The Rob Carson Show – "Fight, Fight, Tariff!" (Feb 20, 2026)
Podcast Summary

Overview

This episode, aired live on Newsmax Radio, finds Rob Carson focusing on the recent Supreme Court decision striking down Trump-era IPA tariffs, the broader battle over economic and cultural issues in America, and the latest in politics, sports, and society with his characteristic blend of humor, patriotic fervor, and sharp commentary. The show features regular contributor Tony Kennett, audio clips from FOX's Maria Bartiromo and legal expert Jonathan Turley, and signature satirical songs.

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. U.S. Olympic Pride & Patriotism

[01:17–04:28]

• Carson opens by celebrating the U.S. Women's Hockey team's Olympics victory, emphasizing the “all-women, biologically female lineup” and the return of visible patriotism at the Games.
• He highlights skater Alysa Liu's gold medal and her moving personal story, underscoring her and the athletes’ unfiltered joy and gratitude.
• Notable Quote:
  • “They came and they saw and they kicked some serious butt.” – Rob Carson [01:44]
  • “She just experiences joy. She loves doing it.” – Rob Carson on Alysa Liu [02:55]
  • “I love the US and greatest country in the world. So happy to represent it here with you.” – Quinn Hughes, US Men’s Hockey [04:20]
• Carson contrasts these moments with recent divisive trends in sports, suggesting renewed unity on display.

2. Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump Tariffs: Analysis & Reaction

[04:28–13:50; 18:15–19:23]

• Carson addresses the Supreme Court ruling against the Trump administration’s use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEPA) for tariffs, calling it a setback but not a defeat.
• Outlines the relentless opposition Trump has faced—“97% negative coverage, two impeachments, an attempted assassination”—as a backdrop for the decision.
• Urges listeners to “fight, fight, fight” and get involved in the midterms.
• Asserts Democrats are increasingly desperate and “morally bankrupt,” with no constructive plans.
• Carson pivots to optimism, emphasizing overwhelming “joy and patriotism” as a means to push back politically.
• Legal and economic options discussed for replacing lost tariff revenue, including:
  • Section 338 & Section 122 of the 1930 Tariff Act (explained by Maria Bartiromo) [12:29–13:50]
  • Other statutory avenues: Section 232 (national security), Section 301 (unfair trade practices)
• Notable Quotes:
  • “We’re going to lose some battles. This I wouldn’t consider a major battle because there are other avenues.” – Rob Carson [05:49]
  • “Congress authorized the President to regulate importation... The meaning of that phrase was beyond doubt by the time that Congress enacted this statute.” – Carson quoting Justice Clarence Thomas’s dissent [13:18]

3. Economic Policy, Executive Power, and Republican Strategy

[18:15–24:42]

• Turley: “The ruling is a massive loss for Trump tariffs and his asserted power to impose them on any country at any time without Congressional input, a central feature of his administration's economic foreign policy.” [11:51]
• Carson and Tony Kennett debate optimal economic policy and executive authority:
  • Kennett distinguishes between broad, unilateral tariffs (which he opposes) and targeted/strategic tariffs with Congressional backing.
  • “The idea that we just give executive, whoever it is, unilateral power... that's not how it works.” – Tony Kennett [24:42]
  • Kennett: Supreme Court decision forces “more competent people” to take charge, potentially leading to economic improvement in Q2.
• Notable Quotes:
  • “If this is what it all took to get Howard Lutnick to get Pam Bondi to get Christy Noem to get Peter Navarro to shut up and let the more competent people do the stuff they are supposed to do. If this is what it all took, it’s worth it.” – Tony Kennett [37:53]

4. Politics as a “Civil War” & Call to Action

[05:04–07:16]

• Carson framing U.S. political divide as an ongoing “civil war,” with Democrats portrayed as willing to “burn the country down” to maintain power.
• Claims the left no longer has “ways to cheat” due to exposure of corruption and fraud.
• Stresses personal responsibility: no waiting for activists, “You and me got to do something about this.”

