Democratic Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib is launching a direct legislative assault on the political and economic dominance of America's billionaire class. On Tuesday, she plans to introduce a bill in the House of Representatives urging an end to the corporate subsidies and tax advantages that fortify their power, advocating for a massive reinvestment in the American people to defend democracy from authoritarianism.
The Staggering Return on Political Investment
The legislation, supported by the political organisation Our Revolution, is part of a new "Defund the Oligarchy" campaign. Research underpinning the campaign reveals a shocking return on investment for those bankrolling political power. Our Revolution found that Trump's biggest donors in crypto, oil and gas, and deportation infrastructure spent roughly $700 million. In return, they received policies and tax benefits worth an estimated $172.5 billion – an almost unimaginable 18,000% return. On average, every $1 million donated yielded an $18 billion windfall.
"It's out of control," said Tlaib, a member of the progressive "squad". "Our resolution urges Congress to act to address it and reinvest in the needs of the American people. How come we don't seem to have money for Medicare for all but we have money to... continue to fund a genocide in Gaza? A lot of folks are tired of it."
Industry Windfalls and a Public Hunger for Change
The data exposes vast industry-specific gains. The oil and gas sector spent $443 million in 2024, securing about $153 billion in tax breaks and regulatory rollbacks—a 33,443% return. Private detention firms like GEO Group and CoreCivic saw an 11,050% return. The cryptocurrency industry's $40 million investment brought a $19 billion wealth surge after Trump promoted the US as the "crypto capital of the planet".
Perhaps most staggering is the AI sector. Leaders who invested $72 million are now estimated to be $494 billion richer—a 686,011% return—after Trump championed breakneck expansion with little regulatory oversight.
Tlaib argues there is a powerful public mandate for change. A Pew Research survey found more than six in ten US adults (63%) believe tax rates on big businesses and corporations should be raised. "The American people, no matter the political affiliation... overwhelmingly want to tax the rich," she stated defiantly.
Political Hurdles and a Call to Action
Despite this sentiment, Tlaib acknowledges significant hurdles within her own party. While the bill has support from Representative Pramila Jayapal, many Democrats rely on the same corporate donations. "A majority of them do take corporate donations," Tlaib noted. "The same people that I'm talking about donate to Democrats and willingly take money from crypto bros, the AI industry, big pharma, big oil."
Joseph Geevarghese of Our Revolution argues the fight must move beyond slogans. "It's got to be more than just fighting oligarchy as a slogan. It has to be defunding oligarchy as a governing programme," he said. The group's initiative aims to turn anti-oligarch sentiment into concrete political action through candidate pledges and an accountability project.
The bill highlights that the combined wealth of America's 900 billionaires now exceeds that of the 67 million households in the poorest 50%. With wages stagnant and basic needs like housing and healthcare becoming unaffordable, Tlaib's "Defund the Oligarchy" push represents a progressive litmus test for a party grappling with its ties to big money ahead of crucial elections.
