The Great American Tax Revolt

Today Explained explores a growing national discontent with taxes in the United States, particularly as tax day approaches in 2026. Host Eric Levitz and guest Isaac Martin examine the roots of this 'Great American Tax Revolt,' tracing it to post-pandemic inflation, rising property values, and a deepening erosion of trust in government—especially across partisan lines. While tax rates are at historic lows, public perception of tax burden has surged, with 59% of Americans now saying their taxes are too high. Both Republicans and Democrats are fueling this sentiment: Republicans push for sweeping tax cuts at state and federal levels, while Democrats, increasingly reliant on affluent voters, avoid broad tax increases and instead advocate for targeted relief and tax breaks for the middle class. The episode draws a stark parallel to California’s 1978 Proposition 13, a landmark tax revolt that capped property taxes and led to long-term consequences including underfunded schools, infrastructure decay, and entrenched inequality. Martin warns that the current moment mirrors that historical turning point—where anger at taxes risks sacrificing essential public services. The episode concludes with a cautionary message: you can’t have a government without paying for it, and short-term tax resistance may come at a steep long-term cost.