画大饼与开小灶——美国关税与减税政策背后的财富转移

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the implications of the U.S. tax and tariff policies under President Trump's administration, highlighting a significant wealth transfer from the general public to the wealthy elite and large corporations, framed as a "gift" to billionaires [1][3]. Tax Policy Summary - The "Big and Beautiful" tax and spending bill passed by the Senate promises a prosperous economy but primarily benefits the wealthiest 1% of Americans, providing $975 billion in tax cuts, with the top 0.2% receiving $211 billion in estate tax exemptions [1][2]. - Large corporations are set to gain $918 billion in tax reductions, which critics argue represents a regressive redistribution of wealth [1][3]. Social Welfare Impact - The tax cuts are expected to lead to significant reductions in social welfare programs, including the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid, potentially resulting in over 16 million Americans losing health insurance [2]. - The proposed cuts may also impose new out-of-pocket costs on Medicaid beneficiaries, creating an unbearable financial burden for many [2]. Tariff Policy Summary - The U.S. government's imposition of "reciprocal tariffs" aims to protect American workers and revitalize manufacturing but has led to increased prices for imported goods, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income families [2][3]. - Research indicates that the impact of tariffs on low-income households is more than three times that on high-income groups, with tariffs raising the price level by 2.3% this year, costing each household approximately $3,800 in purchasing power [2][3]. Wealth Transfer Mechanism - The combination of tax cuts and tariffs creates a clear pathway for wealth transfer, where government resources intended for the public are redirected to the wealthy and corporate shareholders, while consumers, especially those with lower incomes, bear the increased costs [3]. - Critics express concerns that this policy combination exacerbates income inequality and social tensions in the U.S. [3]. Long-term Fiscal Implications - The tax bill is projected to add approximately $3.3 trillion to the national deficit over the next decade, worsening the existing national debt of $36.2 trillion [4]. - The immediate benefits of tax cuts for the wealthy are contrasted with the long-term burden of debt repayment, which will fall on future generations [4]. Political and Economic System Critique - The article highlights systemic issues within the U.S. political economy, where policy decisions are heavily influenced by powerful capital interest groups, prioritizing their needs over those of the general public [5]. - The design of the tax bill reflects a preference for capital interests, while the tariff policy, despite its stated goals, ultimately shifts the financial burden onto ordinary consumers [5].