NFIB does not endorse presidential candidates; however, we do analyze their positions very carefully for the purpose of educating our members. Below you’ll find a head-to-head comparison of the positions expressed by Mr. Trump and Secretary Clinton on issues that are important to small business. To learn more about NFIB’s involvement in other key elections, visit NFIB.com/Elections
INCOME TAX RATE
BUSINESSMAN
DONALD TRUMP
Donald Trump proposes reducing the number of tax brackets to three: 12%, 25%, and 33%.1
SECRETARY OF STATE
HILLARY CLINTON
Hillary Clinton proposes a new tax surcharge on high-income taxpayers effectively raising the top rate to 43.6%. Clinton proposes increasing capital gains taxes and implementing the “Buffett” rule to enact a new minimum tax rate on those with over $1 million adjusted gross income. 2
BUSINESS TAX RATE
BUSINESSMAN
DONALD TRUMP
Donald Trump proposes a new 15% business rate that would apply to corporations and pass through businesses.3
SECRETARY OF STATE
HILLARY CLINTON
Hillary Clinton proposes no change in corporate tax rates.4
ESTATE TAX
BUSINESSMAN
DONALD TRUMP
Donald Trump proposes elimination of the Estate Tax, but capital gains held until death will be subject to tax, with the first $10 million tax-free as under current law to exempt small businesses and family farms.5
SECRETARY OF STATE
HILLARY CLINTON
Hillary Clinton proposes restoring the federal estate tax to 2009 levels and create new brackets for estates over certain sizes: 45% for estates over $3.5 million, 50% for over $10 million, 55% for over $50 million, and 65% for over $500 million.6
REGULATION
BUSINESSMAN
DONALD TRUMP
Donald Trump proposes eliminating the EPA’s Waters of U.S. rule and Clean Power Plan rule.7
SECRETARY OF STATE
HILLARY CLINTON
Hillary Clinton supports the EPA’s Waters of the U.S. rule and Clean Power Plan rule and proposes additional measures to transition U.S. energy sources to renewables.8
HEALTHCARE
BUSINESSMAN
DONALD TRUMP
Donald Trump proposes repealing the Affordable Care Act and replacing it with Health Savings Accounts.9
SECRETARY OF STATE
HILLARY CLINTON
Hillary Clinton proposes expanding the Affordable Care Act by creating a new “public option” government-run insurance plan. She proposes increasing tax credits to assist with health insurance premiums. She also proposes allowing people over 55 buy into Medicare.10
ENERGY
BUSINESSMAN
DONALD TRUMP
Donald Trump proposes opening onshore and offshore leasing on federal lands.11
SECRETARY OF STATE
HILLARY CLINTON
Hillary Clinton proposes putting additional regulations on oil and natural gas development.12
PAID LEAVE
BUSINESSMAN
DONALD TRUMP
Donald Trump proposes expanding unemployment insurance (UI) programs to pay for six weeks of maternity leave. Trump proposes paying for increased leave by eliminating fraud in the UI program.13
SECRETARY OF STATE
HILLARY CLINTON
Hillary Clinton proposes 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave. Clinton proposes paying for the increased leave with higher taxes on the “wealthy.”14
Sources
1https://www.donaldjtrump.com/positions/tax-reform
2https://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/a-fair-tax-system/
3https://www.donaldjtrump.com/positions/tax-reform
4https://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/a-fair-tax-system/
5https://www.donaldjtrump.com/positions/tax-reform
6https://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/a-fair-tax-system/
7https://www.donaldjtrump.com/policies/regulations/
8https://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/climate/
9https://www.donaldjtrump.com/policies/health-care/
10https://www.hillaryclinton.com/issues/health-care/
11https://www.donaldjtrump.com/policies/energy/
13https://www.donaldjtrump.com/policies/child-care/