Sanders calls Clinton’s wealth a ‘problem’

by Jordain Carney - 05/19/15 3:35 PM ET

Presidential contender Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) said Tuesday that Hillary Clinton’s wealth is “a problem,” after reports surfaced that she and former President Bill Clinton have made roughly $30 million since 2014.

“It’s a problem,” Sanders said in a response to a question from CNN’s Wolf Blitzer on whether the amount of money was problematic. “But a more serious problem is what do we do about the grotesque level of income and wealth inequality in America today.”

{mosads}The Vermont senator has focused on combating income inequality during his time during the Senate, and it’s expected to be a central theme in his Democratic presidential campaign.

Sanders suggested that legislation he introduced Tuesday that would make college free was crucial to helping close the wage gap. Under his bill, every public college and university in the country would not charge tuition. He acknowledged that Republicans, who have a majority in Congress, wouldn’t support the proposal.

“I don’t think it’s going to be passed tomorrow,” he said. “I think what we have to do is that the American people will go along with it.”

Asked if he believes Clinton is committed to helping more Americans go to college and combating income inequality, Sanders directed those questions to the Clinton campaign.

“I don’t work for her. I don’t know,” he said. “I just introduced legislation. I don’t know where Hillary Clinton is coming in on this.”

The Clintons’ finances came back under the media spotlight last week, after the two filed a disclosure report showing they made more than $25 million in speaking fees since the start of 2014. Hillary Clinton also made $5 million or more from her book, Hard Choices, during the same time period.

Tags Bernie Sanders Hillary Clinton