I don't think anyone disputes the power of American billionaires - especially with their incessant meddling in politics and their proximity to regulators - but the Russians earned their scorn by looting the state to earn their billions. Sweetheart deals to "privatize" public assets with no accountability - random people like Putin's chef/cater being given billion-dollar companies and multi-billion dollar state contracts. Their spouses and children amassing huge net worths with multiple houses, yachts, and airplanes while their official public salaries are a few hundred thousand per year.

It really is a wide difference in degree.