Bernie Sanders Defends Private Jet Travel on Oligarchy Tour

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is currently touring the nation in what he calls his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, which aims to tackle issues around wealth inequality. Notably, he’s joined by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and others, all discussing how to counteract the influences of powerful economic figures in the U.S.

Recently, when questioned about his choice to use private jets while addressing such serious issues, Sanders was unapologetic. He made it clear that he wouldn’t apologize for opting for a travel method quite different from what most Americans use.

Documents from the Washington Free Beacon earlier indicated that Sanders’ campaign, Friends of Bernie Sanders, has spent a staggering $221,723 on chartering private jets in just the first quarter of 2025.

Some of the flights taken during this tour reportedly cost around $15,000 an hour. While some might think this is contradictory, Sanders, perhaps unsurprisingly, firmly stands by his choices.

Last year, his campaign expenses included nearly $1.2 million on lavish private jet charters—definitely a lot more than what many everyday Americans can experience. I mean, it raises eyebrows, doesn’t it?

“Do you think I’m sitting on the United waiting line?”

In an interview with Fox News, Sanders was posed a question about the revelations of his private flights. He initially deflected by pointing out that other political figures, like Donald Trump, also utilize lavish forms of travel. But there seemed to be an undercurrent of defensiveness in his responses, as he mentioned that when running a campaign, you often have multiple meetings in a week. “It’s the only way you can effectively reach thousands of people,” he stated, trying to justify his choices.

“Socialism for you, luxury for him.”

He maintained that private jets were simply the most practical option for his campaign’s needs. “There’s no apology,” Sanders stated, further emphasizing that this approach has been necessary in both past and current campaigns.

He emphasized the stark reality facing many Americans today, contrasting that with the success of the wealthy. “People want to hear what’s being done to create a working economy for everyone,” he argued while speaking with Baier.

However, critics have seized the moment to highlight what they view as his hypocrisy. Former Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker pointedly tweeted about the contradiction, suggesting that it’s typical of self-styled socialists to enjoy comforts while preaching to others about austerity.

In a separate instance, Riley Gaines, a noted swimmer, also drew attention to Sanders’ situation, reiterating that he embodies the contradiction inherent in such socialist ideals.

In an earlier podcast, Sanders did acknowledge that politicians often lose touch with the realities faced by the average citizen—suggesting that it’s a slippery slope that can alienate them from the struggles of ordinary people.