The daughter of former Paraguayan President Santiago Peña has faced backlash after a photo showed her wearing a T-shirt bearing the slogan 'Tax the Poor'. Constanza Peña, 21, who studies in the US, reportedly shared the mirror selfie on her Instagram Stories.
The photo drew further criticism because it emerged amid the Ueno Bank scandal, which sparked widespread protests and contributed to her father's removal from office. Many Paraguayans struggled to access their savings after the bank collapsed amid allegations of financial irregularities.
The Viral 'Tax the Poor' Photo
The photograph showed Constanza wearing a white T-shirt printed with the initials 'TTP' and the words 'Est. 1969' above the slogan 'Tax the Poor'. She was reportedly pictured inside a gym, taking a mirror selfie that later spread across X and TikTok.
The photograph was reportedly attributed to Constanza's Instagram account. It gained wider attention last week, around the same time her father announced his resignation as Paraguay's president amid the Ueno Bank scandal.
The slogan appears to reverse the familiar expression 'Tax the Rich', which calls for higher taxes on wealthier individuals to address economic inequality. Instead, 'Tax The Poor' suggests placing the financial burden on low-income people. The slogan proved particularly controversial during a crisis that left millions temporarily unable to access their savings.
Ivy League daughter sparks fury for flaunting cruel 'Tax the Poor' shirt during economic crisis https://t.co/q0aTi9IJLW pic.twitter.com/1sfJO5IBEp
— New York Post (@nypost) November 7, 2026
Online Backlash Targets Her Privilege
The photograph prompted angry reactions on X. Several users criticised the apparent contrast between Constanza' privileged lifestyle and the financial struggles facing ordinary Paraguayans. One sarcastic commenter wrote: 'That's how kids of rich parents are'. Another argued that the slogan reflected the attitudes of wealthy elites rather than an attempt to be edgy.
Others questioned how Constanza could afford to study at Columbia University, one of the most expensive Ivy League institutions in the US. 'What a privileged position. Ivy League schools ain't cheap', one user remarked. Some commenters also urged Columbia University to investigate her enrolment. They alleged that her education was being funded by money linked to the banking scandal.
'Columbia University, you have someone at your institution who is using money stolen from retirees to fund her studies. For the sake of the institution's reputation, expel Constanza Peña', one X user wrote.
Does she know that all the money she spends has been stolen by his f***ng father?
— Dario Serrano (@daser2611) November 9, 2026
we've reached peak idiocracy with "Tax The Poor" slogans and t-shirts now. Unfathomably stupid.
— space lee (@spacely100) November 7, 2026
Family's Connection to Ueno Bank
Constanza's father, Santiago, has a connection to Ueno Bank that dates back to his business dealings with Grupo Vázquez, the holding company behind the lender. He reportedly owned approximately $845,000 (£640,000) in shares in a company that later became part of Ueno Holding before selling his stake in April 2025. Santiago said he had invested personally and no longer had financial interests in the group.
Controversy also surrounded his appointment of Carlos Carvallo, Ueno's former head, as president of Paraguay's Central Bank. The decision raised concerns about a possible conflict of interest, as the regulator was responsible for overseeing Ueno Bank.
Why Ueno Bank Collapsed
Ueno developed into one of Paraguay's major digital lenders after Grupo Vázquez acquired the business in 2021. However, concerns emerged over loans given to businesses connected to the bank's owners. Investigators also found missing paperwork and errors in the bank's financial records, including expenses wrongly listed as assets.
On 2 November, Paraguay's Central Bank intervened after finding that Ueno's capital had fallen below half the legal minimum. The regulator froze access to accounts, affecting nearly three million customers.
The collapse quickly developed into a political crisis for Santiago. He announced his resignation and was subsequently arrested and placed under pre-trial detention. Prosecutors investigated allegations including breach of trust and using public office for personal gain. He denied wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty.
