Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg criticized what he described as corruption in U.S. politics, arguing that corporate money and political incentives have left Americans without a system that adequately responds to their needs.
Buttigieg Targets Corporate Money
On Sunday, in a post on X, Buttigieg wrote, “We don’t have to put up with this. Not these policies or these politicians or even this system of politics.”
He added, “It’s time for us to chase out corruption and build a politics that actually responds to the people.”
In a video shared alongside the post, Buttigieg argued that corporate spending in elections gives powerful industries greater influence over policymaking.
“When corporate money is flooding the election, of course Big Pharma and the for-profit health insurance companies are going to get their way,” he said.
He also criticized Congress over policies he said favor wealthy Americans.
“When Congress is bought and sold, of course, they’re going to be quicker to open up a tax loophole for the wealthiest than to do anything to raise your wages or lift children out of poverty,” he said.
Buttigieg Criticizes Gerrymandering
Buttigieg further blamed gerrymandering for reducing electoral competition and linked it to congressional support for a “foolish war” that has Americans “paying more at the pump.”
“But we don’t have to put up with this,” he said. “Not with these policies, not with these politicians and not with this political system.”
Democrats Target Corruption
Earlier this month, Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) warned that alleged corruption under President Donald Trump could cost Americans through job losses, higher prices and fewer consumer choices.
He said, “It’s the American people who are paying the price.”
In July, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) accused the Trump administration of favoring companies that donated $1 million to his inauguration fund, calling it a “pattern of corruption that costs you money.”
Previously, House Democrats launched the “End Corruption Caucus” to address dark money, corporate PACs, lobbying and government accountability.
Reps. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) said big-money influence was undermining trust in government.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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