Leavitt declares 'more refunds than any year in history' at Trump's tax day victory lap

WASHINGTON, DC: The White House on Wednesday, April 15, highlighted the impact of President Donald Trump’s tax policies during a Tax Day briefing, citing data showing millions of Americans benefited from recent changes.

Officials said more than 53 million filers claimed at least one tax break, contributing to what they described as record refund levels.

The remarks were delivered by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler. 

White House cites tax data and says millions benefited

Speaking at the briefing, Leavitt said the administration’s tax measures had delivered substantial financial relief to Americans.

“As we have seen this tax season, President Trump's Working Families Tax Cuts have put a historic amount of money back into the pockets of the American people,” she said.

Leavitt added, “More than 53 million filers claimed at least one of President Trump's signature new tax cuts...the Trump administration has issued more refunds, and larger refunds, than in any year of the history of our country.”

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent provided additional figures, stating that more than 45% of tax returns filed so far included at least one of the administration’s tax provisions.

“We have had 5 million families file for Trump Accounts for their children. 1.2 million of those are eligible for the $1,000 seed bonus. This is a great day for the American people,” he said.

Bessent also outlined participation across various provisions, noting that over 6 million filers claimed the 'No Tax on Tips' deduction, with an average deduction exceeding $7,100.

More than 25 million filers used the 'No Tax on Overtime' provision, averaging over $3,100 in deductions, while over 30 million seniors claimed the enhanced deduction for older Americans, averaging more than $7,500.

He added that over 1 million filers deducted car loan interest on new American vehicles, with an average benefit of over $1,800.

Officials link tax cuts to economic outlook and address energy costs

Officials also pointed to the impact of the tax measures on small businesses and the broader economy.

Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler said, “12 million small businesses have an average tax savings of $7,000. The 20% small business pass-through deduction is now permanent, offering them certainty...and the rocket fuel to create 1 million new jobs.”

The administration’s emphasis on tax policy comes as affordability concerns remain a central issue, particularly with rising energy costs linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Addressing fuel prices, Bessent said he is hopeful that costs could decline in the coming months.

“I'm optimistic that sometime between June 20 and September 20, we can have $3 gas again,” he said during the briefing.

He noted that the outlook for gas prices is tied to developments in negotiations with Iran, with further discussions expected soon.