Vornado Realty Trust CEO Steve Roth drew criticism after comparing the phrase "tax the rich" to racial slurs during a recent company earnings call. Roth described the slogan as being "spit out with anger and contempt by politicians" and characterized it as "just as hateful as some disgusting racial slurs."

The comments came amid ongoing political debates over wealth inequality and tax policy. Billionaire wealth has increased significantly in recent years, with some estimates showing an 81% increase since 2020, according to wealth tracking data.

Roth's remarks reflect tensions between wealthy individuals and political movements calling for higher taxes on the ultra-rich. The "tax the rich" slogan has been prominently used by progressive politicians and activists advocating for increased taxation of high earners and wealth holders.

The Vornado CEO's comparison has generated backlash from critics who argue that equating economic policy rhetoric with racial slurs minimizes the historical and ongoing impact of discriminatory language. Others have defended wealthy individuals' right to push back against what they view as hostile political rhetoric.

Vornado Realty Trust is a major real estate investment trust that owns and manages commercial properties. The company has not issued additional statements clarifying or expanding on Roth's comments made during the earnings call.