As we wrap up a challenging year, it’s important to take a clear-eyed look at where things stand before January 20, when Donald Trump will begin his second term as president. This isn’t about politics as usual—it’s about the growing influence of a powerful few and what that means for everyone else. Here’s a breakdown of the current situation, explained in plain terms:
First, let’s stop thinking about politics as just Republicans versus Democrats. The real struggle is between a tiny group of super-rich, powerful people—mostly wealthy white men—and everyone else. This group already holds a lot of power, and come January 20, they’ll gain even more control over the system.
Forget the idea that markets and governments are two separate things. Markets only work because governments organize and enforce them. The real question is, who benefits from the way things are set up? Starting January 20, the rules will favor this powerful minority even more.
Economic growth sounds great, right? But it’s important to ask, who benefits from that growth? For the next few years, it’ll mostly be the ultra-rich, including people like Elon Musk. And the definition of “growth” will leave out big issues like climate change or the struggle for resources like fresh water.
Ever heard of “corporate social responsibility”? It’s supposed to mean businesses doing the right thing for society. But a lot of it is just good PR. Without strict laws and big penalties, most companies won’t make real changes that might cut into their profits. Expect even less emphasis on fairness and diversity in the coming years.
Laws are only as good as the enforcement behind them. For big corporations and the super-wealthy, breaking the law can just be a calculated risk—they’ll pay a fine and move on. Trump and Musk are prime examples of how little consequences can matter when you have enough money and power.
People often argue about capitalism versus socialism, but here’s the truth: we already have socialism—for the rich. Top CEOs earn hundreds of times what their employees make, and even when they’re fired, they walk away with millions. Meanwhile, most Americans face harsh economic realities with stagnant wages and little job security.
When politicians talk about “national competitiveness,” they usually mean big corporations making money. But many of these corporations, including Musk’s Tesla, operate globally and aren’t loyal to any country. Real competitiveness should focus on investing in the American people—things like better education, healthcare, and infrastructure—but we’re falling behind on all those fronts.
The news often focuses on the economy’s ups and downs, like inflation or recessions. But the real story is how the system has been structured over decades to make the rich richer. Laws that could help workers or prevent monopolies have been weakened. Expect this trend to continue.
Today, many big companies succeed not because they’re better or cheaper, but because they dominate their markets, leaving consumers and workers with fewer choices. Mergers and monopolistic practices will likely increase in the coming years.
Finance has turned into a giant casino, with bets made on other bets, often involving risky things like cryptocurrencies. With fewer regulations under Trump, the chances of major financial crashes will rise.
Hedge fund managers and private equity tycoons don’t succeed because they’re smarter than everyone else—they often have access to insider information. The agency responsible for regulating this, the SEC, has been lenient, and it’s expected to become even more so.
Big policy ideas like free college or healthcare are important, but they’re just band-aids unless the bigger issues—like who holds the power—are addressed. Climate change, nuclear threats, and artificial intelligence are all massive problems that will likely worsen without systemic changes.
Our system isn’t stable. The wealthiest people use their money to change rules like taxes and labor laws in their favor, making the rich even richer while leaving everyone else struggling. This vicious cycle will likely intensify.
The American dream says hard work pays off, but nowadays, the best predictor of wealth is the family you’re born into. As wealthy boomers pass their fortunes to their children, this will create an aristocracy, not a meritocracy.
Race and class are deeply connected. Racial discrimination makes economic inequality worse, and vice versa. Most Americans are part of the working class, but they’ve been squeezed for decades. Expect these divides to deepen.
The idea of blue-collar versus white-collar jobs is outdated. What really matters now is having a degree from a prestigious college. Despite his rhetoric, Trump is unlikely to make higher education more accessible.
Combine stagnant incomes and job insecurity with climate change and global migration, and you’ve got a recipe for bigotry and division. Leaders like Trump exploit these fears, and his promise to deport millions of undocumented immigrants will only worsen the situation.
Understanding power is crucial. It’s about who has it, how they use it, and what they gain from it. People like Trump, Musk, and Rupert Murdoch wield enormous power, often without accountability.
Wealth and power go hand in hand. The more money you have, the more influence you can buy, and vice versa. Starting January 20, this connection will grow even stronger.
This isn’t meant to make you feel hopeless. In fact, understanding how the system works is the first step toward changing it. By recognizing where we are now, we can better prepare to resist the worsening trends and push for a fairer, more just society.
