Overview

• Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez were seen boarding a luxury Bombardier Challenger private jet in Bakersfield, California, during their 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour.
• Federal Election Commission filings show Sanders's campaign spent $221,723 on private jet charters in the first quarter of 2025, contracting three firms for nearly 75% of transportation costs.
• The campaign also allocated $63,830 for commercial flights, $41,000 for lodging, and $248,245 for event production during the same period.
• Critics highlight the contradiction between the tour's anti-wealth inequality and climate advocacy messaging and the use of high-emission private jets.
• The tour has drawn massive crowds, including a record-setting 36,000 attendees in Los Angeles, while raising significant funds and energizing grassroots progressives.