US Billionaires' Wealth Jumps 31.8% to $9.2 Trillion as Workers Fall Behind Inflation
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 26
US Billionaires' Wealth Jumps 31.8% to $9.2 Trillion as Workers Fall Behind Inflation
1 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 26
Summary
$9.2 trillion in billionaire wealth and a 31.8% jump since 2025 contrasted with workers losing ground as inflation outpaced pay, according to Americans for Tax Fairness.
4.2% inflation in May erased 3.4% annual wage growth, while workers' share of GDP fell to a record-low 53.8% in 2025's third quarter and 66 million workers earned under $25 an hour.
$1.277 trillion in credit card debt by late 2025 underscored the squeeze, with workers interviewed describing multiple jobs, housing insecurity and going without basics such as air conditioning.
California's billionaire tax measure has now qualified for the November ballot, setting up a costly fight after wealthy opponents spent millions trying to block it.
About 20 people now hold wealth equal to 12% of US GDP, and economists and labor advocates say the widening gap is fueling union drives, minimum-wage campaigns and broader fears of plutocratic power.