President-elect tapping mega-rich backers for positions that will give them power to cut spending on public services

Summary

Donald Trump is assembling the wealthiest U.S. administration in history, with a cabinet of billionaires and multimillionaires worth a combined $340 billion.

High-profile appointees include Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy for a new government efficiency role, alongside billionaires Linda McMahon, Doug Burgum, and Scott Bessent in key cabinet positions.

Critics argue this contrasts sharply with Trump’s working-class rhetoric, with analysts warning of policies favoring the wealthy at the expense of public services like education and social security.

Backlash over inequality and budget cuts is anticipated.

  • treefrog@lemm.ee
    44·
    12 days ago

    Critics argue this contrasts sharply with Trump’s working-class rhetoric, with analysts warning of policies favoring the wealthy at the expense of public services like education and social security.

    Well yeah, the guy is a hypocrite and conman. People expected something different?

    • TachyonTele@lemm.ee
      21·
      12 days ago

      News reporters, constantly shocked at everything Trump does. But not enough to call him out on anything.

      • aesthelete@lemmy.world
        9·
        12 days ago

        Even this quote employs weaselesque wording that defers to anonymous “critics” to make an accusation while maintaining a filamentous veneer of objectivity.

      • paraphrand@lemmy.worldEnglish
        3·
        12 days ago

        They are shocked? Or just reporting on it?

        Why are these comments always filled with “DUH WE KNOW”?

        • pageflight@lemmy.worldEnglish
          5·
          12 days ago

          I do think there’s use in reputable sources enshrining obvious facts about bad things going on. Nice to be able to point to them and say “see, it definitely is bad!” when people want to pretend it’s fine. (Or, “see, Exxon clearly knew decades ago,” for the good that does us.)