Is America becoming an oligarchy?

Former President Biden warned, "an oligarchy is taking shape in America." Days later, tech billionaires were center stage at President Trump's inauguration. Is Biden right?

Air Date: January 28, 2025 12:00 pm

Guests including Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, Sundar Pichai and Elon Musk, arrive before the 60th Presidential Inauguration in the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, Monday, Jan. 20, 2025. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson, Pool)

In his farewell address, former President Joe Biden warned that an “oligarchy is taking shape in America.” Days later, tech billionaires Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg and the CEOs of Apple and Google flanked President Trump at his inauguration, stoking further concerns about the power and influence of the ultra-wealthy and Big Tech.

But wealthy people have always had more access and influence in politics, so is this really anything new? What, if anything, distinguishes this moment from oligarchies in the truest sense?

Are you worried about the role tech billionaires are playing in the Trump administration and their influence on policy and politics?

Guests

Gordon Arlen, visiting assistant professor of political at Swarthmore College

Bobby Allyn, NPR technology correspondent.

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