After founder and executive chairman of Amazon, Jeff Bezos’s space flight, he is being slammed by many lawmakers who demand that he pay his “fair share” of taxes here on Earth.
In a statement, Jeff Bezos thanked Amazon employees and customers for financing his trip (Fox News). He stated, “I also want to thank every Amazon employee and every Amazon customer because you guys paid for all of this” (NY Times). In response, Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) tweeted, “Jeff Bezos is using his time to go out and zoom around outer space. Good for him. Poll after poll shows the American people want him to pay his fair share of taxes back here on Earth. Let’s get it done.”
He also said, “Am I supposed to be impressed that a billionaire went to space while he’s paid zero in federal income taxes some years and the workers at his company struggle to afford their medical bills, rent, and food for their kids? Nope. It’s time to invest in working people here on Earth.” Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) echoed that tweet, saying, “It’s time for Jeff Bezos to take care of business right here on Earth and pay his fair share in taxes.”
Democrat Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14) said, “Yes, Amazon workers did pay for this – with lower wages, union busting, a frenzied and inhumane workplace, and delivery drivers not having health insurance during a pandemic” in response to Bezos’s words of gratitude for his employees and customers (Fox News). Some Twitter users have also stated that they will no longer purchase from Amazon as a result of Bezos not paying a “fair share” of taxes and taking a trip to outer space.
