald Reagan Legacy Project for a wide-ranging conversation on Reagan's enduring principles and why they remain relevant today.

The discussion explores Reagan's role in restoring economic growth, winning the Cold War, and rebuilding American confidence. It also looks at how the Reagan Library, Institute, and Legacy Project are working to teach younger generations about limited government, free enterprise, peace through strength, and individual liberty.

This episode is about leadership, ideas, and why freedom must be taught and defended by every generation.

In this episode of Leave Us Alone, Grover Norquist sits down with former U.S. Senator Phil Gramm for a wide-ranging conversation on tax policy, economic growth, and the role of government in shaping economic outcomes.

The discussion spans the stagflation and economic crisis of the late 1970s, Gramm's role in passing the Reagan tax cuts, and the long-term effects of those reforms on inflation, growth, and opportunity. The episode also examines welfare spending, poverty statistics, and claims about economic inequality.

Gramm explains how government benefits are often excluded from official income measurements, why those accounting choices matter, and how they influence debates over taxes, spending, and federal policy.

The conversation concludes with a look at state-level tax reforms and why fiscal discipline and honest measurement remain central to long-term economic growth.

On this episode of Leave Us Alone, Grover Norquist is joined by Mike Palicz and Isabelle Marchese to break down one of the most consequential votes of this Congress.

Seventeen House Republicans joined with ALL Congressional Democrats to pass a clean three-year extension of enhanced Obamacare subsidies. The panel explains how this vote expands Obamacare, masks its rising costs, and knowingly continues a program riddled with fraud and improper payments.

They discuss the real cost of the subsidies, the political maneuvering behind the discharge petition, the failure to include any reforms or anti-fraud measures, and what this vote means as the bill heads to the Senate. The episode closes with a broader discussion of Republican principles, political accountability, and the pro-growth tax reforms already delivering higher wages and larger tax refunds.

The Taxpayer Protection Pledge is a written commitment taken by candidates and elected officials promising never to raise taxes.

In this episode, Grover Norquist explains why the pledge was created, who signs it, and how it changed incentives for politicians at every level of government. From the 1986 Tax Reform Act to presidential campaigns and state tax reform, the pledge became a clear contract between officeholders and taxpayers.

By forcing politicians to control their own vote rather than rely on vague promises, the Taxpayer Protection Pledge reshaped elections, restrained tax hikes, and helped define which party voters could trust on taxes.

The real political divide in America is not left versus right.

It is the Leave Us Alone Coalition versus the Takings Coalition.

In this episode of Leave Us Alone, Grover Norquist explains how these two coalitions compete over tax policy, spending, and the size of government. The discussion breaks down who belongs to each coalition, why the Takings Coalition constantly pushes for higher taxes, and why the Leave Us Alone Coalition must stay united to protect taxpayers.

This episode explains politics the way it actually works, through incentives, not slogans.

This week on Leave Us Alone, Grover Norquist is joined by Mike Palicz and James Erwin for a brief discussion on rising healthcare costs, Obamacare affordability, and end-of-year battles in Washington.

The episode then features a special guest interview with House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (MN), who explains what the Republican Whip actually does. Emmer breaks down his role counting votes, communicating with House members, and helping move legislation across the House floor in today's political environment.

The conversation also covers the failures of the Affordable Care Act, including widespread fraud in expanded Obamacare subsidies and how those subsidies funnel taxpayer dollars to insurance companies rather than patients. Emmer discusses making the Trump tax cuts permanent, fights over must-pass legislation like the NDAA, and why he signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge to protect taxpayers from higher taxes and runaway government spending.

Grover Norquist and Mike Palicz break down how the next reconciliation package is being shaped by the failures of Obamacare, including a new GAO report exposing widespread fraud and improper subsidies. They outline why expanding Obamacare subsidies would be a mistake, what Republicans should prioritize in reconciliation, and why tariffs must stay out. The episode also features a special interview with economist Steve Moore, who explains how ending the taxation of inflation through capital gains indexing could be one of the biggest pro-growth moves available today.

As the shutdown drags on, Grover Norquist and Brent Gardner of Americans for Prosperity break down how Democrats are holding taxpayers hostage in a political fight over Obamacare subsidies.

