Michael J. Graetz ’61GS Explores the Rise of the Antitax Movement in New Book: "The Power to Destroy”

Michael J. Graetz, Columbia Alumni Professor Emeritus of Tax Law spoke with Columbia Magazine to discuss his latest book “The Power to Destroy: How the Antitax Movement Hijacked America” and explore the overlooked significance of the anti-tax movement in modern American history. Graetz argues that while movements such as those for civil rights and environmentalism are widely recognized, the anti-tax movement has equally permeated American politics and culture.

Graetz traces the origins of the modern anti-tax movement to the passage of Proposition 13 in California in 1978, a measure that drastically limited property taxes and sparked a wave of similar initiatives nationwide. He notes that this movement not only affects taxation but also intersects with racial and cultural tensions, particularly in how it frames taxpayers as “us” versus non-taxpayers, often invoking racial animus. 

Graetz connects the antitax movement with the rise of the evangelical Moral Majority, which he says initially emerged as a reaction against tax policies affecting segregated schools. According to Graetz, key figures like Grover Norquist further amplified the movement, popularizing the anti-tax pledge among Republican candidates and creating coalitions that united various conservative factions under the common goal of reducing taxes.

Graetz also discusses the paradox of public opinion regarding the estate tax, which many oppose even though most people will never be affected by it. He attributes this to effective Republican messaging that frames the estate tax as a burden on the average American rather than a tax on wealth.

Towards the end of the interview, Graetz highlights the growing federal deficit, expressing concern over its implications and rejecting modern monetary theory, which suggests deficits are not a pressing issue. He warns that the current trajectory is unsustainable and underscores the need for fiscal adjustments, reflecting on the complexities and challenges of reforming tax policies in a politically charged environment.

To read the full interview, please visit Columbia Magazine.