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Trump Tariffs Spark Heated Clash on CNN's State of the Union

2/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On CNN's State of the Union, Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) and Democratic strategist Rebecca Katz clashed over tariffs tied to President Donald Trump.
Katz called Republicans "cowards" and criticized the tariff votes.
Lawler defended his stance by claiming the tariffs address the fentanyl crisis and cost relief for constituents.
The panel struggled to regain control as Katz urged Lawler to show the votes’ impact in the midterms.

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Story summary

On CNN's State of the Union, Rep. Mike Lawler (R-N.Y.) and Democratic strategist Rebecca Katz clashed over tariffs tied to President Donald Trump.
Katz called Republicans "cowards" and criticized the tariff votes.
Lawler defended his stance by claiming the tariffs address the fentanyl crisis and cost relief for constituents.
The panel struggled to regain control as Katz urged Lawler to show the votes’ impact in the midterms.