Gardner explains how Democrats have tied reopening the government to extending Obamacare subsidies, the ongoing fight over spending and healthcare costs, and what it all means for taxpayers. Brent shares insights on AFP's work in every state, the grassroots movement for limited government, and how Americans can push back against Washington's overspending and overreach.

Listen in for a conversation about shutdown politics, healthcare reform, and how citizens can make a difference in restoring fiscal sanity and freedom.

The Leave Us Alone team examines how the latest government shutdown fight centers on Obamacare. Grover Norquist, Mike Palicz, James Erwin, and Jack Baum explain how Democrats are using the shutdown as leverage to push for another extension of Obamacare's temporary subsidies, which were meant to expire after the pandemic.

They discuss how this political strategy hides the real cost of the program and why conservatives are rejecting another taxpayer-funded bailout. The team also looks at key state elections in New Jersey and Maine, where affordability, energy costs, and taxes are defining the campaigns.

In the final segments, the hosts cover new developments from the FTC and the United Nations, exploring how regulatory overreach and global tax proposals could affect innovation, energy, and economic freedom.

Sixteen days into the government shutdown, the American people aren't feeling the effects. Should Democrats be worried? Is their strategy working? What's their exit strategy?

Grover Norquist is joined by political strategist Liam Donovan and ATR's Mike Palicz to break down how Democrats' $1.5 trillion in new spending demands have fallen flat, how the media landscape has changed shutdown politics, and what redistricting could mean for control of Congress in the years ahead.

About Liam Donovan: Liam joins Targeted Victory as the head of the firm's Risk & Reputation practice. Over the course of two decades working at the intersection of politics and policy, he has held senior roles at a national trade association and a global law and lobbying firm. Before beginning his advocacy career, Liam spent four years and two election cycles on the staff of the National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Check out Liam Donovan's own podcast, The Lobby Shop, where he dives deeper into the intersection of politics, policy, and the people shaping Washington.

In this episode, Grover Norquist and guest co-host Mike discuss the ongoing government shutdown and why Democrats have painted themselves into a political corner. They break down how the left’s demand for $1.5 trillion in new spending, the permanent extension of Obamacare subsidies, and a repeal of Trump-era reforms have stalled negotiations.

Grover traces the history of shutdowns back to 1980 and shows how Democrats have used the process as a political weapon since the Clinton years. This time, the media narrative is not sticking. The conversation exposes the real cost of COVID-era policies, including how boosted Obamacare subsidies are driving up premiums and taxpayer costs. Grover and Mike explain how Republican discipline, reinforced by President Trump’s direct messaging, has strengthened opposition to more government expansion.

The hosts also highlight Congressman Mike Lawler’s viral exchange with Hakeem Jeffries and explain why the 2017 tax cuts remain a defining victory for taxpayers at every income level.

Grover Norquist, Mike Palicz, and James Erwin break down the government shutdown standoff. Democrats are blocking a clean continuing resolution and demanding $1.5 trillion in new spending, a permanent expansion of Biden COVID credits, and taxpayer funding for NPR.

The hosts explain why Republicans must hold firm, why temporary COVID-era subsidies should expire, and how the shutdown is exposing cracks inside the Democratic caucus.

Later in the episode, Grover sits down with former Congressman Jeb Hensarling to discuss how new Trump administration reforms could empower workers to invest more freely in their 401(k)s. The goal is to give everyday Americans the same investment opportunities that unions and wealthy elites already enjoy.

This episode dives into shutdown politics, spending priorities, and real reforms that protect taxpayers and expand freedom.

Grover Norquist, Mike Palicz, and James Erwin return from summer break to unpack the looming government funding fight. House Republicans have passed a clean continuing resolution, but Democrats are demanding trillions in new spending and a permanent extension of Biden COVID credits. What’s really behind Chuck Schumer’s push for a shutdown? How will the Obamacare subsidy battle shape the GOP coalition? And what lessons should Republicans draw from the left’s endless spending demands?

The hosts also reflect on the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, honoring his legacy and the movement he built to bring young Americans into the fight for liberty.

This episode takes listeners inside the politics, policy, and high stakes of Washington’s latest budget clash and why taxpayers should care.

