Fox News host Sean Hannity is breaking with President Donald Trump on one particular issue — a small tax hike for Americans earning over $1 million annually — and boldly argued earlier this week on “The Sean Hannity Show” that this would hurt the country.
“I just think it’s bad for the economy,” he said during Wednesday’s episode.
“On the other hand, it seems to go against everything Donald Trump has ever believed in,” Hannity continued. “I mean, I think he’s always understood this. And I’ve been reading the same things you’ve been reading, and frankly, I just haven’t been believing it.”
Bloomberg reported Wednesday that Republicans in the White House, Senate and House are drafting a proposal for a new tax bracket of 40% for people making more than $1 million per year. The income tax bracket currently sits at 37% for anyone earning over $626,350.
An anonymous White House official told the outlet that Trump is actually open to the idea.
Hannity has long supported Trump on a variety of issues — he even once described Trump climbing into a garbage truck with his name on it in 2014 as an “iconic, epic moment.” On Wednesday, however, the pundit seemed personally affronted by his potential tax hike.
Hannity reportedly makes around $45 million per year.
His guest, economist Steve Moore, argued a tax hike would “split our party.” He pointed to the GOP losing “everything” after former President George H.W. Bush raised taxes in 1990, and then quoted late journalist Robert Novak in a seeming attempt to make his point.
“He used to say the only reason God put Republicans on the earth is to cut our taxes,” said Moore, with Hannity — in continued shock about a 3% tax income increase — replying, “Pretty unbelievable to be honest.”
Hannity said the tax bracket would “go against everything Donald Trump has ever believed in.” Left: Evan Agostini/Invision/Associated Press; Right: Alex Brandon/Associated Press
“I mean, what Republicans would go forward with a tax increase when they should be making the Trump tax cuts permanent, eliminating tax on tips, Social Security and overtime?” Hannity added. “Because that’s what the president promised.”
He continued: “Why would they go in any other direction?”
Wednesday’s report suggested one potential reason: to signal that the GOP “is seriously considering ideas to raise taxes on the rich.” Whether this would even make a dent with critics of their deportation scandals or threats to free speech remains unclear.