1. How much are billionaires actually spending to gain power?

 In the 2024 election cycle, US billionaires poured a record-breaking $1 billion into political campaigns. The wealthiest 100 Americans alone accounted for 7.5% of all federal election spending. This is a massive increase from just 0.25% in the year 2000, highlighting a sharp concentration of financial power. 

2. Why do experts say this threatens democracy? 

Critics argue that this spending concentrates political power in the hands of a tiny elite, overshadowing the voices of ordinary citizens. When policies reflect the interests of billionaire donors rather than the public, it erodes trust in the electoral system. This imbalance exacerbates social inequality and stalls progress on popular issues like healthcare and climate change. 

3. What could change this trend? 

pressure is growing on both Republicans and Democrats to address this widening power gap. Voters are becoming increasingly aware of the role wealth plays in the system, prompting calls for stricter donation limits and greater transparency. However, meaningful campaign finance reform remains a difficult political battle to win.