GOP Votes To Raise Taxes On Who?
In a move sending shockwaves through conservative circles, 18 Republican senators — including former GOP Senate Leader Mitch McConnell — joined Democrats in supporting a tax increase targeting America’s wealthiest elite.
The proposal, spearheaded by Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), would have created a new 39.6% tax bracket for individuals earning over $25 million and couples earning above $50 million per year. The revenue would have been used to double federal funding for rural hospitals, from $25 billion to $50 billion — a lifeline for struggling communities hit hard by rising Medicaid costs.
Establishment Cracks Show as Fiscal Conservatism Falters
While the amendment failed in a lopsided 22–78 vote, many were stunned that nearly one-fifth of Senate Republicans were willing to vote for a tax hike — a once unthinkable move in the party of Reagan and Trump.
“There was a time when raising taxes was a nonstarter for Republicans,” said one senior GOP aide. “Grover Norquist must be beside himself.”
The aide was referencing Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform and architect of the no-tax-hike pledge that many Republicans have followed for decades. That era, it seems, is fading fast.
Trump Signals Support for Fairer Tax Structure
President Trump, whose America First economic platform appeals strongly to middle-class and rural voters, has recently signaled openness to taxing the ultra-rich in order to offset tax relief for working families.
Speaking from the Oval Office last month, Trump said:
“I would love to do that, frankly. If the billionaires pay a little more so American families can keep more of what they earn — that’s a deal I’ll take.”
Trump’s evolving position reflects a populist shift in the Republican base — one that prioritizes the economic struggles of everyday Americans over protecting globalist billionaire elites.
Senators Backing the Tax Plan: Who Voted Yes?
The Republicans who supported the Collins amendment included:
- Mitch McConnell (KY)
- Lindsey Graham (SC)
- Josh Hawley (MO)
- Shelley Moore Capito (WV)
- John Kennedy (LA)
- Lisa Murkowski (AK)
- Dan Sullivan (AK)
- Bill Cassidy (LA)
- Deb Fischer (NE)
- Cindy Hyde-Smith (MS)
- Roger Marshall (KS)
- Jerry Moran (KS)
- Roger Wicker (MS)
- Todd Young (IN)
- Jon Husted (OH)
- Bernie Moreno (OH)
- John Curtis (UT)
Sen. Collins also cast her vote in favor.
Rural Healthcare at the Breaking Point
For many of these senators, saving rural hospitals may have outweighed traditional tax concerns. These hospitals, already on the brink due to Medicaid cuts, serve as the only access point to emergency care for millions of Americans across the heartland.
Without immediate relief, experts warn, dozens of rural hospitals could shut down, leaving families without care and emergency services hours away.
Final Thoughts: A Conservative Crossroads
This vote underscores a growing rift in today’s Republican Party — between the old guard’s loyalty to low taxes for billionaires and President Trump’s America First populism, which focuses on supporting working families, rural communities, and economic justice.
As the 2026 midterms approach, voters will be watching closely to see which GOP lawmakers stand with the people — and which ones stand with the elite.
