Oligarch Watch

Oligarch Watch profiles America’s plutocrats who are wielding their wealth and power to further enrich themselves at the expense of workers, communities, and the environment. Penned by longtime economic researcher and campaigner Chuck Collins, a leading thinker and writer on inequality in America, the new monthly column will crisscross industries and centers of power in the US, tackling oligarchy in action to spotlight the crushing monopoly power these individuals yield, and what it means for the rest of us.

Sasan Goodarzi, elated during the opening of the Intuit Dome on August 15, 2024, in Inglewood, California.

Have You Paid Your “Intuit Tax”? Have You Paid Your “Intuit Tax”?

Tax prep oligarch Sasan Goodarzi blocks the “public option” for tax filers.

Mar 23, 2026 / Chuck Collins

The Pork Oligarchs of Iowa Have Local Politicians in Their Pockets

The Pork Oligarchs of Iowa Have Local Politicians in Their Pockets The Pork Oligarchs of Iowa Have Local Politicians in Their Pockets

Jeff and Deb Hansen spend hundreds of thousands to keep the state friendly to their business.

Mar 12, 2026 / Column / Chuck Collins

Jim Grech, president and chief executive officer of Peabody Energy Corp, speaks during the 2023 CERAWeek by S&P Global conference in Houston, Texas, on Thursday, March 9, 2023.

Meet the “Coal-igarch” Jim Grech, CEO of Peabody Energy Meet the “Coal-igarch” Jim Grech, CEO of Peabody Energy

Fossil fuel oligarchs are getting their payback for helping electing Trump.

Sep 4, 2025 / Chuck Collins

Introducing “Oligarch Watch” Introducing “Oligarch Watch”

A new monthly column from The Nation takes on the plutocrats wielding their wealth and power at the expense of the rest of us.

Sep 4, 2025 / Press Room

Caritas Christi CEO Ralph de la Torre at Norwood Hospital.

Ralph de la Torre: The Making of a Healthcare Oligarch Ralph de la Torre: The Making of a Healthcare Oligarch

And the price the rest of us pay—in money and in blood.

Jul 14, 2025 / Chuck Collins