Former President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday his intention to “get SALT back” if he secures re-election in November, signaling a potential reversal of a significant tax policy he previously endorsed.
Trump’s statement on Truth Social indicates he may seek to undo the $10,000 cap on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction, a measure established under the 2017 tax reform legislation that he signed into law, which also included reductions in corporate tax rates. The cap has disproportionately affected upper-middle-class earners in higher-tax states, as noted by Axios’ Juliegrace Brufke.
“I will turn it around, get SALT back, lower your taxes, and so much more,” Trump wrote. He also expressed his willingness to collaborate with Democratic leaders in New York, stating, “I’ll work with the Democrat Governor and Mayor, and make sure the funding is there to bring New York State back to levels it hasn’t seen for 50 years.” This announcement comes ahead of his rally scheduled for Wednesday in Long Island, New York.
When asked about Trump’s apparent policy shift regarding the SALT cap, Karoline Leavitt, national press secretary for the Trump campaign, explained that the former president is responding to the struggles of American workers facing “out of control” inflation under Vice President Kamala Harris. “While his pro-growth, pro-energy policies will make life affordable again, President Trump is also going to quickly move tax relief for working people and seniors,” Leavitt added.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) criticized Trump’s pledge during a press conference, stating he has always supported eliminating the SALT cap. Schumer referred to the cap as “a nasty piece of legislation” aimed at blue states. “Trump was the one who took away SALT. It hurt many New Yorkers, including lots on Long Island,” Schumer said. He questioned Trump’s change of heart now that he is returning to Long Island for the first time since leaving office, remarking, “Give me a break.”
Representatives for Vice President Harris did not respond immediately to requests for comment from Axios.