United Airlines chief pushes sweeping wealth and inheritance taxes, sparking debate

In a recent commentary, United Airlines chief Scott Kirby advocated for a national wealth tax and an inheritance tax that could rise to nearly 100 percent on amounts exceeding a yet-unspecified threshold. He framed the proposals as a remedy for growing wealth disparity in the United States. Opponents argue that such taxes would treat productive, often illiquid assets like operating companies and real estate as cash liabilities, forcing owners to liquidate or incur debt to comply.

This could divert capital away from expansion, equipment purchases, and hiring, ultimately hurting workers. The discussion also raises fundamental questions about who should decide the fate of a lifetime’s work and whether the government should have a dominant claim over family estates. While Kirby reportedly supports the taxes personally, critics say policy must consider diverse asset structures and the broader impact on economic incentives.