The Take
Another Take: How much of Americans’ tax money funds war?
Apr 12, 2025
Lindsay Koshgarian, Program Director of the National Priorities Project, uncovers the unsettling truth about how much of Americans’ tax money fuels wars internationally. She explores the rising interest in tax resistance as a response to military spending, particularly in light of conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. Koshgarian highlights the stark contrast between hefty military expenditures and the funding for social programs, advocating for ethical reflection on where taxpayer dollars go. She also discusses initiatives aimed at redirecting tax funding towards humanitarian efforts.
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Quick takeaways
- Taxpayers contribute significantly to the military budget, averaging over $2,900 annually, which starkly contrasts with lower funding for social welfare programs.
- A growing tax resistance movement among Americans reflects public discontent over military spending and a desire to prioritize humanitarian aid initiatives.
Deep dives
The U.S. Military Budget
The U.S. military budget is pushing close to a trillion dollars, with taxpayers contributing significantly to this figure. On average, taxpayers contribute over $2,900 annually to the Pentagon, which includes more than $1,700 directed toward corporate contractors. In contrast, funding for programs like the child tax credit is drastically lower, with taxpayers contributing around $110 for initiatives that effectively reduced child poverty. This stark discrepancy illustrates the prioritization of military spending over social welfare programs, raising concerns about the allocation of taxpayer funds.
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