Bernie Sanders Double-Down On Private Jets

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., stands firm on using private jets for his "Fighting Oligarchy" tour, offering "no apologies" for the travel choice.

Joined by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., Sanders has emerged as a leading voice of the Democratic Party’s progressive wing through the nationwide tour, launched to counter President Donald Trump’s second term and challenge the influence of oligarchs and corporate interests.
In an exclusive interview with "Special Report" executive editor Bret Baier on Wednesday, Sanders justified the private jet use, stating, "That’s the only way to get around."

WATCH: @BretBaier challenges Bernie Sanders on why he spent $221k using private jets during his ‘fighting oligarchy’ tour pic.twitter.com/lMii8D4HC1

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He argued that the demanding schedule of three to five rallies per week, addressing crowds of up to 30,000, makes commercial travel impractical. "You think I’m gonna be waiting in line at United while 30,000 people are waiting?" he said, emphasizing that chartering jets is standard for campaign travel and a practice he’ll continue.

Federal Election Commission filings reveal that Sanders’ campaign committee, Friends of Bernie Sanders, spent over $221,000 on private jets in the first quarter of 2025, with payments to Ventura Jets, Cirrus Aviation Services, and N-Jet. Some flights, including West Coast tour stops with Ocasio-Cortez, cost up to $15,000 per hour.

Sanders described the rally attendees as a diverse group of Americans concerned about a "government of the billionaire class," rising authoritarianism, and Republican policies. He highlighted economic disparities, noting, "When the people on top are doing phenomenally well, and seniors and working-class people are struggling, people want action to stand up to those with wealth and power and create an economy that works for all, not just the elite."