Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) are drawing criticism after campaign filings and public appearances revealed that both lawmakers have been using private jets while promoting their “Fighting Oligarchy” tour.
The revelations have sparked renewed questions over the contrast between their public rhetoric and personal travel habits.
The two progressive lawmakers, who frequently speak out against the wealth and privileges of the political and economic elite, have been traveling by private aircraft while making campaign stops across the country.
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During an appearance on Special Report with Fox News host Bret Baier on Wednesday, Sanders defended the use of chartered planes and made no apologies for the travel expenses incurred.
“You run a campaign, and you do three or four or five rallies in a week. [It is] the only way you can get around to talk to 30,000 people,” Sanders told Baier.
“You think I’m gonna be sitting on a waiting line at United… while 30,000 people are waiting? That’s the only way to get around. No apologies for that. That’s what campaign travel is about. We’ve done it in the past. We’re gonna do it in future.”
According to filings with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), Sanders’ campaign committee, Friends of Bernie Sanders, spent more than $221,000 on private jet services during the first quarter of 2025.
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The expenses were spread across three companies: Ventura Jets, Cirrus Aviation Services, and N-Jet.
Ocasio-Cortez, a vocal advocate for the Green New Deal and frequent critic of carbon emissions linked to fossil fuels, has also been participating in the joint tour.
Private jet charter rates can exceed $15,000 per hour, depending on the size of the aircraft and route, raising questions about the environmental impact and consistency with her climate-focused messaging.
The use of private jets by climate-conscious politicians has long been a point of contention.
Figures such as former Secretary of State John Kerry and climate activist Greta Thunberg have previously faced scrutiny for the environmental cost of international travel while promoting environmental reform.
Sanders’ comments this week further added to the controversy. While defending the private jet usage, the Vermont senator gave a candid and unapologetic response, dismissing the idea of flying commercial and comparing his situation to being in a waiting line at an airline check-in counter.
The remarks were quickly circulated online and widely discussed across media platforms.
The criticism comes amid broader concerns over perceived inconsistencies between policy positions and personal behavior within the Democratic Party.
Lawmakers including California Governor Gavin Newsom, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and Vice President Kamala Harris have all faced similar allegations in recent years—advocating for lifestyle changes among everyday Americans while maintaining high-consumption habits themselves.
Vice President Harris recently appeared at the Met Gala in New York City, a high-profile fundraiser with a $75,000 ticket price, sparking additional backlash about public officials’ participation in elite cultural events during a period of ongoing economic concern for many Americans.
Neither the Sanders nor Ocasio-Cortez offices have responded publicly to requests for comment regarding the private jet travel.
As the 2026 midterm election cycle ramps up, questions over campaign spending and the personal conduct of elected officials are expected to remain a focal point.
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Let’s face it, Democrats come from a long line of privilege, using normal airline travel is below their standards. We regular Americans can’t afford the fares on private jets; they can use other people’s money. Remember these two next elections, they deserve to be voted out for their pure egocentric attitudes.
Some will fly normal airlines, as long as they can get on board to their first class seats ahead of active duty military and people in wheelchairs.
We’ve heard it all before. “Rules for thee, but not for me.” “Do as I say, not as I do.” Typical left-wing hypocrisy.
The Flying Oligarchy Tour, featuring Dumb and Dumber.
Alexandria Occasionally Coherent needs a wind-powered airplane. The faster it goes, the faster it goes.
My guess is, he KNOWS how dangerous the country has gotten Under JUDAS Biden. He’s as PHONY as the rest of the DNC,,and some RINOs.
Typical Commie. Says one thing and does the other. Let ‘the masses’ eat millet while he dines on steak. Remember that John Kerry is also too important to fly public….did you know that he was in the Vietnam War?