In a surprising move that has sent ripples through the Republican Party, President Donald Trump has instructed congressional Republicans to consider raising taxes on the wealthiest earners as part of his ambitious “big, beautiful bill.” This unexpected directive complicates the GOP’s ongoing efforts to extend lower tax rates established in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which are set to expire at the end of this year.
During recent discussions with House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana), Trump expressed his belief that Congress should target tax increases on some of the highest-income earners. Sources familiar with the matter, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the discussions, reported that administration officials are exploring various options to implement this change. One possibility includes allowing the top tax rate to revert back to levels seen during the Obama administration.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has also proposed creating a new tax bracket for individuals earning more than $5 million annually. Currently, the top tax bracket imposes a 37 percent rate on incomes exceeding $626,350 for individuals, and $751,600 for married couples filing jointly.
In addition to raising taxes on the wealthy, Trump aims to eliminate a tax loophole that permits investment fund managers to enjoy lower tax rates. Another provision under consideration would increase tax liabilities for owners of major sports stadiums and arenas. However, the White House has yet to respond publicly to these proposals, and Johnson’s office has also declined to comment.
The suggestion to raise taxes on high earners marks a significant shift in Trump's stance and could jeopardize fragile negotiations surrounding the GOP’s tax legislation. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) indicated support for taxing the wealthiest, but acknowledged that most of his Republican colleagues are not on board with this idea. “Zero, probably,” he noted when asked how many other GOP senators would support Trump’s proposal, estimating that “maybe one or two” might agree.
As congressional leaders work to extend the 2017 tax cuts across all income levels, they are also attempting to incorporate Trump’s campaign promises, which include eliminating taxes on tips, overtime wages, and Social Security benefits. Recently, Trump reiterated his desire to allow deductions for interest on loans for American-made vehicle purchases. However, these priorities come with a staggering price tag, estimated at nearly $11.95 trillion over the next decade, according to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. This has sparked tensions between Trump loyalists and fiscal conservatives within the party.
Some Republican House members, particularly from California and the Northeast, are advocating for an increase in the cap on state and local tax deductions, often referred to as SALT. This proposal adds further complexity to the fiscal discussions, as many conservatives oppose such expensive priorities.
As Republicans strive to balance tax cuts with spending reductions to avoid exacerbating the national debt, they are utilizing the budget reconciliation process to navigate potential Democratic filibusters in the Senate. The goal is to cut $2 trillion in federal spending over the next decade, although they plan to exclude the $5.5 trillion cost associated with extending Trump's 2017 tax law from their calculations.
In recent days, House GOP leaders have ruled out certain cuts to social safety net programs that had been previously targeted as means to meet budgetary goals. Johnson confirmed that the House would not reduce funding for Medicaid, while House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn Thompson (R-Pennsylvania) indicated that his committee would not cut federal anti-poverty food assistance money. These decisions could render much of Trump’s tax agenda financially unfeasible, leading to a deadlock in negotiations on critical fiscal issues.
In April, some of Trump’s advisors began advocating for tax increases on millionaires, though this proposal was met with lukewarm reception in Congress. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), a member of the tax-writing Finance Committee, acknowledged the need to define who qualifies as “rich” to avoid negatively impacting small businesses. “Rich isn’t $500,000, or even $2 million when you’re talking about small businesses,” he said, emphasizing the need for careful consideration.
Other lawmakers have expressed the view that prioritizing spending cuts is essential. “I totally disagree with that,” said Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), referencing the idea of allowing lower tax rates for high earners to expire while extending the remaining provisions of the tax law. Moreno advocates for making the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act permanent and resetting investment tax credits to 100 percent, arguing that the nation faces an expense problem rather than a revenue shortfall.
As discussions continue, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin), a self-identified budget hawk, has voiced strong opposition to Trump’s plans, asserting that they would only add to the national deficit. He believes additional spending cuts should take precedence over new tax revenue. Johnson's stance reflects a growing divide within the GOP on how to approach tax reform and fiscal responsibility.
Ultimately, the idea of raising taxes on wealthier filers aligns with proposals put forth by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 presidential campaign, suggesting a potential shift in the political landscape as both parties navigate the complexities of tax policy reform.
