Taxing the Rich: Economists & Trump Disagree
Donald Trump sparked debate by floating a potential increase to the top income tax rate, a move detailed in this report. The former president proposed hiking the top federal levy to 39.6%, a significant shift from his 2017 tax reforms, aiming to aid lower and middle-income earners. Trump’s initial stance, communicated to house Speaker Mike Johnson, later softened on social media, where he seemed to leave the decision to Congress. Learn how this evolving position could shape future tax policy. News Directory 3 provides up-to-the-minute insights into politics.Discover what’s next.
Trump Floats Income Tax Hike, Then Retreats
updated May 26, 2025
In a surprising move, former President Donald Trump reportedly proposed increasing the top income tax rate. The suggestion, made to House Speaker Mike Johnson, involved raising the top federal levy on incomes from 37% to 39.6%. This level was in place before Trump’s own tax policy reforms in 2017.
Trump later addressed the issue on social media, stating he would “graciously accept” such a change to benefit lower and middle income workers. However, he suggested that republicans in Congress “should probably not do it,” adding, he is nevertheless “OK if they do.”