As the nation marks the one-year anniversary of Donald Trump’s inauguration, the glaring presence of tech moguls such as Jeff Bezos, Tim Cook, and Elon Musk serves as a reminder of the entrenched power of billionaires in American democracy. During the inauguration, these influential figures epitomized the merging of wealth and political power, sitting closer than many cabinet members.

Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan expressed her dismay during a recent phone interview. “It felt like a reunion of billionaires. Many didn’t even like each other, but they united for Trump,” she remarked, criticizing the overwhelming influence of oligarchs in shaping government policy.

Tlaib is set to introduce a bill urging Congress to dismantle the political and economic stronghold of billionaires, curb corporate subsidies and tax breaks that empower them, and reallocate resources towards essential services benefitting the American populace. This legislation is supported by Our Revolution, a political organization stemming from Bernie Sanders’s 2016 campaign, which aims to challenge the oligarchic structure in American politics.

According to Tlaib, “Our resolution pushes Congress to acknowledge the urgency of reinvesting in the needs of the American people,” reflecting a growing concern among citizens regarding economic disparity. The bill notes that the combined wealth of the nation’s 900 billionaires surpasses that of the poorest 67 million households, with stagnant wages exacerbating the affordability crisis in housing and healthcare.

Public opinion appears to align with Tlaib’s viewpoint. A recent Pew Research survey indicated that 63% of U.S. adults support raising taxes on large corporations. Additionally, grassroots movements, bolstered by figures like Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have drawn substantial crowds advocating for economic reform and equity.

Tlaib argues that Trump’s previous policies have worsened inequality. She points to the so-called “big, beautiful bill” as a significant transfer of wealth from the lower and middle class to the affluent, emphasizing the disconnect between the needs of working families and government priorities. “Many people are frustrated. They see continuous investments in fossil fuels and for-profit healthcare while their own needs are overlooked,” she said.

Beyond tax issues, Tlaib highlights how corporate interests, particularly in sectors such as oil, gas, and technology, have profited significantly from political ties. For instance, Trump’s administration reportedly provided $172.5 billion in benefits to his major donors, representing an extraordinary return on investment. “Every $1 million donated yielded an average windfall of $18 billion,” Tlaib noted.

The ramifications extend to various industries. The oil and gas sector alone has mat[$443 million] in cybersecurity and political contributions to ensure favorable legislation. Their generous donations have secured $153 billion in tax breaks, while industries related to crypto and AI have seen returns exceeding 686,000% on their investments due to relaxed regulations.

Tlaib also warns of a looming crisis where the interests of wealthy donors take precedence over the well-being of American families, who find themselves struggling with rising costs and inadequate access to healthcare. “The American people are pleading for basic support, yet billionaires have easier access to tax benefits,” she added.

Our Revolution’s ongoing initiative seeks to transform anti-oligarch sentiment into a cohesive political strategy aimed at reinvigorating democracy in America. The goal is to hold politicians accountable and ensure that wealth is redistributed effectively.

As Trump approaches a challenging midterm election cycle amidst public discontent, Tlaib’s advocacy for a policy agenda that addresses economic inequality resonates with an electorate increasingly disenchanted with the status quo. The Democratic Party must grapple with the implications of corporate money in politics, which has significant ramifications for public opinion and civic engagement.