The timing here is what makes this move particularly baffling...
It's only baffling if you cling to the ever-more-laughable belief that the Democrats are any sort of meaningful opposition.
If you instead simply shift to the ever-more-supported belief that they are in fact essentially oligarchic co-conspirators, then the timing makes perfect sense.
By design.
And the 1% are going to ride it out in their purpose-built private enclaves, then buy the world at disaster auction prices and make themslves into feudal lords.