Show Notes:

Take Action Now: Stop the Schumer Shutdown
5 Reasons Congress Should Let Biden's COVID Credits Expire
Democrats Threaten Governmetn Shutdown
35 Free Market Groups, Advocates Urge President Trump to let Biden's COVID Credits Expire

The headlines say the Teamsters are suddenly flooding Republicans with cash — but the numbers tell a very different story. Grover Norquist, James Erwin, and Mike Palicz dig into the union’s decades-long role as part of the Democratic Party’s political machine and explain why this new “GOP-friendly” image is mostly smoke and mirrors.

They also unpack how federal regulators are twisting market definitions to attack America’s most successful tech companies, why a proposed patent value tax would cripple innovation, and what a second reconciliation bill could mean for pro-growth tax reforms like capital gains indexation and expanded health savings accounts.

From union politics to tax policy, this episode reveals the strategies, incentives, and hidden motives shaping the fights that impact taxpayers most.

In this episode of Leave Us Alone, Grover Norquist, Mike Palicz, and James Erwin break down the real-world effects of the newly signed pro-growth tax bill. They highlight how companies like AT&T are already reinvesting billions into the economy. They also discuss a dangerous proposal to hike patent fees, financial regulation rollbacks at the CFPB, and a push to weaken credit standards at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Plus, Grover celebrates major state-level victories in the march toward zero income taxes and James shares a huge win in the fight to defund public media. If you're interested in tax reform, limited government, or protecting innovation and economic freedom, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, Grover Norquist and the team celebrate major conservative victories as President Trump signs a historic $9 billion rescissions package, completely defunding NPR and PBS for two years and cutting wasteful foreign aid programs. Plus: the IRS workforce is down 26,000 employees (25% reduction), states continue phasing out income taxes, and Trump's AI action plan embraces free market principles. We also discuss the "no tax on tips" policy impact and why rescissions are just the beginning of fiscal sanity. A must-listen for anyone who believes government should leave us alone.

In this episode of Leave Us Alone, Grover Norquist is joined by Mike Palicz, Isabelle Morales, and James Erwin to break down the landmark tax reform bill that just passed Congress—and why it’s a game-changing win for taxpayers, families, small businesses, and the economy.

They cover:

Permanent extension of Trump-era tax cuts for all income groups
Doubling (and extending) the child tax credit and standard deduction
Full expensing for business investment and pro-growth reforms
Major Medicaid reform—the most significant in U.S. history
Elimination of the “Venmo tax” and taxes on tips and overtime pay
Expansion of Health Savings Accounts
And why making tax policy permanent matters for prosperity and liberty

In this episode of Leave Us Alone, Grover Norquist and Mike Palicz break down the latest developments on the Senate’s version of the Trump Tax Cuts. With the Senate Parliamentarian reviewing key provisions and negotiations still underway, the future of permanent Trump tax cuts and expanded HSAs remains in flux. Grover and Mike walk through what’s still in the bill, what could change, and what SALT deals could look like. They also cover why the HSA expansion matters, how blue states want federal taxpayers to subsidize their overspending, and the bigger economic implications of conservative tax reform.

Grover Norquist, Mike Palicz, James Erwin, and Andrew Gins break down the Senate's version of the Tax Cut and Spending Reduction Act. They explain the permanence of the Trump tax cuts, how Republicans are repealing Biden’s IRS reporting scheme, and why spectrum auctions and stablecoin legislation matter for the future of the economy. If you want the inside scoop on what’s really in the bill—and what comes next—this episode has you covered.

In this episode of Leave Us Alone, Grover Norquist teams up with James and Mike to break down the “One Big Beautiful Bill” advancing through Congress. The bill cuts taxes across all income levels, makes the Trump tax cuts permanent, and reduces government spending by more than a trillion dollars. Later, Grover interviews Morton Blackwell, founder of the Leadership Institute, for a candid conversation about movement-building, political entrepreneurship, and the importance of training the next generation of leaders. If you want to understand how long-term conservative wins happen, not just in Congress but at the grassroots, this is the episode for you.

In this episode of Leave Us Alone, Grover Norquist is joined by FCC Commissioner Nathan Simington to break down how a Republican-led FCC is preparing to slash outdated regulations—starting with legacy broadcast ownership rules and expanding to the internet itself.

