Senator Bernie Sanders recently raised a serious concern about the growing power of a few ultra-rich people who now control much of the media that Americans rely on every day. During an interview, Sanders explained that when just a small group of billionaires own major news companies and social media platforms, it becomes a big problem for democracy.
He pointed out that some of the richest people in the world now own popular newspapers, websites, and apps where most people get their news. Sanders said this is a clear sign of an “oligarchy” — a system where a small number of very wealthy people hold too much power, especially over information.
“This is what oligarchy is about,” Sanders said, making it clear that having so much control in the hands of a few is dangerous. He mentioned that many of the biggest media companies are owned either by billionaires directly or by large Wall Street firms that care more about profits than public service. This, he warned, could change what stories get told and which voices get heard.
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Fears Grow Over Possible TikTok Takeover
The concern grew even more after Sanders was asked about the possibility of a well-known tech billionaire buying TikTok. TikTok is one of the most-used apps in the U.S., especially among young people. Sanders warned that if another platform like TikTok falls into the hands of the super-rich, it would “only make a bad situation much worse.”
This discussion came after former President Donald Trump said he would be open to the idea of the billionaire buying TikTok. This became possible after a foreign aid bill was signed into law last year. While the bill mainly focused on sending money to countries like Israel and Ukraine, it also included a rule that forced TikTok to break away from its Chinese parent company. If it didn’t, TikTok could be banned in the U.S.
Some lawmakers support this move, saying TikTok might be a risk to national security. But Sanders voted against the bill. He said he’s worried that Congress might start deciding which media platforms can stay and which have to go. To him, that sounds like a slippery slope.
“We need media who are fearless in speaking out on the issues of the day,” Sanders said. “You’re not going to have that when you have a small number of very wealthy people controlling what we see, hear and read.”
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Billionaires and Power at the Top
Sanders also pointed to an unforgettable moment that, to him, showed just how close the world’s richest tech leaders are to political power. He described how some of the top billionaires in the world attended Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration. These included people who run massive companies like Meta, Google, Apple, and Amazon. Even though some of them had criticized Trump in the past, they still showed up on his big day.
To Sanders, this isn’t just about being at a ceremony — it’s about influence. These tech and business giants have grown even more powerful in recent years, and many now have a direct hand in shaping how people communicate and learn about current events. Owning big media outlets gives them a loud microphone to spread messages, ideas, and even political opinions.
He noted that these media owners are now more likely to soften their stance toward Trump and other powerful figures. When billionaires run the platforms that shape public opinion, Sanders said, it’s hard to trust that all voices will be treated equally.
While Sanders has been warning about this for years, the changes happening now — especially the potential TikTok sale — have made those warnings feel more urgent than ever.
