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EXCLUSIVE Former Vice President Mike Pence is urging House Republicans to maintain their opposition to tax increases impacting the nation’s wealthiest individuals. The call comes as sources reveal that the White House is considering a plan to raise taxes on millionaires to support the proposal of eliminating taxes on overtime pay, tipped wages, and retirees’ Social Security, according to Fox News Digital.
In a letter addressed to congressional Republicans, including House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rep. Jason Smith and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Sen. Mike Crapo, the conservative policy advocacy group Advancing American Freedom (AAF), which Pence founded in 2021, advised lawmakers to remain steadfast against any tax hikes.
“President Trump and Republicans in Congress made a promise to ensure the permanence of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act while also seeking additional tax reductions. Republicans need to uphold those commitments instead of adopting policies reminiscent of Kamala Harris’ losing campaign strategy,” said AAF President Tim Chapman and Board Chairman Marc Short in the letter, referencing Trump’s 2017 tax legislation, which is slated to expire this year.
“The American public clearly voted for tax reductions, not increases. Advancing American Freedom urges Republicans to promptly renew the broad tax cuts that drove economic prosperity during President Trump’s first term and deliver on their pledge to restore prosperity in the United States,” they added.
Pence emphasized the significance of these cuts in a statement to Fox News Digital, asserting, “The Trump-Pence tax reductions benefited working families and businesses, both large and small. The outcomes were historic; they revitalized America’s economy as never seen before, generating more opportunities for all Americans. Republicans understand that lower taxes foster job creation.”
Two sources familiar with the matter informed Fox News Digital that White House aides have been informally discussing a proposal that would elevate the tax rate for individuals earning over $1 million to 40%. This initiative aims to offset the financial implications of Trump’s ambitious plan in the 2024 campaign to cut taxes on overtime pay, tipped wages, and retirees’ Social Security.
These discussions, however, are preliminary, and the proposal is one of several options under consideration as congressional Republicans collaborate on advancing Trump’s comprehensive legislative strategy.
Pence responded to Fox News Digital’s reports on Wednesday, reiterating his call for House Republicans to stand against any tax hikes affecting affluent Americans.
“Republicans Do Not Raise Taxes. Republicans Reduce Taxes,” Pence stated on X, adding, “Increasing the Top Marginal Rate would impose a substantial tax burden on small business America.”
Throughout his political career, Pence has frequently criticized certain aspects of Trump’s policies during the former president’s second term. Recently, he voiced his concerns regarding Trump’s tariff strategies, arguing that even minimal tariffs would inflate prices further and negatively impact American households. In advocating for limited government, Pence has also called for Congress to reclaim its control over tariff regulations.
Despite his past role as Trump’s vice president, Pence has not endorsed him for the upcoming 2024 election. He himself entered the race for the presidency but withdrew during the Republican Jewish Coalition’s annual gathering in Las Vegas in October 2023. Shortly after Pence’s announcement, Trump spoke on the same stage but notably did not mention him.
However, the two were seen shaking hands at former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral in December, marking their first joint appearance in nearly four years. Following the event, Pence congratulated Trump on his electoral prospects for 2024, despite still withholding his endorsement.
Pence has been distancing himself from Trump following the events of January 6, 2021, during which he diverged from Trump’s wishes by certifying Joe Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election. The rioters who stormed the Capitol even called for Pence’s execution, and since then, he has faced significant backlash from Trump’s most loyal supporters.
As Pence’s presidential campaign struggled to gain momentum, Trump’s dominance over the crowded Republican field continued to grow. Many Republican voters seemed to hold onto their resentment towards Pence for his perceived disloyalty during the Capitol riots.
Running on a traditional conservative platform, Pence framed the future of the party against what he identified as the rising influence of populism. Although he faced significant challenges, Pence received gratitude from some voters during campaign stops in Iowa and New Hampshire, who appreciated his principled stand against Trump.
Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie noted Pence’s commitment to the Constitution during the Republican primary, stating, “Mike Pence prioritized the Constitution. He deserves our gratitude as Americans for putting his oath of office and the Constitution before personal and political pressures.”
The White House did not respond to requests for comments from Fox News Digital by the time of publication.
Future Implications for the GOP
Pence’s resistance to tax hikes on the wealthy has significant implications for the Republican Party. As parties navigate an evolving political landscape, maintaining a solid stance on tax policy may resonate with conservative voters who seek to uphold the principles of lower taxation and government accountability.
Ultimately, the trajectory of this discussion surrounding tax policy will unfold in the coming months, as Republicans balance their fiscal strategies with prevailing public sentiments. A careful examination of these dynamics will be critical as 2024 approaches, ensuring that the party remains aligned with its fundamental beliefs while responding to the needs of its constituents.
