Trump Vows to End Double Taxation for Americans Living Abroad and US Citizens Overseas: The Expat Swing Vote is Real, Y’all!
Yo, y’all! We need to talk about something BIG that Donald Trump just dropped like a bombshell that could shake up the 2024 election—again!
Especially, for those of us living that good expat life. Trump just made a bold move that could flip the game for around 10 million Americans abroad, and honestly, it might be the smartest political play we’ve seen in years.
Now, let me put this in perspective for y’all.
When we’re talking about 10 million U.S. expat voters, that’s not just a small group making noise from overseas—that’s a serious voting bloc, and to give you a clearer idea, here are 5 U.S. cities or states that compare in size:
- Michigan: Yeah, the whole state of Michigan has about 10 million people. Imagine all those voters making waves from across the globe. That’s us, y’all—the expat community!
- North Carolina: Picture all of North Carolina stepping up to the polls. With a population of 10.5 million, that’s basically the size of the U.S. expat voters worldwide. We’re that deep!
- Georgia: Yep, good ol’ Georgia—with about 10.8 million people—holds the same weight as Americans abroad. We’re talking ATL, Savannah, all of them wrapped up in one!
- Los Angeles (Metro Area): Now, we all know LA’s metro area is huge, with roughly 10 million folks, right? Well, imagine every Angeleno casting an absentee ballot from a beach in the Philippines, Mexico, or Thailand. That’s the expat voting power right there!
- Chicago (Metro Area): Windy City’s metro area comes in at around 9.5 million. That’s nearly identical to how many of us are living abroad and still holding down our voting rights. We’re just as strong as Chi-Town!
So next time you hear someone say the expat vote doesn’t matter, remind them we’re rolling just as deep as entire U.S. states and metro areas. We’re a real swing vote in this game!
Let’s dive in!
Trump’s Pledge: No More Double Taxation for Expats!
First off, let’s get straight to it. Trump came out recently with a major promise aimed directly at us expats, and it’s got folks buzzing: he wants to END double taxation for Americans living overseas. That’s right, the taxes we pay on our hard-earned dollars while we’re out here grinding abroad could be wiped out. And y’all know, if you’ve been hustling from another country, paying taxes both here and back home in the U.S. is like getting your pockets hit twice. Trump says, “Nah, that’s gonna stop,” and this is something that affects nearly 10 million Americans living overseas.
The Expat Vote: The Real Swing Vote?
We’ve been talking about it on the podcast, and we’ve said it in The Philippines Magazine—the expat vote ain’t no joke. With Trump’s latest move, he’s making it crystal clear: he’s after that expat swing vote.
Think about it. We’re talking millions of Americans scattered all around the globe—some estimates put the number of U.S. expats at about 10 million, and that’s not even counting the U.S. military abroad, which adds hundreds of thousands more.
And in places like the Philippines alone, at any given time, there could be anywhere from 250,000 to a cool million U.S. citizens.
Who are ‘The American Expats’ you ask?
US Expats, are the folks casting absentee ballots that you always hear about on election night. That’s right! We’re the ones who can flip this election. The expat vote is real, and we have the power.
Expat Truth: Truth is that seemingly, most expats (even in the Philippines), lean towrd the ‘right’ or are at least conservative, more traditional, financially savvy, and network together regardless of political affiliation. They also, inherently agree that the US has issues and needs to change, hence why they left the US themselves. Additionally, there are many who exscape racism and discrimination, but may still be considerate ‘concervative’ by Western Standards.
That being said…
Trump’s Pitch to Us -The Expats: Is He Tapping Into a Hidden Conservative Base?
Let’s be real: many of us out here are not just sipping cocktails on the beach—we’re business owners, veterans, retirees, and entrepreneurs. A whole lot of us lean conservative, whether Black, white, or otherwise, and Trump knows it. Expats are often forgotten about by both parties, but Trump’s message hits home because he’s actually acknowledging the unique challenges we face.
The whole double taxation issue? That’s a huge pain point for expats. You’re living abroad, maybe running your business, maybe just trying to enjoy your retirement, and the IRS is still coming for your money. Trump’s move could mean real economic relief for Americans abroad, and it’s a clear bid to get those absentee ballots.
The Expat Military Vote: Another Key to the Election?
