Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines
Because people will just move,” Kirby said, it won’t work by state.
The airline chief started the debate last week after advocating for a national wealth tax during a Q&A with The New York Times, according to a report by Fortune. Addressing concerns about declining public trust in corporate leaders, Kirby said growing wealth inequality poses a risk to society and requires action. Some individuals who derive much of their income from investments and assets can legally avoid income taxes, creating an imbalance between wealth holders and traditional wage earners, according to Kirby. He said a more equitable system would find ways to tax the growth of wealth while potentially reducing taxes on earned income. “I think national service for everyone would be a good idea,” Kirby said, suggesting that people could spend a few years serving as teachers, firefighters or members of the military.
Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines has doubled down on his controversial support for wealth tax arguing that any such policy would need to be implemented nationally rather than at the state level to prevent wealthy individuals from relocating to avoid it. “We should have a national wealth tax. He also suggested that inheritance taxes should become significantly steeper at higher wealth levels, adding that he would personally be willing to pay them. Kirby’s remarks come as California voters prepare to decide on a proposed billionaire tax next month. Supporters of the measure argue it could become a model for other states and potentially influence broader tax policy discussions. The comments quickly drew criticism from conservative commentators and politicians, with some suggesting that Kirby should voluntarily give away a portion of his compensation if he believes the wealthy should pay more taxes. Speaking to Bloomberg Television later in the week, Kirby did not retreat from his position but emphasized that he is not attempting to shape public policy or seek elected office. Instead, he framed his argument around fairness within the tax system. Despite the backlash, Kirby noted that feedback he received via email was evenly divided between supporters and critics. The United Airlines chief also offered another unconventional proposal during the Bloomberg interview, advocating for some form of national service for all Americans.
I want it to be great for the next 250 years.
Kirby said shared service experiences could strengthen the country and create a greater sense of civic responsibility While noting that he did not serve in the military. Kirby said his opinions on taxation, government finances and national service are rooted in concerns about the country’s long-term future. I want it to be great for my kids,” he said, adding that policymakers should stop pushing major challenges, including budget deficits and Social Security concerns, onto future generations. The CEO, who said he has seven children, argued that addressing those issues now is essential to ensuring future Americans inherit a stronger and more sustainable country.
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