The mechanism you describe here is known as "kafkatrapping"[1]. There's discussion in the article comments where it's agreed that the best way to combat this is to call out the person setting up the kafkatrap by telling them what a kafkatrap is, and to disregard their statement/question entirely since it's irrational & circular logic to begin with.

[1] - https://www.thedailybell.com/all-articles/editorials/wendy-m...