Sanders, AOC spotted boarding private jet on ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ tour
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., have come under fire for chartering a private jet worth up to $15,000 an hour for their recent \”Fighting Oligarchy\” tour on the West Coast. The luxury Bombardier Challenger private jet was spotted at the Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield, California, where the duo had just wrapped up an event before heading to their next stop.
Flight records show that the private jet made stops in Salt Lake City and Boise before landing in Bakersfield, matching Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez’s tour schedule. The jet then landed at Sacramento Mather Airport, just a short drive away from Folsom, California, where the self-proclaimed Democratic socialists hosted their second rally of the day.
Critics have slammed Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez, labeling them as \”Champagne socialists\” who preach about climate change and wealth inequality while flying on expensive private jets. The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) spokesperson Ben Petersen called out their hypocrisy, pointing out the stark difference between their luxurious mode of transportation and their progressive platform.
The Bombardier Challenger private jet, operated by Ventura Air Services, boasts one of the widest cabins available for a business jet and provides superior comfort for passengers. However, the cost of up to $15,000 per hour raises eyebrows, especially considering Sanders’ advocacy for climate change action and reducing emissions.
Sanders has faced criticism in the past for his use of private jets, with his campaign committee, Friends of Bernie Sanders, spending over $221,000 on chartering private jets in the first quarter of 2025. This spending follows his expenditure of over $1.9 million on private jets during his 2020 presidential campaign.
Despite their support for the Green New Deal and efforts to combat climate change, both Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez have faced backlash for their use of private jets, which are significantly more polluting than commercial planes. Ocasio-Cortez herself has spoken out against the excessive use of private jets by CEOs, calling it unacceptable.
The \”Fighting Oligarchy\” tour has drawn massive crowds, with 36,000 people attending their rally in Los Angeles. Sanders initiated the tour in response to what he perceives as the influence of Oligarchs and corporate interests in the country, particularly during President Donald Trump’s second term.
Fox News Digital reached out to the offices of Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez for comment on their use of private jets for their tour. The controversy surrounding their transportation choices highlights the ongoing debate over climate activism and the behavior of political leaders in aligning their actions with their stated beliefs.
