United Airlines CEO Backs Wealth Tax as California Prepares to Vote on Billionaire Tax

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby told The New York Times in a recent interview that the United States should adopt a national wealth tax and inheritance taxes approaching 100% at some level, saying he would pay them and calling wealth inequality a danger to society. His compensation was about $32.3 million in fiscal 2025, roughly 334 times the airline's median employee pay of $96,670, according to United's 2026 proxy statement. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry called his comments audacious, and commentator Glenn Beck and other X users urged a boycott of United. Kirby did not specify wealth thresholds or tax rates. The remarks came about two weeks before California voters decide Proposition 40 on November 3, a one-time 5% tax on roughly 250 billionaires holding an estimated $2.3 trillion. Supporters say it could raise up to $100 billion, about 90% for healthcare.

Democracy Now! does not cover Kirby in its excerpt; it centers on Proposition 40, quoting labor leader Lorena Gonzalez in support and Rep. Ro Khanna criticizing Democrats such as Gov. Gavin Newsom who oppose it. The Guardian leads with the conservative backlash to Kirby, citing Landry, Beck and Fox Business and New York Post headlines about his pay. Fox Business centers on Kirby's compensation, the pay ratio and his lack of detail, with host Dagen McDowell criticizing the proposal.