Like Trump, for example.

I was in Iran when the Shah was in power.  Truly the 0.1% were in the ascendant.  The guy on the street had very little, and definitely no say.  Loud grumbling would result in a visit from SAVAK, the much-feared secret police (trained by Israel), perhaps a stay in Evin prison with some physical 'encouragement' to see the true path.  Or worse.  Tens of thousands simply vanished.