maga bonds can help us afford t infrastructure deal

‘MAGA Bonds’ Can Help US Afford $2T Infrastructure Deal

Politics

When Democratic leaders and President Donald Trump agreed upon a $2 trillion infrastructure deal this week, they did so without agreeing on how will it be funded – a large sticking pointing considering the lofty price tag.

One proposal presented in an op-ed for The Hill by Bradley Blakeman, a deputy assistant to former President George W. Bush, includes “MAGA bonds,” named after President Trump’s “Make America Great Again” campaign slogan.

“Bonds are a great investment, and they often provide a patriotic and needed purpose,” Blakeman wrote. “In this case, they would enable private Americans and a variety of institutions to invest in the bonds to do their parts in helping to make the country greater, better, stronger.

“Moreover, bonds do not burden today’s taxpayers because they allow big improvements to be amortized over the period of the life of the improvement. I would suggest that the MAGA bonds be sold in 10-, 15-, 20- and 25-year editions. This could adequately spread out the costs of projects while allowing a good return for the investor.”

Blakeman admits the name “MAGA bonds” would not fly with President Trump’s political opposition, but it would not stop him from using bonds to pay for the projects to upgrade roads, bridges, and air travel in the United States.

“The most fair, equitable way to pay for big-ticket public improvements is spreading out the costs to those who will benefit from them over time,” Blakeman wrote.

“There is no better salesman than the president of the United States. I can see him announcing ‘MAGA Bonds’ with great fanfare, then using the bully pulpit of the presidency to sell them — appealing to patriotism and a sound investment opportunity to make good on his promise to “Make America Great Again.”

“And every citizen who wishes to do so can invest in America, instead of simply being taxed by America.”

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