Jim Tankersley from The New York Times discusses President Biden's unexpected tax cuts despite promises to raise taxes. The episode explores the complexities of tax policies, challenges in Congress, and the impact on different income groups. Tankersley sheds light on Biden's efforts to create a fair tax code and the upcoming tax fight in Washington.
Despite President Biden's aim to increase taxes on the wealthy, his policies have resulted in a net tax cut of $600 billion.
Biden faces challenges in raising taxes due to lack of congressional support, leading to emphasis on tax fairness rhetoric.
Deep dives
President Biden's Tax Agenda
President Biden's campaign promise to raise taxes on the wealthiest Americans and big corporations has not materialized as he has actually cut more taxes than raised. Despite intentions to make the rich pay their fair share, Biden's tax policy has resulted in a net tax cut of $600 billion, focusing on tax cuts for corporations and individuals.
Challenges in Implementing Tax Increases
Biden's difficulty in passing tax increases stems from a lack of congressional support for initiatives like raising the corporate income tax rate. While ambitious tax increase plans exist, only a few have been implemented due to congressional resistance, including significant tax cuts within various bills.
Political and Strategic Considerations
Biden's emphasis on tax increases, especially on the wealthy and corporations, aligns with the evolving Democratic narrative favoring tax fairness. Despite challenges in enacting proposed tax hikes, Biden's rhetoric around tax justice resonates with a desire to address income inequality and garner political support.
In his campaign for re-election, President Biden has said that raising taxes on the wealthy and on big corporations is at the heart of his agenda. But under his watch, overall net taxes have decreased.
Jim Tankersley, who covers economic policy for The Times, explains.
Guest: Jim Tankersley, who covers economic policy at the White House for The New York Times.
Background reading:
An analysis prepared for The New York Times estimates that the tax changes President Biden has ushered into law will amount to a net cut of about $600 billion over four years.
“Does anybody here think the tax code’s fair?” For Mr. Biden, tax policy has been at the center of his efforts to make the economy more equitable.
For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.
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