Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) isn't mincing words about how the U.S. economy works. On Monday, he posted on X that "We built an economy that works for capital first and workers last. Let us build an economy that works for those who work." The message came alongside a clip from MSNBC Now featuring Graham Platner, who took direct aim at Jeff Bezos.

Bezos, the founder of Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN), has argued that raising taxes on billionaires wouldn't benefit Americans. Platner called that "abject nonsense," saying it reflects the interests of those who oppose tax increases. He argued that wealth has been "hoarded" for decades and that redirecting it into public services—health care, child care, teacher pay—would improve living standards. He added that Bezos's view was "propaganda. It's meant to protect himself and protect his crony friends."

Khanna's call for higher taxes on billionaires is part of a broader debate. Last week, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said a proposed 5% wealth tax on billionaires like Bezos could fund major social programs, including cash payments for families, expanded Medicare benefits, universal childcare, and higher teacher pay—while leaving the ultra-wealthy still extremely rich.

Not everyone is on board, of course. Tesla Inc. (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk has defended his own tax record, saying he paid over $10 billion in a single year and will likely face significant lifetime taxation, including high rates on stock options and potential estate taxes. Meanwhile, Jim Cramer backed Sen. Elizabeth Warren's (D-Mass.) proposal for higher Social Security contributions from billionaires like Musk and Bezos, calling the idea sound even if it diverges from the system's original design. Warren has argued that billionaires aren't paying their fair share compared to wage earners.

The debate boils down to a simple question: Should the economy work for capital or for workers? Khanna and his allies have made their answer clear.