The oligarchs rule the US
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The oligarchs are increasingly in control in the USA. Describing the USA as a country ruled by oligarchs is a painful truth for many. Oligarchs are often associated with countries with a completely different history than the US. After this fall’s presidential election, there is no longer any doubt. The US is ruled by the oligarchs. Elon Musk’s support for Donald Trump is proof of this. The mix of economic and political power is unmistakable. The US is run by the oligarchs.
Definition of Oligarchs
I’m using Britannica’s definition of olgarkery. This says:
Oligarchy, government of the few, especially despotic power exercised by a small and privileged group for corrupt or selfish purposes. Oligarchies in which members of the ruling group are wealthy or exercise their power through their wealth are known as plutocracies.
Elon Musk and Donald Trump are both very rich. Elon Musk’s support for Donald Trump in the election has a selfish purpose. Exercising his power through his wealth is something Elon Musk did in this fall’s election. I’m thinking of examples of handing out money to voters. I’m also thinking of direct financial support for one of the candidates. What he gets in return is a significant influence on the shaping of US policy.
It’s fair to say that the mix between private capital and politics is not a new phenomenon in the US. What makes it so special is that the contributors have a direct influence on policy.
Citizens United
Citizens United is a law in the US that was passed by the Supreme Court in 2010. It gives companies, organizations and unions the right to make statements and donate money to campaigns. Many believe that this decision is the reason for the explosive use of money in election campaigns in the US. This in turn opens the door to the oligarchs in the USA.
Clearly, the differences in the US have never been greater between those who earn the most and the vast average of the population. An overview by The Guardian claims that in Trump’s first term as president, the 400 richest families in the US paid less in taxes than the poorest 50 percent of the country. That a few rich people control the US through its economy is obvious. That some of these are oligarchs is equally obvious.
Sources:
https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/oct/09/trump-tax-cuts-helped-billionaires-pay-less
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Citizens_United_v._FEC
https://act.represent.us/sign/usa-oligarchy-research-explained
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-21/inside-the-rise-of-us-oligarchs/104622344
https://www.vox.com/money/387348/elon-musk-trump-president-billionaire-oligarchy