liberal elites

Liberal elites is a pejorative term used primarily by conservatives to describe wealthy, educated progressives perceived as out of touch with ordinary Americans.

The phrase suggests a class of coastal professionals—academics, media figures, Hollywood celebrities, tech executives—who supposedly look down on working-class values while advocating policies that don't affect their own privileged lives.

The talk radio host blamed liberal elites for the culture wars.

The term is more political rhetoric than precise description, functioning to paint opponents as both smug and hypocritical.