Podcast Summary: The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell

Episode: Trump is living in fear tonight of just how bad election night will be for him next year
Date: November 6, 2025
Host: Lawrence O'Donnell
Guests: Professor Lawrence Tribe (Harvard Law), Congressman Brendan Boyle (PA), others

Main Theme

Lawrence O'Donnell examines the sweeping Democratic victories in the previous night’s elections, framing them as a decisive public rejection of Donald Trump, his policies, and the Republican Party. He explores Trump’s political vulnerabilities after these defeats, the Supreme Court’s consideration of Trump’s tariff powers, and the immediate implications for the President’s legitimacy and the future of Congressional control.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. A Political Shellacking & Trump’s Denial

[01:04 – 03:00]

• The election results from coast to coast were described as a "shellacking" for Republicans and a direct referendum on Trump.
• Trump’s attempt to downplay the losses by claiming he wasn’t personally on the ballot is rebuffed by commentators and the Wall Street Journal, which opined that Trump “really was on the ballot” as the “main motivating force” for high Democratic turnout.
• Notable outcomes:
  • Democrats winning governorships in NJ and VA by linking opponents to Trump.
  • Democrats gain 13 seats in the Virginia House of Delegates.
  • California voters pass a proposition that may give Democrats 4-5 more House seats.

Lawrence O’Donnell [01:56]:
“Donald Trump went from being a lame duck to being a humiliated duck when voters from coast to coast turned out to vote against Donald Trump and his candidates and his policies in every place and in every way that they could.”

2. Trump’s Politically “Suicidal” Policies

[04:30 – 06:30]

• O’Donnell characterizes Trump’s recent shutdown and plans to cripple air traffic control ahead of Thanksgiving as self-destructive, arguing such policies are politically and practically harmful.
• Suggests Democratic control of the House could lead to real investigations into Trump’s administration.

Lawrence O’Donnell [06:22]:
“Donald Trump is living in fear tonight of just how bad election night is going to be for him next year.”

3. Supreme Court Showdown: Tariffs as Presidential Power

[07:00 – 17:00]

• Trump administration’s attempt to defend unilateral imposition of tariffs before the Supreme Court is dissected.
• Neil Katyal, representing the case against Trump’s tariffs, makes a foundational point in his opening:

  Neil Katyal [11:00]:
  “Tariffs are taxes. They take dollars from Americans pockets and deposit them in the US Treasury. Our founders gave that taxing power to Congress alone.”

• Chief Justice Roberts and the rest of the Court share skepticism of the administration’s arguments.
• Justice Sotomayor’s incisive question:

  Justice Sotomayor [12:16]:
  “I just don't understand this argument. It's a congressional power, not a presidential power to tax... Tariffs are paid by American citizens.”

• Professor Tribe later explains the constitutional distinction between the power to regulate imports versus the power to tax, referencing the importance of the Major Questions Doctrine.

4. Legal and Constitutional Analysis: Professor Lawrence Tribe Interview

[17:57 – 29:54]

• Tribe details why the President cannot unilaterally impose tariffs under the pretense of emergency trade powers.
• Distinguishes taxing from regulating, referencing historical precedent and Chief Justice Roberts’ ACA decision.
• Tribe and O'Donnell highlight the legal and democratic dangers of such executive overreach.

Professor Lawrence Tribe [18:14]:
“The principle of no taxation without representation is at the very foundation of our Republic... The power to tax is a distinct power.”

• Discussion of how the Trump administration tries to use tariffs as leverage or threats, often unrelated to real trade imbalances.

5. California Redistricting and Democratic Momentum

[31:48 – 36:33]

• California Governor Gavin Newsom’s redistricting win could grant Democrats up to five more congressional seats, potentially shifting House control.
• Newsom frames this as a means to “end Trump’s presidency as we know it.”
• He accuses Trump of using intimidation tactics, including deploying law enforcement to suppress the vote and target political opponents in Los Angeles.

Gov. Gavin Newsom (Democratic Party Spokesperson) [34:38]:
“People waiting up three hours to cast their vote, to send a message to Donald Trump. No crowns, no thrones, no kings. That's what this victory represents.”

6. Implications for Republicans & Commentary from Congressman Brendan Boyle

[36:50 – 43:15]

• Political analysts argue GOP gains with working-class, Hispanic, and young voters have evaporated due to extremism and broken promises.
• Congressman Brendan Boyle recounts Democrats’ unprecedented clean sweep across Pennsylvania counties and offices.
• Predicts the results will embolden swing-district Republicans to distance themselves from Trump, fearing voter backlash.

Rep. Brendan Boyle [38:51]:
“I have never seen an election like last night in which Democrats won literally every contested office, no matter the county... I feel even more confident than ever going into the congressional midterms next year.”

• O'Donnell and Boyle discuss the possibility of Democrats blocking Trump’s legislative agenda once they retake the House.

7. Reflection: The Art of Losing Graciously

[43:16 – End]

• Lawrence O'Donnell reflects on Mario Cuomo’s gracious 1994 concession speech, contrasting it with Andrew Cuomo’s tone after his recent defeat.
• The theme: humility and unity are more vital than cynicism and divisiveness in American democracy.

Mario Cuomo (via transcript, quoted by O’Donnell):
“We've been given too much. We have been too fortunate to become bitter and negative. That's a dangerous thing.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments with Timestamps

• “Donald Trump went from being a lame duck to being a humiliated duck...”
  — Lawrence O’Donnell [01:56]

• “Mr. Trump was on the ballot, not literally, but nonetheless as the main motivating force behind a dominating Democratic turnout.”
  — Wall Street Journal editorial, quoted by O’Donnell [02:20]

• “Tariffs are taxes. They take dollars from Americans pockets and deposit them in the US Treasury. Our founders gave that taxing power to Congress alone.”
  — Neil Katyal [11:00]

• “I just don't understand this argument. It's a congressional power, not a presidential power to tax.”
  — Justice Sonia Sotomayor [12:16]

• “The principle of no taxation without representation is at the very foundation of our Republic.”
  — Professor Lawrence Tribe [18:14]

• “No crowns, no thrones, no kings. That's what this victory represents...”
  — Gov. Newsom, as Democratic Spokesperson [34:38]

• “I have never seen an election like last night in which Democrats won literally every contested office, no matter the county...”
  — Rep. Brendan Boyle [38:51]

Important Segments and Timestamps

• Clear Democratic victories, interpreted as referendum on Trump:
  [01:04 – 03:00]
• Discussion of policies and upcoming Democratic oversight:
  [04:30 – 06:30]
• Supreme Court argument on tariffs and limits of presidential power:
  [07:00 – 17:00]
• Interview – Professor Laurence Tribe, deep dive on constitutional issues:
  [17:57 – 29:54]
• Gavin Newsom and California redistricting:
  [31:48 – 36:33]
• Congressman Boyle on voting trends and implications for 2026:
  [38:51 – 43:15]
• Closing reflection on graciousness in politics (Mario Cuomo):
  [43:16 – end]

Takeaways

• The 2025 off-year elections are seen as a dire warning for Trump and the GOP, with Democratic gains interpreted as a rejection of Trump.
• The Supreme Court appears skeptical of Trump’s expansive use of executive power on tariffs, reinforcing Congressional prerogatives on taxation.
• California and other states’ redistricting could reshape the House, and, per Democratic leaders, “end Trump’s presidency as we know it.”
• With Democrats poised for 2026, the party’s growing coalition and Trump’s unpopular policies are fueling momentum.
• The episode closes with a call for elegiac civility in American politics, urging leaders not to wallow in bitterness or divisiveness.