On Saturday, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) delivered a scathing speech in Washington, D.C., in support of the nationwide “No Kings” protests against President Donald Trump. During his address, he highlighted the issue of a small number of billionaires who, he claims, have “hijacked” America’s economy and political system.
In his speech, Sanders emphasized that the United States was founded as a nation in opposition to authoritarian rule. He referenced America’s first president, George Washington, who described the nation as “an experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.” Sanders argued that this experiment is currently “in danger” due to Trump's actions, including the deployment of U.S. troops across the country and a blatant disregard for due process.
According to Sanders, the crisis is not merely a consequence of “one man’s greed or one man’s corruption.” He stated, “This is about a handful of the wealthiest people on Earth who in their insatiable greed have hijacked our economy and our political system in order to enrich themselves at the expense of working families throughout this country.”
Sanders specifically called out billionaires such as Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg, who he noted were present behind Trump during his inauguration. He reminded the audience of their significant financial contributions to Trump’s campaign and their subsequent increase in wealth and power since he took office. “Yeah, I am talking about Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and the other multibillionaires who funded his campaign,” Sanders said.
Recently, Sanders has been vocal against these billionaires, participating in a nationwide “Fighting Oligarchy” tour with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.). He has repeatedly raised concerns about the growing influence of wealth in American politics, particularly under Trump’s administration.
Musk, who donated approximately $250 million to support Trump’s reelection, has been criticized for his role in the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, which Sanders argues has undermined essential regulatory agencies. Moreover, both Bezos and Zuckerberg, who initially criticized Trump, later shifted their positions, with Amazon contributing $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund.
During his speech, Sanders did not shy away from addressing the implications of the GOP’s “big, beautiful” bill, which he claims would slash Medicaid for millions of Americans. He warned that as Trump’s loyal tech CEOs invest “hundreds of billions of dollars” into artificial intelligence, it could potentially “decimate tens of millions of jobs” within the next decade.
Sanders also took the opportunity to criticize Musk for his pursuit of becoming a trillionaire while the nation’s healthcare system remains under threat. He expressed dismay that “the richest country in the history of the world” appears to be actively dismantling its healthcare infrastructure.
Before concluding his address, Sanders made a direct appeal to his Republican colleagues, urging them to return from their month-long vacation. “Start negotiating and do not allow the American healthcare system to be destroyed. End this shutdown,” he implored.
Senator Bernie Sanders’ passionate speech at the “No Kings” protests underscores the ongoing struggle against the overwhelming influence of billionaires in American politics and the pressing need for reform in the nation’s healthcare system. As he continues to rally support for working families, his message resonates: the fight against oligarchy is far from over.
