Senator Bernie Sanders delivered one of his sharpest critiques yet of former President Donald Trump and the political movement built around him, warning that “Trumpism does not believe in democracy” and urging Americans to unite around a vision that protects democratic institutions while confronting growing economic inequality. In a forceful op-ed published by The Guardian and in remarks tied to an upcoming series of town halls, Sanders framed the current political moment as a defining test for the nation.
At the heart of Sanders’ argument is the belief that Trumpism represents more than a set of policy disagreements. Instead, he described it as an authoritarian impulse that undermines the rule of law, weakens democratic norms, and concentrates power among a small group of wealthy elites. “This is a perilous moment in American history,” Sanders wrote, adding that the response must come not only from elected officials in Washington but from ordinary people across the country.
Sanders questioned why he has chosen to hold town halls in conservative and traditionally Republican-leaning areas such as Nebraska and Iowa. “The answer is obvious,” he wrote. “Trumpism will not be defeated by politicians inside the DC beltway.” For Sanders, engaging directly with voters—especially those outside liberal strongholds—is essential to building a broad coalition capable of resisting what he calls authoritarian politics.
The Vermont senator emphasized that his events are aimed at Americans who are willing to say “no to authoritarianism” and to policies he believes harm working families. He pointed specifically to what he described as “destructive cuts” to the federal government, warning that reductions in public investment could weaken essential services while widening inequality. By taking his message on the road, Sanders said he hopes to spark conversations that cut across party lines and challenge the assumption that large segments of the country are unreachable.
In his op-ed, Sanders directly addressed whether Trumpism can be defeated. His answer was unequivocal. “Absolutely,” he wrote—but only if Americans are honest about the scale of the challenge and clear-eyed about the path forward. That path, according to Sanders, involves defending democratic norms, strengthening the rule of law, and confronting what he repeatedly refers to as oligarchy.
A central focus of Sanders’ criticism was Trump’s relationship with billionaire tech figures, particularly Elon Musk. Sanders characterized this alliance as emblematic of a broader problem: the growing influence of extremely wealthy individuals over public policy. He also criticized efforts associated with DOGE and related initiatives aimed at slashing federal spending, arguing that such moves ultimately benefit the wealthiest Americans by paving the way for additional tax cuts for the rich.
“These policies are not about efficiency or good governance,” Sanders suggested. “They are about transferring even more wealth and power to people who already have far too much of both.” He warned that unchecked corporate and billionaire influence threatens not only economic fairness but democratic accountability itself.
Sanders also highlighted Trump’s own rhetoric as evidence of what he sees as an authoritarian worldview. He pointed to a recent post by Trump stating, “He who saves his Country does not violate any Law,” interpreting it as a rejection of constitutional limits on presidential power. “In other words,” Sanders wrote, “Trump believes that he can do anything he wants for any reason. He can ignore Congress or the courts. He is above the law.”
For Sanders, such statements underscore why the current moment demands vigilance. He argued that democracy depends on the idea that no individual is above the law, regardless of their position or popularity. Eroding that principle, he warned, risks normalizing abuses of power and weakening the institutions designed to protect citizens’ rights.
Beyond criticism, Sanders sought to outline a positive alternative. He called for an economy that works for everyone, not just a few at the top. This vision includes protecting workers’ rights, ensuring access to healthcare, investing in education and infrastructure, and addressing the rising cost of living that continues to strain families nationwide. Ending oligarchy, Sanders argued, is inseparable from saving democracy.
The tone of Sanders’ message was urgent but also hopeful. Acknowledging that many Americans feel exhausted and discouraged by political polarization and what he described as “blatant authoritarianism,” Sanders framed his campaign of town halls and public engagement as a rallying cry rather than a lament. Change, he insisted, is possible when people come together around shared values of fairness, dignity, and democratic participation.
Reactions to Sanders’ remarks have been swift and divided. Supporters praise him for naming what they see as a genuine threat to democratic norms and for engaging voters outside traditional Democratic bases. Critics argue that his language is inflammatory and dismissive of millions of Americans who support Trump, contending that such rhetoric deepens divisions rather than healing them.
Still, Sanders appears undeterred. His message is rooted in a long-standing belief that real political change begins from the ground up, not from elite consensus. By traveling to conservative regions and challenging Trumpism directly, he aims to test whether a cross-partisan movement grounded in democratic values and economic justice can take shape.
“This is a struggle for the soul of the country,” Sanders wrote. “Our struggle, the American people’s struggle, is to protect democracy and the rule of law.” As he concluded his op-ed, Sanders called on Americans to move forward together, framing the coming months as a decisive chapter in the nation’s history—one that will determine whether democracy and shared prosperity can prevail in the face of rising authoritarianism.
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