How a Simple Pledge Protects Taxpayers

The Taxpayer Protection Pledge is a written commitment taken by candidates and elected officials promising never to raise taxes.

In this episode, Grover Norquist explains why the pledge was created, who signs it, and how it changed incentives for politicians at every level of government. From the 1986 Tax Reform Act to presidential campaigns and state tax reform, the pledge became a clear contract between officeholders and taxpayers.

By forcing politicians to control their own vote rather than rely on vague promises, the Taxpayer Protection Pledge reshaped elections, restrained tax hikes, and helped define which party voters could trust on taxes.