Bernie Sanders Spends $221K on Private Jets During 'Fight Oligarchy' Tour

Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have faced criticism, particularly from conservatives, after campaign records revealed Sanders' committee spent over $220,000 on private jets during their 'Fight Oligarchy' tour, which targets billionaires and economic elites like Elon Musk. The expenditure, covering the first quarter of 2025, was contrasted against the tour's central message of challenging wealth inequality and the influence of the elite. Additional funds were spent on commercial flights and event production, but the use of luxury private jets drew accusations of hypocrisy, with critics highlighting the contradiction between Sanders' anti-elite rhetoric and his travel choices. Some supporters defended the travel as necessary for the tour's demanding schedule and dismissed the backlash as overblown, noting the campaign is primarily funded by small donors. The controversy also revived past critiques about Sanders' personal wealth and lifestyle, which have previously been points of attack from both political opponents and the media. Despite the backlash, Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez continued their national campaign, emphasizing their message of economic reform at rallies across key battleground states.