Key Takeaways:
- Dozens of peace activists protested outside the Lower Manhattan IRS Office on Tax Day.
- They called for redirecting federal funds from military spending to social services like healthcare and education.
- The Trump administration has cut jobs and funding for key agencies, including Health and Human Services, Education, and the EPA.
- Activists highlighted the U.S. military budget, which is the largest in the world, and its role in global conflicts.
Activists Speak Out Against Military Spending
On Tax Day, as millions rushed to file their taxes, a group of peace activists gathered outside the Lower Manhattan IRS Office. They were there to protest the massive amount of taxpayer money going toward military spending, while social services like healthcare and education face deep cuts.
Groups like Brooklyn for Peace, the War Resisters League, and Move the Money-NYC joined the demonstration. They called for a shift in federal spending priorities, arguing that taxes should fund programs that improve people’s lives, not fuel endless wars.
Federal Budget Cuts Hit Hard
In recent months, the Trump administration has made drastic cuts, affecting over 200,000 public workers. Agencies like the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Education, and the Environmental Protection Agency have been hit the hardest. These cuts have left many Americans worried about the future of vital services.
Tom Gogin, from Move the Money NYC, explained, “Our taxes should pay for things like schools, healthcare, and housing. These are the things that help people live decently. But instead, too much of our money is spent on bombs, drones, and guns. It’s stealing from us.”
The Cost of War
The U.S. spends more on its military than any other country. For the 2025 fiscal year, the military budget is $895 billion, and President Trump has proposed a $1 trillion military budget for 2026. Activists argue that this money comes at the expense of social programs that benefit everyday Americans.
The U.S. military budget also funds conflicts abroad. For example, in the last year alone, the U.S. sent over $17.9 billion to Israel, which activists say has contributed to violence against Palestinians in Gaza.
Tax Resistance as a Form of Protest
For some activists, refusing to pay taxes is a way to protest military spending. Alice Sturn Sutter, a nurse who has been resisting war taxes since the 1980s, said, “We’re paying for genocide in Palestine and building prisons. It’s horrible, and we’re all part of it as taxpayers. Withholding taxes is a way to take responsibility and protest.”
Ruth Benn, another activist, has refused to pay her federal taxes for decades. She admitted that the amount she withholds may seem small, but she believes widespread tax resistance could challenge the military-industrial complex.
Why Tax Day Matters
The War Resisters League estimates that 50% of income taxes in the 2026 fiscal year will go toward military spending and interest on past military debts. Activists say Tax Day is a powerful moment to question where our money goes.
Benn said, “If more people refuse to pay taxes for war, it could make a difference. They don’t want people thinking about this. They want us to pay without questioning.”
The Fight Continues
As the protest outside the IRS Office showed, activists are determined to keep pushing for change. They believe that by redirecting funds from the military to social services, the U.S. can build a more just and peaceful society.
For now, the fight continues. Whether through protests, tax resistance, or advocating for policy change, these activists are making their voices heard.
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