On October 19, 2024, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump (also known as Trump) expressed his personal views on tax issues during an online program called “Maintaining with Tyrus.” Trump mentioned that if elected, he would consider implementing a tax-free policy, eliminating federal income tax for police officers, firefighters, active-duty military personnel, and veterans.
When the host Guy Benson asked Trump on the program about the possibility of providing tax incentives to American first responders and military personnel to attract more people to public service, Trump responded, “It’s something that I would consider.”
In a light-hearted manner, Trump joked that Benson was his tax expert and further stated that he needed to do something in this regard. He emphasized the potential for such incentives to spark interest among more individuals.
This is Trump’s most significant tax reduction plan discussed so far, as canceling federal taxes for military personnel and first responders could benefit over 20 million people. The estimates show that the U.S. has around 18 million veterans, 1.3 million active-duty military personnel, 1 million police officers, and over 300,000 firefighters.
Current regulations in the U.S. only provide tax benefits to military personnel serving in combat zones. Special tax exemptions are also available for war-related casualties and certain benefits, which are applicable only under specific circumstances.
In recent months, Trump has been introducing tax reduction plans to gain voter support, particularly targeting middle and low-income Americans struggling with high costs.
Trump’s proposed tax policies include eliminating tips tax, overtime tax, and Social Security welfare taxes, along with promises to extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, offering lower tax rates to American households. He also plans to reduce the corporate tax rate to 20% or even as low as 15%.
These policies aim to ease the tax burden on specific groups, but they would need congressional approval to become law.
Economists have cautioned that Trump’s economic policies could lead to a continuous increase in federal debt, potentially surpassing the pace of economic growth. According to estimates from the Federal Budget Committee, the U.S. could accumulate an additional $15 trillion in debt over the next decade.
Nevertheless, Trump has denied this possibility, suggesting that the economic growth and energy production resulting from these policies could offset the tax revenue losses.
Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton has also put forward a series of tax proposals, such as expanding child tax credits, increasing deductions for startups, and eliminating tips tax. Clinton mentioned that she plans to offset these costs by raising corporate taxes, investment taxes, and taxes on wealthy Americans.
During the Friday interview, when Trump discussed school safety, he proposed that veterans could consider transitioning to become teachers.
Trump mentioned that veterans possess significant life experience and discipline, making them suitable for roles as teachers or counselors in schools. He highlighted their knowledge of the proper use of firearms, suggesting they could play a crucial role in school safety.
“So what about teachers who are veterans in the military? They could become history teachers after retirement,” Trump said. “They understand the students in the classroom and know how to use firearms. You can’t have people who have no idea about handling firearms.”
In the U.S., states like Iowa and Tennessee have already passed laws allowing teachers and staff with firearm permits to carry concealed weapons on school premises, subject to approval from principals, school districts, and law enforcement agencies.
The legislation stipulates that individuals wanting to carry guns must hold handgun carry permits along with written authorization from the school principal and local law enforcement. They must undergo background checks and complete 40 hours of handgun training, with restrictions on carrying firearms during school events at places like sports fields, gymnasiums, or auditoriums.
However, this law has faced criticism from teacher unions and some parents, who believe that arming teachers or staff with firearms in schools could compromise safety.