U.S. President Donald Trump has called for the elimination of the federal income tax, suggesting a return to a tariff-based revenue system reminiscent of the U.S. economic model prior to 1913. The announcement came during a formal address at the Congressional Institute, where Trump outlined his vision to revitalize the American economy by shifting the tax burden onto foreign nations through increased tariffs.
“It’s time for the United States to return to the system that made us richer and more powerful than ever before,” Trump declared. “Instead of taxing our citizens to enrich foreign nations, we should be tariffing and taxing foreign nations to enrich our citizens.”
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His remarks drew applause from the audience as he emphasized his commitment to prioritizing American prosperity and simplifying the tax code for working families.
The proposal harkens back to a period in U.S. history when tariffs were the primary source of federal revenue, before the introduction of the federal income tax over a century ago.
Supporters of the plan argue that it could streamline the tax system, reduce bureaucratic complexity, and incentivize domestic manufacturing by making imported goods more expensive.
However, the proposal has sparked significant debate among economists, policymakers, and trade experts. Critics warn that a heavy reliance on tariffs could strain international trade relations, potentially leading to retaliatory measures from other countries.
Additionally, there are concerns that increased tariffs could drive up consumer prices, particularly for goods that are predominantly imported.
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Whether the plan gains traction or not, it underscores Trump’s continued influence on the national conversation and his commitment to challenging conventional economic frameworks.
For now, the idea of eliminating the federal income tax remains a provocative and polarizing proposal, one that could reshape the U.S. economy—and its role in the global marketplace—if it were to move forward.
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