Median CEO pay in US hits record high even as markets tumble

Why is CEO pay so much higher than workers' earnings? A 7.5% jump in median CEO pay to $16.8 million highlights a growing gap that progressives say is unacceptable, with companies like Axon and Union Pacific benefiting most through stock awards while others saw only modest increases during stable times. Advocates argue corporate leaders should bear more responsibility for profits or face tougher regulations, while politicians like Bernie Sanders use the issue to push for greater tax fairness on execs whose pay far exceeds average worker earnings.