Senator Bernie Sanders has emerged as a fierce critic of President Donald Trump’s administration, sounding the alarm on what he describes as a dangerous shift towards oligarchy, authoritarianism, and kleptocracy in American politics. In a series of impassioned speeches, rallies, and statements since Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025, Sanders has condemned the growing influence of billionaires, accusing the Trump administration of prioritising the interests of the wealthy elite over working-class Americans. His “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, launched in early 2025, has drawn tens of thousands, amplifying his warnings about a government “of the billionaire class, by the billionaire class, and for the billionaire class.”
Sanders has pointed to the presence of billionaires like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg at Trump’s inauguration as a stark symbol of this shift. He argues that their combined wealth—exceeding $920 billion—surpasses that of the bottom half of the US population, highlighting unprecedented income inequality. Sanders has singled out Musk, who reportedly spent over $277 million to support Trump’s campaign, as a key figure in this oligarchic system, accusing him of wielding unchecked influence over government decisions. He claims Musk’s role in the Department of Government Efficiency, alongside billionaire Vivek Ramaswamy, exemplifies a government serving the interests of the ultra-rich rather than the public.
The Vermont senator has repeatedly invoked Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, warning that Trump’s policies betray the vision of a government “of the people, by the people, for the people.” Sanders has accused the administration of pushing tax breaks for billionaires while proposing cuts to vital programmes like Medicaid, Social Security, and veterans’ services. He cites estimates that Trump’s budget could provide $1.1 trillion in tax relief to the top 1% while raising taxes for the bottom 95% through measures like tariffs. Sanders calls this a “war on the working class,” arguing that it exacerbates the struggles of the 60% of Americans living paycheque to paycheque.
Sanders’ rhetoric has intensified since Trump’s return to power, with the senator describing the administration’s actions as a transparent power grab by billionaires. He has criticised the influence of wealth in both major parties, decrying the Citizens United decision that allows unlimited campaign spending. Sanders argues that this has created a “pseudo-democracy,” where billionaires like Musk can overshadow the average voter’s voice. He has also condemned Trump’s attacks on the media, judiciary, and federal agencies, warning of authoritarian tendencies that undermine the Constitution.
Through his nationwide tour, joined by figures like Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sanders has rallied crowds as large as 36,000, urging resistance against what he calls a government driven by greed. He compares billionaires to “heroin addicts” addicted to power and wealth, insisting that their agenda threatens democracy itself. Sanders advocates for policies like a $17 minimum wage, expanded Social Security, and public election funding to counter oligarchic control. Despite criticism from some Democrats, who argue terms like “oligarchy” lack broad appeal, Sanders points to his massive rally crowds as evidence that Americans understand the stakes. His message is clear: the fight against billionaire influence is a fight for the soul of democracy, and despair is not an option.
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