Grover Norquist, the president of Americans for Tax Reform (ATR), wants to help Rep. Ro Khanna (D., Calif.) combat what Khanna calls the “moral failure of our time.”
Khanna, who represents Silicon Valley in Congress, recently called for a five percent wealth tax on the American people, calling “wealth inequality” the “moral failure of our time.”
In a letter obtained exclusively by the Washington Reporter, Norquist wrote directly to Khanna asking him to put his money where his mouth is.
“Your estimated current wealth is $232,700,000 according ot the publication NOTUS, News of the United States. The median American household net worth is $192,900 according to the Federal Reserve.”
“Congratulations on being 1200 times wealthier than the median American,” Norquist wrote. “To combat this moral failure, I assume you have already written a voluntary extra tax check ot the United States Treasury in an amount representing 5% of your wealth. Treasury has allowed such voluntary extra tax payments since 1843. Five percent of your estimated current wealth is $11,635,000.” That, Norquist calculated, is “enough to build nearly ten feet of California high-speed rail.”
While Norquist is renowned for his work to lower the amount of taxes that Americans pay, he is making a noteworthy exception for Khanna. He even wants to make it as easy as possible.
“If you have not made this payment, please do so now using the enclosed, pre-addressed envelope,” he wrote. “Your voluntary wealth tax payment will serve as a powerful example ni your pursuit of wealth tax imposition nationwide.”
He also wants Khanna to lead by example, and to be “prepared to welcome federal revenue personnel onto your property in order to produce a comprehensive inventory of all taxable assets including family heirlooms, artwork, jewelry, vintage comic books and Mickey Mantle rookie cards. The comprehensive list of your assets will be fully safeguarded by the IRS and its contractors.”
Khanna, a likely 2028 presidential candidate, has had a rough few weeks. Businessman Mark Cuban is feuding with him about health care policy, and Khanna has remained one of the few Democrats to go out on a limb to defend the scandal-plagued Graham Platner in the Maine Senate race.
Khanna’s headwinds make it all the more noteworthy that Norquist is willing to help him spread the word for when he decides to pay more in taxes.
“When you drop your payment into the mailbox please capture the moment for use on social media. I will help you spread the word,” Norquist, who has almost 75,000 followers on X, wrote. “You may also make your payment online at Pay.gov.”
