Dagen McDowell criticized United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby for proposing a national wealth tax and a near-100% inheritance tax while maintaining his own substantial compensation package.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby has remained silent regarding his personal compensation figures, even as he publicly advocates for a national wealth tax and describes income inequality as a “danger” to society.
In fiscal year 2025, Kirby received approximately $32.3 million in total compensation, according to the company’s 2026 proxy statement. His earnings included salary, stock awards, and performance-based incentives, representing roughly 334 times the median employee compensation of $96,670 at United Airlines.
“We should implement a national wealth tax — it won’t be effective if done at the state level, because people will simply relocate,” Kirby stated in an interview with The New York Times. He also expressed support for inheritance taxes approaching 100% at certain thresholds, adding, “I would pay them.”
United CEO Scott Kirby earned $32.3 million in total compensation in fiscal year 2025. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“Wealth inequality has become a danger to our society, and we need to address that,” Kirby emphasized during the interview.
However, Kirby did not provide specifics on what wealth thresholds would trigger his proposed inheritance tax or the appropriate rate for a national wealth tax.
Fox Business contacted United Airlines to inquire how the CEO can justify accepting $32.3 million in compensation while warning about the risks of growing wealth disparity. The outlet also questioned whether Kirby intends to reduce his pay to redistribute wealth among employees, but no response was provided.
Kirby’s compensation includes salary, stock awards and performance incentives. (Kevin Carter/Getty Images)
Kirby’s comments generated backlash on social media platform X, with some users threatening to boycott United Airlines.
“And just like that @united will never get another dime from me,” one user wrote.
The comments sparked criticism among social media users. (Christopher Goodney/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
During the same interview, Kirby defended premium pricing strategies for certain seats, particularly when questioned about passengers without frequent-flier status paying extra to avoid middle seats.
“There are customers who prefer window seats or better seating options, and providing those amenities incurs additional costs,” he explained to the Times.
Fox News Digital’s Bradford Betz contributed to this report.