Let’s not forget the military vote. The U.S. has military bases all over the world, including in the Philippines, Japan, Germany, and many more spots. Soldiers and veterans often stay abroad after their service, living their best lives in countries that appreciate their sacrifice. These veterans and their families are part of the expat community too, and they vote. Trump’s message hits them hard—less tax means more cash, which translates to a better life for them overseas.
Why the Democrats Need to Pay Attention to Expats
If Democrats don’t step up their game, they could lose big-time. While Trump is making headlines with his promise, Democrats have been relatively quiet about expat issues. But there is a group trying to mobilize abroad: Democrats Abroad. They’re out here working, but it’s going to take more than just outreach to get expats engaged when Trump is speaking directly to our wallets.
If you’re curious about what the Democrats are doing for us, you can check out their platform and get involved with Democrats Abroad. They’ve got a solid network, but the question remains: will their policies resonate enough to keep those absentee ballots blue?
Black Expat Truth: There isn’t an exact number readily available for how many U.S. expats are Black, but it’s estimated that Black Americans make up a significant and growing portion of the U.S. expat community. Based on general U.S. population demographics, Black Americans represent roughly 13-15% of the overall U.S. population. If we apply that percentage to the 10 million Americans living abroad, we’re looking at approximately 1.3 to 1.5 million Black expats.
Of course, the exact number varies depending on factors like location, economic opportunities, and social mobility. Black Americans have been increasingly moving abroad, particularly to countries in Europe, Asia (including the Philippines), Africa, and Latin America, seeking better quality of life, lower cost of living, and relief from systemic issues like racism and economic inequality in the U.S.
The rise of movements like The Passport Bros, Passport Couples, Passport Families, Blaxit (Black Exit), and Passport Rich, further reflects the trend of Black Americans seeking opportunities and peace abroad. So while the numbers aren’t fully documented, it’s clear that the Black expat community is a powerful and growing force around the world!
On the other side, Republicans International has been making noise and rallying support for Trump’s agenda. If you want to dive into what they’re doing and how they’re getting folks energized for the next election, you can check them out at Republicans Overseas.
Expat Life: We’re the Deciding Factor in the 2024 Election
Look, it’s no secret—living abroad gives you a whole new perspective on what it means to be American. But at the same time, we’re still U.S. citizens with the right (and responsibility) to vote. What’s wild is that we’ve been saying this for years: the expat vote is the real swing vote. Trump just made that a reality with his latest push.
Also read, the Expat Votes Matter article here:
As absentee ballots start rolling in from all over the globe on election day, don’t be surprised when you hear that the vote was close and those overseas ballots made all the difference. Trump is betting on it, and with millions of us abroad, he’s got a solid shot.
How much money are we talking about?
The exact amount of taxes paid annually by U.S. citizens living abroad can be tricky to pinpoint, but here’s what we know:
Tax Obligations for U.S. Expats
All U.S. citizens and green card holders, regardless of where they live, are required to file a U.S. tax return annually and report worldwide income, thanks to the U.S. being one of the few countries that taxes based on citizenship, not residency.
This means U.S. expats are obligated to file taxes with the IRS even if they’re living and working outside the U.S.
However, many expats avoid paying double taxes (paying in the U.S. and their host country) due to mechanisms like:
- Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE): In 2023, this allows expats to exclude up to $120,000 of foreign income.
- Foreign Tax Credit (FTC): Expats can use credits for taxes paid to a foreign government to offset U.S. tax liability.
Estimated Tax Revenue from U.S. Expats
While there isn’t a single figure published specifically for taxes collected from expats, some estimates from tax advisors suggest that U.S. expats contribute billions annually to the U.S. Treasury.
- A report by Democrats Abroad estimated that U.S. expats pay around $6.5 billion in income taxes each year.
- Another 2018 study found that the IRS collects about $37 billion annually from the combination of expats and foreign income related to international financial activity (including FATCA enforcement and offshore account compliance).
Reporting and Compliance
On top of income taxes, U.S. expats are required to comply with:
- FBAR (Foreign Bank Account Reporting): If they hold more than $10,000 in foreign accounts.
- FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act): Financial institutions abroad must report details about U.S. account holders.
These rules add layers of complexity and paperwork, making it more likely for expats to seek professional help or get caught in compliance traps, which also brings in revenue through penalties and fees.
