Bernie Sanders denies he’s worth $8 million in fiery exchange with Republican senator

A Senate hearing on Starbucks’ labor practices ended in a sour ding-dong between senators when a Republican questioned why Democratic Socialist millionaire Bernie Sanders was giving the company’s former CEO such a hard time because of his wealth.

The hearing was to focus on Starbucks and allegations that it illegally fired pro-union baristas or spied on workers during a labor mobilization drive.

“Over the past 18 months, Starbucks has waged the most aggressive and illegal union-busting campaign in our country’s modern history,” said Sanders, chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, at the beginning of the session.

He accused the company’s former chief executive Howard Schultz of spearheading the anti-union effort.

And he said the “people at the top have never had it so good” to keep the working class in place.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin, a Republican, on Wednesday asked why Democratic Socialist millionaire Bernie Sanders gave Starbucks a hard time during a committee hearing because he was wealthy

It was all too much for Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin, who yelled hypocrisy.

‘Mister. Chairman, you yourself have been very successful. Rightly so,” he said in a pleasant tone that precedes a self-righteous slap.

“I’m glad you have it. You have been in office for 28 years and have amassed a fortune of over $8 million with your wife.’

Speaking about his wealth, Sanders says anyone can become a millionaire by writing a successful book like he did after the 2016 campaign.

“If you can be a millionaire, why can’t Mr. Schultz and other CEOs be millionaires and be honest?” asked Mullin.

“If that’s the case, why is it that Mr. Schultz, who actually creates jobs and [is] the bestseller of a book, doesn’t it create jobs? Why is he corrupt and you are not?

He went on to say that the chair of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions should not be biased against wealth.

Sanders pushed back.

Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz appeared before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions on Wednesday

“Well, let me answer that. The senator mentioned my name, I think,’ he said amid laughter from the gallery.

‘And I think you’ve set an absolute record here. You’ve made more false statements in less time than I’ve ever heard…”

“Please correct me…” Mullin said before Sanders demanded to finish his point.

“If I’m worth $8 million, that’s good news for me,” he said. “I’m not aware of that. That’s a lie.

‘In order. Number two …’

Mullin interrupted again, claiming that Sanders’ net worth was public knowledge.

Not like that, Sanders added. “You’re probably watching some fake right-wing internet stuff,” he said, to more laughter. ‘It is not true.’