Trump wants to eliminate federal income taxes and replace them with high tariffs on foreign goods. “Ramping up tariffs might be the quickest way to pile up government revenue,” he said, arguing that it once made the U.S. prosperous. His plan aims to shift the tax burden from citizens to imports, potentially boosting American industry.
While some love the idea of skipping income taxes, others fear trade wars and inflation. Tariffs often raise consumer prices and strain global trade, but Trump believes they’ll strengthen the economy. He cites past leaders like McKinley, who thrived under high tariffs.
The U.S. had no income tax before 1913, so this is a modern twist on an old system. Whether it works is uncertain, but the debate is heating up. As one observer put it, “whether you cheer or cringe at the idea, it’s hard to ignore how bold this proposal is.”