Commissioner Simington explains how the FCC is using its “Delete, Delete, Delete” initiative to identify and eliminate obsolete or burdensome rules, many dating back to World War II-era broadcast policies. The conversation also covers reforms to spectrum licensing, the collapse of net neutrality, and how the FCC is preparing to lead a pro-growth agenda that expands internet access while cutting red tape.

Grover and James also open the episode with a breakdown of the "One Big, Beautiful Bill"—the latest House-passed tax cut and spending restraint package. They discuss how making the Trump tax cuts permanent and achieving $1.6 trillion in spending reductions will fuel long-term economic growth and shift the fiscal conversation away from Washington's old tax-and-spend habits.

As the House passes a major Trump tax cut package, red states across the country are driving their own taxpayer revolutions. In this episode, Grover Norquist sits down with Montana Governor Greg Gianforte to talk about how state-level tax cuts—like Montana’s march toward a flat tax—are delivering big wins for taxpayers. From repealing the death tax to defending income tax reform from local overspending, this conversation lays out a blueprint for pro-growth policy in Washington and beyond. If you care about shrinking government and expanding opportunity, this one’s for you.

What’s better than a tax cut? One that kills bad ideas before they can start. Grover Norquist leads this week’s episode with Mike Palicz and James Erwin to review what’s in—and what was kept out—of the GOP’s latest tax package. The bill locks in key pillars of the Trump tax cuts: permanent lower individual rates, a boosted standard deduction for 90% of filers, a stronger small business deduction, and critical full expensing to drive investment and growth.

Also on the win list: repealing Biden’s Venmo snooping rule before it hits taxpayers and expanding tax-free tips to both workers and independent contractors. Plus: why the media’s push for tax hikes keeps falling flat—and how this bill keeps Washington’s hands out of your wallet.

Grover Norquist is joined by Ryan Ellis, Mike Palicz, and Isabelle Marchese to unpack the latest in tax policy and spending reform. They cover the looming tax package and the political tug-of-war over the SALT deduction, why most Americans aren’t actually affected by it, and how business SALT is a totally different beast. The team also dives into the upcoming Medicaid reforms that could save hundreds of billions, and why work requirements and eligibility checks are commonsense—not controversial. Plus, a breakdown of the spectrum auctions and stablecoin legislation that could shape the economic landscape ahead.

With Grover out, ATR’s Mike Palicz and James Erwin take over Leave Us Alone for a deep dive into the first 100 days of the Trump administration’s second term. They break down key legislative wins—like repealing Biden’s overreaching regulations through the Congressional Review Act—and highlight executive orders reviving American energy independence. The episode also tackles GOP tax policy strategy, the importance of work requirements in Medicaid, and warns against misguided ideas like a national car tax. It’s an unfiltered, pro-taxpayer look at what’s working—and what conservatives must reject.

Show Notes:

President Trump Nixes Tax Rate Hike Floated by Anonymous Staffers
Trump Warns GOP Against Tax Rate Hike: “We don’t need to be the READ MY LIPS Gang Who Lost An Election”
Newt Gingrich: There Must Be No Tax Increase
Paragon Institute: Survey Shows 81% of Voters Support Medicaid Work Requirements
30+ Free Market Groups, Advocates Call for Repealing Green New Deal Subsidies in Reconciliation

First, Grover Norquist and Mike Palicz break down how so-called “populist” efforts to raise taxes on small businesses were crushed — with help from President Trump himself. Then, Grover sits down with Dan Schneider of the Media Research Center (MRC) for a revealing conversation about how your tax dollars are propping up left-wing media like NPR, PBS, and even Wikipedia. Schneider outlines MRC’s campaign to defund government-funded media and why taxpayers should care. If the media can’t survive without subsidies, it shouldn’t be funded by you.

Show Notes: * TAKE ACTION: Defund NPR NOW (ATR Advocacy Alert) * MRC’s Defund PBS and NPR Campaign * Op-Ed: James Erwin: How Republicans can defund NPR

It’s Tax Day, and Grover Norquist is fired up. He’s joined by Mike Palicz to break down what’s really happening in Washington—from defending the Trump tax cuts to exposing how the IRS union has been weaponized against taxpayers. They tackle bad ideas in Congress, Trump’s quiet victories on government union reform, and why some Republicans need a history lesson before they float new tax hikes. You won’t want to miss this episode.

