Understanding Why Many Workers Turned to Trump
I recently spoke with a young Black office manager at AT&T, who expressed a keen interest in unions after learning about my work with them. He shared his desire to join one, reminiscing about his father’s stable income and exceptional benefits as a bus driver, which included healthcare with a mere $5 co-pay for any medical procedure.
His reflections stirred in me both sadness and frustration as he recalled a time when the working class could still aspire to a comfortable life—a stark contrast to the era of rampant inequality and job erosion that has since undermined the American Dream for many.
The issue isn’t that we lack the financial resources to offer fair wages. The wealth is available. Back in 1980, the U.S. had only 13 billionaires, but by 2023, that number had skyrocketed to 801. The collective wealth of the wealthiest 0.1% ballooned from $1.8 trillion in 1990 to an astounding $22.1 trillion by 2024. To put it in perspective, the entire federal budget for 2024 was $6.8 trillion. Consider this: one trillion dollars could sustainably pay 197,500 bus drivers a $100,000 annual salary for 57 years.
Do the Democrats comprehend the lessons of Trump’s rise to power? It remains uncertain. Will they confront the financial elites, or will they remain beneficiaries of the substantial capital flowing from Wall Street and Silicon Valley?
Simultaneously, the real income of the average American worker has stagnated since 1980, not keeping pace with inflation, while healthcare costs have soared for almost everyone.
The ongoing threat of job loss adds to the anguish of the working class. A poll by Colorado State University revealed that one in four workers fears potential job loss within the coming year.
Job losses often lead to increased profits for the ultra-rich. Many companies conduct mass layoffs to redirect funds towards stock buybacks, which artificially inflate share prices, benefiting top investors and CEOs who receive stock-based compensation. Essentially, workers are losing their jobs to enrich the wealthiest individuals.
The Struggle Between Corporate and Worker Power
In our capitalist society, there has always been a tug-of-war between corporate interests and workers’ rights. In the post-WWII era, when unions represented 25-35% of the private sector, workers had enough influence to secure a decent living standard. Today, union representation has dwindled to just 6% of the private sector workforce, tipping the scales significantly in favor of corporate interests. As a result, wages, benefits, and job security have all declined.
This shift in power has also altered public perception. When unions were strong, excessive inequality was condemned as greed. Now, it’s often celebrated as a byproduct of entrepreneurial success, with the narrative suggesting that those left behind simply lack the necessary skills to thrive in a modern economy.
Yet, the bus driver’s role remains largely unchanged—transporting people to work, medical appointments, and shopping with the same skills required decades ago. The difference is that today, without sufficient bargaining power, workers struggle to secure a living wage. Many are forced into gig work or positions with looming threats of layoffs, in a system seemingly rigged against them.
Historically, the working class viewed the Democratic Party as their champion. That perception has shifted, with many now viewing politicians from both major parties as part of an elite class more interested in self-preservation than in fighting for workers’ rights. Genuine advocacy for labor issues appears scant, beyond occasional lip service.
The buildup of frustration, resentment, and anger towards this rigged system predated Trump’s emergence on the political scene. Yet, his arrival was seen by many as a long-overdue challenge to the status quo.
Again, the question arises: have the Democrats learned anything from Trump’s ascent? The answer is unclear. Will they challenge the financial oligarchs, or will they continue to welcome the robust financial support from Wall Street and Silicon Valley?
As post-election debates among Democrats continue, it might be a while before our AT&T acquaintance has the opportunity to join a union like he wishes.
Let’s hope for a happy new year, though it may prove challenging for the working class.
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An economic reporter, Dax Everly breaks down financial trends and their impact on Americans’ daily lives.