Fact Check: "Ken Griffin compared tax loophole reforms to Hitler's invasion of Poland."
What We Know
The claim that Ken Griffin compared tax loophole reforms to Hitler's invasion of Poland is misleading. The reference to such a comparison actually originates from Stephen Schwarzman, the CEO of Blackstone, who made the statement in 2021 regarding proposed tax reforms aimed at billionaires. Schwarzman likened the push for increased tax revenue from the ultra-wealthy to Hitler's invasion of Poland, which he later apologized for, acknowledging the inappropriateness of the analogy (source-7).
Ken Griffin, on the other hand, has been vocal about his opposition to tax reforms and has taken legal action against the IRS for the unlawful disclosure of his tax information (source-4). However, there is no credible evidence or record of Griffin making a similar comparison to that of Schwarzman.
Analysis
The confusion surrounding this claim stems from the broader context of wealthy individuals' reactions to tax reforms. While Ken Griffin has expressed strong opposition to tax policies that target the wealthy, attributing a statement made by Schwarzman to him misrepresents his position. The source of the original statement, Schwarzman, is a prominent figure in finance and has been involved in discussions about tax policy, but Griffin's views have not included such extreme comparisons.
The reliability of the sources discussing this claim varies. ProPublica, which reported on Griffin's lawsuit against the IRS, is known for its investigative journalism and has a reputation for thorough reporting on issues of power and wealth (source-4). In contrast, the claim about Griffin making a comparison to Hitler appears to be a misattribution, as no direct quotes or credible sources support this assertion.
Furthermore, the IRS's apology to Griffin for the leak of his tax records does not relate to any comments he made about tax reforms but rather addresses a significant breach of privacy (source-1).
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that Ken Griffin compared tax loophole reforms to Hitler's invasion of Poland is inaccurate. The statement was made by Stephen Schwarzman, not Griffin. While Griffin has been involved in discussions about tax reforms and has opposed them, there is no evidence to support that he made such a comparison. This misattribution misrepresents Griffin's actual statements and positions regarding tax policy.
Sources
- IRS statement as part of the resolution of Kenneth C. Griffin v. IRS ... IRS
- Ken Griffin: IRS Unlawfully Disclosed Tax Info to ProPublica — ProPublica ProPublica
- IRS apologizes to billionaire Ken Griffin for leaking his tax records CBS News
- How the Carried Interest Loophole Makes the Super-Rich Super-Richer Capital & Main