Trump Set to Whack US Working Class With Historic $2,000 Tax Hike | Common Dreams
www.commondreams.org
There is an old saying in Washington that if you want to understand politicians, look at what they do, not what they say. On that front there is no ambiguity. The Republican president is imposing big new taxes, and he is doing it in a way that does not require congressional approval.

Summary

Donald Trump is poised to impose massive import tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China, effectively raising taxes on U.S. households by an estimated $3,000 annually.

Unlike past tax increases that targeted the wealthy, these tariffs disproportionately impact low- and middle-income workers.

While Trump claims the measures address immigration and fentanyl concerns, experts argue they serve as a revenue source to offset tax cuts for the rich.

Critics contend that Trump’s tariffs lack a clear industrial strategy and primarily burden American consumers.

  • SmoothLiquidation@lemmy.worldEnglish
    0·
    2 months ago

    A tariff is a sales tax, pure and simple. Sales taxes hit lower income people harder than the rich because they have to put a higher percentage of their income into it.

    • commander@lemmings.worldEnglish
      0·
      2 months ago

      I agree, but framing it like this just gives the other side an opportunity to call bullshit.

      Why give them the ammo?

      • AstridWipenaugh@lemmy.world
        0·
        2 months ago

        Why craft your message with the primary goal of not angering a bunch of snowflakes who are going to attack you literally no matter what you say. We’re up against people that think wearing a tan suit is a newsworthy scandal and electing a rapist is fine. Or do you need me to say “found civilly liable for sexual assault but never criminally convicted of rape”?

        • commander@lemmings.worldEnglish
          0·
          2 months ago

          Because any rational person is going to immediately assume you’re talking about directly raising taxes, not indirectly like this.

          Trying to conflate the two makes it appear as though you’re trying to trick your audience. It’s not a good look and we can be better than that.