I would say “has his name on the skyscraper he owns in one of the richest cities in the world and is president of the United States” would fit most people’s concept of “elite.” I’m not sure who wouldn’t consider that person to be elite. You don’t think the word is being used in a complementary sense, do you?
He’s made a big deal before about how he’s “new” rich rather than old money, and how more established wealth looked down their noses at his gaudy lifestyle. So it’s plausible that he thinks the actual elite are another step up from where he is
I would say “has his name on the skyscraper he owns in one of the richest cities in the world and is president of the United States” would fit most people’s concept of “elite.” I’m not sure who wouldn’t consider that person to be elite. You don’t think the word is being used in a complementary sense, do you?
He’s made a big deal before about how he’s “new” rich rather than old money, and how more established wealth looked down their noses at his gaudy lifestyle. So it’s plausible that he thinks the actual elite are another step up from where he is