Critics Question Private Jet Use at Anti-Oligarchy Political Rally

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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders face mounting criticism after boarding a $15,000-per-hour private jet for their “Fighting Oligarchy” rally tour, directly contradicting their own public stances against excessive wealth and environmental pollution.

Key Insights

  • AOC and Sanders were caught using a luxury private jet that costs $15,000 per hour while campaigning against wealthy elites and oligarchs
  • Both progressive leaders have previously condemned private jet usage, with AOC questioning “how many private jets do these CEOs need?” and Sanders declaring climate change “the single greatest threat facing our planet”
  • According to reports, private jets pollute 14 times more than commercial planes, with jet users producing nearly 500 times more carbon emissions annually than the average person
  • Sanders spent over $1.9 million on private jet travel during his 2020 campaign and has already spent nearly $250,000 on private flights in the first quarter of 2025
  • Neither politician’s office has responded to requests for comment about the apparent contradiction

Elite Transportation for Anti-Elite Messaging

Video footage recently captured Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders boarding a private jet during their nationwide “Fighting Oligarchy” tour. The aircraft, identified as a Bombardier Challenger, burns through approximately 365 gallons of fuel every 1.32 hours. This mode of transportation stands in stark contrast to the tour’s stated purpose of confronting “the oligarchs and corporate interests who have so much power and influence in this country,” according to the campaign’s official website.

The tour has included stops in Tucson, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Nampa, and Bakersfield, with transportation costs reportedly covered by small-donor contributions. The campaign website proudly declares it is “Paid for by friends of Bernie Sanders (not the billionaires).” However, critics question whether those small donors realize their contributions are funding luxury private air travel at $15,000 per hour rather than more economical commercial options.

Contradicting Their Own Climate Advocacy

The transportation choice becomes particularly problematic given both politicians’ strong public stances on environmental issues. Sanders, a vocal proponent of the Green New Deal, has repeatedly emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change. “Climate change is the single greatest threat facing our planet,” Sanders has stated, making his extensive use of high-pollution private jets appear inconsistent with his messaging.

“How many private jets do these CEOs need?” Ocasio-Cortez once asked critically. “It is insatiable. It is unacceptable. I do not know how any person can say I need another $100 million before another person can have health care.”

Reports indicate private jets produce approximately 14 times more pollution than commercial flights on a per-passenger basis. Private jet users generate nearly 500 times more carbon emissions annually than the average person, according to environmental studies. Despite these environmental implications, Sanders has already spent nearly $250,000 on private jet travel in just the first quarter of 2025, following the $1.9 million he spent on similar transportation during his 2020 presidential campaign.

Pattern of Luxury Travel

This isn’t an isolated incident for either politician. AOC has also been spotted traveling first-class on commercial carriers like JetBlue, according to multiple reports. While first-class commercial travel creates a significantly smaller carbon footprint than private jets, it still represents a premium travel experience that many Americans cannot afford, particularly during times of economic hardship for working-class families.

“We want to have real discussions across America,” states the tour’s website about confronting corporate interests. Critics argue that flying private while condemning the wealthy elite undermines this message and creates a perception gap between the politicians’ words and actions. – Source

Multiple media outlets have requested comments from both Sanders’ and Ocasio-Cortez’s offices regarding their transportation choices for the anti-oligarchy tour. As of publication time, neither office has responded to these inquiries. The silence has only intensified scrutiny as the pair continues their cross-country rallies against concentrated wealth and power while utilizing transportation methods available only to society’s most affluent members.

Sources:

  1. AOC and Bernie Sanders blasted for sneaking off $7 million private jet after slamming Trump as an ‘oligarch’
  2. Eco-warriors AOC, Bernie Sanders took $15K-per-hour private jet to attend ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ rally

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