The Facts on Sen. Scott’s Claim That Biden Is a ‘Tax Cheat’

After President Joe Biden took a veiled swipe at him during the State of the Union address, Sen. Rick Scott released an ad labeling Biden a “tax cheat.” Biden was first scrutinized in 2019 for using what one nonpartisan expert described as an “aggressive” but not illegal tactic on his 2017 and 2018 tax returns to avoid paying a Medicare tax.

The White House is employing a new defense of that tax maneuver, one it says the IRS blessed, though some tax experts remain unconvinced.

Scott fired off his “tax cheat” allegation in an ad after Biden jabbed Republicans during the State of the Union, saying, “Instead of making the wealthy pay their fair share, some Republicans want Medicare and Social Security to sunset. I’m not saying it’s a majority.”

The line drew catcalls from some Republicans, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who shouted “liar.” As we wrote, the president has exaggerated Republican support for a proposal from Scott that said: “All federal legislation sunsets in 5 years. If a law is worth keeping, Congress can pass it again.” Scott — who was chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee —has said his aim is to “fix” but not eliminate the programs.