Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura told Americans not to pay their taxes in an interview with Larry King that will air Thursday night on RT America.
Ventura also discussed his presidential ambitions and announced the launch of his new television program on the online network Ora TV.
“I think the shutdown’s pathetic, Larry. I think that uh … here’s my big question: since the government shut down now let’s keep track of the number of days we shouldn’t have to pay taxes then, should we?,” Ventura said in a segment for the RT program “Politicking with Larry King.”
“If they shut the government down, we should lose our tax obligation because what are we paying for then?” Ventura asked.
King commended Ventura on his “good idea.” (RELATED: Should Nelly have to pay his taxes?)
Ventura, who was elected governor on the Reform Party ticket in 1998 and served most of his single term as an independent, also discussed the potentiality of running for president.
“If I run, I will offer the people of the United States the first opportunity to elect a president who does not belong to a political party since George Washington. He is our only president who did not belong to a political party at all, and this will give the American people the opportunity to make history again,” Ventura said.
The IRS reminded taxpayers Tuesday that the Oct. 15 deadline remains in effect for filers who requested a six-month extension to file their tax return.
“The current lapse in federal appropriations does not affect the federal tax law, and all taxpayers should continue to meet their tax obligations as normal,” the reminder reads. “Individuals and businesses should keep filing their tax returns and making deposits with the IRS, as required by law.”
Ventura’s interview with King is scheduled to air Thursday at 9 p.m. EST.