Democracy for Sale

Just 100 billionaires in America spent a record breaking $2.6 billion dollars on federal elections

in 2024. This represents one of every six dollars spent by anyone, any party, any organization.

And, spending by the billionaire class on our elections is up 160-fold since 2010 when the

Supreme Court’s decision on Citizens United vs. FEC allowed for unlimited campaign donations.

This spending heavily favored Republicans, with 70% going to GOP candidates. This is according

to Americans for Tax Fairness, a coalition of over 400 organizations working to ensure that

wealthy individuals and large corporations pay their fair share in taxes.

What had always been “back room deals” is now out in the open, as the ultra-wealthy buy their

way in to powerful positions in our government, says David Kass, ATF’s executive director. Elon

Musk spent around $278 million on Trump’s latest campaign and is now taking his chainsaw to

government agencies, many of which were regulating or financing his companies. Linda

McMahon, a former wrestling promoter, gave $25 million to Republicans and now serves as

secretary of education. Howard Lutnick contributed over $21 million and now serves as the

commerce secretary.

Is this the new normal? Are we to be ruled by oligarchs who buy our government in return for

power and political favors, such as the trillions in tax breaks and deregulation they have been

promised? Such is the business of politics since the Citizens United ruling, 14 years ago.

If it is to change it is up to us, the voters, to force the necessary changes. It can be done, as we

have just seen in the election for judge of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, where Musk

contributed $25 million to the conservative candidate who still lost.

We must be the change we want to see. Call, write, and visit your elected officials. Participate

in boycotts and protests, and never be afraid to speak up and speak out.