WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders wants America to adopt a financial system equal to the country of Denmark where citizens pay 55.9% income tax and a 25% national sales tax. Sanders’ comment came in response to President Donald Trump’s remarks about Greenland last week, which is owned by Denmark.
Sanders sparked heated debate Thursday with a social media post advocating for America to adopt Denmark’s financial system, which includes universal healthcare, free college education, and guaranteed paid leave—but is funded by significant taxes.
“Instead of stealing Greenland from Denmark, I have a better idea,” Sanders wrote on Twitter. He praised Denmark’s policies, noting that workers in the country earn at least $22 an hour and receive one year of paid parental leave.
Denmark’s system, however, comes with substantial financial demands. Danish citizens face an income tax rate as high as 55.9%, alongside a 25% national sales tax. Critics of Sanders’ position argue that implementing similar policies in the United States would place undue financial strain on American taxpayers.
While Denmark guarantees universal healthcare, its government oversees a state-controlled, tiered healthcare system. The state prioritizes care through three administrative levels: the state, regions, and municipalities. Access to care is comprehensive and free at the point of service, but critics highlight that such systems can sometimes result in delays for non-urgent treatments.
Supporters of Sanders’ proposal argue that adopting aspects of Denmark’s system could reduce economic inequality in the U.S. “This is about creating a society where no one is left behind,” Sanders has said in the past.
Sanders has not yet officially proposed his new 100% income tax increase or 25% sales tax in the Senate, but continues to advocate for policies reminiscent of Nordic welfare models.
