United CEO Calls for National Wealth Tax, High Inheritance Taxes
Scott Kirby argues growing wealth inequality poses a threat to American society and advocates for increased taxes on the wealthy.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has called for the implementation of a national wealth tax and inheritance taxes that could approach 100% for certain estates, citing concerns over escalating wealth inequality in the United States.
Kirby, whose total compensation in fiscal year 2025 was approximately $32.3 million, shared his views in an interview with The New York Times, addressing declining public trust in corporate leaders. "Wealth inequality has become a danger to our society, and we need to address that," Kirby stated.
He emphasized the necessity of a nationwide wealth tax to prevent wealthy individuals from relocating to avoid taxation. "We should have a national wealth tax — it won’t work by state because people will just move," Kirby told the outlet. "And I think we should have inheritance taxes that get close to 100 percent at some level. I would pay them."
Kirby did not specify the exact thresholds for the proposed inheritance tax or the precise rates he would support for a national wealth tax. His proposals come amid ongoing debates about the potential economic impacts of increasing taxes on wealthy Americans, including effects on investment, economic growth, and government revenue.
A federal wealth tax, as proposed, would differ from existing income and estate taxes by targeting an individual's total asset value rather than just income or wealth transferred upon death. The current federal estate tax has a top marginal rate of 40% on taxable estates exceeding certain exemptions, with a basic exemption of $15 million per individual in 2026.
In the same interview, Kirby also commented on airline pricing, defending the practice of charging extra for specific seating options. "There are some customers who want to sit in a window seat or a better seat, and that costs money to deliver," he explained, noting that such pricing structures allow airlines to cater to diverse customer preferences.
Despite his critical remarks on wealth inequality, Kirby expressed optimism about the future of the U.S. economy, describing it as "incredibly bright."
