No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen
Episode: Trump’s new executive order sends shockwaves
Date: September 28, 2025
Host: Brian Tyler Cohen
Episode Overview
In this episode, Brian Tyler Cohen breaks down the sweeping implications of Donald Trump’s new executive order designating “Antifa” as a domestic terrorist organization—an order with far-reaching consequences beyond its surface-level aim. The episode features in-depth conversations with Congressman Jamie Raskin, Pod Save America’s Jon Favreau, Democracy Forward’s Sky Perryman, and investigative journalist Adam Klassfeld, each delving into different facets of the current authoritarian turn in U.S. governance: government corruption and cover-ups, political prosecutions, suppression of dissent, and the erosion of the rule of law.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. Trump’s Executive Order Designating "Antifa" as Domestic Terrorists
[00:16 - 06:09]
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Main Point:
Trump’s executive order designates Antifa as a terrorist organization—a move Cohen stresses is less about targeting a specific group and more about giving the administration broad power to criminalize any opposition."At first blush, that doesn't really seem effective because Antifa isn't like a real thing. There's no organization called Antifa... But that's actually the wrong way to think about this because, in fact, Trump wants this executive order to focus not on a specific group, but rather an amorphous idea... he can bunch anybody he dislikes into this group."
– Brian Tyler Cohen [00:37] -
Implications:
- The lack of structure in “Antifa” allows Trump to label almost anyone with progressive views as a terrorist.
- This order creates a chilling effect, aiming to make dissent dangerous and linking everyday progressive activism to terrorism.
"He is trying to make it illegal to be a Democrat in this country."
– Brian Tyler Cohen [01:35] -
Political Context:
- Trump is acting from “a place of extreme weakness” as poll numbers fall and key promises remain unkept.
- The administration’s approach is seen as a desperate reaction to eroding support.
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Call to Action:
- Cohen urges listeners to recognize their own agency, get involved, and bring others along in protest, boycotts, and voting.
2. Jamie Raskin on the Epstein Files & Congressional Transparency
[06:28 - 21:03]
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Congressional Action:
- With a new Democrat in Congress, the discharge petition to force a vote to release the Epstein files has enough signatures.
- Bipartisan public support exists for transparency, despite GOP leadership resisting.
"There's overwhelming support in the country... to release the Epstein files. And this was one little parcel of corruption that we thought Trump and the Republicans would side with us on... But of course... they decided to sweep the whole thing under the rug."
– Jamie Raskin [06:51] -
Corruption & Cover-Up:
- FBI investigations yielded evidence implicating Trump, leading to stonewalling and procedural delays.
- Raskin notes even some MAGA-aligned Republicans support releasing the files (Marjorie Taylor Greene, Nancy Mace, Lauren Boebert, Thomas Massie).
"We've seen them do this kind of thing before, and we just have to make clear to the public what's going on. This is a cover up."
– Jamie Raskin [08:02] -
Trump’s Tactics:
- Using levers of power to block investigations and suppress evidence.
- Shifting rules and procedures to avoid accountability.
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First Amendment Attacks – FCC vs. Jimmy Kimmel:
- The administration, through FCC chair Brendan Carr, attempted to silence comedian Jimmy Kimmel, a move Raskin brands as blatant government censorship.
"This is just pure government censorship... you could see it very clearly in another country if you had the president... ordering the broadcast regulators to shut down a comedian who made fun of the president. And that's basically what just happened."
– Jamie Raskin [14:19] -
Encroaching Authoritarianism:
- Trump’s government only defends “free speech” for supporters, weaponizing agencies to chill dissent.
- Select GOP figures broke ranks to defend Kimmel, showing cracks in Trump’s coalition.
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Hope and Agency:
- Raskin points to widespread resistance and urges every citizen to act as a leader, especially with midterms approaching.
3. Jon Favreau: Public Feuds, Silencing Dissent & Authoritarian Playbook
[22:37 - 38:03]
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Public Feud with Vice President J.D. Vance:
- Favreau recounts being publicly insulted by Vance for challenging his misleading statements about an ICE-related shooting.
- Criticizes Vance for issuing premature, incendiary rhetoric before facts were known—part of a larger pattern.
"It is at best, unhelpful, at worst, dangerous for government officials, particularly the Vice President of the United States, to come up with political takes before an investigation has even begun."
– Jon Favreau [24:06] -
Government Suppression of Dissent:
- The administration uses incidents as pretexts to target left-leaning organizations and escalate crackdowns on free speech.
- Going after ICE critics, firing U.S. Attorneys unwilling to prosecute Trump’s political targets.
"If people don't like the way he's running the economy... what he's doing with ICE... he's going to use the power of the state to silence you. That's what's going on."
