Pence Encourages Trump to Sustain Tax Relief for High Earners

Man speaking at podium with flags in background

Former Vice President Mike Pence calls on President Trump to maintain tax cuts for high earners, warning that allowing them to expire would severely impact small business owners across America.

Key Insights

Pence warns that raising the top marginal tax rate would constitute “an enormous tax increase on small business America”
The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is set to expire unless extended by Congress
President Trump is considering allowing tax cuts to expire for individuals earning $2.5 million or more
Pence advocates making all Trump-Pence tax cuts permanent to support economic growth

Pence Defends Tax Cuts for Small Business Owners

Former Vice President Mike Pence has taken a firm stance against any plans to raise taxes on high-income Americans, directly addressing discussions within the Trump administration. In recent statements to Fox News Digital, Pence emphasized that allowing the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to expire would have detrimental effects on small business owners across the country. The tax cuts, a signature achievement of Trump’s first term, face expiration unless Congress takes action to extend them.

“Former Vice President Mike Pence tells Fox News Digital that raising the tax rate on the wealthy ‘would be an enormous tax increase on small business America’.”

The concern stems from reports that President Trump and some Republican lawmakers are considering allowing tax cuts for wealthy Americans to expire in order to redirect funds toward other priorities. Specifically, Trump is contemplating an increase in the tax rate for individuals earning $2.5 million or more annually, from the current 37% to 39.6%. Pence’s opposition to this potential policy shift highlights growing tension over fiscal priorities within conservative circles.

Small Business Impact at Center of Debate

Central to Pence’s argument is the understanding that many high-income earners file their taxes through small businesses. He contends that raising their tax burden would directly impact their ability to reinvest in their enterprises, potentially slowing economic growth that has benefited Americans across income levels. This perspective aligns with traditional conservative economic principles that prioritize lower taxes to stimulate business growth.

“Any suggestion that I’ve heard among some in and around the administration that we raise the top margin rate, the so-called millionaires tax, would be an enormous tax increase on small business owners across America. It needs to be opposed,” said Pence.

Rather than allowing any portion of the tax cuts to expire, Pence is advocating for making all Trump-era tax cuts permanent. This approach, he argues, would provide certainty for business owners and create a stable foundation for continued economic expansion. The debate reflects broader discussions within Republican circles about fiscal priorities and strategies for sustainable economic growth in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.

Pence Urges Republicans to Hold the Line on Tax Hikes for the Rich as Trump Weighs Options | Fox News https://t.co/L7uVao5dNZ

— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) April 17, 2025

Conservative Principles and Future Economic Policy

While Pence has expressed support for many of the Trump administration’s accomplishments, his recent comments suggest concern over potential shifts in economic policy. As a staunch fiscal conservative, Pence has consistently advocated for lower taxes and reduced government intervention in business affairs. His current stance on the tax issue reflects these longstanding principles and his vision for America’s economic future.

“Let’s make all the Trump-Pence tax cuts permanent. That’s a way to really lay a foundation to grow the economy in the days ahead,” urged Pence.

Beyond the immediate tax policy debate, Pence has articulated a broader vision for American prosperity rooted in traditional conservative values. He emphasizes the importance of strong national defense, American leadership on the world stage, limited government, lower taxes, and traditional moral values. These principles, he contends, provide the framework for continued national success and should guide policy decisions, including those related to taxation and economic growth.

“I really do believe that for prosperity … for the success of our country, we need to stick to those time-honored principles of strong defense, American leadership on the world stage, less government, less taxes, traditional moral values and the right to life, and I’m going to be a voice for that,” Pence added.