Sanders and AOC charter private plane amid oligarchy tour controversy

In April 2025, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez attended rallies in Bakersfield and Sacramento, California, which prompted them to use a private plane for travel. The choice arose from the lack of commercial flight options between these locations, making a chartered flight the only viable option to meet their schedule on the same day. Video footage obtained showed them deplaning in Sacramento, confirming their use of the charter service. The flight history indicated travel routes previously taken by the congresspeople, highlighting the necessity of the private plane for their engagements. The use of the private jet sparked considerable media attention, particularly from conservative outlets, with claims emphasizing the inconsistency between the Congress members' progressive messaging and their choice of travel. Critics accused them of hypocrisy, suggesting that their reliance on a luxury mode of transportation contradicted their advocacy against wealth concentration. The incident led to discussions about the nature of wealth and influence in politics, suggesting the congresspeople's actions, while practical, could undermine their credibility in critiquing oligarchic systems. Sanders' political action committee reported substantial expenditure on private flights earlier that year, further intensifying scrutiny of their travel practices. The amount spent raised questions about campaign financing and the logistics of managing a national political agenda under significant time constraints. These events fed into broader discussions around the implications of wealth and power in American democracy, as well as the challenges faced by politicians who aim to address inequality while navigating a complex political landscape. Overall, the journey exemplified the tension for progressive politicians in the current political climate as they confront the logistics of their campaigns against the backdrop of existing economic inequalities. Their reliance on chartered flights could serve as a double-edged sword, making practical sense but also inviting criticism that could challenge their broader message about fighting for the public good and equity in society.