Longtime anti-tax activist Grover Norquist is deeply troubled by the Republican Party's consideration of a tax hike on the wealthy, viewing it as economically destructive and politically unwise. This marks a significant departure from traditional GOP orthodoxy.
Norquist's influence, once paramount within the Republican Party regarding tax policy due to his 'Taxpayer Protection Pledge,' is now challenged by President Donald Trump's shifting stances. Trump's openness to raising taxes on the wealthy to offset cuts for working-class Americans, coupled with his tariffs, contradicts long-held Republican principles.
Economist Oren Cass argues against the GOP's unwavering commitment to tax cuts, citing their high costs and lack of economic benefits. He contends that the Republican Party's base is shifting, leading to a greater focus on working families' concerns.
Republicans in Congress are grappling with the enormous cost of extending Trump's 2017 tax cuts, proposing measures like raising taxes on millionaires to offset other cuts. This signifies a potential compromise, despite opposition from figures like Norquist and support from others such as Steve Bannon.
Public opinion polls consistently show strong support for raising taxes on the wealthy, making this shift more palatable to some Republicans, while others employ tactics to obscure the cost of extending tax cuts.
Norquist, however, maintains his opposition, framing a tax increase as harmful to small businesses. He attempts to influence the situation through contacts, even while admitting that ultimately, President Trump's stance holds the most weight. The article concludes with uncertainty about the outcome.