Show Notes:

Stop the B-SALT Assault, Make the Trump Tax Cuts Permanent! (ATR TV Ad)
Conservatives Oppose Tax Rate Increase
90 Manufacturing, Machinist, Builders and Contractors Groups “Oppose any effort to increase tax rates”
Media Calls Out Democrats for Lying About the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
Newt Gingrich: There Must Be No Tax Increase

In this episode of Leave Us Alone, Grover Norquist teams up with Mike Palicz, James Erwin, and Rowan Saydlowski to break down the latest wins for taxpayers—and the battles ahead.

The team covers:

Two Florida special election victories that strengthen the pro-taxpayer majority in Congress
The critical push to make the Trump tax cuts permanent using a "current policy" baseline
Why Trump’s “No Tax on Tips” plan must include gig workers and independent contractors
A major executive order gutting the influence of Big Labor in national security agencies
The fall of USPS Postmaster Louis DeJoy and the betrayal of his taxpayer mission
Updates on overdraft fees, de-banking regulation, and inside-the-swamp tax hike leaks

From exposing union abuses to defending small businesses from stealth tax hikes, this episode is packed with policy, political insight, and a few well-earned laughs. If you're ready for lower taxes and less government, don’t miss it.

Show Notes:

Randy Fine Makes “No New Taxes” Promise to Florida Voters
ATR’s Norquist Backs Senate Budget Resolution Paving the Way for Permanent Tax Cuts
House Leadership Backs Trump’s “All Across the Board” Income Tax Cuts
The Senate Rejects Price Controls on Overdraft Fees – the House Should Follow Suit
No Ode to DeJoy: Trump Turncoat Pushed Out as Postmaster General

In this episode of Leave Us Alone, Grover Norquist, Mike Palicz, and James Erwin break down the Republican Congress’s push to make the Trump tax cuts permanent and restore critical taxpayer protections gutted under the Biden administration. With House leadership urging the Senate to act, the team explains why timing is everything—and why pro-growth provisions like full expensing must be locked in now to jumpstart investment and economic growth.

They also spotlight how red states are leading the way on tax reform, moving aggressively toward flat taxes and even zero income tax. Meanwhile, Congress is fighting back against IRS overreach, including efforts to cut wasteful office space, rein in armed agents, and roll back a Biden-era rule that weakened oversight and opened the door to abuse.

From protecting families and job creators to holding the IRS accountable, this episode is a roadmap for restoring a government that serves—not burdens—taxpayers. Show Notes:

DOGE is Right on IRS Office Space: Even a Biden-Era Inspector General Report Found “a significant amount of unneeded office space”
Speaker Johnson’s Tweet

The clock is ticking on the 2017 Trump Tax Cuts, and if Congress doesn’t act, Americans will face a massive tax hike. In this episode of Leave Us Alone, Grover Norquist is joined by ATR’s Mike Palicz and James Erwin to break down the fight to extend these tax cuts, the role of reconciliation in the process, and the budget battles ahead.

They discuss why the House and Senate are at odds over the best approach, how tax baselines impact the debate, and what Republicans must do to ensure tax relief continues. Plus, they explore creative ways to offset tax cuts—like selling off government assets—and expose the latest bad ideas coming from Washington, including price controls and bloated federal spending.

Don’t miss this deep dive into the most critical tax fight of the year. Subscribe, rate, and review Leave Us Alone on your favorite podcast platform!

TAKE ACTION NOW: Urge Your Senators to Extend the Trump Tax Cuts

What if the key to transforming American governance isn't in Washington, but in 50 state capitals?

Join ATR President Grover Norquist as he unveils the conservative movement's most potent—yet overlooked—strategy for nationwide reform. In this explosive episode, Norquist exposes how state-level competition is quietly rewriting the rules of American policy, turning each state into a high-stakes laboratory where bold ideas rise and failed experiments collapse. From criminal justice breakthroughs to education revolutions, discover how bottom-up innovation is doing what decades of federal mandates could never achieve.

Show Notes:

Zero and Flat Income Tax States Map
2025 Republican and Democrat Control in the States

Join ATR President Grover Norquist and ATR staff members Mike Palicz and James Erwin in this Thanksgiving-themed episode of the "Leave Us Alone" podcast. They explore what lies ahead for taxpayers under the Trump administration and a Republican-controlled Congress in 2025. Grover, Mike, and James discuss potential impacts and strategies for avoiding last-minute regulations and spending measures during the final days of the Biden administration.

