United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has sparked a conservative backlash after calling for a national wealth tax and inheritance taxes of up to 100%, saying that wealth inequality is a 'danger to society'. The comments, made in a New York Times interview, drew immediate criticism from Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and former Fox News host Glenn Beck, who called for a boycott of the airline.
Scott Kirby, the CEO of United Airlines, told the New York Times that the growing public distrust of CEOs could be addressed with higher taxes on the wealthy. 'We should have a national wealth tax, it won't work by state because people will just move,' he said. 'And I think we should have inheritance taxes that get close to 100% at some level. I would pay them.'
Conservative figures seized on the remarks. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry wrote on X: 'How audacious from a guy that didn’t even build [United] and makes $32 million a year.' He suggested Kirby should distribute his salary to lower-paid employees. Glenn Beck and others also called for a boycott of United Airlines.
The controversy comes two weeks before California voters decide on a 'billionaire's tax', a 5% levy on the state's billionaires that wealthy individuals have spent millions fighting.
In the same interview, Kirby addressed the rising cost of flying, saying that high prices are being compared to the 'artificial low' prices during the pandemic. He defended charges for seat selection, stating that 'the way to give everyone what they want is to charge for the services and products that those customers want.' Kirby maintained that fares are still lower than in 2019 after adjusting for inflation, though government data shows airline fares have risen about 20% since September 2019, while overall consumer prices have risen 31%.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The debate highlights growing public tension over CEO compensation and wealth inequality, with a prominent business leader taking an unusual public stance in favour of higher taxes on the wealthy.
- The reaction shows how quickly such views can trigger consumer backlash and politicised boycotts, especially among conservative audiences.
- California's upcoming vote on a billionaire's tax could set a precedent for other states, and Kirby's comments may influence that debate.
Background
Wealth tax proposals have gained traction in some US states and among progressive politicians, but they remain rare and controversial. Federal wealth taxes have been proposed by figures such as Senator Elizabeth Warren but have not passed. CEO compensation has risen sharply in recent years, with top executives often earning hundreds of times the median worker's salary. Kirby's $32 million pay in 2025 is within the range for major airline CEOs but drew attention given his tax comments.
Key Perspectives
Scott Kirby (United Airlines CEO): He argues that a national wealth tax and high inheritance taxes could address wealth inequality and rebuild public trust in corporate leaders. He says he would personally pay such taxes and believes state-level taxes are ineffective because wealthy individuals would relocate.
Conservative critics (Governor Jeff Landry, Glenn Beck, Fox Business, New York Post): They view Kirby's stance as hypocritical given his own high salary. Landry called his comments 'audacious' and suggested he should voluntarily redistribute his pay to workers rather than advocate for government taxes. The calls for boycott reflect a broader conservative opposition to wealth taxes.
Other observers: The timing of Kirby's interview, just before California's billionaire tax vote, may be coincidental but adds political salience. The airline industry's pricing practices and Kirby's defence of ancillary fees also drew attention, with consumer advocates often criticising such charges.
What to Watch
- The result of California's 'billionaire's tax' vote on 3 November 2026, and whether the wealth tax debate gains momentum in other states.
- Any measurable impact on United Airlines' bookings or stock price from the boycott calls.
- Whether other business leaders feel emboldened or deterred from publicly supporting wealth taxes.