Calls for Reform
The burden of double taxation is one of the reasons why both Republicans and Democrats living abroad have been advocating for reforms, including ending citizenship-based taxation or simplifying tax filing for expats. Trump’s promise to end double taxation for expats, as mentioned earlier, taps into a long-standing issue many overseas Americans have with the U.S. tax system.
So while the exact figure isn’t crystal clear, it’s safe to say that U.S. expats contribute a significant chunk to the U.S. tax system—billions of dollars annually.
This explains why tax policies aimed at expats, like Trump’s promise to end double taxation, can have a major political impact!
So, What’s Next?
Here’s the deal: if you haven’t received your ballot by October 1, don’t you worry.
We’ve got a solution that’ll keep you in the game. It’s called the Federal Write-in Ballot (FWAB). It’s your backup plan, your ace in the hole. With the FWAB, you can ensure your vote reaches your local election official by the deadline, no matter what.
Now, let me break it down for you:
First, (Republican, Democrat, or Non-Partisan) head on over to www.DemocratsAbroad.org/fwab for all the deets. Remember, accuracy and completeness are key, so fill out that FWAB like a boss. It’s your ticket to havin’ your voice counted in the upcoming election. Get those forms and instructions at www.DemocratsAbroad.org/fwab, and let’s get this party started!
Don’t forget, y’all, your participation in the electoral process is absolutely crucial.
So take these steps, be proactive, and exercise your right to vote.
And please read, Active US Citizenship article here:
Now’s the time to get informed and get involved.
If Trump follows through on his promise to end double taxation, it’s going to shake things up for millions of Americans living abroad, from retirees in the Philippines to entrepreneurs in Bali to veterans in Germany. Whether you’re for or against Trump, there’s no denying that he’s playing a smart game by courting the expat vote.
So, will the expat vote decide the next president? You already know it might.
Alright, y’all, now let’s get into who’s really gonna benefit if Trump delivers on his promise to end double taxation for U.S. expats. While this is a game-changer for everyone living abroad, some folks stand to win big time. We’re talking about those who’ve been hit the hardest by this citizenship-based tax system.
Here are the top 5 groups who would seriously cash in:
1. Entrepreneurs
First up, our entrepreneurs. If you’re running your own business overseas, you’ve been feeling the squeeze from paying taxes twice—once to Uncle Sam and once to the country where you’re grinding. You’re building something from scratch, but that U.S. tax bill can knock you down. Trump’s plan? You get to keep more of your hard-earned profits to reinvest in your business or just enjoy the fruits of your labor. Win-win!
2. Online Income Creators
We see you, YouTubers, influencers, digital nomads, and content creators. You’re getting those PayPal and Venmo payments from clients or followers all over the world, but that IRS bill is no joke. Ending double taxation means more money in your pocket to grow your brand, invest in better equipment, or just keep traveling the world while you rack up those coins. Say goodbye to that tax hit on your global income!
3. Consultants
If you’re a consultant—whether you’re into business strategy, HR, marketing, or coaching—you’ve been grinding internationally and helping businesses thrive. But the U.S. tax system hasn’t been showing you much love. Trump’s plan would mean that income you earn abroad stays abroad, and you’re no longer double-taxed for helping global clients win. Less IRS, more you!
4. Remote Employees
For those who are remote employees for U.S.-based companies but living abroad, this is a big one for you too! You’ve already traded the cubicle life for paradise, but those tax bills keep following you. Ending double taxation would make working remotely even more attractive—you get all the perks of that digital nomad life without the tax hit.
5. Investors and Property Owners
And finally, let’s not forget about the investors—those of you buying real estate abroad or investing in international businesses. You’ve been getting taxed at home and overseas. Trump’s promise means you can really start reaping the rewards of your investments without Uncle Sam dipping into every dollar you make. More cash flow, more growth, more freedom to build your global empire.
For all of these folks, Trump’s promise to end double taxation isn’t just some political headline—it’s the difference between struggling to make the math work and truly thriving abroad.
If you’re an expat entrepreneur, online hustler, consultant, or just someone who’s out here getting those international bags, you know that tax freedom would be the key to living your best life without Uncle Sam hanging over your shoulder.
It’s time for expats to really start playing on a level field, y’all! This could be it!
Stay tuned for more on The Philippines Magazine website and the Kareem Jackson LIVE! On The Set podcast, where we’ll continue to break down the issues that matter most to expats, from politics to business to life abroad.