Should we really blame billionaires for our own financial struggles? In fact, more Americans say yes

"Americans have long ogled the rich, but the country's widening wealth gap-and the billionaires fueling it-have been facing growing scrutiny. The news that Elon Musk is on track to be the world's first trillionaire came the same week that a judge ordered the Trump administration to fully fund food stamps, as 42 million Americans were left without the benefits they need to buy food. (The Trump administration appealed that ruling.)"

"Mamdani received support from figures like former labor secretary Robert Reich and Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, who have frequently criticized billionaires. Even singer Billie Eilish called out the ultra wealthy recently. "If you're a billionaire, why are you a billionaire?" she said while announcing an $11.5 million donation (about 23% of her net worth), before urging billionaires to give away their money."

"In the Americans & Billionaires survey, now in its third year, only 28% of respondents said that the current U.S. economic system works well for most people. Instead, 35% said it prioritizes the ultra-wealthy, and 36% said it offers opportunity-but not equally. Nearly three-quarters of Americans say wealth inequality is a serious national issue. Americans are also directly blaming billionaires for the financial struggles they face. Sixty-seven percent said billionaires are "creating more of an unfair society," an eight-point increase from the 2024 survey."

Elon Musk is on track to be the world's first trillionaire while a judge ordered full funding for food stamps as 42 million Americans lacked benefits; the administration appealed. New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani highlighted the affordability crisis and received support from progressive figures including Robert Reich and Bernie Sanders. Singer Billie Eilish urged billionaires to give away wealth while announcing an $11.5 million donation and asking, "If you're a billionaire, why are you a billionaire?" A Harris Poll found only 28% believe the U.S. economic system works well for most people, while 35% say it prioritizes the ultra-wealthy and 36% say it offers unequal opportunity. Nearly three-quarters view wealth inequality as a serious national issue, and 67% say billionaires are creating more of an unfair society, with 72% of Gen Z and millennials agreeing versus 62% of older cohorts.

Read at Fast Company