– Jon Favreau [28:45] -
Boycotts & Consumer Power:
- Favreau and Cohen discuss the effectiveness of collective action: Disney restores Kimmel after major boycotts; Sinclair follows suit.
- Companies recognize that appeasing Trump yields no loyalty, and the only language Trump responds to is power and resistance.
"You gain nothing by negotiating with Trump. He is not a good faith negotiating partner. He will roll you the second it becomes politically convenient or financially advantageous for him to do so."
– Brian Tyler Cohen [35:50]
4. Sky Perryman: FOIA Requests and Exposing Corruption (Tom Homan Bribery)
[40:32 - 46:08]
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Democracy Forward’s FOIA Request:
- Perryman explains their legal battle to force release of video evidence showing ICE chief Tom Homan allegedly accepting a $50,000 cash bribe to steer government contracts.
- Anticipates Trump’s administration will attempt to block or destroy evidence, but is confident in the courts.
"This is basic stuff. It's Corruption 101... people need to be able to hold their government accountable... No one likes the idea of their government wheeling and dealing in corruption."
– Sky Perryman [42:06] -
Obfuscation by Officials:
- Tom Homan, when questioned, does not outright deny the accusation, instead deflects on technicalities and claims persecution.
"When I used to try cases, we would say what's important is not what they said, but what they didn't say."
– Sky Perryman [44:26] -
Systemic Corruption:
- DOJ and federal agencies are seen as protecting allies and only prosecuting political enemies.
- Perryman argues that transparency, even via legal compulsion, is essential.
5. Adam Klassfeld: Trump’s Political Prosecutions and Legal Breakdown
[46:08 - 61:43]
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Comey Indictment & Breakdown of Justice:
- Klassfeld covers Trump’s prosecution of James Comey: forced out Trump-appointed U.S. Attorney Eric Siebert when he refused to indict; replaced with Trump’s personal attorney Lindsey Halligan—a prosecutor with no trial experience.
- The case is built on dubious legal premises, receives minimal support even within the grand jury, and features no line prosecutors—signs of a politicized indictment.
"What is absolutely different is that Trump isn’t taking no for an answer and he’s ordering the prosecution. He forced out the US attorney who stood in its way. He appointed his own personal attorney who has no experience to override the view of her career prosecutors and find a way to get an indictment, come hell or high water."
– Adam Klassfeld [60:01] -
Risks for Prosecutors:
- Halligan and others could face serious legal consequences and sanctions for carrying out vindictive prosecutions.
- Career prosecutors are refusing to be anywhere near these cases—a red flag to legal experts.
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Comparative Perspective:
- Klassfeld notes this is a stark evolution from Trump 1.0, when his demands for prosecutions often stalled. In Trump 2.0, opposition within the system is being purged; Trump now achieves direct political prosecutions.
- The pattern: Only MAGA loyalists remain, and the administration openly uses the justice system as a tool against all dissenters—journalists, comedians, political foes.
"This case is a startling example of a Trump-ordered prosecution. And it's a new animal and I don't think it'll be the last of its kind."
– Adam Klassfeld [61:43]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Brian Tyler Cohen:
“He is trying to make it illegal to be a Democrat in this country.” [01:35]
- Jamie Raskin:
"This is a cover up. This is a complete cover up... They want to sweep the whole thing under the rug." [08:02]
"Everybody needs to be a leader in this moment. Everybody." [19:26] - Jon Favreau:
"Doesn't seem like [the VP] has much to do.” [23:36]
"The government threatening to silence anyone calling them authoritarian is not the most effective way of beating the charge that you're authoritarian." [29:25] - Sky Perryman:
“This is basic stuff. It's Corruption 101.” [42:06]
- Adam Klassfeld:
"It's a flashing red light… you always know something is up when the line prosecutors won't go anywhere near the case." [52:55]
“A prosecutor can indict a ham sandwich… but grand juries are showing that in the Trump era, they are having much more difficulty than anyone previously before.” [51:16]
Important Timestamps
- Trump’s Executive Order & Analysis: [00:16 - 06:09]
- Jamie Raskin on Epstein & Authoritarianism: [06:28 - 21:03]
- Jon Favreau on Free Speech & Public Resistance: [22:37 - 38:03]
- Sky Perryman on Tom Homan FOIA & Government Corruption: [40:32 - 46:08]
- Adam Klassfeld on the Comey Prosecution & Decline of Rule of Law: [46:08 - 61:43]
Conclusion
This episode warns of the accelerating pace of authoritarian tactics under Trump’s second term—from criminalizing opposition and chilling dissent, to weaponizing federal agencies and undermining the rule of law. Through detailed conversations with leading voices, Cohen underscores the importance of public resistance, transparency, and direct citizen action: the only real safeguard against a government working to silence and punish its critics.