The Rich Get Richer, The Rest Get Left Behind

The gap between the super-rich and everyone else is growing wider than ever. In 2025, the wealth of billionaires around the world shot up by 16%, reaching a staggering $18. 3 trillion. This is not just a small increase; it's a massive jump that has happened three times faster than in recent years. Meanwhile, nearly half of the world's population is living in poverty, and one in four people struggle to get enough food. This huge difference in wealth is causing big problems. It's not just about money; it's also about power. Billionaires have a lot more influence than regular people. They are 4, 000 times more likely to hold political office. This means they can shape policies that benefit them even more. One big reason for this wealth surge is the policies of U. S. President Donald Trump. His administration has cut taxes, protected big corporations, and made it easier for monopolies to operate. On top of that, the rise of artificial intelligence companies has added even more wealth to the already rich.This growing gap is dangerous. It's creating a political deficit that could lead to instability. Experts are urging governments to take action. They suggest reducing inequality through higher taxes on extreme wealth and limiting the influence of money in politics. However, wealth taxes are only in place in a few countries like Norway. Others, like Britain, France, and Italy, have been discussing similar measures. The report also points out that the $2. 5 trillion added to billionaires' wealth last year is almost equal to the total wealth of the poorest 4. 1 billion people. The number of billionaires worldwide has also hit a record high, with Elon Musk becoming the first person to exceed $500 billion in net worth. Critics argue that governments are making choices that favor the elite. This includes cutting aid and rolling back civil liberties. The report also highlights how billionaires are gaining control over media, both traditional and digital. They now own more than half of the world's major media firms.