Why People Believe Trump Will Save the Rich

There is a recurring belief among some voters that President Donald Trump will help save the rich. This notion is often linked to several underlying assumptions and economic theories. However, examining the data and historical context reveals a more nuanced picture. Let's delve into why this belief persists and what it truly entails.

Is the Rich in Need of Saving?

The idea that the rich need saving is often based on the belief that through protecting the middle class, the rich will be indirectly protected. However, this is a fallacy rooted in economic misconceptions. While it is true that policies intended to benefit the middle class can sometimes benefit the wealthy as well, the primary focus should be on fairness and economic stability. Intervening in the market to save the wealthy is not only ineffective but can also lead to fiscal irresponsibility.

The Reality of the 2017 Tax Cuts

In 2017, President Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act into law. This legislation aimed to reduce the tax burden on all income levels, but the data shows a different picture:

The income tax burden for high earners increased by 16 billion dollars, reaching 40 percent of the total owed. The income tax burden for middle-class earners decreased by 31 billion dollars, reducing it to 13 percent of the total owed. The income tax burden for low-wage workers decreased by 4 billion dollars, making up only 1 percent of the total owed.

This data clearly demonstrates that the tax cuts were not narrowly focused on the wealthy. Instead, the bulk of the benefits went to middle-class and low-wage workers.

Unintended Consequences and Fiscal Irresponsibility

Taking from the rich and giving to the poor might seem like a fair solution, but history and economic theory suggest otherwise. Many poor individuals are fiscally irresponsible, and without proper education and guidance, their situation is likely to revert to the previous state. This is not a sustainable approach to wealth redistribution. Additionally, policies that focus solely on the wealthy can lead to fiscal irresponsibility, as they try to hold onto their wealth through various means.

The Moral and Ethical Perspective

From a moral and ethical standpoint, there is a question of what the rich have done for society. For the most part, wealth creators have kept wages down and taxes high, which has not been beneficial for the broader economy. In 2010, President Obama’s stimulus package helped increase the financial support to low-wage and middle-class workers, which in turn had positive economic knock-on effects. So, to what extent are the wealthy deserving of special treatment? This debate is complex and multi-faceted.

The Importance of Protestant Work Ethic and Faith

From an ethical and religious perspective, the Evangelical Christian community often emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility and the Protestant work ethic. This belief system holds that God is working for us, provided we don't put idols before loving God and serving Him and our neighbors. The concept of a "political savior" goes against this principle, as it encourages relying on human leaders for salvation and prosperity.

The reality is that the rich, like any other economic class, should be subject to fair and equitable taxation. Policies should aim to create a stable and fair economy, rather than trying to save the wealthy at the expense of the middle and lower classes. Focusing on the well-being of the middle and lower classes is not only ethical but also sustainable in the long run.

Title: Why People Believe Trump Will Save the Rich
Keyword: tax cuts, wealth disparity, middle class, political savior