Following Donald Trump’s victory in the 2024 presidential election, Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) has launched a scathing critique of the Democratic Party, accusing them of neglecting the working class. In a statement released on Tuesday, Sanders expressed his disappointment with the party’s perceived failure to address the concerns of ordinary Americans.
He asserted that the Democratic Party’s neglect of the working class has led to a growing disconnect, culminating in their abandonment of the party by many. “It should come as no great surprise that a Democratic Party which has abandoned working class people would find that the working class has abandoned them,” Sanders stated.
The Vermont senator highlighted the stark reality of increasing income and wealth inequality in the U.S., with a staggering 60% of Americans living paycheck to paycheck. He also expressed deep concern over the country’s healthcare system and its continued financial support for the Netanyahu government in Israel.
Sanders further pointed out that real, inflation-adjusted weekly wages for the average American worker are actually lower now than they were 50 years ago. This stark statistic, he believes, underscores the need for a fundamental shift in policy priorities.
Looking towards the future, Sanders questioned whether the Democratic Party would learn any valuable lessons from this “disastrous campaign.” He expressed a lack of confidence that this recent electoral defeat would serve as a catalyst for change within the party.
“In the coming weeks and months, those of us concerned about grassroots democracy and economic justice need to have some very serious political discussions,” Sanders declared.
In a subsequent post on X (formerly Twitter), Sanders reiterated his stance, stating that “While the Democratic leadership defends the status quo, the American people are angry and want change. They’re right.”
Sanders’ criticism comes in the aftermath of a decisive victory for Trump, who defeated Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. The election results triggered a surge in Wall Street, with major U.S. equity indices reaching record highs, largely attributed to investor optimism surrounding anticipated favorable tax policies under the Trump administration.
Prior to the election, Sanders had publicly criticized Trump’s proposed elimination of all income taxes, deeming it “insane economics” that would disproportionately benefit the wealthy. He also expressed his disagreement with Kamala Harris’ stance on the Gaza war, but pledged his vote for her nonetheless.
Sanders’ outspoken criticism of the Democratic Party’s handling of working-class issues, combined with the recent election results, is likely to ignite a broader discussion within the party about its direction moving forward. The focus on economic justice and grassroots democracy, as highlighted by Sanders, may become central to the party’s efforts to regain public trust and rebuild its base.
