More than $5 trillion in US taxes: Who gets it?

This episode of The Take examines the moral and fiscal implications of the U.S. federal budget, focusing on how over $5 trillion in annual tax revenue is allocated—particularly toward war and weapons, debt interest, and social programs. Lindsay Kosh-Garian of the National Priorities Project reveals that the average American taxpayer contributes over $4,000 toward military spending and another $4,000 in debt interest, while only $2,500 goes toward Medicaid. She argues that these allocations reflect intentional policy choices that prioritize war, corporate contractors, and border enforcement over public health, childcare, and social welfare. The episode highlights how Trump-era policies have exacerbated inequality, with proposed budget cuts threatening 51,000 preventable deaths annually and 14 million people losing health insurance. The discussion also exposes the racialized nature of immigration enforcement and the deep entanglement between defense contractors and political power, calling attention to the need for public education and political alternatives to shift the national conversation from austerity to equity. The episode underscores that budget decisions are not inevitable but are shaped by political will. Despite widespread public opposition—such as 70% of Americans rejecting cuts to healthcare to fund a war on Iran—policies continue to favor militarism and corporate interests. The hosts emphasize the importance of clear political messaging, grassroots organizing, and accessible alternatives to challenge the status quo. Ultimately, the episode frames tax policy not just as economic data, but as a moral mirror reflecting whose lives the government chooses to protect—and whose it abandons.