Paul Ryan’s deleted tweet about the recent tax reform reflects a significant disconnect with everyday Americans. While President Trump has been busy promoting the supposed benefits of his administration’s tax plan, it has become increasingly clear that the changes primarily favor the wealthiest individuals. In an attempt to showcase a success story, Ryan took to social media, but his message backfired spectacularly.
The $1.50 Paycheck Increase
There’s a difference between being slightly out of touch and completely missing the mark. Ryan shared a tweet highlighting a woman from Lancaster, PA, who reportedly experienced a $1.50 weekly increase in her paycheck. “A secretary at a public high school in Lancaster, PA, said she was pleasantly surprised her pay went up $1.50 a week … she said [that] will more than cover her Costco membership for the year,” tweeted Ryan’s campaign account before it was hastily removed.
Let’s break it down: that’s just $78 extra annually. Sure, it means she can maintain her Costco membership, but it hardly allows for any real spending once she steps foot inside. It’s no wonder that the tweet sparked an avalanche of reactions on social media, leading to the trending hashtag #WithABuckFiftyAWeek. Users were quick to point out the absurdity of the situation.
The Disconnect
The tax bill may offer some benefits to certain tax brackets, but it fails to address the needs of those who are truly struggling. Ryan apparently overlooked the concluding remarks of the article he referenced. Jeffery Thompson, an aerospace engineer who reportedly received a four percent increase in his paycheck, remarked, “It’s tough to be upset about more money in my pocket. But I think the people this bill made the most difference for are the ones who needed it least.”
Other politicians echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the disconnect between the intended benefits of the tax reform and its actual impact. Back in December, Ryan stated that the true measure of success for the tax bill would be the tangible results people experience. “When we get this done, when people see their withholding improving, when they see the jobs occurring, when they see a simpler tax code, that’s what’s going to produce the results,” he said. Ironically, the bill did gain popularity—but not in the way Ryan hoped.
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In summary, Paul Ryan’s ill-fated tweet serves as a reminder of the widening gap between political narratives and the reality faced by many Americans. His attempt to illustrate the benefits of the recent tax reform only highlighted the limitations of the legislation and sparked widespread ridicule online.