WASHINGTON — Is the Obama administration really taxing Christmas trees? No, but the White House said Wednesday it was reversing its decision to approve an industry-sponsored Christmas tree promotion program after conservatives accused the Agriculture Department of spoiling Christmas with a new tree tax.
The program — similar to familiar industry campaigns like "Got Milk?" ''Beef: It's What's For Dinner" and "The Incredible Edible Egg" — would have been fully funded by fees on the industry at 15 cents per Christmas tree sold. The industry had asked the USDA to set up the program.
Conservative critics said the costs could eventually be passed on to consumers. The National Christmas Tree Association said it wouldn't have an impact on the price consumers pay for their trees.
White House spokesman Matt Lehrich said the USDA would delay the program, but defended it, saying it was not a tax.
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