There is no limit to how low Trump’s billionaires will go
ough for Trump is to snap oneâs leg in two. To be clear, it was never going to happen because Bezos is a coward. One could possibly view his acquiescence as “corporate shrewdness,” but it is more accurate to call it what it is. If listing taxes on a car rental receipt isn’t considered a hostile or political act, then why would listing them on a receipt for a purchase on Amazon be any different? The only distinction is that Trump implemented these taxes and doesnât want to take responsibility for them. The glass menagerie of spineless billionaires decorating Trump’s cabinet and the White House exemplifies this lack of backbone despite their immense wealth. While Bezos may not have an official role in the administration, his businesses’ interconnectedness with the government means risking billions in contracts or unfavorable regulatory outcomes by attracting the President’s disapproval. However, standing up to bullies always poses a risk. When individuals with great power fail to push back, it sends a clear message that their self-interest is the priority. Surrendering over a small receipt line grants the President veto power over one’s business operations. This extends to other prominent figures like Paramount CEO Shari Redstone or Mark Zuckerberg at Meta, who submit to Trump’s influence. While they may think they are simply maintaining the status quo, history shows that turning a blind eye to authoritarian behavior can have disastrous consequences. Imagine the impact if wealthy individuals dedicated a fraction of their fortunes to upholding democracy rather than eroding it. Picture a nation where billionaires committed to paying their fair share of taxes instead of exploiting loopholes. Sadly, the inaction and appeasement of the wealthy class perpetuate a cycle of disappointment and low expectations from the public. Like renting a car and discovering hidden fees, the public is fed a narrative by billionaires that consistently falls short of expectations.