Tune in for an insightful and timely discussion about the future of American taxpayers and what Republican members are doing to address these challenges.

In this two-part episode of "Leave Us Alone with Grover Norquist," we dive into the Trump transition and what to expect from the new administration. Grover and the ATR team discuss the potential extension and permanence of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), a cornerstone of Trump's economic policy aimed at empowering hardworking Americans. In the second segment, Grover sits down with renowned pollster Scott Rasmussen to analyze the 2024 elections. They explore whether Trump has a mandate from the people, how polling performed this election cycle, and why the elite 1% are so disconnected from everyday Americans. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the future of American politics and the fight to keep government accountable to the people.

Grover Norquist and the ATR gang discuss the outcome of elections and ballot initiatives across the country. We cover the coalition of voters that delivered an election night victory for President-elect Donald Trump and Republicans. How the economy dominated as the top issue in this election. The crisis we averted by not electing Kamala Harris. The deregulatory agenda we're likely to see in a Trump and administration and where the GOP will go on tax reform.

In this can’t-miss episode of Leave Us Alone, Grover Norquist, joined by ATR experts Mike Palicz and Tom Hebert, uncovers the Biden-Harris administration’s latest power grabs. From the IRS’s alarming expansion of armed agents across the country—while failing to answer taxpayer calls—to Kamala Harris’s flip-flopping on fracking, this episode pulls no punches. Plus, we reveal FTC Chair Lina Khan’s scandal-ridden campaign appearances and her push to weaponize the agency against American businesses.

Get the facts you won’t hear in the mainstream media and find out what these power plays mean for conservatives and free-market advocates this November.

Show Notes:

Kamala’s Enlarged IRS Currently Hiring Armed Agents in all 50 States
74 of 76 IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service Phone Numbers Go Unanswered, Finds Inspector General
Kamala Harris Flip-Flops on Fracking Again, Supports Ban on New Drilling
ATR Applauds House and Senate Republicans for Challenging FTC Electioneering
How Elizabeth Warren Hijacked an Enfeebled Biden Presidency
ATR Applauds Senate Republicans for Condemning FTC-DOJ Media Leak Pipeline
CBO Misses Again: Post-TCJA Corporate Tax Revenue Exceeds Predictions
ATR’s Norquist Praises Speaker Johnson’s Call for “Extending and Building Upon the Trump Tax Cuts”

We're launching a new season of ATR President Grover Norquist's Leave Us Alone Podcast!

In this episode of Leave Us Alone, ATR President Grover Norquist dives into the real impact of tax policy on American workers. Grover highlights Donald Trump’s recent campaign stop at McDonald’s, exploring how his tax cuts actually benefited fast food employees. He also breaks down Kamala Harris’s proposed corporate tax hike, explaining why it could hurt workers across the board, and reveals the staggering $2 trillion cost of her call for amnesty and its impact on Medicare spending. Tune in for a no-holds-barred discussion.

Show Notes:

Trump Tax Cuts Are Vital to McDonald’s and Other Franchisees, Yet Kamala Vows to Repeal Those Tax Cuts and Raise the Corporate Income Tax
Trump Tax Cuts Helped McDonald’s Expand Employee Tuition Benefits
Study: Illegal Immigration Could Cost Taxpayers $2 Trillion in Medicare Spending
ATR Ad: Call Mike Lawler
Sen. Crapo is Right: Corporate Taxes are Paid by Workers, Retirees and Consumers

Welcome to the latest episode of "Leave Us Alone"!

We are honored to have Tiger Joyce, President of the American Tort Reform Association, join us. Sherman Joyce brings a wealth of experience from his career, having served as a Legislative Assistant to U.S. Senator John C. Danforth, minority counsel to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and his current role since August 1994. With degrees from Princeton University and Catholic University Law School, Mr. Joyce is a leading voice in the field of tort reform.

