Elon Musk and Bernie Sanders Clash Over Wealthy Tax Debate
On Sunday, November 14, the electric‑car empire’s chief executive, Elon Musk, exchanged a sharp volley with the 80‑year‑old senator, Bernie Sanders. It all started when Sanders fired a tweet demanding the ultra‑rich pay their “fair share” of taxes.
Sanders’ Call to Arms
- “We must demand that the extremely wealthy pay their fair share. Period,”
- The tweet sparked a fire‑storm of commentary across the political spectrum.
Musk’s “Still Alive” Retort
Not one to back down, Musk fired back, “I keep forgetting that you’re still alive.” He even added, “Want me to sell more stock, Bernie? Just say the word.”
Why This Is Big News
- Musk has recently sold a combined US$6.9 billion (S$9.33 billion) worth of Tesla shares.
- His sell‑off aligns with a broader demand for billionaires to pay more in taxes.
- Senate Democrats are proposing new taxes on stocks and other tradable assets to fund President Biden’s social agenda.
Backing the Billionaire Tax Proposal
The Senate’s plan aims to close a loophole that lets the richest defer capital gains taxes indefinitely. At the same time, Musk announced a willingness to sell 10% of his shares if the public backed the move—a proposal that garnered a 57.9% approval rate in a quick poll.
Bringing It Home
- It’s a classic case of wealth versus welfare policy.
- Both leaders are using social media to rally supporters.
- Only time, and the market, will tell who wins this battle of influence.
That’s the rundown on the latest Musk‑Sanders showdown—where billionaire vibes meet political activism in a high‑stakes showdown over fiscal responsibility.
