Leave Us Alone with Grover Norquist
Leave Us Alone with Grover Norquist examines the core components of the Center-Right Movement and how these groups simply want to be left alone on their vote-moving issues. Each week, ATR President Grover Norquist breaks down the latest tax, spending, and policy battles with Americans for Tax Reform's policy experts and key voices from across the conservative movement. The show gives listeners the insight and clarity they need to push back against the Left's agenda and defend free markets, individual liberty, and a government that respects taxpayers' freedom.
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Episodes
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STAFF TAKEOVER: Gavin Newsom's "Toddler Tax," Trump Accounts & Capital Gains Reform
Δευτέρα, 9 Μαρτίου 2026
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 poli...
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Job Growth Is Back. Government Is Shrinking. Here's Why It Matters.
Πέμπτη, 12 Φεβρουαρίου 2026
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.
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Ronald Reagan's Legacy and Why It Still Matters
Παρασκευή, 6 Φεβρουαρίου 2026
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 Legac...
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The Truth About Welfare, Poverty, and Income in America
Παρασκευή, 30 Ιανουαρίου 2026
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 in...
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The Betrayal: 17 Republicans Vote to Expand Obamacare
Παρασκευή, 16 Ιανουαρίου 2026
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 a...
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How a Simple Pledge Protects Taxpayers
Κυριακή, 4 Ιανουαρίου 2026
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, a...
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The Real Political Divide in America Today
Δευτέρα, 22 Δεκεμβρίου 2025
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.
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What Does the Republican Whip Actually Do? Rep. Tom Emmer Explains
Τρίτη, 16 Δεκεμβρίου 2025
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 widespr...
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Reconciliation, Obamacare Fraud, and Steve Moore on Ending the Tax on Inflation
Τετάρτη, 10 Δεκεμβρίου 2025
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.
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Shutdown Politics, Obamacare Subsidies, and the Cost of Big Government with AFP's Brent Gardner
Παρασκευή, 31 Οκτωβρίου 2025
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 ...
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The Obamacare Ransom: Why Democrats Are Holding the Government Hostage
Σάββατο, 25 Οκτωβρίου 2025
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...
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The Schumer Shutdown: What's the Democrats' Endgame?
Πέμπτη, 16 Οκτωβρίου 2025
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 o...
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The Schumer Shutdown: Why Democrats Boxed Themselves In
Πέμπτη, 9 Οκτωβρίου 2025
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 policie...
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The Schumer Shutdown: Spending Demands, Permanent Biden COVID Credits, and the Fight for Fiscal Sanity
Παρασκευή, 3 Οκτωβρίου 2025
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 ...
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Shutdown Showdown: Schumer's Gamble and Obamacare Subsidies
Πέμπτη, 25 Σεπτεμβρίου 2025
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 b...
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Teamsters, Taxes, and the Fight for Free Markets
Παρασκευή, 15 Αυγούστου 2025
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...
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Quantifying the Wins: CFPB Rollbacks, Patent Fees, NPR, and State-Level Shifts
Πέμπτη, 7 Αυγούστου 2025
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...
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Victory Lap: $9 Billion in Rescissions, NPR Defunded, and IRS Workforce Cut by 26,000
Σάββατο, 26 Ιουλίου 2025
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.
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One Big Beautiful Bill: Permanent Tax Cuts, Entitlement Reform, and Economic Growth
Τετάρτη, 9 Ιουλίου 2025
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...
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The Latest on What's Still in the Senate's Tax Bill
Παρασκευή, 27 Ιουνίου 2025
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 t...
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What's in the Senate's Big Beautiful Tax Bill?
Παρασκευή, 20 Ιουνίου 2025
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.
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How to Build a Movement: Morton Blackwell on Conservative Activism and the Leadership Institute
Παρασκευή, 6 Ιουνίου 2025
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...
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Delete, Delete, Delete: How the FCC Is Rolling Back Biden-Era Regs
Σάββατο, 31 Μαΐου 2025
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 le...
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Tax Cuts Across America: Trump's Agenda and Gov. Gianforte's Montana Model
Παρασκευή, 23 Μαΐου 2025
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.
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The Tax Cut Bill That Delivers: What's In, What's Out, and Why It Matters
Πέμπτη, 15 Μαΐου 2025
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 inde...
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Inside the GOP Tax Agenda: SALT Debate, Medicaid Reform, and What's Next
Πέμπτη, 8 Μαΐου 2025
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 econo...
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Trump's First 100 Days: Wins for Taxpayers, Warnings for Republicans
Παρασκευή, 2 Μαΐου 2025
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 reje...
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Stop the Spin: How Trump Killed a Tax Hike — and Why It's Time to Defund NPR
Πέμπτη, 24 Απριλίου 2025
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 Ad...
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Tax Day Truths: The IRS, Trump Tax Cuts, and Stupid Ideas in DC
Τρίτη, 15 Απριλίου 2025
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 an...
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Permanent Tax Cuts, Tax-Free Tips, and a Blow to Union Bosses
Παρασκευή, 4 Απριλίου 2025
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 an...
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