Overview
- Sen. Bernie Sanders confirmed spending over $221,000 on private jets during the first quarter of 2025 for the 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour, according to Federal Election Commission filings.
- Sanders defended the practice in a Fox News interview, stating that private jets are necessary to conduct three to five rallies weekly and reach tens of thousands of attendees.
- Critics from both political sides have highlighted the contradiction between Sanders' climate advocacy and his reliance on high-emission travel methods.
- Sanders compared his travel practices to those of former President Donald Trump, arguing that such logistics are standard for political campaigns.
- The 'Fighting Oligarchy' tour, co-led by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, aims to challenge corporate influence and has raised $9.6 million in its first quarter, fueling speculation about potential future political ambitions.