Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg argued that the U.S. has the resources to strengthen public services, saying Americans should reject claims that investments in health care, education and infrastructure are financially impossible.
Buttigieg Criticizes Tax Priorities
On Tuesday, Buttigieg posted on X while sharing a clip of his speech in which he criticized the nation’s priorities and argued that the tax system places too much pressure on working Americans.
He wrote, "Don’t let anyone tell us we can’t have nice things – like good roads, schools and health care – as if the world’s richest nation couldn’t possibly afford it."
In the video, Buttigieg said the country’s wealth should allow for greater investment in areas such as health care, education and infrastructure.
"Nobody who really stops and thinks about it can accept us being told we can’t have nice things like rural hospitals and good roads and great schools and child care," he said.
He argued that the issue is not a lack of resources but how the country distributes its wealth.
Buttigieg criticized the tax system, saying wealthy Americans can pay a lower effective tax rate than some workers who provide essential services.
"People know that we can do better than that and I think people know that we can have a better future than the one that we’re in," he said.
Don't let anyone tell us we can't have nice things – like good roads, schools, and health care – as if the world's richest nation couldn't possibly afford it. pic.twitter.com/ELBYXJZeOK
— Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) July 14, 2026
Read Also: The Rich Are Getting Richer — Everyone Else Is Running In Place
Billionaire Tax Debate
Earlier, Economist Justin Wolfers argued that President Donald Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill Act permanently benefited wealthy Americans while temporary tax breaks for tips, overtime and Social Security would expire after 2028.
He also said tariffs disproportionately hurt working-class Americans.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) proposed reviving the Ultra-Millionaire Tax Act, which would tax fortunes above $50 million.
Supporters estimate it could raise $6.2 trillion over a decade to fund programs including universal child care, free community college and Medicare expansion.
Meanwhile, Kevin O’Leary rejected higher taxes on billionaires as a solution, arguing government inefficiency was the bigger problem and echoing Jeff Bezos’ view that higher taxes would not fix deeper issues.
Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio disagreed, saying billionaires should contribute more to improve the lives of working Americans.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo Courtesy: Rich Koele on Shutterstock.com
