Comment by Alexander Detev:
Donald Trump returned to the White House and promised to end the power of the "corrupt and radical elite" who rob people. The New York-born billionaire once again addressed his voters - many of whom are from the working class - to explain to them how he and his cabinet are their voice, face and weapon against the "gold" the upper class that has ruled the United States so far.
Trump vs. the Elites
As observers have repeatedly noted, at such moments Trump and his ilk sound almost like the Russian Bolsheviks of the early 20th century. They portray authority figures in a range of fields as corrupt people - scientists, journalists, actors, musicians and, of course, politicians - and how they came to stop them. Or as his friend, the chairman of the National Rifle Association of the United States, Wayne LaPierre, says: “The three most dangerous voices in America are the academic elites, the political elites, and the media elites.“
We all know what Lenin's fiery words led to, but the situation under Trump is not only dangerous, but also increasingly ridiculous.
The administration of the self-proclaimed enemy of the elites, Donald Trump, includes 16 billionaires, including the richest man in the world - Elon Musk. Not only is this the richest cabinet in history, but it is also many times wealthier than the previous record holder - the first Trump administration.
On the podium in the Capitol rotunda, where Trump was sworn in, the ministers barely gathered because they were surrounded by other billionaires - the heads of the largest technology companies, including those of META, Amazon, Apple and Google, who were located in the most visible places in the hall. It was clearly demonstrated that they will do everything possible to influence the decisions of the authorities in Washington in the future. At the same time, Trump promised lower taxes for the rich, which will only further widen the economic gap in American society.
Oligarchy that threatens democracy
The fall of restrictions on social networks actually removes the economic burden from the shoulders of his new friends from Silicon Valley, and policies protecting the right to bear arms will pour billions into the pockets of an industry that the Republican Party has long served. Both - disinformation and weapons - pose a risk to the health of ordinary people. While the “elites” have their own security guards, armored cars, and advisers to tell them what is a lie and what is the truth.
Trump is not the first leader in the United States, let alone in the world, who tries to present himself as a defender of the common man despite the privileged environment from which he comes. But rarely has this happened with the aggression and confidence with which he does it. And never have the "allies" in the fight against these elites been the richest people in the world. It is no coincidence that the current president, Joe Biden, warned that "an oligarchy of extraordinary wealth, power and influence is taking shape in America today, which truly threatens our entire democracy, our fundamental rights and freedoms."
Unexpected effect
However, Trump may ultimately fall victim to these same "anti-elitist billionaires" with whom he has surrounded himself. Because some of his promises will come into direct conflict with their interests. If millions of illegal immigrants are indeed deported, the crisis in the US labor market will directly affect big business. At the same time, the introduction of additional tariffs against China will affect the businesses of some of his associates. And then Trump may have to really confront the elites. Like never before.