Published by Finish The Race
Incoming President Donald Trump recently proposed a bold and unconventional idea: the potential abolition of federal income tax. During a visit to a Bronx barbershop, Trump floated the concept after being asked if there was “a way to eliminate federal taxes.”
His response, which harkened back to economic policies from the late 19th century, has sparked renewed interest and debate among both supporters and critics.
Trump’s suggestion to replace federal income tax with trade tariffs aligns with his broader economic philosophy of returning to protectionist trade policies, which he views as more beneficial to the U.S. economy than the current tax system. Citing historical precedent, Trump stated, “It had all tariffs — it didn’t have an income tax,” referencing the era before the 16th Amendment was ratified in 1913.
This amendment established the federal income tax system, replacing a system largely reliant on tariffs for government revenue.
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