Former Vice President Mike Pence has re-emerged as a vocal defender of conservative economic policy, warning that raising taxes on the wealthy is nothing short of a “massive tax hike on small business America.” As Washington debates whether to let key parts of the Trump tax cuts expire, Pence is drawing a sharp line in the sand.
Pence Pushes Back on GOP Tax Hike Rumors
Pence’s warning comes as the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act—a signature victory of the Trump-Pence administration—faces sunset clauses that could undo hard-won tax relief. He slammed proposals circulating in D.C. to raise the top income tax rate from 37% to 39.6%, calling it an attack on small business.
“Any move to raise the top margin rate is an enormous tax increase on small business owners,” Pence told Fox News Digital. That’s because many of America’s entrepreneurs file taxes as individuals—not corporations—meaning they’d be crushed under so-called “millionaire” taxes.
The Trump-Pence tax cuts — easing the burden for all Americans — are set to expire at the end of 2025.
“There should be no higher priority for the Congress and this administration than to make the Trump tax cuts permanent.” – AAF Founder @Mike_Pence pic.twitter.com/VRy1A9O5HC
— Advancing American Freedom (@AmericanFreedom) April 23, 2025
A Quiet Rift Inside the Republican Ranks
While President Trump remains committed to tax cuts in principle, reports suggest he may allow the top bracket for earners over $2.5 million to rise. It’s a surprising departure from traditional Republican orthodoxy, likely aimed at balancing budgets and winning back moderate voters in swing states.
It’s Tax Day America. Good time to remind Washington Republicans that we need them to make the Trump-Pence Tax Cuts Permanent!🇺🇸 https://t.co/4bXND0nq8X pic.twitter.com/1Fx9BfQ4VW
— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) April 15, 2025
Pence clearly isn’t on board. “Let’s make all the Trump-Pence tax cuts permanent,” he declared, rejecting any carve-outs or compromises. This puts him at odds with current economic debates inside the GOP, where fiscal pragmatism is beginning to rival Reagan-style tax philosophy.
Standing Firm on Conservative Bedrock
Beyond tax policy, Pence is reinforcing his brand as the voice of traditional conservatism. He’s calling for “less government, less taxes, strong defense, and moral values”—a familiar platform for grassroots Republicans who feel the party’s identity has drifted in recent years.
While Pence’s influence over MAGA voters has waned since January 6, his message resonates with fiscal conservatives, Tea Party veterans, and Reagan Republicans who still believe in growth through low taxation.
Whether the GOP will follow Pence’s lead or chart a new tax path remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: Pence is drawing a line—and warning Republicans not to abandon the principles that powered America’s last economic boom.