In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of the American legal system and explore the following critical issues with Sherman Joyce:

The Rise of Third-Party Litigation Funding (TPLF): Discover how third-party litigation funding has surged in the past decade and how trial lawyers have weaponized it as part of their "trial lawyer playbook."
Economic Impact of Mass Tort Litigation: The economic costs of mass tort litigation are staggering. Trial lawyers exploit the system unchecked, leading to significant financial burdens on American businesses and consumers.
Recent TPLF Cases: Examine recent examples of TPLF influencing court decisions. Foreign wealth funds are reportedly exploiting opportunities to manipulate the U.S. court system.
Proposed Reforms: Explore the proposed reforms aimed at curbing the excesses of TPLF. 5. Access to Justice vs. Abuse: Opponents argue that TPLF provides necessary access to justice for those who cannot afford it otherwise. How does this argument hold up against the evidence of widespread abuse and manipulation?

For more insights into these pressing issues, check out the following articles:

The American Legal System is Supposed to Protect Americans, Not Line the Coffers of Special Interests: https://townhall.com/columnists/tomhebert/2024/04/09/the-american-legal-system-is-supposed-to-protect-americans-not-line-the-coffers-of-special-interests-n2637513
Congress Should Dismantle Multibillion-Dollar Trial Lawyer 'Racket': https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/feb/21/congress-should-dismantle-multibillion-dollar-tria/

Join us for this eye-opening discussion to understand the intricate dynamics of litigation funding and its far-reaching implications on the American legal landscape. Take advantage of this critical conversation to protect our free-market principles and ensure justice for all.

President Biden’s nominee for Secretary of Labor, Julie Su, testified before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee yesterday. Su has a track record of implementing radical labor policies targeting independent contractors and the franchising sector alike. As the head of California’s labor department, she oversaw the squandering of over $30 billion in taxpayer dollars to unemployment fraud.

ATR Federal Affairs Coordinator Rowan Saydlowski joins Grover Norquist on Leave Us Alone to discuss the dangers of Biden’s radical nominee.

Today there are 21 states with school choice programs including 6 with universal school choice for K-12 education.

As state legislators across the country restore parental rights in education, Corey DeAngelis joins Grover to discuss the coming School Choice Revolution.

Corey DeAngelis is a senior fellow at the American Federation for Children. He is also the executive director at Educational Freedom Institute, an adjunct scholar at the Cato Institute, a senior fellow at Reason Foundation, and a board member at Liberty Justice Center.

The most successful states that have legalized sports betting have a competitive, low-tax environment with focused regulation that puts integrity first – rather than using regulations to handicap certain companies or provide giveaways to sports leagues.

In this episode, Grover talks with Brandt Iden, Vice President of Government Affairs for Fanatics Betting & Gaming. Previously, Iden served as a former Michigan State legislator where he was the primary author of Michigan’s sports betting bill. He possesses unique insights into this growing industry from both a market and elected official perspectives.

Due to the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, American taxpayers are obviously concerned about the health of the U.S. banking system. Federal regulators insured deposits beyond the $250,000 FDIC limit to protect against "systemic risk."

The Biden administration disingenuously claims taxpayers will not be on the hook for bailing out SVB.

Taxpayers will ultimately pay more for banking services because the regulators decided to insure all depositors, circumventing the $250,000 threshold.

Tune in to Grover's latest episode of the Leave Us Alone podcast to learn more.

Buried in the misnamed Inflation Reduction Act passed by Democrats is a provision that hands the IRS $15 million in taxpayer funding to lay the groundwork for creating a government-run tax preparation system.

This would incentivize the IRS to overcharge taxpayers or withhold information from filers to maximize revenue. Private tax preparation companies, in contrast, have a financial incentive to minimize the taxes their clients owe.

Congress should resist any effort that would empower the IRS to simultaneously act as tax preparer, collector, and auditor.

Check out ATR President Grover Norquist's latest episode of Leave Us Alone.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is an absolute dumpster fire. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen gave the agency a 6-month deadline to disclose how they would spend the additional $80 billion in funding provided by Congress. Still, the IRS missed the deadline and doesn't appear worried. Taxpayers deserve increased transparency and accountability from the IRS to ensure that our tax dollars are used effectively and efficiently.

Check out Grover's latest episode of the Leave Us Alone Podcast to learn more about the incompetence and negligence surrounding the IRS.

