Parody groups crash SF pro-billionaire rally

A March for Billionaire event drew a mix of earnest supporters and satirical protesters in Pacific Heights.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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A rally in support of billionaires held in San Francisco's Pacific Heights neighborhood attracted a mix of earnest pro-billionaire advocates and parody groups mocking the event. The March for Billionaire rally, organized by a 26-year-old tech founder, was meant to oppose a proposed wealth tax on the state's wealthiest residents. While the organizer expected dozens of attendees, the actual turnout was much smaller, with the crowd largely consisting of performance artists and satirists poking fun at the pro-billionaire message.

Why it matters

The rally highlights the ongoing debate around wealth inequality and taxation of the ultra-wealthy in California. While some see billionaires as job creators and drivers of prosperity, others view extreme wealth concentration as a problem that needs to be addressed through policy measures like a wealth tax. The event also showcases the power of political theater and parody to shape the narrative around these contentious issues.

The details

The March for Billionaire rally was organized by Derik Kauffman, a 26-year-old tech founder, in response to a proposed wealth tax that could appear on the California ballot this November. Kauffman and a small group of supporters arrived at Alta Plaza Park holding a 20-foot banner that read "Billionaire's Build Prosperity...Keep them in California!" However, they were quickly outnumbered by parody groups mocking the pro-billionaire message. These included performers dressed in suits and gowns drinking from champagne flutes, as well as a "Chef Bourgeoisie" puppet and a person claiming to represent the "hundredaires" - those with a few hundred dollars to their name.

  • The March for Billionaire rally took place on Saturday, February 7, 2026 in San Francisco's Alta Plaza Park.
  • The proposed wealth tax that inspired the rally is currently in the signature collection phase and could appear on the California ballot this November.

The players

Derik Kauffman

A 26-year-old tech founder who organized the March for Billionaire rally to oppose a proposed wealth tax on California's wealthiest residents.

L.M. Bogad

A performance artist and professor of political performance at UC Davis who participated in the parody rally, continuing his work with the satirical Billionaires for Bush group.

Ro Khanna

A U.S. Representative who has come out in opposition to the proposed wealth tax.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California who has warned that the wealth tax could lead to a mass exodus of the state's richest residents and a loss in tax revenue.

Jeff Bezos

The founder of Amazon, who was cited by a pro-billionaire marcher as an example of a billionaire who has generated prosperity.

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What they’re saying

“Billionaires get a bad rap. But most of them make our lives much better.”

— Derik Kauffman, March for Billionaire organizer (Bluesky)

“All of us are people here. I think that most of us have common ground. I believe I have common ground with everyone here.”

— Anonymous 20-year-old (SFGATE)

“I believe that ambition and wealth are things to aspire to. Everyone in America should aspire to be a powerful, wealthy, well off individual. This doesn't mean exploitation, it just means hard work.”

— Anonymous pro-billionaire marcher, Tech worker (SFGATE)

What’s next

The proposed wealth tax still needs to gather the required 874,641 signatures to qualify for the California ballot this November. If it makes the ballot, voters will decide the fate of the one-time 5% tax on the state's wealthiest residents.

The takeaway

The March for Billionaire rally showcased the deep divide in attitudes towards wealth and inequality in California. While some see billionaires as engines of prosperity, others view extreme wealth concentration as a problem that needs to be addressed. The event highlighted the power of political theater and parody to shape the narrative around these contentious issues.