Turning Point USA contributor Savanah Hernandez set off a political firestorm Tuesday after announcing on social media that she plans to stop paying taxes, framing the move as a protest against what she described as rampant government waste, fraud, and misplaced priorities.
In a blunt post, Hernandez declared she was done funding a system she believes no longer works for ordinary Americans. “F*ck it, I’m not paying taxes this year,” she wrote, adding that if the Internal Revenue Service comes after her, she intends to turn the situation into a national spotlight on what she sees as government hypocrisy.
Hernandez argued that the federal government aggressively pursues individuals over relatively small sums while failing to hold itself accountable for massive financial failures. She pointed to the Pentagon’s repeated audit failures, alleged large-scale fraud involving Somalis in Minnesota, and claims that illegal immigrants are prioritized over Americans for housing and welfare programs.
“I’m not paying for it anymore,” Hernandez wrote, tying her frustration directly to what she described as billions of dollars lost to fraud and mismanagement. In a follow-up post, she doubled down, saying she was not joking and openly encouraging Americans to withhold taxes until arrests are made, funds are properly used, and fraud is rooted out.
The provocative comments quickly gained traction among conservative voices online. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene responded by highlighting the depth of public anger, pointing to the nearly $40 trillion national debt and warnings that Social Security could become insolvent by 2033. Greene suggested that Hernandez’s comments reflect a growing sense of frustration and asked readers to imagine the impact if millions of Americans took similar action.
Other commentators echoed the sentiment. The Hodge Twins questioned the point of continuing to pay taxes, asking what the federal government could do if large numbers of citizens simply stopped. Podcast host Theo Von also weighed in, asking bluntly, “What are we paying taxes for?” Von previously interviewed Donald Trump in 2024 and later appeared as a surprise opening act at Trump’s speech in Qatar earlier this year.
Hernandez’s posts were driven by renewed attention on allegations of massive fraud in Minnesota, particularly involving the Somali community during the administration of Tim Walz. Those allegations have fueled intense debate in conservative circles over government oversight, immigration policy, and the use of taxpayer dollars.
Supporters of Hernandez say her message captures the frustration of Americans who feel squeezed by taxes while watching Washington fail to control spending or crack down on abuse. They argue that everyday citizens face swift enforcement, while large institutions and bad actors escape accountability.
Critics, however, warn that refusing to pay taxes carries serious legal consequences and argue that protests should focus on policy change rather than personal defiance. Still, the viral reaction to Hernandez’s comments underscores a broader mood of distrust toward federal institutions and growing anger over government finances.
Whether Hernandez follows through on her declaration remains to be seen, but her posts have clearly struck a nerve. The episode highlights how allegations of fraud and mismanagement can quickly escalate into calls for dramatic action, reflecting the depth of discontent among many conservative voters who believe the system is no longer working in their favor.
[READ MORE: Jennings Sparks CNN Uproar After Calling Out Minnesota Democrats’ Somali Outreach]