Inflation is running rampant in Joe Biden’s America and Senate Democrats recently announced a $3.5 trillion spending packing, which they hope will be paid for by aggressive IRS enforcement. Join us for the latest episode of Grover Norquist's Leave Us Alone podcast where Grover will discuss what Biden's policies mean for American taxpayers. Leave Us Alone with Grover Norquist is a weekly video and audio podcast found on all major podcast streaming services: * YouTube * Facebook * Spotify * Apple Podcast

In this episode of Leave us Alone, Grover will be interviewing Phil Kerpen, president of American Commitment and the Committee to Unleash Prosperity, about COVID-19 and what lessons we should learn about pandemics and government policy.

Phil Kerpen is president of American Commitment and a nationally syndicated columnist. American Commitment is dedicated to restoring and protecting America’s core commitment to free markets, economic growth, Constitutionally-limited government, property rights, and individual freedom.

Leave Us Alone with Grover Norquist is a weekly video and audio podcast found on all major podcast streaming services: * YouTube * Facebook * Spotify * Apple Podcast

The misleadingly-named “Protecting the Right to Organize” (PRO) Act would dramatically increase Big Labor’s power at the expense of the American worker. The bill is a grab-bag of liberal priorities that would kill small businesses and threaten millions of American jobs.

Yet the PRO Act is only one component of President Joe Biden’s war on worker freedom. ATR President Grover Norquist and Open Competition Center's Tom Hebert discuss the PRO Act and the Biden administration’s plan to carry out Big Labor’s agenda.

Leave Us Alone with Grover Norquist is a weekly video and audio podcast found on all major podcast streaming services:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wwNrbllZpg
Facebook: https://fb.watch/5LHIvNgtnF/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4ldFfRCMgVukOs1sA67tE6?si=8lg5rtyMSpSgI1KYvAR1pw
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bidens-costly-intrusive-plan-for-the-irs/id1569240102?i=1000523213205

David Chipman, President Biden's pick to lead the ATF, recently confirmed his support for a $200 gun tax, which also applies to magazines of over ten rounds, and a ban on AR-15s.

Joe Biden and his administration would force semiautomatic rifle owners to either participate in a gun buyback program or register their firearm under the National Firearms Act, which requires a $200 tax payment. This would extend to AR-15s and other common household rifles.

Join ATR President Grover Norquist for the latest episode of Leave Us Alone as he discusses Biden's efforts to tax the 2nd Amendment out of existence with John R. Lott, President of the Crime Prevention Research Center.

President Joe Biden wants to hire 86,852 new IRS agents, which would more than double the agency’s workforce.

Even Obama-era IRS chief John Koskinen – a longtime advocate of increasing the IRS budget – thinks President Joe Biden’s proposal to increase IRS funding by $80 billion is too much.

Rather than fix the agency's longstanding mismanagement, ineptitude and abuse problems, Biden's approach will make the problem worse.

Numerous watchdog reports have found that the agency’s inability to do its job is due to incompetence, not lack of funding.

The last thing the IRS needs is more power and responsibility. In fact, it is likely that new responsibilities will become overwhelming for the IRS, leading to these new scandals and new cases of taxpayer abuse.

Join ATR President Grover Norquist as he discusses the history of IRS scandals and taxpayer abuses with author James Bovard.

President Biden announced his “American Jobs Plan” – a two trillion dollar spending boondoggle meant to target all sorts of infrastructural issues.

ATR President Grover Norquist and Digital Liberty's Katie McAuliffe examine how the President’s Plan will impact technology and broadband.

Progressive lawmakers, led by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.), recently rolled out an expanded form of the Green New Deal that includes funding to hire 1.5 million uniformed climate activists to serve in the “Civilian Climate Corps.” The hall monitors of the Green New Deal.

Ocasio-Cortez’s call for a Civilian Climate Corps is an attempted revival of the Civilian Conservation Corps that existed briefly during the 1930s where members often lived in military barracks and wore military-style uniforms.

Tune in as ATR President Grover Norquist talks the details of the Green New Deal and Carbon Taxes with Mike Palicz, ATR's Energy Policy Expert.

Raising the corporate rate to 25%, as some Democrats are calling for, would leave America with a rate higher than many foreign competitors and harm American workers, businesses, and investment.

Yet, Voters believe the US corporate rate should be at or below the rates of our foreign competitors – including China -- and believe that raising taxes on businesses could ship existing jobs overseas and result in new jobs being created overseas instead of in America.

Join ATR President Grover Norquist as he discusses why Democrat policies will not help working American families and workers.