by ormer President Donald Trump stirred the political pot on Friday with mixed signals about Republican tax plans. While expressing support for higher taxes on the wealthy to aid working-class Americans, he simultaneously cautioned Republicans against pursuing it.
On his social media platform, Trump stated, “The problem with even a TINY tax increase for the RICH, which I and all others would graciously accept in order to help the lower and middle income workers, is that the Radical Left Democrat Lunatics would go around screaming, ‘Read my lips,’” referencing the infamous broken tax promise by President George H.W. Bush.
Trump added, “In any event, Republicans should probably not do it, but I’m OK if they do!!!”
White House Responds
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised Trump’s stance as “very honorable” during Friday’s briefing.
“The president himself has said he wouldn’t mind paying a little bit more to help the poor and the middle class and the working class in this country,” Leavitt said. She emphasized that negotiations are still ongoing in Congress and that Trump would speak out again if needed.
GOP Leaders Hesitate
Trump’s contradictory remarks have complicated Republican efforts to finalize a tax proposal. The House Ways and Means Committee is scheduled to begin work on the bill next week.
If the tax increase makes it into what Trump called the “big, beautiful bill,” it would mark a significant shift from standard GOP policy. Historically, Republicans have resisted any form of tax hikes, fearing backlash similar to what former President Bush faced in 1992.
House Speaker Mike Johnson reinforced this stance during an April interview on Fox News, saying, “I’m not in favor of raising the tax rates because that’s — our party is the group that stands against that, traditionally.”
Political Flashback
In 1992, George H.W. Bush famously declared, “Read my lips: no new taxes,” only to break that promise under pressure from congressional Democrats. Many believe this reversal contributed to his election loss.
Trump, referencing that moment, appears wary of repeating history—even while leaving the door open for change.
