A Wall Street Journal-NORC survey has found that roughly three-quarters of Americans believe billionaires hold disproportionate power in Washington, while working people have too little influence over the political process. The findings drew a swift response from Sen. Bernie Sanders, who cited the poll to underscore what he described as an unprecedented concentration of economic and political power among a small group of wealthy individuals.

Sanders Responds to Poll Findings

Sanders took to X following the release of the Wall Street Journal-NORC survey, drawing attention to one of its most prominent findings. "In a new WSJ poll, 75% of Americans believe billionaires have too much power in Washington and working people have too little," Sanders wrote. "THEY ARE RIGHT."

The independent senator further stated, "While working families struggle, never before have so few people held so much economic and political power. We're taking them on!"

Key Survey Findings at a Glance

Beyond concerns about billionaire influence, the survey revealed a broader pattern of declining public confidence in the country's economic and political systems. The following table summarises the poll's major findings:

Declining Faith in Capitalism and Democracy

The survey painted a stark picture of eroding public trust in foundational institutions. Support for capitalism has fallen notably, with just under half of respondents saying it is working at least somewhat well, compared to 60% about a decade ago. Only 12% of those surveyed said U.S. democracy is working very or extremely well, reflecting widespread skepticism about the effectiveness of the political system.

Public confidence in economic opportunity also registered at low levels. Only 16% of respondents believe average citizens have significant influence over politics, and just 35% expressed confidence that Americans can still secure good jobs and achieve the American dream.

Views on Corporate Power and National Direction

The poll also captured deep pessimism about the country's trajectory. About two-thirds of Americans believe the country is in decline, while roughly 60% said the nation's best days are behind it. On the question of corporate influence, 52% of respondents agreed that businesses wield power at the expense of workers and consumers, and indicated that the government should do more to limit that influence.

Prediction markets have shifted significantly following the resumption of hostilities between the U.S. and Iran after President Donald Trump declared a ceasefire "over." Polygon-based Polymarket now indicates a 44% probability that the U.S. will announce a blockade on Iran by December 31, reflecting growing investor pessimism regarding diplomatic resolution. The escalation follows U.S. strikes against Iran in response to attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran subsequently conducting strikes against U.S. bases in Kuwait and Bahrain, pushing oil above $74.

Blockade Probabilities

Bettors on the platform, which utilizes the USDC stablecoin, have wagered over $1.3 million on the contract regarding a potential blockade. The probability of such an announcement is set at 22% by July 31, rising to 38% by August 31, and peaking at 44% for the December 31 deadline. These figures represent a marked increase in expectations for military or economic containment measures compared to previous diplomatic forecasts.

Invasion and Deal Prospects

Separate contracts on the platform highlight the broader impact of the conflict. The odds of the U.S. invading Iran before 2027 have slightly increased amid the fresh hostilities. Conversely, the probability of the U.S. and Iran reaching a final nuclear deal has declined as military actions intensify. Iran has warned that its armed forces will "strike twice as many targets" in the neighboring Gulf region in response to any further U.S. attacks, according to state-affiliated Mehr News Agency.