Trump Vows to End Taxes on Overtime and Social Security in Tucson Campaign Rally

Caption: Donald Trump at CPAC 2014 | Source: commons.wikimedia.org

In his latest campaign stop in Tucson, Arizona, former President Donald Trump laid out key tax reforms he would pursue if he wins the upcoming presidential election. Addressing a crowd of supporters on Sept. 12, Trump promised to eliminate taxes on overtime wages, a move he believes would incentivize hard work and boost the nation’s workforce. The proposal, aimed at blue-collar workers and those who put in long hours, was one of several tax cuts Trump outlined during the rally.

“Today, I’m also announcing that as part of our additional tax cuts, we will end all taxes on overtime,” Trump said. He framed the move as a win for both workers and businesses, stating that it would make it easier for companies to attract employees while giving workers more reason to work extra hours. Trump did not go into specifics about how this policy would be implemented but claimed it could generate a “whole new workforce” in the country.

The former president went on to praise hardworking Americans, singling out police officers, nurses, construction workers, truck drivers, and others who often log overtime hours. “The people who work overtime are among the hardest working citizens in our country, and for too long no one in Washington has been looking out for them,” he remarked, stressing that his policies would change that.

Currently, overtime wages are taxed at the same rate as regular income, and any adjustment to this would require Congressional approval. Trump’s proposal would significantly alter the current tax landscape, where overtime is seen as standard taxable income under the Fair Labor Standards Act. Alongside the overtime wage tax cuts, Trump reiterated his promise to eliminate taxes on tipped wages and Social Security benefits.

Trump’s pledge to end taxes on Social Security benefits could also make a significant impact on retirees. Around 40 percent of Social Security recipients currently pay federal taxes on their benefits, particularly those with additional income sources. Under the current law, retirees earning less than $25,000 (or $32,000 for couples) are exempt from paying taxes on their Social Security payments. Trump has stated that he would remove these taxes entirely, providing financial relief to millions of older Americans.

Trump’s opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, has also floated similar ideas for eliminating taxes on tips and Social Security benefits. However, her broader tax policies include substantial tax hikes on corporations and individuals, which she argues are necessary to fund government programs. According to a recent analysis from the Tax Foundation, Harris’s tax plan would raise $2.2 trillion from corporations and $1.2 trillion from individuals by 2034, which has drawn criticism from some economists who believe such tax increases could hurt economic growth.

Meanwhile, the Tax Foundation noted that Trump’s proposals could reduce federal tax revenue by $6.1 trillion over a decade. While Trump’s tax plans may ease the burden on working Americans, critics argue they could increase the national debt and shrink the economy due to new distortions in the tax system. Trump’s combination of policies, which include cuts to income taxes alongside tariffs, remains a controversial approach as the election draws closer.

Despite these concerns, Trump’s message resonated with the crowd in Tucson, many of whom applauded his commitment to lower taxes and support for working-class Americans. By focusing on overtime pay, Social Security, and tipped wages, Trump aims to connect with a voter base frustrated by years of financial strain. For millions of voters who have felt left behind by Washington, these promises signal a shift toward policies they believe will help them keep more of their hard-earned money.