5. Shifting Population & NFL Franchises

[22:05–36:32]

• Chicago Bears’ move to Hammond, Indiana discussed at length, cited as parallel to wider migration from “Democrat-run” cities due to policies driving crime and economic decline.
• Humorous banter about potential team names and nostalgia for the 1985 Bears.
• Carson likens Democrat leaders’ regret over companies and residents fleeing high-tax areas to “abusive husbands” surprised when their spouse leaves.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Why would you want to stay in Chicago, for crying out loud?” – Rob Carson [32:05]
  • “If socialism is working so well, then why is California... the most fled from state in America?” – Rob Carson [33:55]

6. Broader Economic and Social Commentary

[13:50–36:32]

• Recap of large federal spending bills (Obamacare, COVID relief, infrastructure), which Carson argues are fundamentally corrupt and vehicles for graft.
• Discussion of failed progressive ventures, e.g., a “free grocery store in New York” shut within a week due to unsustainable demand [34:51].
• Kennett: “Americans are exhausted of being promised the moon and being delivered gravel. Republicans and Democrats are going to have to put up or shut up because the midterms are going to be about who is actually giving me things, what I want.” [36:32]

7. Voter ID Debate & The SAFE Act Satire

[38:32–End (~42:00)]

• Carson lampoons objections to voter ID by Democratic leaders like Gavin Newsom and James Clyburn, skewering arguments that IDs are inaccessible to minorities.
• Parody song “Sha dooby doobie... Democrats, Democrats, they are rats; they hope the SAFE Act they can help defeat...” satirizes Democratic resistance to election reforms.
• Notable Quote:
  • “You need an ID for everything. Hey, Senate, pass the SAFE Act for me!” – Rob Carson [41:14]

Memorable Moments & Quotes (with Timestamps)

• “[Trump] had to sit in the courtroom while he was also campaigning... then twice they tried to kill him. One time, a bullet hit his ear. He turned his head and saved his life by millimeters. And he stood up and he shook his fist in the air and said, fight, fight, fight. No world leader has ever said that after an attempted assassination.” – Rob Carson [05:04]
• “Congress authorized the President to regulate importation... The meaning of that phrase was beyond doubt by the time that Congress enacted this statute.” – Reading from Justice Thomas’s dissent [13:18]
• “The idea that we just give executive, whoever it is, unilateral power. And this is, this is what Alito argued pretty, or, excuse me, what Gorsuch argued pretty clearly. And I say decently. So, no, in this case, I don't think so.” – Tony Kennett [24:42]
• “Either the economy says, okay, fine, tariffs, we'll get used to it, or, wow, looks like tariffing the bananas on Madagascar isn't going to be a thing anymore. All right, sure, we can do this too. So either way, I think it's a win.” – Tony Kennett [25:37]
• “They have nothing good to add to the conversation. They have no plan for the future. They have no tax plan, no business plan, no nothing.” – Rob Carson [07:50]
• “They have been planning and looking at ways to actually raise revenue to replace the lost revenue. So they do have some ways to do that. If the president were to look at section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 as well as section 122 of the Tariff Act of 1930...” – Maria Bartiromo [12:29]

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [01:17] Opening patriotism, Olympics, sports
• [04:28] Trump tariffs struck down – initial reaction
• [11:44, 12:29, 18:15] Legal and economic analysis—Turley, Bartiromo, Supreme Court dissent
• [24:42] Tony Kennett on Congress and tariff powers
• [22:05; 31:15] Bears leaving Chicago—migration trends and humor
• [34:51] Satire of failed progressive projects
• [38:32] Voter ID & SAFE Act satire song

Tone & Style

Rob Carson delivers the show with his signature blend of satire, unfiltered conservative commentary, and a sense of camaraderie with his regular contributors. While the episode is packed with information and pointed political critique, humor and parody remain central to his delivery.

For First-Time Listeners

• The episode provides an accessible entry into current conservative discourse on tariffs, government spending, and cultural trends.
• The humor and pop culture references make the conversation relatable without sacrificing policy depth.
• Key policy takeaways are accompanied by spirited debate, ensuring listeners walk away with both the facts and the flavor of the moment.

For Further Coverage

Tony Kennett’s reporting can be found at dailysignal.com; Jim Gossett’s parodies at Patreon (as referenced by Carson).

NOTE: Ads, product endorsements, and non-content sections are omitted from this summary.