United Airlines CEO calls for wealth tax

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby urges a national wealth tax and near-100% inheritance tax to address growing wealth inequality.

“Wealth inequality has become a danger to our society, and we need to address that. We should have a national wealth tax — it won't work by state because people will just move. And i think we should have inheritance taxes that get close to 100 percent at some level. I would pay them.”

Wealth gap in U.S. at 30-year high

The top 1% holds nearly 32% of U.S. wealth ($55 trillion) while the bottom 50% holds just 2.5% of total assets.

Current U.S. tax system

The IRS taxes wages and investment gains but generally doesn't tax accumulated wealth until assets are sold.

Federal estate tax rules

The federal estate tax tops out at 40% but most estates owe no federal tax due to high exemption levels.

California's wealth tax proposal

California voters will consider Proposition 40, a one-time tax of up to 5% on billionaire assets held as of January 1, 2026.

State tax changes

Colorado voters will consider Amendment 87 to replace flat income tax with graduated rates for high earners, while Washington state debates repealing a 9.9% tax on income over $1 million.

Wealth tax vs inheritance tax

A wealth tax targets current assets while an inheritance tax applies to money received after death.

Tax implications for families

State taxes could affect inheritance amounts depending on where the person lived and where you reside.

Kirby's financial status

Kirby reportedly holds over $125 million in assets, making him a potential beneficiary of proposed taxes.

Political challenges

Passing a national wealth tax faces significant political hurdles in a deeply divided Congress.

What happens next

California voters will decide on Proposition 40 in November 2026, while federal wealth tax proposals remain unlikely in the near term.