The New York Times recently published a shocking expose that revealed how Donald Trump payed only $750 in federal income tax in 2015 and 2016, far less than the overwhelming majority of Americans.
Even more shocking, those years were some of the few in which Trump paid any taxes at all. The President's tax returns showed that, due to claims of substantial business losses, Trump payed $0 in federal income taxes for many of the past 15 years.
Many Americans, upon hearing this news, were understandably upset that the President, a billionaire who claims to have America's best interests at heart, has paid less in taxes over the past 10 years than many of us do annually.
This frustration is only compounded by one of the President's major "accomplishments" while in office: a tax reform bill aimed at cutting rates for the wealthy at the country's expense.
But former Congressman Rick Santorum claimed on CNN that there's nothing to be offended by in this matter. If what Trump did isn't illegal, it must be fine!
Trump is “going to do everything he can not to pay taxes,” says former US Sen. Rick Santorum, adding that it’s OK “… https://t.co/eJkK0PgO7y— New Day (@New Day)1601294590.0
Twitter was pretty sure Santorum's arguments were made in less than good faith.
Rick Santorum is a lobbyist whose income depends on Trump. A lobbyist is always lobbying. Always. https://t.co/YkWymBsaeK— Lawrence O'Donnell (@Lawrence O'Donnell)1601299643.0
No but seriously, why the hell does @CNN keep inviting Rick Santorum on to share his opinions? He’s not an expert o… https://t.co/jq60mrpLw8— Ricky Davila (@Ricky Davila)1601332990.0
Many felt CNN's choice to allow Santorum on the air was irresponsible.
STOP BOOKING RICK SANTORUM ON CNN. SERIOUSLY, STOP. #NewDay— Tammy 😷 (@Tammy 😷)1601292978.0
Rick Santorum thinks Trump is smart for bilking the American people out of millions in desperately needed tax reven… https://t.co/lnMbdpHSCu— Victoria Brownworth #VOTE (@Victoria Brownworth #VOTE)1601303436.0
If Rick Santorum means what he said, then he thinks the average, law-abiding American is an idiot for paying what they owe.
Rick Santorum thinks tax payers are suckers. It would be a good idea to look at Santorum’s taxes. https://t.co/eTWt5KcNfo— water (@water)1601304095.0
@thehill Rick Santorum is a clown. There is a huge difference between trying to minimize tax liability and being a… https://t.co/jiGownNYhT— Cliff Moskowitz (@Cliff Moskowitz)1601341968.0
Rick Santorum is an idiot.— Jo (@Jo)1601293013.0
If there was nothing to be ashamed of in Trump's tax returns, he wouldn't be making such an effort to hide them.
Notwithstanding Rick Santorum, it’s hard to imagine even the most willing and credulous of Trump’s supporters will… https://t.co/ZVJJSsFWnk— James Gleick (@James Gleick)1601309610.0
Rick Santorum's trending, always a great time to remind the world of this. https://t.co/RvtU9izWxe— Becky Bunch #ThankYouRBG #BlackLivesMatter (@Becky Bunch #ThankYouRBG #BlackLivesMatter)1601307732.0
Why should anyone trust the political advice of Rick Santorum, who was voted out of office in a fairly decisive manner?
If Rick Santorum is an idiot and a liar — and he is — what does that make the person who puts him on tv?— Adam Parkhomenko (@Adam Parkhomenko)1601300523.0
Dear @CNN When talking about Trump’s taxes, maybe it makes more sense to have a CPA on instead of Rick Santorum.— Steve Redmond (@Steve Redmond)1601298371.0
Our country needs some pretty drastic reform when it comes to taxes.
@NewDay Its a travesty that someone who is not a millionaire (me) is paying almost 200x than a billionaire (trump).… https://t.co/o6FmUZzmue— 'Punchy' Maneka 🇺🇲 🥃💃 (@'Punchy' Maneka 🇺🇲 🥃💃)1601298239.0
If Rick Santorum thinks President Trump was smart to pay so little on his taxes, perhaps he wouldn't mind picking up the slack.
Because, as it is right now, Americans are footing the bill for President Trump's lavish lifestyle.