President Donald Trump has sent a confusing message on tax policy just as Republican lawmakers are finalizing a new tax proposal. On Friday, May 10, 2025, Trump said he would support a small tax increase on the wealthy, only to later suggest that Republicans probably shouldn’t do it.
The comments, made through a post on his social media platform, have thrown Capitol Hill into a frenzy as GOP leaders now try to understand how to move forward with the tax bill.
What Exactly Did Trump Say?
Trump wrote:
“The problem with even a ‘TINY’ tax increase for the RICH, which I and all others would graciously accept… is that the Radical Left Democrat Lunatics would go around screaming, ‘Read my lips,’… Republicans should probably not do it, but I’m OK if they do!!!”
He also referenced President George H.W. Bush’s 1992 campaign failure, arguing that Bush’s broken “no new taxes” promise was wrongly blamed for his election loss — Trump believes Ross Perot was the real reason.
White House Clarifies Trump’s Position
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described Trump’s stance as “very honorable”, saying:
“The president himself has said he wouldn’t mind paying a little more to help the poor and the middle class and the working class in this country.”
She added that negotiations are ongoing in Congress and that President Trump will weigh in when he believes it’s necessary.
Republicans in Disarray
Trump’s mixed messaging is causing problems for Republican lawmakers, especially as the House Ways and Means Committee is expected to begin reviewing the tax bill next week.
Speaker Mike Johnson made his position clear last month:
“I’m not in favor of raising the tax rates… Our party is the one that traditionally stands against tax increases.”
If the current tax rates are allowed to expire, it could be seen as a stealth tax increase, something most GOP leaders strongly oppose.
A Risky Political Reminder
Trump’s mention of “Read my lips: no new taxes”, made famous by President George H.W. Bush, serves as a warning. When Bush raised taxes in office, despite his campaign promise, voters turned against him in the next election.
Trump’s own message reflects that fear — he says he’s fine with a small increase in taxes for the rich, but warns of political consequences.