John Kasich: President Trump should support a balanced budget amendment

John Kasich is a former governor of Ohio, former congressman representing the state, and director at the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. He recently wrote a letter to President Trump to call for a balanced budget amendment, which you can read below.

Dear President Trump:

I am writing because our nation is approaching a fiscal crossroads that can no longer be ignored. The national debt is approaching $39 trillion, and the consequences of inaction are becoming more severe each year. This is not a Republican problem or a Democratic problem. It is an American problem, and it deserves strong leadership.

As someone who spent 18 years in Congress, including serving as Chairman of the House Budget Committee, I have cared deeply about this issue for a very long time. During my tenure we balanced the federal budget for the first time in a generation, and when I left Washington the country was projected to run a five trillion dollar surplus. That surplus disappeared almost as quickly as it arrived, which only reinforced for me that without a structural requirement to live within our means, Washington will always drift back into irresponsible spending.

For decades, there has been much discussion about the need for a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. I have supported this idea for many years and have encouraged states to pursue it through Article V. Twenty-eight states have already passed balanced budget amendment resolutions, yet the overall effort has stalled as federal spending continues to grow at an unsustainable rate.

It occurs to me that you uniquely have the ability to change that. With your national following, unmatched influence, and capacity to galvanize public attention, you could lead the push for what I believe should be called the Trump Amendment: a balanced budget amendment to the United States Constitution that finally requires Washington to live within its means. It is the only structural reform powerful enough to force the federal government to act with the discipline required of every family and every state. 

As a businessman, you understand the importance of sound financial management. You also know that persistent deficits weaken the economy, undermine job creation, and threaten America’s long-term strength. Your leadership on this issue could help bring both parties together around a goal that should inspire common purpose among all elected officials. 

This would not be a symbolic gesture. It would be a concrete step to secure America’s financial future and protect our children and grandchildren from a burden they did not create. It would be a great gift to the American people at a time when the country desperately needs one. And if you chose to lead this effort, the amendment could become an enduring legacy that strengthens the nation for future generations. 

I hope you will consider taking on this effort. Our country needs leadership on this issue more than ever, and your engagement could make a real difference. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss it further if you are interested. 

Sincerely,

John Kasich

You can read more from Governor Kasich here.

Published works by members or staff of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget do not necessarily reflect the views of all members or staff of the Committee.