Trump's Economic Proposals: A Hefty $5. 8 Trillion Bill

In a recent analysis, the Penn Wharton Budget Model delved into the financial implications of several economic proposals put forth by former President Donald Trump. The slate of proposals, which includes extending key provisions in the 2017 tax reform bill, eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits, and reducing the corporate income tax rate, is estimated to add a staggering $5. 8 trillion to primary deficits from 2025 to 2034. This eye-popping figure is based on a 'conventional basis,' but when accounting for 'economic feedback effects,' the total jumps to $4. 1 trillion.The most expensive item in this economic buffet is the extension of expiring individual income tax provisions from the 2017 legislation, projected to add $3. 4 trillion to deficits over the next ten years. The restoration of the original Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) regime for taxing business investment adds another $623 billion, bringing the total cost of TCJA extension to over $4 trillion. The analysis also sheds light on the potential cost of doing away with taxes on Social Security benefits ($1. 2 trillion over ten years) and reducing the corporate tax rate to 15 percent ($595 billion over the same period). Despite these hefty price tags, Trump's campaign proposals are projected to benefit low, middle, and high-income households in 2026 and 2034. However, it's important to note that these benefits do not account for the 'additional debt burden on future generations who must finance almost the entirety of the