How a 2017 Tax Law Helped Divide America Even More
In 2017, Republicans in Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA)—a huge tax overhaul that became one of President Trump’s biggest achievements. Supporters claimed it would help working Americans by giving businesses more money to invest in jobs and wages. But that’s not what really happened.
Who Actually Benefited?
The TCJA slashed the corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, and it also gave tax cuts to individuals—but most of the benefits went to the wealthy. Instead of raising wages or creating more jobs, many corporations used their tax savings to buy back their own stock (which boosts share prices) and give bonuses to CEOs. Regular workers? Not so much.
This move made the rich even richer. By 2021, the top 1% of Americans owned nearly one-third of all wealth in the country, while the bottom half owned just 2.6%. That’s a massive gap—and it’s growing.
Why This Matters for Civil Rights
When wealth is this unequal, it affects more than just bank accounts. Economic inequality often hits communities of color the hardest, making it harder for people to access housing, education, healthcare, and fair treatment. Civil rights aren’t just about laws—they’re about whether people have a fair shot at living with dignity. A tax law that concentrates wealth at the top only makes it harder for struggling communities to catch up.
Corporate Power and Political Influence
The TCJA also gave even more power to large corporations. With their tax windfalls, big companies not only rewarded their executives—they also spent more on lobbying and political donations. That means wealthy corporations can shape laws and policies in their favor, while everyday Americans have less of a voice.
And let’s not forget: the law added $1.5 trillion to the national debt. Now, some politicians are using that as an excuse to talk about cutting Social Security, Medicare, and other programs that millions of Americans rely on.
Division and Distrust
The TCJA didn’t just shift money—it deepened the divide in our politics. Conservatives often point to the law as proof of economic “growth,” while progressives highlight how it made inequality worse. This fight over who the government should serve—everyday people or the wealthy and powerful—feeds the anger and distrust that are tearing America apart.
What We Can Learn
Tax laws might seem boring or complicated, but they shape our lives in real ways. The TCJA helped widen the gap between rich and poor, strengthened corporate influence, and hurt efforts to create a more fair and equal society. If we want to move toward unity, we need policies that lift up everyone—not just those at the top.