Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren says she is “troubled” by former President Barack Obama’s decision to give a Wall Street speech for $400,000 this year.

An interview between Ms. Warren and Sirius XM’s “Alter Family Politics” on Thursday addressed Mr. Obama’s upcoming conference talk run by Cantor Fitzgerald LP. The Democrat likened the money he will make to “a snake that slithers through Washington” and “ultimately threatens democracy.”

“I was troubled by that,” the senator said while discussing “This is our Fight,” her new book. “One of the things I talk about in the book is the influence of money. I describe it as a snake that slithers through Washington. It shows up in so many in so many different ways here in Washington. You know, people understand […] the money that goes into campaign contributions. And when I say ‘understand,’ I don’t mean they think it’s OK — but at least people see it.”

The Daily Caller noted Thursday that Mr. Obama’s speaking fees nearly double those obtained by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.

“The influence of dollars on this place is what scares me,” Ms. Warren said. “I think it ultimately threatens democracy. […] The rich and powerful, they got money and they got power. That’s the definition. But you know, there’s more of us than there is of them.”

An analysis of the senator’s net worth on Jan. 8, 2015, by CNN Money found her to be worth between $3.7 million and $10 million.

The network’s numbers did not include a three-story home with an estimated worth of $1.9 million.

“Roll Call recently ranked her the 76th wealthiest out of 541 senators and representatives, based on her minimum net worth in 2013,” CNN reported. “Her average net worth of $8.75 million, including her home, secures her a spot the Top 1 percent bracket in terms of wealth.”

Eric Schultz, Mr. Obama’s spokesman, said Wednesday that any talk about speaking fees for the former president should acknowledge “the toughest reforms on Wall Street since FDR” that were implemented during his administration.

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