Willing to Give it a Go': Critics Pounce On Bezos Claim Raising His Taxes Won't Help Teachers

Jeff Bezos said paying higher taxes would not increase public school teachers’ pay, arguing that higher taxes alone cannot solve the underlying problem. He rejected claims that he does not pay taxes, saying he pays billions of dollars. He argued that even doubling his taxes would not help a teacher in Queens. He also disputed a claim that Airbnb causes expensive rent, noting Airbnb has been outlawed in New York City while rents remain high. He attributed high rent to government intervention. Critics responded by arguing that billionaire taxes could fund higher teacher salaries, including proposals for a minimum starting salary for public school teachers.

"Jeff Bezos, the billionaire founder of Amazon, sparked a bevy of anger on Wednesday when he told CNBC's Andrew Ross Sorkin that his paying higher taxes would not increase public school teachers' pay. Elizabeth Warren has made this point repeatedly. I think she's made it in reference to you and others who are able to pay a lower tax rate, even though you're paying an enormous sum in taxesa lower rate than maybe I am, for example, Ross Sorkin asked Bezos at one point during their lengthy sit-down."

"These people sometimes say that, you know, I don't pay taxes. It's not true. I pay billions of dollars in taxes. And it's perfectagain, if people want me to pay more billions, then let's have that debate, answered the Washington Post owner, adding: But don't pretend that that's going to solve the problem. You could double the taxes I pay, and it's not going to help that teacher in Queens, I promise you. This isso you can't connect those two things, not logically."

"Why is rent expensive? Why is it so expensive? I recently saw somebody blame it on Airbnb. Okay, Airbnb is not the cause of expensive rent. In fact, it's been almostlet me finish here, one secit's already been outlawed in New York City, and rents are still very high. So we know Airbnb isn't causing high rents. What's really causing high rent is government intervention. Critics, mostly Democrats, were quick to pounce on Bezos's take."

"Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA), who represents Silicon Valley, replied, Maybe next time try a different talking point. @BernieSanders and my billionaire tax would set up a $60,000 minimum starting salary for all public school teachers. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani (D) added, I know a few teachers in Queens who would beg to differ. Bezos also took to social media to offer some additional comments from his interview to the viral remark."

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