In a recent episode of War Room, Steve Bannon engaged in a compelling discussion with author John Gardner, who promotes a transformative vision for taxation in the United States. Their conversation centered around moving away from traditional income taxes and relying instead on tariffs, a concept that Gardner believes aligns closely with the intentions of the Founding Fathers.
Gardner asserts that the American system originally did not incorporate an income tax. He cited the ratification of the 16th Amendment in 1913 as a pivotal moment when income tax was established, deviating from the founding principles. “The President is talking about a trillion dollars coming in on tariffs,” Bannon questioned. Gardner positively affirmed, “I think we’ve had a great year.” Here, Gardner painted a picture where economic burdens on lower-income Americans could be significantly alleviated. He explained that by 2022 estimates, around $600 billion represented what 90 percent of lower-income taxpayers contribute through income taxes. “Imagine replacing 90 percent of the income tax that Americans pay, how much that would help the working families and the middle class,” he suggested.
Gardner emphasized the untapped potential of tariffs, stating, “We can replace 600 billion of that easily.” He made a strong case that the income tax was never part of the Founders’ agenda. In fact, he noted that the very first legislative act enacted by the newly formed government was a tariff act, passed on July 4, highlighting its symbolic significance linked to Independence Day. “The Founding Fathers never intended for the citizen to be an indentured servant to the government,” he reiterated, stressing an important historical perspective that many taxpayers may find compelling.
A key aspect of Gardner’s argument is the notion of personal choice. “You have more freedom of choice when you can choose, hey, I’m gonna buy a foreign good and I choose to be taxed, or I’m gonna buy an American-made good and choose not to be taxed and not pay income tax,” he explained. This comparison illustrates how he views tariffs as a mechanism that could empower citizens rather than burden them with mandatory income taxes. The idea is to shift the financial load away from direct taxation of wages, fostering a more limited government apparatus and advocating for increased personal liberty.
Gardner’s perspective prompts a reflection on the foundational ideals of American governance. He posits that the 16th Amendment lacks boundaries and that a return to tariff-based revenue could liberate citizens from excessive governmental control. Through this lens, Gardner expresses a vision where external revenue and tariffs promote both limited government and enhanced personal autonomy.
Ultimately, Gardner’s insights urge a reconsideration of how America funds its government. By revisiting the foundational approach to taxation, he advocates for a model that could theoretically shift the balance of power back to the average citizen, providing them more control over their financial decisions.
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