‘Bottom half Americans should pay zero tax’: Jeff Bezos says struggling workers should keep their money

Amazon founder and one of the richest men on the planet, has called for the bottom half of Americans to pay zero federal income tax. Speaking during an interview on CNBC’s Squawk Box on May 20, 2026, Bezos argued that lower-income workers are already financially strained and should not be sending money to Washington. The billionaire businessman said the poorest half of US taxpayers contribute only a small share of total federal income tax revenue and claimed taxing people who are “starting out and struggling” makes little sense in the world’s wealthiest country. His remarks quickly triggered political reactions and renewed debate over inequality and taxation in America.During the interview with CNBC anchor Andrew Ross Sorkin, Bezos referred to federal tax data to explain his position. He said the top one percent of taxpayers currently contribute around 40 percent of all federal income tax revenue while the bottom half contribute about three percent.According to Bezos, that three percent should become zero.“When people are starting out and they’re struggling, stop taxing them. We don’t need it. We live in the wealthiest country in the world,” Bezos said during the interview.He also used the example of a nurse living in Queens. Bezos said: “We shouldn’t be asking this nurse in Queens to send money to Washington. They should be sending her an apology. It really makes no sense.”Data from tax policy organisations broadly supports the figures Bezos referenced. Analyses based on IRS data show that the bottom half of US taxpayers contribute only a small share of total federal income taxes while higher-income households pay most of it.However, economists point out that lower-income Americans still pay payroll taxes, state taxes, sales taxes and other indirect taxes that can take up a significant portion of household income.Supporters of Bezos’s argument say removing federal income taxes for lower earners could help workers dealing with high living costs, rising rents and inflation.Bezos also addressed criticism often directed at billionaires and large corporations.He argued that even sharply increasing taxes on wealthy individuals would not necessarily improve life for ordinary workers.“You could double the taxes I pay, and it’s not gonna help that teacher in Queens. I promise you,” Bezos said.The remark appeared aimed at politicians pushing for higher taxes on billionaires and wealthy property owners.Bezos’s comments quickly drew a response from Zohran Mamdani.Mamdani replied on X by writing: “I know a few teachers in Queens who would beg to differ.”The disagreement reflects a wider political divide in the US over whether economic inequality should be addressed through higher taxes on the wealthy or through broader economic reforms.Mamdani has supported proposals such as a pied-à-terre tax on luxury second homes in New York City. Supporters say the measure could raise hundreds of millions of dollars for public services and affordability programmes.As founder of Amazon, Bezos has frequently faced criticism over wealth inequality, corporate taxation and labour conditions. His comments therefore stood out because they focused on lowering taxes for struggling workers rather than defending billionaire wealth.The remarks also arrived during ongoing debates in the US over inflation, housing affordability, wages and government spending.The exchange between Bezos and Mamdani highlights a broader national argument over fairness in the tax system.Some economists believe reducing taxes for lower earners could boost spending power and reduce financial pressure on working families. Others argue that higher taxes on wealthy Americans remain necessary to fund healthcare, education, infrastructure and social programmes.For now, Bezos’s comments remain a personal political and economic opinion rather than a formal policy proposal. Even so, the remarks have added fuel to an already intense debate over who should pay for running the world’s largest economy.