by Aaron Irving in Politics

Donald Trump's recent expression of support for a tax increase on those earning over $1 million has stunned observers. This seemingly contradicts the Republican party's long-standing anti-tax stance. While Trump claims concerns about political fallout, the proposal itself, originating from the conservative American Compass thinktank, aims to address the growing national debt. Key figures within the Trump administration, including both populist and mainstream conservatives, are reportedly open to the idea, suggesting a significant shift within the party. This potential tax hike is driven by the administration's failed attempt to refinance a large portion of the national debt at lower costs. The strategy, which involved using tariffs to influence investor behavior, backfired, resulting in higher borrowing costs. Now, the Republicans face a stark choice: cut spending or raise taxes. This situation exposes the unsustainable nature of the Republican fiscal compact, which has long relied on tax cuts for the wealthy without corresponding austerity measures. The article explores the potential consequences of this fracturing, suggesting that the party might either compromise on its economic policies or double down on its socially conservative agenda to maintain unity. The author concludes that the traditional tax-cutting coalition is unsustainable, leaving the Republican party at a critical juncture.