In his last address as president, Joe Biden warned Americans of a looming “oligarchy” — that is, rule by and for a powerful few — that was fomenting “distrust and division.”
Trump’s inauguration, which featured a host of tech billionaires prominently seated on stage — including Elon Musk, who repeatedly flashed an apparent Nazi salute at the lectern — illustrated this to a darkly comic degree.
This week in OtherWords, Sam Pizzigati explains how Trump’s billionaire-packed inauguration proved Biden right about oligarchy and lays out a path forward for the rest of us. Craig Holman from Public Citizen reports on the over $200 million that special interests shelled out to get a seat at the table. And Chuck Collins highlights the special role of fossil fuel billionaires in Trump’s inner circle — not just an oligarchy but an “oil-garchy.”
These billionaires are pushing for deregulation and tax cuts for themselves. But while Trump may oblige, states don’t have to. Rounding out our package this week. Eli Taylor Goss and Treasure Mackey share a story from Washington State about how ordinary people can win fairer taxes on the wealthy — and more money for the services the rest of us rely on.
New This Week…
Biden Was Right About Oligarchy | Sam Pizzigati
Look no further than Trump’s second inauguration and its tech billionaire guests.
Corporations and Billionaires Flooded Trump’s Inauguration with Cash | Craig Holman
The nation has never seen influence peddling like we just witnessed at Trump’s second, billionaire-stuffed inauguration.
Trump Wants to Cut Taxes on the Rich. States Can Choose Differently. | Eli Taylor Goss and Treasure Mackey
We won progressive taxes in our state by showing people just how unjust our tax code was. Other states can follow.
Fossil Fuel Billionaires Are Cashing in on Trump | Chuck Collins
Welcome to “oil-garchy”: fossil fuel billionaires are being rewarded for investing in Trump’s campaign.
In Case You Missed It…
Trump Plans a Supersized Tax Giveaway for Corporations and the Wealthy | Lindsay Owens
Trump campaigned on lowering prices for Americans. Instead, his first priority is to cut taxes for billionaires — and then services for the rest of us.
The Winds of Climate Change Are Driving L.A.’s Fires | Farrah Hassen
The fires are yet another tragic reminder of how people and our planet pay the ultimate price for climate inaction.
Anti-Immigrant Legislation Doesn’t Serve Anyone But Prison Contractors | Sulma Arias
The Laken Riley Act is an assault on due process, undermining all of our rights to make for-profit prison CEOs richer.
Five Popular Checks on Trump’s Agenda | Peter Certo
As President Trump retakes office, here are some clear signs the public isn’t going to just roll over for his agenda.
