United Airlines chief urges national wealth tax and near-100% estate levy

During a recent interview, United Airlines chief executive Scott Kirby warned that growing wealth inequality poses a danger to the United States and called for a federal wealth tax, saying state-level measures would be ineffective as wealthy individuals could relocate. He further advocated for inheritance taxes that would approach 100 percent for certain estates, stating he would be willing to pay them himself. Kirby offered no details on the wealth threshold that would trigger the estate tax or the rate he envisions for a national wealth tax.

His remarks come as policymakers continue to discuss higher taxes on the affluent, weighing possible effects on investment, economic growth, and government revenue. The proposal would mark a major shift from one outlet federal estate tax, which tops out at 40 percent on estates above a $15 million exemption. While also defending airline pricing practices, Kirby expressed optimism about the overall U.S. economy’s future.