Trump's Tax Cuts Under Fire: Impact on Middle Class

In a recent public discourse, Vice President Kamala Harris criticized former President Donald Trump’s tax cuts, arguing they largely benefit the wealthy, while suggesting they exacerbate the national debt by adding $5 trillion. In response, former congressional Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady defended the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, citing that not only did 80% of taxpayers see reductions, but middle-class workers, families, and small businesses realized substantial gains. Brady articulated that the cuts resulted in an increase in salaries, with wages rising faster than inflation and creating economic activity that prompted more investments and job creation. He emphasized that allowing the tax cuts to expire would lead to overwhelming tax hikes affecting working families and small businesses, potentially stymying economic growth and competitiveness against international rivals, especially China. Reflecting on the period of the Trump administration, Brady highlighted that many Americans remembered a time when they could focus less on financial constraints and more on enjoying life without the constant worry about essentials. He argued that the tax cuts fueled a surge in worker pay and reduced poverty, creating a more favorable economic environment for families wishing to achieve the American dream.