Donald Trump has said he would raise taxes on himself as he pitched for the middle class vote.
The business mogul claimed on Wednesday that not only would he change and “simplify” the tax bracket for Americans, he was willing to increase taxes on high earners – himself included.
His remarks follow data showing Mr Trump’s seemingly inexorable rise to the top of the Republican polls: on Monday Public Policy Polling said he had 35 per cent of the base vote.
Meanwhile, UK bookmakers William Hill slashed the businessman from rank outsider at 150/1, to 5/1 odds as third favourite to occupy the White House next.
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Mr Trump’s latest comments shadow independent politician Bernie Saunders and leading Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton statements on tax rises on top earners.
“I would let people who are making hundreds of millions of dollars a year pay some tax because right now they are paying very little tax and I think it is outrageous,” he told Bloomberg.
When presenters Mark Halperin and John Heilemann ask whether he is proposing raising taxes on himself Mr Trump replies: “That’s right. Ready, willing, you see my statements: I do very well. I don’t mind paying some tax.”
He added that the middle class, “who built this country”, were “getting clobbered” and he wished to see them “thrive” again.
However, polling for Mr Trump - currently storming the field ahead of the selection for the Republican presidential nominee - may not be as positive as first appears. As a New York Times piece suggested, his numbers may be slanted due to his celebrity as although he has huge name recognition, this does not definitively translate into votes - especially in primaries.
