Are we still a democracy?

When I talk about oligarchy, I’m not just referencing the extraordinary concentration of ownership in our economy. I’m not just talking about the unprecedented level of income and wealth inequality or the increased billionaire control of our media.

I’m talking about how the very, very rich and their super PACs are now buying our political system and undermining the very foundations of American democracy.

In the 2024 elections, Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, spent at least $290 million to elect Trump. In that campaign, the 100 richest people in the country spent $2.6 billion to elect the candidates of their choice. And now, as we enter the 2026 elections, we’re seeing billionaires spend far more money in a midterm election than at any time in history.

It is estimated that super PACS from the AI industry, crypto, AIPAC and other special interests could spend billions of dollars to elect senators and members of Congress who represent their interests.

You, as a citizen, get one vote. They, as oligarchs, get to buy the candidates. That’s not democracy. That’s the government of the United States becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of the billionaire class.

If we’re going to create a government that works for all, and not just the 1%, we have to end Citizens United, get super PACs out of elections and move to public funding of elections.