Part 6/9:
When the housing market crashed, banks faced imminent collapse, leading to the federal government’s bailout initiative known as TARP (Troubled Asset Relief Program). The misaligned priorities became glaringly apparent as taxpayer funds bolstered failing institutions, while support measures for struggling homeowners were stifled by strong opposition from financial interests.
Even in recovery efforts, accountability seemed a distant notion. The bloated bonuses for AIG executives post-bailout sparked outrage but changed little in the long run, reinforcing the perception that the elite operated above the law. This discontent became fertile ground for unrest and political upheaval.