Rich Dad Poor Dad Author Turns a 40% Tax Claim Into a Debt Warning
Robert Kiyosaki warned in a June 2 post on X that U.S. debt exposes taxpayers to a deeper financial problem. The renowned author of Rich Dad Poor Dad asked how a government that “takes 40% of everyone’s money” still runs up trillions in debt. His question links take-home pay, federal spending, and public distrust in one sharp critique.
The warning lands as U.S. debt sits near historic highs. Treasury data showed public debt outstanding at about $39.2 trillion. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects gross federal debt will reach $64 trillion by 2036 as federal spending continues to outpace revenue. That projection sharpens Kiyosaki’s warning that heavy tax collection still fails to stop Washington’s borrowing.
The 40% figure is not an official tax rate. Instead, it may reflect the combined impact of federal income taxes, payroll taxes, state taxes, sales taxes, and property taxes on wage earners. Because those obligations can consume a significant share of income, Kiyosaki appears to use 40% as a broad estimate of the tax burden many workers experience.
Gold’s Rally Extends Kiyosaki’s Debt Warning Into Markets
Kiyosaki extended his fiscal warning into markets in a May 31 post on X. He said gold rose 65% in one year, while savings accounts paid 4% annually. That comparison turned his debt criticism into an investment argument. It also pushed savers to weigh cash returns against a major hard-asset rally.
The well-known financial commentator also said central banks are moving from U.S. Treasuries into gold. That claim gained support this week after European Central Bank (ECB) data showed gold accounted for 27% of global official reserves at the end of 2025, surpassing U.S. Treasuries at 22%. The shift broadened his warning from household finances to global reserve strategy. In Kiyosaki’s view, growing demand for gold reflects concerns about debt-heavy government finance and the long-term stability of paper assets.
He wrote:
“FYI: Gold up 65% in 1 year. Savings pay 4% a year. Central banks dumping US Treasuries for gold. Get the picture?”
The warning extends beyond taxes and government debt. Kiyosaki has cautioned that a major market crash could escalate into a depression, leaving millions of people with significant losses and financial hardship. He attributes that risk to excessive debt, Federal Reserve policies, and declining confidence in government institutions. As a result, he continues to advocate holding gold, silver, and bitcoin, arguing that scarce assets offer protection when paper wealth, cash savings, and traditional financial markets come under pressure.
