Megan Romer, co-chair of the Democratic Socialists of America, struggled to define what she meant by "taxing the hell out of millionaires" when pressed by David Remnick on The New Yorker Radio Hour. Romer admitted she had no detailed plan and shifted the conversation toward democratic decision-making and assessing funding priorities. The exchange comes as DSA-backed candidates have recently won New York primaries and as critics, including former President Donald Trump, have seized on socialist rhetoric.
DSA Co-Chair Falters When Pressed to Define 'Tax the Hell Out of Millionaires'
Dem Socialist Sputters After David Remnick Asks Simple Question on Plan to ‘Tax the Hell Out of Millionaires’
Maybe the policy is still being worked out — and the exchange on The New Yorker Radio Hour made that clear. Democratic Socialists of America co-chair Megan Romer appeared flustered when The New Yorker editor David Remnick asked her to clarify what the group's pledge to "tax the hell out of millionaires" actually means.
Remnick posed a direct, simple question on the radio program:
"Well, what does 'Taxing the hell out of them' mean?"
Romer replied, laughing and hesitating, "Uhhhh, yeah, you know, again, I don't have like a solid [answer], but—"
Remnick pressed: "But shouldn't you?"
Romer conceded, "Um, that's a good question." She went on to emphasize democratic decision-making, saying the DSA needs to assess spending priorities and the tax base required to meet them rather than rely on the continued existence of millionaires.
Earlier in the interview Romer said she is more focused on billionaires, arguing that many amassed wealth by "exploiting the working class." The exchange underscored a gap between political rhetoric and the policy specifics voters often expect from organizational leaders.
Context and Reaction
The interview comes as several self-identified democratic socialists recently won Democratic primaries in New York. Two of those victors, Darializa Avila Chevalier and Claire Valdez, are members of the DSA, as is New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who endorsed both candidates.
Beyond its economic platform, the DSA's website lists opposition to what it calls President Donald Trump's "racist immigration policies" and criticizes U.S. alignment with Israel, accusing Israel of committing a "genocide" in Gaza. Those positions have drawn sharp public responses.
Shortly after the primaries, former President Trump mocked the victories — sarcastically congratulating Mamdani on winning "solid Communists" — and later warned that socialists were beginning to "make their move" in the United States. In subsequent speeches he has repeatedly attacked socialism and communism, calling communism a "cancer" that must be confronted.
Whether Romer's on-air hesitancy reflects an unfinished policy debate within the DSA or a rhetorical misstep, the interview highlights a common political challenge: translating broad slogans into concrete proposals that voters can evaluate.
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