Understanding the Rise of Taxes in America Due to Donald Trump’s Policies

When it comes to taxes, few U.S. presidents have sparked as much debate as Donald Trump. While his presidency was often associated with tax cuts, especially for corporations and the wealthy, some of his policies and trade decisions indirectly led to a rise in taxes for many Americans especially through tariffs, shifting burdens, and long-term fiscal strategies. Let’s break it down in a casual and friendly way, so you can understand what really went on behind the headlines.

Wait… Didn’t Trump Cut Taxes?

You’re absolutely right. In 2017, Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) into law. It was one of the largest tax overhauls in decades. At a glance, it lowered corporate tax rates from 35% to 21% and reduced income tax rates for many individuals.

So, why are we talking about a rise in taxes?

Because, as with most things in politics, the devil is in the details.

The Hidden Tax Hikes: Tariffs as Indirect Taxes

Here’s something a lot of people don’t realize: tariffs are taxes. They’re not called that in the traditional sense, but when the U.S. government imposes a tariff on imported goods, companies end up paying more to bring products into the country.

And what do companies usually do when their costs go up?
You guessed it they pass the cost on to consumers. That’s you and me.

Between 2018 and 2020, under Trump’s trade war with China, the U.S. imposed hundreds of billions of dollars in tariffs on Chinese imports. From steel and aluminum to washing machines and electronics, these tariffs raised prices across a broad range of everyday products.

So, while your income taxes may have gone down temporarily, you were likely paying more at the store, which many economists consider a regressive form of taxation.

The Disappearing Middle-Class Tax Cuts

Now let’s go back to the 2017 tax law. While it did lower tax rates for most Americans, here’s the kicker:
Many of those cuts were temporary.

In fact, unless Congress acts to renew them, most of the individual tax cuts from the TCJA are set to expire in 2025. Meanwhile, the corporate tax cuts were made permanent.

What does that mean? It means middle-class Americans could see a rise in their taxes very soon, not because of new legislation, but because temporary relief will disappear.

And here’s another twist: when the TCJA was passed, it eliminated personal exemptions and limited state and local tax deductions (SALT), which disproportionately affected people living in high-tax states like New York, California, and New Jersey.

For many middle-income households in those states, their taxes actually went up even though rates were lower.

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Budget Deficit and National Debt: Who Pays the Price?

Another indirect impact of Trump’s tax policies was the ballooning national deficit. The TCJA, while popular among corporations and high-income earners, cost the federal government an estimated $1.9 trillion over ten years.

And when the government loses that much revenue?
Eventually, it looks for ways to make it back either through raising future taxes, cutting programs, or increasing borrowing.

So, while you may not have seen a direct tax hike in 2018 or 2019, the long-term consequences of these policies are likely to be felt in the years ahead. Some economists even argue that future generations will bear the burden of these choices in the form of higher taxes or reduced public services.

Small Business Owners: A Mixed Bag

Trump often claimed to be a champion of small businesses, and some definitely benefited from the lower corporate tax rate or the new 20% pass-through deduction for qualified business income.

But others? Not so lucky.

Many small business owners don’t operate as C-corporations. And some found that the simplification of the tax code came with unintended consequences, especially if they relied on itemized deductions.

Also, small businesses that rely heavily on imports from China or Mexico faced rising costs due to tariffs, cutting into their margins or forcing them to raise prices.

So while the tax code may have looked friendlier at first glance, the practical outcome was far more complex.

Farmers and Manufacturers: Caught in the Crossfire

If you were a farmer or manufacturer during Trump’s trade war, there’s a good chance you were directly affected by retaliatory tariffs from China.

For instance, soybean exports to China dropped dramatically, hitting U.S. farmers hard. The government responded with bailouts and subsidies, but many in the agriculture sector still faced uncertainty and financial stress.

Indirectly, this also contributes to rising taxes because when the government spends billions in subsidies or bailouts, someone has to foot the bill.

Spoiler: it’s the taxpayers.

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The Bottom Line: Tax Cuts Today, Tax Hikes Tomorrow?

Here’s the real takeaway:
While Trump’s policies initially lowered certain taxes, they also set the stage for future tax increases either through expiring cuts, rising consumer prices due to tariffs, or a growing national debt that will eventually need to be addressed.

It’s kind of like going on a shopping spree with a credit card. It feels good in the moment, but the bill eventually comes due.

So, What Should You Expect Going Forward?

Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, here are a few things to keep an eye on:

1. Expiration of individual tax cuts from the 2017 law. Unless extended, your income taxes might go up.
2. New legislation aimed at addressing the deficit might include tax increases particularly for middle-income earners.
3. Tariff policies under future administrations may shift, but if maintained, they’ll continue to function as indirect taxes.
4. Healthcare and Social Security funding gaps might also lead to increased payroll taxes or reduced benefits.

Conclusion

So, while Donald Trump is widely associated with cutting taxes, the bigger picture tells a more nuanced story.
Tariffs, disappearing deductions, and temporary relief all contributed to a scenario where some Americans paid more, not less. And unless major policy reversals occur, the rise of taxes in America due to Donald Trump’s policies could become more visible in the coming years.

Friendly advice? Keep an eye on the expiration dates of tax laws and the evolving conversation around fiscal responsibility. What feels like a benefit today may cost more tomorrow.

References:

1. Tax Policy Center – Analysis of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
2. Brookings Institution – The Economic Effects of the Trump Tax Cuts
3. U.S. Department of Agriculture – Impact of Trade Policies on Farmers
4. Forbes – How Tariffs Work Like Taxes on Consumers
5. Congressional Budget Office – Cost of TCJA
6. IRS – Individual Tax Changes 2018–2025

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