Living in a Oligarchy
The dictionary defines "oligarchy" as a form of government where power is concentrated in the hands of a small group of people, often driven by corrupt or selfish motives. This ruling class, typically distinguished by wealth, nobility, or other characteristics, prioritizes its interests over the general population's needs.
As I watched the Trump inauguration, it struck me: the United States has become a bona fide oligarchy. Seated in the front row as honored guests were four of the richest men in the world—Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, and Apple chief Tim Cook. All are multi-billionaires, possessing enough wealth to buy and sell Congress, along with their mothers. And that seems to be exactly what they plan to do.
Recent statistics reveal a shocking disparity: the cumulative wealth of the top 400 richest Caucasian Americans surpasses that of all 41 million Black Americans combined. Let that sink in for a moment.
The U.S. Congress, by comparison, appears to be filled with "petty pulpers" next to the tech giants that Trump surrounded himself with. Don’t be surprised if Elon Musk—the richest man in America—becomes a future president. According to 2021 data from the Center for Responsive Politics, the average net worth of a U.S. Senator is approximately $3.5 million, while the average U.S. House Representative has a net worth closer to $1 million. Several are multi-millionaires. It is a very exclusive club, and we’re not in it.
While America may have always had oligarchic tendencies—inevitably intertwined with capitalism —the mask has now been removed. Consider this: George Washington was appointed General and later became the first U.S. President not just because of his leadership, but also because he was a wealthy land and slave owner, inheriting his fortune from his wife.
The idea of any individual being "worth" a billion dollars defies reason. To illustrate, imagine winning a billion-dollar lottery. If a Brinks truck delivered your winnings in one-dollar bills, and you started counting nonstop, it would take you 34 years to finish.
There was a time when the government imposed extraordinarily high tax rates—up to 70–80%—on the ultra-rich. During the Great Depression and World War II, these taxes ensured the wealthiest shouldered their fair share of the financial burden, especially since many profited enormously from the war.
But Trump epitomizes the oligarch who would never tax his puppet masters. What lies ahead for America under such leadership remains uncertain, but one thing is sure: it will be interesting.