Bernie Sanders Condemns Billionaire Influence: “That Is Not Democracy”

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has penned a powerful op-ed for Fox News, denouncing the growing political influence of billionaires in America and the increasing concentration of wealth. Sanders warns that the United States is heading toward “the path of oligarchy,” where a small elite class controls the economy and government, leaving the rest of the population behind.

The Vermont senator, who recently secured his fourth term, argues that the nation is at a crucial crossroads and faces two starkly different futures: one dominated by billionaires and another built on justice and democracy.

“We are in a pivotal and unprecedented moment in American history,” Sanders wrote in his op-ed. “Either we fight to create a government and an economy that works for all, or we continue to move rapidly down the path of oligarchy and the rule of the super-rich.”

Sanders pointed out that billionaires like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg hold more wealth than the bottom half of Americans — over 165 million people — combined. He called this extreme wealth inequality a fundamental threat to democracy and fairness.

Sanders highlighted how the billionaire class wields immense influence over American politics through campaign financing, social media dominance, and media ownership. He criticized the current campaign finance system, which he believes gives billionaires disproportionate sway over elections and policymakers.

He also pointed to the ownership of platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Truth Social by ultra-wealthy individuals, arguing that their control over these platforms stifles diverse voices and concentrates power in the hands of a few.

“In one version of America, the billionaire class buys yachts, mansions, and private islands,” Sanders wrote. “In the other America, working-class people struggle to afford the basic necessities of life.”

He detailed the struggles faced by ordinary Americans: over 60% live paycheck to paycheck, millions work for starvation wages, 85 million are uninsured or underinsured, and more than 20 million households spend over half of their limited income on rent or mortgage payments. He added that 60,000 Americans die each year because they cannot afford timely medical care.

Sanders also criticized the increasing concentration of power on Wall Street and in the media industry. He noted that six major media corporations now control 90% of what Americans see, hear, and read, giving these companies enormous influence over public discourse.

“This handful of corporations determines what is ‘important’ and what we discuss, and what is ‘unimportant’ and what we ignore,” he wrote, warning of the dangers this poses to democracy.

The timing of Sanders’ op-ed is significant, as President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to include several billionaires in his administration. Sanders criticized this move, particularly given recent controversies involving Elon Musk.

Musk opposed a bipartisan deal to prevent a government shutdown, a stance that some viewed as evidence of the growing influence of billionaires in Washington.

Sanders called for urgent action to address these issues, emphasizing that billionaire influence erodes democracy and undermines the principle of equality. He warned that Americans must choose between two futures: one dominated by the billionaire class and one built on justice, fairness, and democracy.

“That is not democracy,” Sanders wrote about the current state of political power. “That is not one person, one vote. That is not what this country is supposed to stand for.”

Quoting Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, Sanders added, “In 1863, Lincoln spoke about ‘a government of the people, by the people, for the people.’ Today, we have a government of the billionaire class, by the billionaire class, for the billionaire class.”

Sanders concluded by urging Americans to take a stand against the billionaire class and fight for policies that support the working class. He argued that restoring economic fairness and protecting democracy are essential to preserving the nation’s founding ideals.

His op-ed is a clarion call to address wealth inequality, rein in corporate influence, and build a more equitable society.