I mean that's a bad characterization. Most Americans don't have savings to be inherited, so "many Americans" should be quantified first. The gains are only taxed when they are realized, so you don't owe taxes on inheritance - only when you sell the assets. You would not owe at the top rate unless your income (including realized gains) eclipses the threshold.

That's not a death tax. It's an income tax. You don't get out of it by dying.

Most Americans aren’t leaving their loved ones solid money after they are gone. Being on HN, it is possible you live in a bubble with far higher avg income and savings than the rest of the country.