Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and representative Alexander Ocasio Cortez (D-NY) have drawn criticism in campaign documents and public appearances, showing that both members are using private jets while promoting their “Fighting Oligarchs” tour. [emphasis, links added]
These revelations raise new questions about the contrast between their public speech and personal travel habits.
Two progressive lawmakers, often opposed the wealth and privileges of political and economic elites, have been traveling in private jets while keeping the campaigns stopped nationwide.
During a special report with Fox News host Bret Baier on Wednesday, Sanders defended the use of the chartered aircraft and did not apologize for the travel expenses incurred.
“You have a campaign that has three, four or five rallies in a week. [It is] The only way you can talk to 30,000 people. Sanders told Bayer.
“You think I'm going to sit on Manchester United's waiting line…and 30,000 people are waiting? That's the only way to move around. No apology. That's what campaign travel is about. We've done it in the past. We will do this in the future. ”
According to Federal Election Commission (FEC) documents, the Sanders campaign committee, Bernie Sanders’ friends, spent more than $221,000 on private jet services in the first quarter of 2025.
These expenses are distributed among three companies: Ventura Jets, Roll Air Services and N-JET.
Ocasio-Cortez, a vocal advocate for the new green deal, regularly criticized fossil fuel-related carbon emissions and also participated in the United Tour.
Depending on the size of the aircraft and routes, private jet rental rates may exceed $15,000 per hour, raising questions about environmental impacts and consistency with her climate communications.
The use of private jets by climate-conscious politicians has long been the focus of the debate.
Figures such as former Secretary of State John Kerry and climate activist Greta Thunberg have previously faced scrutiny on the environmental costs of international travel while promoting environmental reform.
Sanders' comments this week further added to controversy. While defending private jet use, Vermont Senators responded frankly and unapologetically, The idea of flying commercials was refuted and his situation was compared with the waiting line at the airline boarding counter.
The comments quickly circulated online and were widely discussed among media platforms.
Criticism emerges in broader concerns, with wider concerns about the inconsistency between policy positions within the Democratic Party and individual behavior.
In recent years, lawmakers including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Vice President Kamala Harris have faced similar allegations of advocating everyday lifestyle changes among Americans while maintaining high spending habits themselves.
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