Trump and Economics in the Gospels - Taxes

Taxes play an intriguing role throughout the Gospels.  References are made to tax booths and a top disciple Matthew was a reviled tax collector.  Their frequent mention supports the old adage about them and death.

Trump and taxes are famously tied in several ways.

There was also a robust system of taxation and government spending in Jesus’ time as we can see from the mention of the census being taken to support tax collection.
 
Luke 2:1 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus to register all the empire for taxes.

As President, Trump is a fundamental player when it comes to implementing fiscal policy for the entire country. His top legislative accomplishment was a tax overhaul that favored tax breaks for the wealthy and corporations, in search of improved economic growth. A trickle-down sort of supply side policy that was actually showing some results before the pandemic hit.
​
The increased debt resulting from these policies is a byproduct of taxes being lower and spending higher for all kinds of programs including defense. Trump’s tax policies were producing higher and accelerating deficit levels even before the pandemic, which has caused it to explode to previously unimaginable levels. It’s not clear how much debt Rome utilized and there doesn’t seem to be mention of government debt per se.

Trump has also used tariffs, and their threat, to cudgel friends and foes alike, most notably China. Tariffs were similarly collected by Roman authorities when goods entered the empire.

There are no tax returns mentioned in the Gospels, though tax collecting, and, presumably, their associated records were. Trump’s tax returns are infamous for having never been released and constantly speculated over – with audits and legal suits ongoing.


Tribute Tax (2)

The tax to Caesar received memorable ink in the Gospels.
 
Luke 23:2 They began to accuse him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding us to pay the tribute tax to Caesar and claiming that he himself is Christ, a king.”


Paying Taxes to Caesar
Matthew 22:15 Then the Pharisees went out and planned together to entrap him with his own words. 22:16 They sent to him their disciples along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are truthful, and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You do not court anyone’s favor because you show no partiality. 22:17 Tell us then, what do you think? Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

22:18 But Jesus realized their evil intentions and said, “Hypocrites! Why are you testing me? 22:19 Show me the coin used for the tax.” So they brought him a denarius. 22:20 Jesus said to them, “Whose image is this, and whose inscription?” 22:21 They replied, “Caesar’s.” He said to them, “Then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 22:22 Now when they heard this they were stunned, and they left him and went away.


Tax (5)

There is little objection to taxes in the Gospels – they appear to be an accepted fact of life – just like today.  Though there is a reference to them needing to be fair…
 
Luke 3:13 He told them, “Collect no more than you are required to.”
And the efficient collection of taxes appears to have inspired census taking.
 
Luke 2:1 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus to register all the empire for taxes.


Temple Tax / Double Drachma TaxTaxes were collected at the temple.  Though it would appear that Jesus might feel he is exempt…
 
Matthew 17:24 After they arrived in Capernaum, the collectors of the temple tax came to Peter and said, “Your teacher pays the double drachma tax, doesn’t he?” 17:25 He said, “Yes.” When Peter came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do earthly kings collect tolls or taxes – from their sons or from foreigners?” 17:26 After he said, “From foreigners,” Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are free.
Wouldn’t Trump love that idea? Wouldn’t we all…

---