Trump’s Embrace of Billionaires Raises Doubts Among Working-Class Voters/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Donald Trump’s opening moves as president, including his high-profile embrace of billionaires like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos, have left some of his working-class supporters questioning his priorities. Critics argue the focus on wealthy advisors undermines Trump’s populist image, even as he doubles down on policies like immigration crackdowns and energy production aimed at his voter base.
Trump’s Focus on Billionaires: Quick Looks
- Billionaire Allies: Trump’s inauguration featured Musk, Zuckerberg, and Bezos, fueling concerns about elitism.
- Populist Doubts: Some working-class supporters feel sidelined, citing a lack of focus on housing and consumer issues.
- Poll Results: A January AP-NORC poll found 6 in 10 Americans disapprove of billionaires advising policy.
- Policy Shifts: Trump’s second term emphasizes tax cuts for corporations and wealthy households.
- Critics Speak Out: Progressive leaders see Trump’s moves as a betrayal of his populist campaign promises.
Trump’s Embrace of Billionaires Raises Doubts Among Working-Class Voters
Deep Look
Donald Trump’s second presidential term has opened with significant attention on billionaires like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos, whose presence at his limited-seating inauguration underscored a stark pivot toward elite advisors. While Trump has promised his agenda will benefit working- and middle-class Americans, some of his supporters are expressing skepticism about his priorities and approach.
Supporters Question Populist Vision
Enrique Lopez, a home construction contractor from Arizona, was among those who helped flip the state for Trump in 2024, inspired by promises to fight for the working class. However, Lopez was unimpressed by the president’s inaugural focus.
“So, the rich control the poor, I guess,” Lopez said. “They do whatever they want. They get away with it.” He also noted the lack of emphasis on housing costs or consumer protections, issues critical to his community.
Retired local government worker Lorrinda Parker, another Arizona Trump voter, expressed mixed feelings. She praised Trump’s immigration policies and targeting of LGBTQ-friendly policies but questioned his alignment with billionaires.
“The political class is a little insular world,” she said, adding that the elite advisors reflect “elitist thinking.”
Poll Shows Public Disapproval
According to a January AP-NORC poll, 6 in 10 Americans believe it’s a bad idea for presidents to rely on billionaires for government policy advice. Only 1 in 10 viewed it favorably. Elon Musk, now the chairman of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), remains a divisive figure, with just one-third of Americans viewing him favorably.
Support for DOGE is similarly low, with only 3 in 10 Americans approving of its creation. Critics argue that Trump’s reliance on Musk and other wealthy advisors reflects a “government by, for, and with billionaires.”
Policy Concerns for the Working Class
Progressive leaders argue Trump’s billionaire-focused start to his second term directly contradicts his campaign’s populist promises.
Maurice Mitchell, leader of the Working Families Party, described the optics of Musk, Zuckerberg, and Bezos at the inauguration as “Gilded Age symbolism.”
Mitchell noted Trump’s refusal to guarantee that tariffs and tax cuts won’t exacerbate inflation, despite his campaign’s promises to slash consumer costs. Trump’s plan to extend corporate tax cuts from 2017, while advocating for an end to income taxes on tips, has also drawn criticism for disproportionately benefiting the wealthy.
“There can’t be any doubt that Trump 2.0 is a government by billionaires,” Mitchell said.
Musk’s Influence Sparks Debate
Musk’s growing influence within the administration has raised additional questions. As chairman of DOGE, Musk has already pushed policies that clash with Trump’s working-class image, including expanded H-1B visas for highly skilled immigrants. Critics argue such policies favor corporate interests over Trump’s core voter base.
Mary Small, a strategist for the progressive group Indivisible, suggested Musk “seemed like he was calling the shots” even before the inauguration, particularly during negotiations over a December budget deal.
What’s Next for Trump’s Agenda?
While Trump’s alignment with billionaires is drawing criticism, his administration’s early focus on immigration crackdowns and energy production has resonated with parts of his base. However, the tension between Trump’s populist rhetoric and policies perceived as favoring the elite could pose challenges as he seeks to maintain support among working- and middle-class voters.
Progressive leaders like Mitchell argue that frustration with Trump’s approach must be channeled into a clear alternative vision. “In some ways, Trump’s and MAGA’s hubris is an advantage,” Mitchell said. “We still need to fill in the gaps and explain the positive direction we want to take the country.”
