Oligarchs in the Sky? Bernie & AOC Tour ‘Fighting Inequality’—on $15K-an-Hour Jet

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Democratic socialist icons Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have found themselves at the center of heated controversy after being spotted boarding a private jet during their “Fighting Oligarchy” tour. The optics have sparked outrage from critics who note the stark contrast between their air travel choices and their frequent condemnations of wealth inequality. Can Bernie and AOC justify their spending?

Private Jets and Public Scrutiny

Video footage capturing Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders boarding a lavish private jet has ignited fierce criticism across social media and conservative news outlets. The transportation choice for their “Fighting Oligarchy” tour has particularly raised eyebrows, considering the Bombardier Challenger jet costs approximately $15,000 per hour to charter, according to multiple reports.

The controversy stems from the glaring contradiction between their mode of travel and their long-established political positions against excessive wealth and environmental damage. Sanders has previously declared climate change “the single greatest threat facing our planet,” while AOC once pointedly asked about corporate executives, “How many private jets do these CEOs need?”

Environmental Impact and Political Disconnect

The environmental consequences of their travel choices are substantial and well-documented in climate research. Private jets produce approximately 14 times more pollution than commercial aircraft, according to a 2021 report, with the specific Bombardier Challenger consuming a staggering 365 gallons of fuel every 1.32 hours.

Data reveals that regular private jet users generate nearly 500 times more carbon emissions annually than the average person. Sanders has already spent almost $250,000 on private jet travel in just the first quarter of 2025, following his previous campaign’s $1.9 million expenditure on similar luxury transportation during his 2020 presidential bid.

Campaign Messaging Versus Practices

The “Fighting Oligarchy” tour website explicitly states it aims to confront “the oligarchs and corporate interests who have so much power and influence in this country.” The site also notably includes the tagline “Paid for by friends of Bernie Sanders (not the billionaires),” emphasizing small-dollar donations rather than wealthy backers.

Both Sanders’ and Ocasio-Cortez’s offices have remained silent when contacted by multiple media outlets for comment on the apparent contradiction. The tour has already made stops in several cities, including Tucson, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Nampa, and Bakersfield, with AOC also spotted traveling first-class on a commercial JetBlue flight at other times.

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