Senator Bernie Sanders has built his political identity around confronting wealth inequality, corporate power, and what he frequently calls the rule of oligarchs. Yet new federal campaign finance records are fueling controversy, revealing that Sanders spent more than $550,000 in 2025 on private jet travel, paid directly from campaign funds—while touring the country under the banner “Fight Oligarchy.”
The spending, reviewed through filings submitted to the Federal Election Commission, occurred as Sanders, an independent from Vermont, partnered with Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York on a nationwide series of rallies aimed at challenging billionaire influence in American politics. The timing and nature of the expenditures have sparked sharp criticism, especially from opponents who accuse the senator of contradicting his own message.
According to the records, the bulk of the private jet expenses were concentrated in the first two quarters of 2025, extending into July—a period marked by an aggressive travel schedule that often included multiple events in different cities on the same day. Campaign filings indicate that private aircraft were used to accommodate this pace, allowing Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez to move rapidly between states.
In April, Fox News Digital obtained exclusive photographs showing Sanders boarding a Bombardier Challenger luxury private jet at Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield, California. Witnesses at the airport reported that Ocasio-Cortez joined the same aircraft shortly after the two lawmakers appeared together at a rally in Bakersfield.
Later that same day, the aircraft was photographed landing in Sacramento, where Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez held a second rally. The jet, operated by Ventura Air Services, is marketed as a high-end private aircraft offering spacious cabins and premium amenities. Industry estimates place the cost of renting such a jet at up to $15,000 per flight hour.
Campaign finance disclosures show that Sanders alone paid at least $354,000 to Ventura Jets for private aviation services in 2025. Additional payments were made to other charter companies, including N Jet and Cirrus Aviation Services, firms that advertise luxury, convenience, and executive-level comfort.
The revelations are particularly striking given Sanders’ long-standing advocacy for aggressive climate policies. The senator has repeatedly described climate change as an existential threat, strongly supporting the Green New Deal and calling for dramatic reductions in carbon emissions. Environmental activists—many of whom align politically with Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez—have long criticized private jets as among the most polluting forms of transportation, citing studies that show private aviation produces significantly more emissions per passenger than commercial flights.
When questioned previously about his use of private jets, Sanders defended the practice during an appearance on Fox News’ “Special Report.” He argued that private flights were necessary to meet the demands of a packed campaign schedule and stated that he would not apologize for using them. “That’s the only way you can get around,” Sanders said at the time, emphasizing logistical necessity over symbolism.
This is not the first time Sanders’ travel habits have drawn attention. During his unsuccessful 2020 presidential campaign, his campaign committee spent more than $1.9 million on private jet travel. At the time, critics raised similar concerns, accusing the senator of hypocrisy while supporters argued that security and scheduling made commercial travel impractical.
The scrutiny has now expanded to include Ocasio-Cortez. Financial disclosures show that her campaign spent more than $53,000 in 2025 on hotel accommodations, including stays at upscale and boutique properties across multiple states and U.S. territories. These expenditures coincided with stops on the Fight Oligarchy tour and have added to criticism that the campaign’s lifestyle contrasts sharply with its populist messaging.
Defenders of both lawmakers argue that campaign spending rules allow such expenses and that private travel ensures safety, efficiency, and the ability to reach more voters. They also note that charter flights are commonly used by politicians from both major parties, especially during nationwide tours.
Critics, however, argue that the issue is not legality but credibility. They say the optics of attacking billionaires while flying in luxury private jets undermine the moral authority of Sanders’ message. For many skeptics, the contrast between rhetoric and practice has become difficult to ignore.
Environmental groups have also found themselves in an awkward position. While some activists have defended Sanders’ intentions, others have pointed out that private jet travel directly contradicts calls for personal sacrifice and systemic change to combat climate change. Reports frequently cited by environmental organizations note that private aircraft can generate several times more emissions per passenger than commercial airlines.
Fox News Digital reported that it contacted the offices and campaign teams of both Sanders and Ocasio-Cortez for comment regarding the travel and lodging expenses. As of publication, no responses had been received.
As the Fight Oligarchy tour continues, the debate surrounding these expenditures shows no signs of fading. For supporters, Sanders remains a principled voice against inequality in a system they view as deeply flawed. For critics, the private jet records serve as evidence of a disconnect between message and behavior.
Whether the controversy reshapes public perception or fades amid the noise of an election cycle remains to be seen. What is clear is that in an era where transparency and symbolism carry enormous weight, how leaders travel—and how they spend campaign money—can become as politically charged as the speeches they give once they arrive.
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