626. Ten Myths About the U.S. Tax System

Nearly everything that politicians say about taxes is at least half a lie. They are also dishonest when it comes to the national debt. Stephen Dubner finds one of the few people in Washington who is willing to tell the truth — and it’s even worse than you think. SOURCES: Jessica Riedl, senior fellow in budget, tax, and economic policy at the Manhattan Institute. RESOURCES: " The House Wants to Pass Trump’s Agenda in One Big Bill. Here’s What’s in It. " by Margot Sanger-Katz and Alicia Parlapiano (New York Times, 2025). " Correcting the Top 10 Tax Myths, " by Jessica Riedl (Manhattan Institute, 2024). " Spending, Taxes, and Deficits: A Book of Charts, " by Jessica Riedl (Manhattan Institute, 2024). " Why Did Americans Stop Caring About the National Debt? " by Jessica Riedl (Reason, 2024). " A Comprehensive Federal Budget Plan to Avert a Debt Crisis, " by Jessica Riedl (Manhattan Institute, 2024). " When Does Federal Debt Reach Unsustainable Levels? " by Jagadeesh Gokhale, Kent Smetters, and Mariko Paulson (The Wharton School of Business, 2023). " The Limits of Taxing the Rich, " by Jessica Riedl (Manhattan Institute, 2023). EXTRAS: " Farewell to a Generational Talent, " by Freakonom…